The Beauty Blog

2011-11-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

Mancut Trend

I get asked by my male clients more often than my female clients, what should I do with my hair? A few months back I printed out a bunch of pictures of different haircuts to give them some ideas and to figure out what their likes and dislikes are.

I noticed that more guys in movies and on TV were going after what I call the Don Draper look(Mad Men). It's basically a sharp conservative look--parted, slicked, short. I think that it has evolved from there though. It's almost a mix between Jersey Shore and Mad Men now.

Here is "The Situation". High fade, short and clean cut but no part.

When I saw Crazy, Stupid, Love, I went crazy and stupid over Ryan Gosling and fell in love with his short, high fade, but parted hair.

When Jonah Hill walked out all trimmed up with a new cut on Jimmy Fallon, I decided that this trend was for sure happening.

Here is yet another variation. I personally really enjoy Joshua's hair from this last season of Project Runway. I am dying to do this on some guy out there that is totally confident in his sexuality....Joshua is clearly gay but that doesn't mean his haircut has to be associated with that, right?

2011-10-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

I have the greatest friends and family.

I think it's finally time I write about this even though it has nothing to do with beauty. The last two weeks have felt like a year. I have been on an emotional roller coaster of heart break and sadness. I cried for 7 days straight. Just when I thought I couldn't cry any more, I would start back up again. (Eye puffery eye cream from Origins helped with the dark circles and puffiness. There is your beauty tip)

I lost my friend Mark on September 30. It's all very complicated and it might as well been a crappy movie but I don't want to go in to the details of it all because most people wouldn't understand. In the end, it doesn't matter because Mark is gone. I can't call him up and tell him I miss him. I don't get to tell him how much he means to me. I can't tell him how amazing his family is and how much I loved spending time with them and helping them out while they were trying to get his funeral ready. I kept wishing he was there through it all. I'm not going to see his truck parked in front of my house to go to the movies or anywhere else. We don't get to play golf anymore or sit and talk for hours or trade massages. We can't make fun of each other anymore and I don't get to tell him to stop bringing up awkward topics. I don't get to hear his voice or his contagious laugh. He has definitely left a huge hole in my life--more than I realized he would.

However, I know that I will see Mark again after I die. I know that our lives on earth are temporary and I really believe that my perspective is going to change once I am gone from the earth too. It will seem like it went by so fast because time will be so different. I can picture Mark looking down on a crying me and saying, "It's ok Trace, I'll see you in like an hour!" --just like a parent would tell their small children when leaving them with the sitter.

As much as I want him to still be here, I am trying to not wish him back. C.S. Lewis said in A Grief Observed, “What sort of a lover am I to think so much about my affliction and so much less about hers? Even the insane call, ‘Come back,’ is all for my own sake. I never even raised the question whether such a return, if it were possible, would be good for her. I want her back as an ingredient in the restoration of my past. could I have wished her anything worse? Having got once through death, to come back and then, at some later date, have all her dying to do over again?”

I know that Mark is in a better place. That sounds so cliche but he really is. He's free from all of the pains of having a body. I don't want him to come and be back in the middle of all of the 'terrible awful' he was in the middle of. It really would be selfish of me to want that.

My perspective has so severely shifted in so many areas that it's kind of overwhelming. Here are some things that I have learned about grief though--because everyone grieves differently which is at the top of my list...

-Grieving is different for everyone.

-Even though it might seem awkward, I want people to acknowledge my grief but only briefly.

-I appreciate the offers of people wanting to do things for me even though I have nothing for them to do.

-It's nice to have a lot of people around but I don't want to have to talk the whole time. I want them to talk to each other more.

-The reason why you take food over to people after a death is because they would forget to eat otherwise

-Tears and emotion come unexpectedly and in waves.

-It's ok to cry.

-Each person has a different purpose on the earth.

I don't know why Mark had to leave the earth when he did but I will miss him terribly. I have never lost anyone this close to me and it's truly surreal. I always think I'm going to wake up from a bad dream or that I somehow got caught in the middle of that movie Sliding Doors--somewhere there is an alternate me living it up and things are perfect and Mark is still alive, right? Hold on to your loved ones a little tighter today because you never know if you're going to see them tomorrow.

2011-09-30T00:05:00.001-07:00

The other day in the salon a few of us got in to a discussion about having a woman as president. I said that I would not vote for a woman because women are crazy. Dina was adamant that not all women are crazy. I think this is mostly true but all women are subject to premenstrual syndrome and it is what it is. In an average woman's life she can get away with being crabby for a few days out of the month and she may make some rash decisions and the world will keep on turning. But can you imagine if the president of the United States was crabby for a few days, maybe even a whole week out of every month? Let's look at some of the symptoms of PMS.

Confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness (See also: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
Feelings of tension, anxiety, or edginess
Forgetfulness
Irritable, hostile, or aggressive behavior, with outbursts of anger toward self or others
Loss of sex drive (may be increased in some women)
Mood swings
Poor judgment
Poor self-image, feelings of guilt, or increased fears
Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)
Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement

As a country can we really afford to take the risk of having someone in office that has a 75% chance of experiencing all of these symptoms every month for 4 years? That's 48 weeks of their term=almost a year.

"I'm not going to make my inaugural address--I'm bloated."

"The Prime Minster hurt my feelings. I'm locking myself in the oval office until he can come up with a proper apology."

"Why is that congressman looking at me like that? What does it mean?"

"I'm calling in all of the leaders in the middle east for a slumber party and we're going to talk about our feelings and cry."

"Dear China, I'm sorry about that missile launch on your country last week. PMS!"

The president can't lock them self away for 5-7 days every month. A crisis could happen at any time and we need a person that is emotionally up for the task. I realize that not all women experience all of the symptoms of PMS and even if they do, it doesn't necessarily happen every time but the risk is there and I'm not willing to take it!

2011-08-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

I am searching for a story I wrote years ago about a certain incident while in Switzerland. I haven't found it yet :/ however I did go back and re read some of my first blog entries. I used to write about anything that I wanted to with no fear of the wrong people reading my stories. Since I have been working in the salon I have really had to hold back because sometimes I really want to write about the crazy things people say while I'm doing their hair and I know I can't. I didn't think about all of the crazy things that other people say to the other stylists though until right now. Those people will never find me! (insert evil laugh) I overhear a lot of stuff and to be honest, I don't really know who has said what because I don't ever really look at these people's faces as I am working on the head of hair in front of me. So now it's on like donkey kong! I can't wait to go to work tomorrow!

No Retreat No Surrender Training Scene

2011-08-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here is to staying fit this summer...

2011-07-07T00:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have insomnia and sometimes I do crazy things in my sleep. Last night I got up at around 430am and walked out to the kitchen. On the way, I passed my dad watching TV(he is also an insomniac) causally waved, got a plastic grocery bag out from under the sink, took the bag into the bathroom and threw it on the floor, and went back to bed. I woke up this morning and remembered all of this, wondering if it had actually happened. Seeing the plastic bag on the floor was evidence that it had indeed happened...but why? Why had I needed that plastic bag in the middle of the night? I can only assume that it had something to do with whatever I was dreaming about. For the life of me, I can't remember!

2011-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I like to go on Hulu and look through their movie selection. Most of the time they are B side flicks so I have found some pretty rad movies. This week I found this little gem:

It's a total disco era film complete with polyester, afros, disco dancing, and live performances from Donna Summer and The Commodores. It reminded me of the movies Dazed and Confused and Can't Hardly Wait--a lot of individual story lines that merge together and it all takes place in one night. I love the disco era so this was really fun for me to watch!

So happy Friday! Here is a link to the movie!

2011-05-15T00:08:00.000-07:00

It's kind of a funny story.

I went to Margi's wedding with Kelly tonight and it was lovely. However, have you seen the movie Picture Perfect? Watch the first 20 seconds of the movie trailor below...

This pretty much happened to me tonight. The DJ said, ok all the single ladies come on out to the dance floor! I looked at Kelly horrified. I was literally the only single girl there. I tried to duck and hide under the table. Margi saved the day however and ran over and told the DJ to just have all of the ladies married or single come out to the dance floor for the tossing of the bouquet. Margi tossed it over her head and after hitting a little girl in the face, it landed right at my feet. So I picked it up and smiled in to the cameras with their bright lights shining in my eyes. Meanwhile everyone was consoling the little girl who was sobbing from the trauma of getting hit. At least I think that's what happened. Either way, I didn't know what to do because no one seemed to want to get my picture with Margi as tradition would have it. I tried to help console the little girl by breaking off one of the loose roses from the bouquet and handed it to her. She was screaming bloody murder and wanted nothing to do with anyone but her mom. I debated on handing the bouquet off to someone else but who? So clutching the bouquet, I turned and ran.

2011-05-02T23:48:00.001-07:00

America's Next Top Model.

I don't watch it because Tyra Banks drives me that crazy. I can't even watch her for ten seconds without cringing at every word and facial expression. So with that being said, I don't have any idea what is happening on that show. All I know is that I was at the gym today and this was on the TV.

It's really disturbing. I looked over at my friend, pointed at the screen, and laughed. I was speechless at how completely insane it is to see a bunch of women posing erotically

with

sheep.

What is she trying to sell here? Is this really what modeling has come to?

2011-04-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

I went snowboarding with Scott and Michelle a few weeks ago. It's been about 5 years since I went the last time and I was surprised to see that this fashion statement of a hat is still on the slopes.

All the way to the right. The jester of the slopes. oh my, you're so goofy and funny.

I hated this when it first came out. To me it's the equivalent of wearing a goofy hat...when you're not at disneyland. Wearing it at disneyland is bad enough. I'm sorry if this is a habit of yours. You look stupid. I said it. That goes for all of the eye patch, jack sparrow braided, hook wearers too.

xo peace and love

Olivia Newton-John - Physical

2011-04-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Let's Get Physical!!

Isagenix

I've heard of it--my cousins and friends have done it and had great results. It wasn't until my sister Michelle tried it that I decided that I needed to do it too. I have an inferiority complex when it comes to my sisters but that's another story. Isagenix is basically a weight loss system. I did the 9 day cleanse and fat burning system. I thought, it's only 9 days. I can do anything for 9 days! I was really limited to what I could eat in those 9 days and I had to drink this crazy liquid and drink a lot of water. At the end of day two I thought those little 9 days would never end! I have never thought about food so much in my life. I was really really choosy with what I was going to eat and I did my best to eat as much as I could and still stay in my calorie limits. There was a lot of celery involved. I never knew how tasty fresh raw celery could be. I need more raw vegetables in my life. Anyway...

I lost 8 pounds!!!

I know...what?? Thank you to all of those who said I didn't need to lose weight in the first place! It was nice to hear! I was only in it to lose a few but now I'm going to keep going just a few more. This system was a great jump start. My stomach is smaller and I can't eat as much. I don't crave any sweets or crappy food...although I ate pizza, a hotdog, and nachos today...oops! But I only had small portions and kept it within my calorie limits.

To all of those who said, "Oh that won't work, why are you doing that?" or "That's not healthy" or "Oh we'll see what you'll weigh in a week after you've gone off the diet." You can all SUCK IT. What ever happened to the phrase, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything"?

I am happy with my results and am super excited to use my new APP: Lose it. My cousin Sharon told me about it and then I remembered that my cousin in law used an APP to lose weight a while ago. So I guess it works! Check it out! I mean hello! it's free! winning! It tracks your calories and puts you on a schedule with a weight loss plan or just a weight maintaining plan.

So now I have to leave you with a video from my idol...enjoy...

Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs!

2011-03-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Wigs for cats. I don't know what's better, that someone came up with a line of wigs for cats or that the video promoting the wigs looks like a fashion photo shoot and the cats are being treated like human models. a-m-a-z-i-n-g

2011-03-01T22:01:00.001-08:00

31 and up

Get your wheelchair, walker, oxygen tank, and/or IV bag all shined up and ready to go because it's time for a 31+ Single Adult activity! I'm not sure as to why I attend these things other than nothing better to do and it's been long enough that I've forgotten how lame the last one was. It is the closest thing I can think of to child birth. A pregnancy can be really uncomfortable, the actual birth very painful (or so I'm told) and once enough time passes it's a good idea to go through it again. Single Adult activities are in that same category for me only I don't ever receive any kind of reward like a baby. I go through the pain and discomfort over and over and instead of a baby I get creepy, old, or awkward men staring at me and asking me to dance. They small talk me to death trying to find something in common with me but all that is going through my mind is "I think that's the same year my dad graduated from high school" or "It rubs the lotions on it's skin" or "Run, Forest! Ruuuuun!"

I'm glad I have friends that I can have fun with no matter where we are. We really make the best of our situations. At this last activity or "Jungle Jam" there were actually a handful of normal dudes there close to my age. I also got to dance it up to Rihanna --Only Girl-- which is my favorite dance party song right now...I might have sang it at the top of my lungs too.

2011-02-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

I had a rough day. I was attacked at work. Have you ever been hit in the back of the head with a board? Yes? No? Now I can say yes! I suppose I am making it out to be a little more dramatic than it is. I was washing my client's hair so she had her head back, eyes closed, and she was relaxing to her little scalp massage. After I finished I turned and slid the cupboard door open, got a towel out and turned to dry her hair. All of a sudden the cupboard door slammed down on my head, bounced off and smacked my client, still lying back with her eyes closed, right on the face. Somehow that little door fell of the track and it is the real deal, heavy duty wood so I was seeing stars for a moment. The adrenaline kicked in pretty quick though so that I could attend to my client who was forming a nice red mark on her forehead. Hey have you ever tried to use sharp scissors after an adrenaline rush? I had to concentrate on keeping my hands still. It was like trying to put tiny clothes on an ant. (what? I have an ant problem in my house) I made it through the haircut and the rest of my day although I was totally spacey but even now, almost twelve hours later, my head hurts and I feel slightly dizzy. I'm just glad my head broke the fall of that stupid door. I really think it would have caused some serious damage to my client's face otherwise. As is, she is doing great! Now we'll see if I fall in to a deep coma tonight...

2011-02-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

Has anyone seen the new movie out, Just Go With It? I laughed through pretty much the whole thing so I kinda loved it. I decided that Jennifer Aniston has a smokin hot body and I want to look like her. The woman is like 42 and there isn't an ounce of fat on her. I have to give her props because she was up next to Brooklyn Decker in a bikini who is only 22 years old and a swimsuit cover model for Sports Illustrated. Jennifer Aniston definitely held her own. I had to see if there was something online detailing JA's work out regime. I knew she did Yoga a few times a week but I was thinking there had to be more. There isn't...well not much more. She does 22 minutes of cardio before yoga three times a week and she's on the zone diet. So I decided to try it out today. I did 30 min of cardio and then started the yoga. I got through about 15 minutes of it and I was done. I totally get why JA looks the way she does! I'm on a mission though to get through the session. I don't know what I'm going to do about the diet part. Yesterday I had two gigantic sugar cookies for lunch and today I had a cherry coke and a BRC burrito from Miguel's JR...again...just went there on Saturday. I keep hoping that if I work out more, I can eat whatever I want...within reason of course.

sigh

2011-02-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

I found a mask that I really love. It's from h2t(head to toe) dermAstage and it's a 'natural pumpkin and multi fruit complex peel'. Erin, my lovely esthetician, has been using this mask in her facials on me for a while now. The one she uses has 30% glycolic acid so it's major. The one I got to use at home in between facials has 15% glycolic acid. It gently gets rid of the dead skin cells that tend to build up on your face and it calms down inflammation from 'spots'. I just put it on and was debating on taking a picture but it kinda looks like someone puked all over my face so I'm going to go ahead and be picture free for this post. (If you really want to see me in a mask look here) In case you are wondering, it really has pumpkin in it. It smells like Halloween! It's so yummy that you almost want to taste it BUT believe me it tastes bad... I might have accidentally tasted it when I rinsed it off my face once. I highly recommend it so long as you do a few things along with it.

1. scrub your face for at least a full minute first. It doesn't sound like a long time but you try it and then you'll see.

2. dry your face with a fresh and clean towel and make sure it's totally dry.

3. leave it on for the recommended time. do not leave it on longer or it will wreak havoc on your face.

4. rinse and dry with a clean towel.

5. moisturize. if you don't, your skin will fight back and it will win.

Ok so maybe I couldn't help myself and had to take a picture of the mask.

Don't mind the hair color stains on my fingers!

2011-02-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

The stars at night! Are big and bright! Deep in the heart of Texas!

I've always been obsessed with Texas. Was it because of Peewee's Big Adventure? I have no idea. I have always thought it would be awesome to live there...and I had never been there until last week. So here are some highlights from the week.

I'm so lucky because I had someone with all of the Texas pride you could ask for, touring me around Dallas. (And he's totally hot. Bonus!) Even though it was the coldest it's been in 30 years, complete with iced over roads and then seven inches of snow, we had a marvelous time.

I wanted to see the famous grassy knoll and the street where JFK was shot. We took on the 19 degree weather and walked the streets of Dallas.

Nate trying to keep his face warm...

I decided it would be a good idea to take a walking tour of the public works of art. (Yeah Tracy, let's go walk around in ice cold weather to look at art. Good one!)

The only maps they had left were in spanish so...

"Escultura Flotante"

"The Trail Boss", "The Cutter", "The Vaquero"

We saw a few others but my hands froze every time I would get them out of my pockets--taking pictures became painful.

cold hands!

The day turned out to be really fun! I was excited to get back in doors though so we headed to the mall where I bought my favorite mascara from MAC. It's a newer mascara that they came out with around May last year. I bought it then and have really liked it.

Opulash

We went to some really great places to eat, one of which was called Dickey's. Had to get me some Texas BBQ! Oh and thanks to Nate, I have the cup to prove it. Good stuff!

I loved Texas--even though it was cold and the water tastes like metal and dirt mixed together. I can't wait to go back someday!

2011-01-11T00:12:00.000-08:00

On New Years Eve I was feeling a little sad. So I attempted to do things that I know I wouldn't be able to do if my circumstances were different--say I was married with five kids. I took a bubble bath, worked on my puzzle, watched Bridget Jones Diary, and ate Truffles. If I would have had 12 cats to feed, my night would have been complete.

There was a reason I didn't go out and do something totally awesome. I spent the day doing hair and make up for a wedding in San Diego. My cousin Andrea's really good friend Brittany Pierce got married in the temple down there at 10am so it was an early morning! It didn't help that my sweet insomnia kicked in and I was awake at 4:25am. Suck! So after the initial hair and make up application, there were a couple of touch ups plus 8 bridesmaids to fix up. That was not a typo. EIGHT. haha it was fine though! The theme was kind of nautical so I did some fun braids on everyone. They all seemed to like it and it didn't take me too long!

This is Brittany and Scott outside of the temple--totally stole this picture from someone on facebook...

The reception was at the Admiral Kidd Club,right on the water. The San Diego skyline was right across the bay and the buildings were glimmering in the afternoon sun. There were also a ton of sailboats cruising by, one of which the bride and groom went for a ride on! After the guests had arrived, they came riding up for a grand entrance. It was so cool!

I can't wait to see the photographer's work on this shot below. This was from someone standing there and once again, stole it from facebook... The photographer was showing me a few of the shots he got though and they were pretty sweet!

2011-01-10T23:58:00.000-08:00

Gina took me on a walk in Balboa right before Christmas so that we could look at all of the Clark Grizwald houses. I'm not kidding, it was Christmas Vacation at every house! It was so fun!

These people had reindeer and a santa spinning on something on the roof. How freakin sweet is that?

These people loved Bears. There were literally bears filling every window. It kinda creeped me out.

Here is Gina and I!

After the long walk, Gina decided to go for a horsey ride...

I guess I kinda did a lot of Christmas stuff this year--I also went to the LA temple to look at the lights and see the new visitor center. I, along with a bunch of leaders, took the young men/women. We had Tito's Tacos before so it was kind of the best night ever.

2011-01-10T23:29:00.000-08:00

My friend Kathy decorates a Christmas tree every year and displays it along side many other trees at the Riverside Convention Center. She's so creative so I had to go and check it out. Michelle, Zoe, Kya, and Jada came along with me.

This is Kathy's tree!

This one was called To Infinity and Beyond!

I loved the ornaments on this one...

Zoe petting the reindeer...

This has to be my favorite picture.

Jada was being a total nut. She saw a lady handing out those reindeer hats and ran over to see if she could get one too. She didn't say anything and just looked up at the lady. This lady was a dr or a nurse from a local hospital and when she looked down and saw Jada standing there she totally melted. She asked Jada if she wanted a hat and Jada nodded her head and jumped up and down saying Ya! Ya! Ya! She then asked Michelle if she could take a picture with Jada for the hospital and Michelle said it was ok. All of a sudden there were 4 other ladies from the hospital lined up in a half circle taking pictures. Jada was quiet and smiled all through it. Then the lady looked over at Jada and said something like, Aren't you just the cutest thing?! To this, Jada screamed/growled like a deranged lion child, scaring the crap out of all of them. They literally jumped!

2010-12-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is a video I filmed and edited for one of my young women, Jenae, for her personal progress project. Good times!

2010-12-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

I love my job so much that if I met someone that wanted me to move away and marry him, I would be at an impasse. Getting married and having children has always been my first priority however I have come to love this so much that I would have a hard time letting it go. Sure, I could get a job doing this elsewhere but I wouldn't be in this salon, working with the same stylists, and doing the same patrons hair. Out of all of the jobs I have had, I have never settled in to one like I have in this one. Not once have I thought about leaving and finding another job or another type of work. I am constantly being challenged, finding ways to be creative, and socializing in a positive atmosphere.

So with that being said, there are some days when I come home from work where I don't want to talk to anybody. I have been talking all day long and I do not want to speak anymore. I am tired and talked out. I just want to stare into the oblivion of the TV. I want to watch other people talk to each other and not have to participate in the conversation. Tonight I just want to cry because I'm so tired and I still have to go out and be social. I have one hour of solitude and I can only hope it's enough.

.....sigh......

2010-11-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

I made a little video to introduce people to the salon....

2010-11-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

Australia, Australia I can't get you off of my mind.

I have a secret obsession with a little country known as Australia.I have some friends that are going in January and I am invited however I cannot find an affordable airline ticket for the time frame that they will be there. I have beenlamenting over this for the last week. I have called a travel agent, searched everywhere you can search for cheap tickets on line.

....nothing....

My mom asked me the other night why I want to go to Australia. I told her that I have been wanting to go for the last three years but on the real, it's more like the last thirty years. I couldn't bring myself to tell her where it all began but somehow I can write it here and totally risk humiliating myself.

It all started with Olivia Newton John. Physical was the first record album I ever owned and I was probably about 4 years old.

I remember getting this very clearly--my parents were both there and we were in the living room and my dad handed the record over to me. I didn't really know what I was in for but I will tell you that I must have listened to that album as many times as I could convince my mom to put it on for me.

I loved Olivia.

My parents knew this and sat me down to watch Grease.

So then I loved Olivia and John. I think I was obsessed with her accent because I remember imitating it while playing in the back yard. When we went to the Worlds Fair in Canada in 1986, guess what exhibition I had to see. Yep, Australia. It was the lamest exhibition there but I enjoyed every second of it. Of course my dad somehow got a bunch of Koala bears to hand out at his business. Little did he know the seed he was planting.

I think my obsession with this place was put on hold for a long time because the next Australia moment I had was just three years ago. My roommate Danielle had been there and she had a few Australian friends in town so we hung out with them. I said to myself, I need to meet more people like them.

moving!

Of course I haven't moved, but I've been trying to plan trips there ever since. I keep telling myself, this will be the year. In the meantime, I'm obsessed with Australians. Simon Baker, Tabitha Coffey, Olivia on Fringe...isn't it ironic that her name is Olivia??? It's like the country is calling my name.

2010-11-01T23:41:00.001-07:00

VOTING DAY--it's so not anything to do with beauty

It's time to vote and I hope you're all taking it seriously. This is my attempt at swaying your votes at the last minute. This is of course if you live in Southern CA and in my same district. You might have noticed a couple of years ago that I voted yes on proposition 8. It's kind of a taboo thing to discuss because by saying that I don't believe in gay marriage, to some I'm suddenly just like the people who would burn crosses and run around in white hoods, holding a rope, looking for the nearest tree. To those that feel that way, I'm sorry but I have a right to my beliefs. If you feel differently, agree to disagree ok? Anyway, there are certain individuals that are threatening to overturn proposition 8 which is ridiculous to me because why do we vote if one or two people are going to just change it to how they want it? So a lot of my votes are going to people who I feel are supportive of proposition 8 or um let's see THE LAW.

Meg Whitman

Abel Maldonado

Mimi Walters

Steve Cooley

Carly Fiorina--ugh but she's republican

Ken Calvert--love this guy!

Brian Nestande

Damon Dunn

Tony Strickland

Mike Villines

Michelle Steel

Tani Cantil Sakauye--NO

Ming W Chin--YES

Carlos Moreno--NO

Judith McConnell--NO

Manuel Ramirez--YES

Carol D Codrington--YES

David G Sills--NO

William W Bedsworth--YES he's kind of a wild card for me. I figure, let's see how he does for a while. We can always vote him out later.

Eileen C Moore--NO

Larry Aceves

Virginia M Blumenthal

Paul Angulo

Tom Evans

2010-10-22T08:02:00.001-07:00

I was flipping through the channels on TV last night and there was a commercial for Ghetto City Ho's. Yep, Ghetto City Ho's. There were a bunch of black girls in lingerie and I'm guessing it was a phone sex commercial. I don't think I've ever seen one like that--not that I regularly watch these commercials. The best part is that I had a dream about it. But first let me say that a friend from church called me yesterday and invited me to this Halloween dance party for single adults on Saturday. So in my dream, there was a flyer for this dance but it had the Ghetto City Ho's on it. How awesome is that?

2010-10-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Amie, one of my fellow hair dressers, got married this last weekend! All of the girls from the salon were invited. One thing that Amie and Josh wanted at their wedding reception was a photo booth. It was budgeted in and scheduled before they had even booked a venue. We had a lot of fun taking pictures in it. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) we didn't know when it was taking the picture. This is why I am standing there looking like a fool at the end.

(Tracy, Lorraine, Erin, Vikki, Priscilla, Kathy)

It makes me wonder, do I really look that ridiculous? Do people glance over in my direction and see that? If so, I am going to invest in a burka or two.

We did a little better the second round (below).

(Lorraine, me, Erin, Brittney, Kathy)

I love these chicks. I don't know how I could ever leave this salon and work anywhere else. I have it so good right now. I really hope it stays this way for many years to come!

2010-10-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

2010-09-20T21:52:00.001-07:00

I went to Happy Nails in Huntington on Saturday and had a pedicure. Those ladies really lived up to the name Happy. The whole time we were there, those Asian ladies were giggling and laughing on the floor and in the back room. I began to wonder if they were getting high off of the acrylic. I mentioned to Gina that I was tired and the back of my chair began to recline. I look over and the lady working on me was pushing a button so that I could lay down. She was telling me in her broken English to take a nap. When she finished she patted me on the shoulder and said to come back tomorrow because she would miss me. I laughed and said ok. Gina's lady hugged her and there were at least five ladies that caught our eye to smile and say goodbye. It was crazy and awesome. I wish that everyone could be that happy all of the time. Of course, then we wouldn't appreciate it.

Happy Nail of Huntington Beach

19051 Goldenwest St # 101, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-2156(714) 536-3552

2010-09-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

my hair is getting longer!!!

2010-08-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

Girls Camp 2010

Big Bear, CA

me and aunt diane (had to crop this picture--if you could see the entire thing, you would see that I'm totally doing a gangsta crotch grab. I really don't know how or why)

leading the hike... The girls hated me after this because I made them work their booties!

I don't know...

totally not holding on to the iron rod, fools! (anyone in that outfit shouldn't be allowed on the iron rod--says the girl in the spacious building)

The two that terrorized me for the week. They weren't horrible but they weren't nice all of the time either. So they get to be shown off in their oatmeal masks. sweet revenge!

The oatmeal masks are pretty awesome. You just use straight up oatmeal and water(plain oatmeal-don't be trying to use no brown sugar or peaches and cream). You mix in enough water to make it pasty--this takes some smashing and stirring for a couple minutes. Then you put it on and leave it for 15 or 20 min. Your skin is hydrated and soft afterwards. So awesome! I put it on one arm and hand and compared. Their was a noticeable difference. Thanks to Kristen Trimble for teaching the skin care class!

2010-08-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

What has Tracy Lee been up to? I'm taking it to back in the day--Junior M.A.F.I.A. Players Anthem, I Need You Tonight, and Get Money. I could listen to those songs non stop and never get sick of them. (**parental advisory**)

This month has been so crazy. Disneyland with Michelle's family, beach with the whole family minus Scott's :(, Arizona for a hearing, and girls camp. August isn't even over yet!

I've been doing some sewing. I'm really in to this one dress pattern for little girls. I've been tweaking it different ways. Here is one that I've made for my friend Gina's baby Gracy--who was actually born today!

Mike Whiting(brother) needs some items to sell in one of the galleries he is going to be showing his work in. He wanted a plush toy of sorts so this is what we came up with so far.

rabbit, robot, owl

They rejected this idea at first and wanted to go with a T shirt design. However the T shirt isn't going to work out so they picked these! I am going to be busy sewing a bunch of these over the next two months. I also have some wedding alterations to do and two bridesmaid dresses to make. My room is going to be a sweat shop.

My corn is here! I picked it today and the biggest ear measured at 13 inches!! 13 is my lucky number--so fitting!

2010-08-02T00:29:00.000-07:00

So I guess it's shark week and what better time could there have been for this little video to come along. This is Zoe. She made a bunch of videos and took a bunch of pictures of herself all stealth--no one was around and she pulled up the camera program all by her self.

2010-07-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

I took some pictures of my garden blossoming. The onions aren't doing much other than looking like grass so I haven't taken any pictures of that.

zucchini

tomato

corn

The zucchini is actually growing now! A week ago I had some for dinner and it was delicious!

This is Caleb holding the first zucchini I picked!

2010-07-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

Garden 2010

So here is my garden. I planted seeds for corn, tomato, zucchini, yellow onion, and green onion. I was nervous that it wouldn't grow but I planted the seeds anyway after hours of digging, clearing weeds, and mixing in fertilizer.

before

after

The seeds went in on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. I watered every day and prayed that my little garden would grow. By Thursday, I had sprouts!

Pretty soon the entire garden was sprouting and just about every seed I had planted, grew...

and grew....

and GREW! These were taken on July 12th which is about 6 weeks from the day I planted.

I used Miracle Grow one time and the caterpillars ate at my squash leaves a little so I had to use some pesticides. Other than that, I've just been watering and letting the sun do it's thing. So if you're wanting to plant a garden, do it. If I can do it, YOU can do it!

2010-07-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

So there I was...Mt Charleston. Mark the dentist and I had just been on a hike and we were driving down the hill when Mark exclaimed, "Oh there are some donkeys over there!" So he pulled over in to this tiny town. It's mostly small homes and trailors. It's more of a neighborhood than a town. In this large grass area were the donkeys. I was tempted to go pet one but was afraid one might turn on me.

wild, wild donkeys!

couldn't drag me away!

I didn't notice it at first but at the back of this grassy area, there was a skate park. I know, what? A skate park in a tiny town in the middle of no where? Crazy. But it was there complete with one kid skating and....donkeys.

Skate or Die! donkeys!

Have I told you what my nephew Nathan said? Ok well we were at Disneyland and I was telling Steph about how Uncle Dale had Autism and Aspergers. He passed away a couple of months ago and none of us ever knew this--we just thought he was strange. Uncle Dale was my mom's cousin and he used to come over and spend the night after he would go to singles dances.

So Nathan is listening to our conversation and he said, "Tracy, what is donkey burgers?" I looked at him confused and asked him, "What?" So he said, "You were just talking about it...Donkey burgers." He then went on to explain, "You know how an ass is a donkey?" Suddenly it clicked that Nathan didn't want to say the 'as' in aspergers because he thought he was swearing. So he came up with an alternative. I started laughing so hard I couldn't even talk to tell Steph and Mike what he had said. That kid is so awesome.

2010-07-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

I just got done with a weekend of child tending. Three boys--12,10,5. We had a lot of fun but I am TIRED. The pepsi I had earlier is tricking me in to thinking I'm awake and I feel like I haven't showered in years.

I am also dog tending. It was 4 dogs but I got it down to 3. I gave one of them away. Yes I gave someone else's dog away. But before you judge me, I had their permission and the dog went to people that LOVE it.

Before all of this I did some house sitting for about a week and a half. AND don't forget I have my own garden to tend to...oh wait I might not have blogged about that yet. More to come on that.

housesitting: june27-july7

kid sitting: july9-july12

dog sitting: july 10-present

I haven't been home in days!

It's times like these though that make it all worth it...here is Austin(12) rapping...

2010-06-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

I mentioned before that I was crying a lot from a traumatic situation. Well guess what popped up on my head from that--TWO GREY HAIRS.

You can't really see them and they blend in and look like blond highlights but they are definitely GREY--like a wolf--or an old lady. I didn't think I would get any grey hair for years to come but here we are! The time is now! I am totally blaming it on the emotional trauma because I'm not kidding you, those hairs were not there before. They are about an inch and a quarter long which is how long my regrowth is since my last color. (I know- I needed to get my color touched up like a week ago) The crap hit the fan that coloring day and the next and the crying ensued from then on. I am freaking out now and I can't freak out or else I'll get even more grey. I guess hair color will now be my best friend--forever!

2010-06-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

long hair

It doesn't look that great today but whatev!

2010-06-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

It's official, my hair is long and I am loving it! I have grown my hair out before but it was kind of on accident so I didn't really appreciate it like I do now. I wear my hair down nearly everyday and I have embraced the crazy waves it tends to form. Here is what is working for my hair--Alterna. I can't use it too many days in a row because it can be a little heavy for me but I love switching up shampoos either way so it's all good.

This is the Caviar Moisture shampoo and conditioner. They also make Caviar volume, blond, brunette, or red hair.

This is a favorite for a lot of people. It's called Beach. It's the perfect spray to give you beach waves in your hair.

When I don't use Caviar, I put Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum in my hair to keep the fuzz down. I can blow dry my hair and flat iron it and it will protect it from the heat. If I let my hair air dry, it keeps it under control. I can also put it in after my hair is dry to give it a little extra control. It's really pretty awesome.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that under my eyes I was looking really puffy, wrinkly, and dark. I started to panic that maybe my age was finally catching up to me and that maybe I should start using eye cream everyday instead of every once and a while. Youthtopia from Origins is a good one. It will actually reverse signs of aging--they make a face cream as well. My friend Kathy started using it maybe a week ago. When I saw her today I could honestly see a difference. Her skin was fantastic.

....OR I could just stop crying everyday. This is probably the more logical solution to depuffing and dewrinkling my eyes. I have managed to do that now. I'm not an emotional basket case, I was just hurt really bad by someone I really care about. I just have to do a shout out to all of those who have prayed for me and given me kind words of advice and encouragement. I have never felt so comforted, calm, at peace, blessed etc. This too shall pass.

2010-04-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

AnnMarie pretending to be a bride....

for Ahlinphotography.com

It's been forever since I did this--over a year-- but I finally got copies of the pictures and they are so beautiful. AnnMarie was pretending to be a bride for a friend of hers who is aspiring to be a photographer. So I did her hair and makeup all pretty. It took me about two hours to put her together and fingerwave her hair like that but it was totally worth it. For her make up I was experimenting with some ideas from a Kevin Aucoin book, Making Faces. I was surprised to see that the techniques he teaches actually work. I learned a lot that day!

As I was looking through the pictures, I started to cry. I wished that these pictures were real, that AnnMarie was actually a bride, and that she was really in love. So I said a little prayer for her...I think I'm really tired and overly emotional tonight. So does anyone know any amazing guys in their mid thirties for my beautiful friend? She's going to make a lovely bride!

2010-04-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

My niece Jada loves silky material. I had some left over silky material from a nightgown I had made for my grandma so I used it to make a little dress for Jada. She's going to be two in a couple of months so this is her early birthday present.

The dress fits perfectly! It's a miracle!

Jada got her first pair of glasses the same day she got the dress so it was kind of a big day for her. haha She looks adorable!

2010-04-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Middle parts are so hot right now. I've seen them around but didn't really notice until everyone and their mom had a middle part on 90210--even the ones that really shouldn't part their hair in the middle. Oh and yes, I watch that show. I am only half ashamed to admit it!

So they had planted a little seed in my head and it was growing. Then Heidi Klum rocked the middle part on the last episode of Project Runway.

That was it for me. I had to try it.

It might stay for a while. Unfortunately the longer my hair gets, the thinner it looks. That middle part really accentuates that. Extensions are looking like a really good idea...

2010-04-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

I do not have a testimony of having the overflow closed during sacrament meeting. I have to sit as far back as possible. I have this thing with sitting in front of other people. I don't want to feel their eyes staring at the back of my head--because that's what people do when they are behind you, look at the back of your head. Or maybe, just MAYBE that's just me who does that. It might have started when I was in hair school but I think I was doing that before then. I like staring at other people's hair. I also like watching everyone and reviewing who is at church. I can't very well do any of that from a side seat or middle seat or worst of all front seat. So you can imagine my shock and horror when I entered the chapel last week and found the overflow doors shut. My dad and I stood there for a long time trying to figure out where to go. Virtually all of the benches are taken by people who have occupied the same seats for at least the last five years. So all we could do was join one of the families on their bench. It was cramped and claustrophobic. I was totally worried about the fact that we were in someone's territory, I had people sitting behind me, and there was no way I could get out of that bench without having to do some serious climbing. I did not have the spirit with me.

So today I got there early in hopes to snag a good seat. I got lucky. The entire back bench near the door was completely unclaimed. So I took it. I saved a seat on either side of me--one for Jason and one for Deanna. Jason came in a few minutes later and sat down. So far so good. There was only room for one person to sit on the other side of me so I wasn't worried about anyone but Deanna taking it. We started to sing the opening hymn and all of sudden someone was sitting in the single seat. It wasn't Deanna. So I looked up at this person who said, "oh" knowing he had made a mistake. His wife was still standing because he clearly had poor judgement on how many could fit in that spot. He just sat there and I didn't budge because surely he was going to get up and find a spot where they would both fit. Instead he made us all move down. This left no room for Deanna and no room for the spirit in me. Once again, I was squished in a tiny space next to people I didn't want to be by--except for Jason of course. I felt terrible when Deanna came in a few minutes later and there was not a seat for her. This is exactly the sort of thing you can avoid when there is adequate seating. Apparently I am no longer going to have that and I am going to feel like Elaine on Seinfeld when she's trying to save seats at the movie theater.

2010-04-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

This week I had a few surprise visitors including a computer genius slash model. I pulled up the photo booth on my computer and took some silly pictures with my nieces. Zoe snuck in here later and figured out how to turn it back on. Not only did she find it and open the program, she figured out how to use the special effects. So stinkin cute.

2010-03-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

I think I love the DMV. I know it sounds crazy but where else are you going to see that wide of a variety of people? I know it sounds so cliche to say that I love people watching but I do. I think everyone does. Why do you think reality shows are such a big hit? The DMV line wrapped around the building yesterday. I brought my book and stood there and read as much as I could. I didn't want the people around me to notice that I was staring at them.

I wonder if sometimes people want you to stare at them. This Mexican kid in front of me had this hip hop ring tone for his text messaging. It only plays about 5 seconds of the song but it goes off every time he gets a text. Usually teenagers will not just send one text. They have to text 3 or 4 messages back to back. After standing in line behind this kid for an hour and a half, I wanted to grab his phone and throw it across the street.

These two black ladies in front of the Mexican kid had a baby that was probably about 9 months old. She was really cute sitting all cozy in her car seat. After about 15 minutes one of ladies pulled out a can of vienna sausages, opened it up and handed one to the baby. At first the baby stared at it like, what do you want me to do with it? She finally took it and wrapped her fingers around it. It was actually the perfect size for her tiny grip. She held it for a while and I think eventually she got curious and put it up to her mouth. I was almost shocked that this was a snack option for a baby. But this lady didn't hesitate. It was as if Gerber Graduates had been printed on the side of the can. I looked back at my book. I couldn't bare watching this. The line moved forward and we had actually made it to the next corner of the building in a half hour. I looked up from my book again to see the baby had another snack. It totally blew the vienna sausage out of the water. It was a little fried chicken leg. The baby was gnawing at it getting chicken all over the place. The lady finally got her out of the car seat and brushed the chicken pieces all over the ground. I thought, Well that's ok the birds will eat it...but will they? Do birds eat chicken? Then I noticed the bling on the baby. She had her ears pierced and she wasn't wearing studs, they were full on gold hoops! And as she was getting cleaned off the thick gold rope necklace came spilling out of her shirt! What the? I contemplated taking a picture of the scene but I didn't have a camera with me. Then I wondered even if I did, would this lady be freaked out that I was taking a picture of her and the baby? Normally in situations like this I'll have my friend stand in front of me like I'm taking their picture when really I'm focusing on what's behind them. I can't tell you how many times it has worked. But alas I was alone and without a camera....and in line at the DMV not Disneyland.

When I finally reached the front of the line, it had been about 1 hr 45 min. The worst part about it was that they couldn't take care of the problem I had. They guy handed me piece of paper and said to send a copy of my information and an explanation to bla bla bla address. And that is why I hate the DMV.

2010-02-26T23:04:00.000-08:00

Things that only happen at a basketball game with the young women (ages 12-18) in the church.

The players hug after they foul each other.
Everyone cheers for every basket no matter what team they're on.
Gracefull ballet leaps equal a lay-up--and they start from the top of the key.
AIR BALL! again and again and again and again
Dribble?
She shoots and nothing but net! --the bottom of the net that is.
"I'm a captain! I don't have to be a good sport!"
A girl goes rogue...can't find her anywhere in the building...stop the game...oh wait there she is chillin down some random hallway.
The score is two to two--it's half time.
The ball is passed and ends up in the corner of the court nowhere near anyone playing "Oh I threw it to the wrong person!"
The ref calls a foul. The girl who fouled says, "Can't I do anything?"

Seriously I love going to these games. The girls don't get overly competitive or fight with each other. They just come to play and have a good time. Sure they totally stink at basketball but who cares when you're having fun?

2010-02-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Last night I watched the Olympics for a minute after LOST and it was the men's figure skating competition. A few of the competitors came out in crazy costumes and I dismissed it thinking well, of course that's what they're going to wear, they're foreigners.

Finally it was time for the 'man' from America to hit the ice.

Johnny Weir. Really?? THIS is what you are going to represent the USA?
What about a little red white and blue instead of pink tassels and glitter??
After some background investigation, I found out that he really is just a dramatic, highly effeminate male skater. I know what you're thinking, aren't ALL male skaters dramatic and highly effeminate? I suppose that they are. I guess I was just hoping for some of the competitors to put the male back in to male skater. Skating doesn't have to be all queer or girly or whatever you want to call it. Haven't we all seen the Cutting Edge? Seriously. It takes a lot of strength to pull off some of those moves and what embodies the male more than strength? I heard there is even a homosexual retired male skater commentator (did I get enough adjectives in there?) that was criticizing him for his look and his drama on the ice. I mean, even that guy is embarrassed. That's saying something.

2010-01-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

we're a happy family

me, mom, and daddy

--Ramones

So we're at Michelle's house for Christmas and we're all just hangin out when I look around and notice that WE'RE IN ORDER. This has a specific meaning in my family. For some odd reason whenever we were doing something like walking around in a zoo or sitting in the car or just watching tv, we would always be oldest to youngest or vice-versa. This was never on purpose--it was just one of those things that has no explanation and ultimately no meaning but it's just funny. Michelle hated it. Anytime Steph or myself would notice the order, we would wait and see how long it would take for her to notice. Once she noticed the smirks on our faces it didn't take her long to figure it out and move. We decided to have Alicia take a picture of us and we squished in for the picture....I just stole it from her blog!

2010-01-10T19:00:00.001-08:00

Over Christmas vacation this year, I became engrossed in a novel written by Suzanne Collins. Some of you may have already read it, Hunger Games. My parents and I drove up to Orem to spend Christmas with my brother and sisters and I quite literally could not stop reading this book on the trip. The sun was slowly disappearing behind the mountains so I pulled the book closer so that I could make out the words. My dad must have noticed that I was going to lose my eye site so he passed me a small flashlight. I was glad that I didn't have to position the book to get light from other vehicles. Putting the book down simply wasn't an option! We stopped for dinner and I was forced back in to reality where I was so car sick from reading in the backseat, I couldn't even talk for fear the vomit would come out when my mouth opened. I was trying to tell this story and I had to stop in the middle of it because I was making myself more sick.
I had the book finished the next day and was ready to start the next in the series, Catching Fire. I didn't have the chance with everything going on so I read it as soon as I got back home. It too was amazing.
Today I am feeling a little bored--I already went to church, played Guitar Hero 3, Dr Mario, and watched a movie. All I want to do is get lost in the world of Panem and see what is going to happen with Katniss Everdeen but I can't until August 24th, when the 3rd book is released.
I just read that they are going to release a movie in 2011. I am curious what the rating will be with how gory the story is. PETA is going to freak out over how many rabbits and squirrels die. It's going to be great controversy! haha

2009-12-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

So about an hour after I posted the last post, my parents came in to my room and said, let's see if we can sniff out the rat. So we pulled everything away from the wall where the smell was the strongest and began sniffing that wall like blood hounds. We agreed that the smell was strongest in one spot and it wasn't coming from the wall but the ceiling. So my dad changed his clothes, put on some rubber gloves and went up in to the attic. I got up on the ladder to see what was up there. It is a sea of cotton like insulation. It's the perfect nesting ground for rodents. My dad had a small rake in hand to sift through the chaos. Suddenly he spotted the rat. I cheered as my dad almost passed out from the smell that came up from the rat once he had moved the insulation from on top of it. He picked it up and put it in a plastic walmart coffin. It's now resting in peace in the trashcan outside. The smell went away almost instantaneously. ahhhh

2009-12-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

Today is the beginning of week 4 of the bog of eternal stench in my bedroom. Something has died in one of the walls and I can't figure out which one. The window is open and the fan is on 24 hours a day even though the temperature at night has been dropping in to the 30's. I don't know what to do other than sledge hammer the walls and find the rat or whatever it is. But then I would have to re drywall and paint. Do I take the time and spend the money? Or do I hold out two more weeks and let the smell dissipate? Yesterday I bought a monster size bag of baking soda from costco. I feel a little bit deranged and psychotic carrying jars of baking soda in to my bedroom and placing them around. Sometimes I like to picture that I'm being watched by someone that has no idea what's going on.

2009-12-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

I used to make fun of it every time I saw the infomercial: a bunch of people sitting around a fake camp fire, dressed as if involved in some kind of catholic ritual...or maybe they're all jedi knights? And who really can't figure out how to position a blanket and a remote control? Well, my vision has changed and I am a new woman with a new perspective. Michelle bought me my very own snuggie complete with the complimentary book light for my birthday. (Jason says all I need is a bunch of cats and I'm set.) At first I was a little bit leery on this thing. She pretty much bought it as a joke...I think.
I opened it up.
I put it on.
I haven't taken it off since.
Unless I leave the house but even then, I've contemplating bringing it along. It's light weight but it's so warm and so soft. I can do stuff with my hands and still be covered up...like eat ice cream, read, and, as advertised, hold the remote. So now I'm a true convert to the one and only snuggie. Don't knock it 'til you try it!

2009-11-22T16:18:00.001-08:00

Let's take a moment to celebrate the beauty of the male body...or at least the potential of it. I used to not care about it and I still don't but I can really appreciate toned abs and huge muscley arms. I was sitting in the theater watching New Moon when there was a large gasp from the entire audience--Jacob had just taken his shirt off for the first time to dab the blood on Bella's head wound. This is when the movie got really good because from here on out, there were tan, muscle toned shirtless guys running around. If their cut off jean shorts had been any shorter, I may have felt like I was at Thunder from Down Under--not that I've ever seen that show....or I may have gotten them confused with Tobias, the never-nude from Arrested Development. Anyway, the movie went on and towards the end we see Edward again. Where there should have been another gasp as Edward was taking his shirt off, it was completely silent. I turned to Deanna and said, "Ew cover that up!" The poor guy is painted chalky and stoney for his character and supposedly he worked out but in comparison to Jacob? there was no comparison. I wanted Bella to get back on the plane to Forks right away. New Moon is supposed to make us fans of Jacob. Mission accomplished.

2009-10-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

I've been having some of the craziest dreams lately. Why wouldn't I want to share them?

My mom and I are in the garage and this spider is there. It's about the size of a soccer ball and it looks a lot like a daddy long leg. I was in my bare feet and I was screaming at my mom to step on it as she had shoes on. Instead of stepping on it, she kicks it and it rolls all the way across the street in to the ravine. Of course it comes back and again she won't step on it. This time it's moving at ludacrous speed and I'm about to lose my mind from terror. She kicks it away again and it moves around to the side of the house. Meanwhile, there are a bunch of spiders lurking in a corner of the eaves near our heads. It's full of spider webs and all kinds of thick legged furry and sometimes colorful spiders. As my mom is turned back faced to these little monsters, to kick the one at our feet, they are b lining it to attack her. I'm screaming for her to turn around and the dream changes.
I'm at the mall with some people walking around and then I leave to find my car. I can't seem to cross the street fast enough and there are tons of cars waiting for me. Each step is incredibly painful because my legs weigh thousands of pounds. I look down to see what the problem is and I'm wearing these chunky white tennis shoes. These shoes are hard to move and I'm stressed out as the cars have stopped and are waiting for me to cross. I get through the first intersection but there is still one more. I can feel something at my ankle and look down again so see the tongues of the shoes are inflating. I start to feel things all over me inflate and I'm half floating. This makes it much easier to cross the second intersection and move through the parking lot because I can jump and float for minute, creating larger strides. I am getting closer to my car when this Japanese lady comes running towards me yelling at me in Japanese. She wants my shoes! I try to float away from her but she's keeping up. Where is my car?!! I can't find it now and she's getting closer and closer. Then I woke up.

Last night's dream was funny because Scott and Alicia had a monkey. We were at I think the Denver airport part of the time and then in Texas the other part. Initially I went to pick someone up at the airport and left the dogs in a kennel. It ended up that I was there all day and I was freaking out about having left the dogs. I finally got them and left. I was with my mom and Scott and Alicia now and we were trying to catch the train or bus to go back into the airport. We all had planes to catch at around the same time. My mom was stressed out because the trains weren't coming as frequent as they were before. Something was wrong and we were going to miss our planes. Finally we got on to a train and Scott and Alicia had a monkey. The monkey was sitting in one of the seats next to a nervous looking couple. You could tell these people did not want to be sitting next to monkey. But since the seating was limited, there was no other option. We were almost to our destinations when Scott said, uh oh the monkey pooped. He titled the monkey to the side to try and clean it up. Meanwhile the nervous couple were freaking out and they got up to get off the train. The seats were vinyl and had indents from buttons for decoration. So he was having to scrub in the cracks and folds of the vinyl. He somehow managed to get everything cleaned up and threw the waste in the a bag that was full of left over food from their lunch: left over french fries and poo. It was gross.

2009-10-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

It takes me FOREVER to get pictures developed...I don't have a digital, I have film. So here is a look back on this year...

(I added some pictures from a wedding I did in January to my entry on April 19th. )

I went on a little bit of baking spree towards the first of the year and I made cakes whenever I could find and excuse to.

This was Easter. I found a recipe on martha stewart's website for these little cupcake chicks.

Jason won tickets to American Idol so I got to go with him. We saw Flo Rida perform Right Round and the blind kid get eliminated.

He looks totally insane in this picture. It makes me laugh!

I don't think I ever did my post for Memorial Day...at least I can't find one. So here goes. I actually celebrated Memorial Day. I went to the National cemetary in Riverside and listened to congressman Ken Calvert speak along with a few other major army/navy/marine generals or captains or whatever you call them. I got teary eyed and patriotic. It was awesome. It all started because there are THOUSANDS of motorcycles that drive up Alessandro by my house on memorial day. We like to go out and watch them because it's kinda funny. This year we decided to follow them and check out where they end up. So here's some pics of that.

watching them ride...

parked at the cemetary

there were thousands and thousands of bikes

and there was lots and lots of leather

flags on all of the grave stones (my grandpa green is buried here)

2009-08-31T10:53:00.001-07:00

Do you ever read a word totally wrong to the point that your like, what does that even mean?? and it's a word like sharing? Obviously I have and with the word sharing. I read it with the emphasis on the ring part. Totally changes thing. shaRING! I'm smart.

OK anyway, today I thought it would be a good idea to mow the lawn in the backyard.

1. exercise

2. sunshine/spending time outside

3. help my dad out

First things first. I had to get dressed and put on my yard work shoes that have been sitting on the back porch. That's kind of where those shoes live which may be a bad idea if you are afraid of putting your foot in to a dark place where bugs could potentially live. But so far I haven't had a problem and it has only recently become a very bad idea since there is no longer a pest control company spraying the house. The front doorway/porch has been taken over by spiders--and not just any spiders, BIG SCARY spiders. It has gotten to the point where I am afraid to come in and out of the front door at night. How do I know spiders can't communicate, form an army, and sabotage me? It doesn't help that I had a dream where my sister was dangling a large grey spider over my face and laughing like I was crazy for being afraid. Here is picture of a web off to the side of the porch.

Anyway, this is just the front porch. I haven't even gotten to the back porch. I haven't spent very much time out there since the dogs have gone home so naturally my shoes and my mom's shoes have become excellent habitats for spiders. There were spiderwebs all over them, inside and out. I carefully began to deweb them and I used a pair of scizzors that happened to be sitting there to scrape out the insides. All of a sudden this huge black nasty spider came crawling out from the toe of the shoe and I started screaming.

Mowing the lawn was kind of like doing a buzz cut. I had to make sure I went over the lawn and cut it evenly and not leave long blades of grass. Afterwards, I needed to go around an trim the edges but I'm kind of afraid of that tool so I'll let my dad take care of it. All in all it was fun but next time I am going to wear gloves and a space suit.

1. gigantic bees

2. flies all over me

3. oh yeah I'm kinda allergic to grass

2009-08-25T23:42:00.000-07:00

I'M GROWING MY HAIR OUT.

And for those of you that have grown your hair out, you know why I wrote that in all caps. For those of you that haven't, I'll fill you in on what it's like.
IT TAKES FOREVER.
I stopped cutting it in November and I've done two baby trims. I think I've gained about 5 to 6 inches. But somehow it doesn't feel like enough and now it's hitting my shoulders at this horrible spot. It's the worst most unflattering length and my hair when it's down looks crappy no matter what. So I'm doing my best to barrel through it. I'm newly addicted to this front braid thing that I totally copied from one of my fellow salon chicks.

and my hair is in a bun or a ponytail as much as possible.

If I can just make it to November, I'll be home free. Until then, UGH!

2009-07-08T22:30:00.001-07:00

bye bye Izzy and Lilly.

They've been with me since April--while Scott and Alicia were in Boston. We've had lots of drama with surgery, foxtails, flees, poo, puke, peeing on the carpet, obsession with playing fetch, bark from outside being dragged inside, and playing behind and under the couch. After my parents drove away with them today, I started to cry--and not tears of joy, but sadness. So I went in to the back yard to clean up all of the poo from the last few days just so I could be reminded of all of the grunt work that comes with having them around. It kinda stopped the tears but as soon as I came home from work to an empty house, absolute silence, and no dogs barking for my attention, I got sad again. Before I got them, I suspected that I would get attached and cry when I had to give them back but then after having taken Lilly to the vet 6 times, I thought it wouldn't be so bad. I guess when you go great lengths to take care of something, you develop love for it. I keep saying I don't want a dog but maybe, just maybe, I do.

(crappy cell phone pictures--sorry)

2009-06-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

I went with Jason to an art opening called Cute and Dangerous at the art gallery Seven Degrees on Friday night. It was probably the strangest art opening I've ever been to. First of all, I have no idea what to call the genre of art and second of all there were costumed individuals. Most of the art is kind of like Japanime and kind of like graffiti. I personally felt like I had walked in to a Hello Kitty store. It was fun and kind of interesting. Mike and Jason both told me that this type of art is kind of an up and coming trend right now. (so hot right now). Here are some pics. There were a ton of photographers there and so I take zero credit for any of these pictures.

This graffiti artist left the canvas uncolored...

so the crowd could color it in for him...

oh look--who's that?

Jason and me

2009-05-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

Leave it to JJ Abrams to make me a TREKKIE. It was inevitable really. I love science fiction and I am a total star wars fan. (I mean, how could I not be a star wars fan when my little brother used to get up at 6am every morning and beg my parents to put it on. Throughout an entire summer I awoke to find myself in a land far far away.) I also love the Alien movies, Terminator movies, and the 5th Element. AND (nerd alert!) I used to watch the sci fi channel from time to time. I watched this one movie about a science guy who was so obsessed with cobra snakes that he created a formula from their venom to slowly transform his assistant in to a cobra snake. The irony was that once the assistant was a snake, he bit the science guy and killed him. You would think I would have seen this movie once because I was super bored or whatever one day but I actually saw it twice, years and years apart. I have no idea what it's called though. I'm sorry because I know anyone who reads this is going to want to run out and rent it or add it to the netflix list. Anyway, so JJ Abrams Star Trek was a fantastic movie. The hair and makeup was phenomenal. A lot of times I am distracted by crappy wigs or super obvious fake blood but not with this one! I didn't even recognize Eric Bana! Super hot Eric was so well transformed into his character. Good job hair and make up team and good job JJ, as always.

2009-04-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

So I read Heather's blog today and found out that a wedding I did hair/make up for was featured on two different websites: Wedding Chicks and Vintage Glam! My name was mentioned in one of them and the other said they loved the hair and makeup! ahhh...so awesome!

2009-04-11T00:42:00.001-07:00

The other day Jason asked me what was up with Fast and Furious making more money in it's opening weekend than all three previous fast and furious movies put together. I had some explanation of why: bla bla it's all the hype, bla bla there aren't any other good movies to see right now, bla bla movie tickets prices are way highter, bla bla bla. But today I realized that all of that was WRONG. I was WAY OFF. This song came on as I was driving: 'We Are Rockstars' by British electro-rock band 'Does It Offend You, Yeah?'. It's the song they play in the Fast and Furious trailor. Suddenly all I could see was Vin Diesel showing off his hot muscles in his hot muscle car and I wanted to drive over to the movie theater. It's the song! It's like the pied piper calling us to join him! And it's working! If only movies weren't $11 I could be watching it AGAIN!

2009-04-10T23:49:00.000-07:00

Have you heard? The women in Spanish Fork, Utah and Amy Winehouse(**see below) are doing back flips and crying for joy over this: BUMP ITS. Someone has come up with a way to get around back combing, teasing, ratting, what have you, to create that little nest of volume some women love on the crown of their heads.

I just about died when I saw the infomercial on it tonight. Seriously, I thought my heart stopped. I am a hair dresser trying daily to help women update their look. I can't tell you how many women love to do the beehive back comb thing they've been doing since the 60's.

I don't know what the excuse is for younger girls doing it. They must have just learned it from their mothers. It's the worst in Utah. Going to beauty school there, I couldn't get away from it. I did however convince some to let it go. "There are other ways!" I'd plead. "Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Try a root lifter and thickening styling product. Round brushes can do amazing things!" That's when it started. I was on a mission to rid the world of snarling their hair in to balls on their heads to create volume. This mission was put on hold when I moved to Vegas. Two words: Show Hair. I was back combing and ratting like there was no tomorrow. But this was for a SHOW on a STAGE, not to go to the MALL or heaven forbid CHURCH. I knew it had turned into an epidemic when this girl showed up with what appeared to be HORNS. She had back combed her hair on each side of her head but not the middle. It looked so crazy I wanted to dig my fingers in to her head and start shaking and scratching until she looked like my current facebook picture.

"You want volume?? I'll show you volume!" But I left her alone and just sat behind her each week and stared in wonder: "What's in there? Is that just her hair? It couldn't possibly be snarled ratty hair. It's too big! How? Why?"

I don't know what to do. With this woman's invention, there is no more fighting the big nasty snarl poof. She's made it a staple in our society and she is reeping the monetary benefits. You can watch a video of it here. (I must warn you though, you might want to kill Roy Orbison before it's over.) Do you think the girl with the horns will buy two and put one on each side of her head? Oh how I hope and wish...

**Amy Winehouse

2009-03-19T23:09:00.001-07:00

I bought two new packages of dental floss a few days ago. One of the un opened packages was on my bed last night as I was going to bed so I put it to the side on the desk beside my bed. Let me back up here one second. This last week I have been sleeping really crazy. I am so tired but in the middle of the night I toss and turn and get really frustrated to the point that I'm slamming my face on my pillow as I re situate myself in hopes to find a more comfortable spot. The anger and frustration have overtaken my dreams at times and sometimes I don't know whether I am sleeping or awake. Reality has become a very fuzzy picture in the wee hours of the morning. This morning I awoke to find my dental floss free of the cardboard and plastic packaging. I stared at it for a moment and then like a dream saw this: I'm half asleep reaching for the dental floss and violently tearing at it, desperately trying to free it from it's confines. I couldn't get through the cardboard part and exasperated, fumbled through my drawer to find a pen to break through. All the while, I'm laying in my bed. I find the pen and begin to stab at it with all of the furry of a warrior. Finally I break the dental floss free and then darkness. I stared at the dental floss, sitting ever so calmly in the exact spot I had left it, wondering if this really happened and then I looked over the edge of my bed. Pieces of plastic and cardboard were scattered about in small pieces. It's a good thing I sleep alone.

2009-03-19T22:29:00.001-07:00

On January 17th I did Kristin's hair and makeup for her marriage to Chris. Heather Balliet, the wonderful wedding planner, just posted some pics on her blog: http://amorologyweddings.blogspot.com/2009/03/kristin-chris-ooh-la-la_16.html

It's seriously worth taking a peek at. This was the cutest wedding ever!

This is a hairpiece I made for each of the bridesmaids.

Look how cute they are!

Special thanks to Kristin and Chris for letting me be a part of their day!

2009-02-28T18:12:00.001-08:00

February is Black History Month. To be honest, I always thought this was kind of stupid to have a whole month for black history. I have never understood how their heritage and culture was so different from ours. Ok yes, they were slaves but that was like 150 years ago. And really, isn't history the same for us all no matter what color our skin? We all live in the same place and see the same things in the news and all around us, right? WRONG. My eyes have been opened for the first time--I mean really opened. I get it now for two reasons.
1. Deanna randomly gave me this book to read called, Life Is So Good by George Dawson. George is a black man from Marshall, Texas who was born in 1898 and lived to be over a hundred. He has an astonishing memory. He can recall just about every conversation he's ever had. He learned to read at the age of 98 and then went on to write this book to recount his history. It's the most amazing thing I've ever read.
2. I netflixed this movie called The Great Debaters a few weeks back and it just happened to come this month. It was produced by Oprah (hate her right now but that's another story) and directed by Denzel. It's about these black kids from Marshall, Texas in the late 1920's and early 1930's who gained this impressive reputation and were invited to debate white teams. They were the first black debate team to do this. It's all a true story.
So here I am reading this book that takes place part of the time in Marshall and then watching a movie that takes place in Marshall. It was totally random that it all happened in the same week but I learned so much. I learned that there is a very large difference between black and white history. The papers were not telling the whole story especially in the south where the Jim Crow laws were extremely prominent. Blacks and Whites were very much segregated. I never really thought about how that would affect history. The blacks had their own thing goin on because they couldn't be a part of the white culture. Black history was all about staying out of the way. They had little to no protection from the law. White people demanded respect and subservience in the most cruel manner and would lie and cheat them because they knew they could get away with it. There were no consequences. Usually the consequences came down on the black man's shoulders. If he did not 'behave' he could be lynched, beaten, burned, tortured. The law just looked the other way. It sickens me.
I'm just brushing the surface here. I guess it makes me more grateful for Martin Luther King Jr. and the equal rights movement in the 1960's. (one more reason I love the 60's!) I can't imagine living in a world where people are treated cruelly because of the color of their skin--or for any other stupid reason. I'm so glad I missed all that and that I was born in to a time or rather a country where all are given equal rights. God loves us all. And even though I hate Oprah right now, I have to get over it and love her no matter what she airs on her show. I want to be like God--and God is love.

2009-02-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

And this is why I love Disneyland.

Mike, Andrew, me, Jason

2009-02-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

I'm so uninspired to write on my blog lately. All I've done is WATCH TV. Heroes, House, 90210, 24, the Mentalist, Leverage, Fringe, Lost, Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, the Office, 30 Rock. That's 11 hours of TV a week and I'm totally ok with that. I'll even add more shows if you think it's worth it. I tried watching Gossip Girl already--no thanks on that one. DVR has changed my life. I can record shows and fast forward through commercials to my heart's delight. So really it's not 11 hours of TV, it's 7 hours and 20 minutes a week. The more I can fast forward through commercials, the more TV I can watch. Screw advertising. They would be sucking 3 hours and 40 minutes out of my life--3 hours and 40 minutes I could be spending on FACEBOOK. Yes, I probably do spend about that much time on there...a day...just kidding...sort of. All of you know what I'm talking about if you have an account. It's so ridiculously addictive to sit and update your status, go and check out all of the pictures on your friends' pages, and then check to see who is on line. I'm constantly checking my IM and then searching for an excuse to write someone, anyone. Right now I'm looking for someone I can write this too, "Lick your cigarette and kiss me." Ah Franz Ferdinand, you and your clever lyrics (No you girls never know). Seriously, who wants to taste a cigarette? Ew. Jason introduced me to Greg Laswell this week--he put three songs on a CD for me and I can't stop listening. So I went on to playlist.com and got a hold of some other songs and I've listened to them all about three times each now. Kim Suttles Braithwaite would love Greg if she doesn't already. I know it.

2008-12-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

It's here!

This is the issue that features Ali's wedding. My name is totally in there as dress designer! check it out! page 200!

2008-12-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

Do you suffer from greasy eyelids? Do you want your eyeshadow to stay on all day and in to the night? This last April I stumbled upon this fantastic product from my favorite make up line, M-A-C...you may have heard of them. ha ha I'm so funny. Anyway, Eyepaints! They really work. I use the 'bare canvas' everyday! I hated that my eyeshadow looked all lined and creased and half off by the end of the day and NOW it stays on until I wash it off before I go to bed! It's amazing! Try it! (I'd like to thank Georgia at the Mac counter in Vegas for introducing it to me and making me buy it.)

2008-12-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I made my first pie--chocolate pecan

my whole family was here!

It was chaotic but I cried when they went home! We went to Disneyland, we went shopping, we did a beach bonfire, we cleaned up the yard for my mom(happy birthday!) , and we went to see Twilight--totally liked it better than the book! haha. Edward was hot. Loved the cast, loved the scenery, loved it all. 2 thumbs up from me!

2008-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a big update on my life over the past couple of months. I haven't written much--mostly because I haven't felt very inspired but partly because I wanted to include pictures on this one...
These first two updates are really important.
1. I have discovered that reggae makes me feel like I'm on an island vacation. Jason made me five bob marley cd's and that is all I listen to now. Can't get enough of the rasta, love, knotty dreds mon.
2. I purchased some new sunglasses a week ago-- I finally said good bye to the paint chipped ones. The new ones have a tint to the lenses so everything looks sorta bronzy. It's like viewing the world through rose colored glasses--it really is pretty. I noticed that green lights are now teal lights. See? really important!

Andrea got married in San Diego on Oct 11th. I was there to do hair and makeup for her and her 7 bridesmaids! It was a busy day but I had fun! I love my Andrea and my Faulkners!

Brian and Andrea Williams

I made these flowers for her hair out of lace from her dress...

I had to take a back view of all of the bridesmaids... side buns!

I turned 32. Everyone says, oh 32 is young. Well within 5 days of turning 32 I managed to eat dinner at 430pm at both IHOP and Coco's and ordered off the senior menu.

Since my birthday is on Halloween, I had to wear a costume. Me and Deanna dressed up as Barbies...

I was a Heroin Barbie...

Yes on 8. It passed! Here we are holding signs on a corner the night before voting day.

Unfortunately we are feeling the sad aftermath of protests and anger and hurt. I just wish that it wasn't being so directed at mormons. Mormons made up of less than 2% of the yes vote! The people have spoken in California: democracy at it's finest. Until the majority has a different opinion, we have to learn to live accordingly. This really isn't as interesting as signals looking teal though, right?

2008-10-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

http://amorologyweddings.blogspot.com/

I stole this off of Heather's blog...she's the wedding planner from Ali's wedding. The wedding was featured in San Diego Style Weddings Magazine! My name is totally on there in that yellow box. I'm published!!!!

2008-10-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here is my PROP 8 vote yes blog. I like this little video. I think it explains things well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI-GjWY-WlA

2008-09-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

I'm sure a lot of you have seen this--it was featured on a radio show recently and has been circulating though email but I had to post it. It's a Good Housekeeping article from 1955 (clearly written by a man)

2008-09-09T23:14:00.000-07:00

FRINGE is a great show....Tuesday nights on Fox. It's another JJ Abrams show who is kind of my favorite person for three reasons: Felicity, Alias, and Lost.
I can't stop playing Dr Mario on the Wii so that's all for now...

2008-08-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

ok let's talk about something that has to do with BEAUTY. I need to thank the good people over at Origins for creating this fantastic product.

Quick, Hide!™ Easy blend concealer

I have gotten so many compliments on how my skin has improved and looks so good now--they've seen the years of spots that seem to continually plague my face. They have not left but are hiding under this fantastic product. Not only does it hide my blemishes but it doesn't contribute to more blemishes. Most of the time, you can't even tell I'm wearing it. Screw bare minerals! just kidding, just kidding, calm down.

ON a different subject, A few weeks ago I decided it would be a good idea to start playing tennis. My dad told me yesterday that if you can qualify for the US Open and be in the tournament and not win a single game, you'll still walk away with $10k. So I got to thinking I just might have to improve my game and I had a dream last night that I was competing. However, in real life, I'm experiencing what could only come from GETTING OLD. It used to be that I could take on whatever physical activity I wanted without too much trouble. Here are the effects of my sudden burst of physical activity at age 31.

week 1

tennis 4 nights and soccer 1 night = bruises and sore muscles

week 2

tennis 2 nights and soccer 1 night = pulled muscles, more bruises, and a limp

week 3

no tennis, no soccer = left over bruises, tight muscles, trouble getting up off of the floor

2008-08-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

MY IRRATIONAL FEARS

I've been thinking a lot about these lately and I decided that I might be slightly insane. Here they are:

I'm afraid to turn off lamps without first checking under the lamp shade because on Arachnaphobia, one of those baby offspring spiders was waiting under the shade and totally bit the person turning off the light AND THEY DIED.

Whenever I use a bathroom that has a shower curtain, I have to check behind the curtain to make sure there is no one there.

There is someone or something(like a freak monster) chillin in the bottom of the outhouse...thanks, X Files.

Sharks live in the lakes that I'm trying to waterski/wakeboard in.

Sharks are in the deep end of the pool at night. (Jaws pretty much ruined me)

Sometimes there is someone under my bed...in that whole 3 inches of space that would be physically impossible to squeeze in. (am I 5?)

Even though I clearly saw that there was no one in my back seat when I got in the car, I still imagine there is someone there waiting to hold up a big knife so I can see it in the rear view mirror and then stab me. So I turn around and check.

I think there might be one or two I'm missing but this is all I can think of for now. I'm so tired I almost wrote rear like this: rirror. What?

2008-07-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know how to post you tube stuff on your blog? is this not possible anymore? please help the retard (me).
Ok I love LOVE this movie Summer Magic. We used to watch it over and over when we were young...we being my siblings and myself. I have to admit that this song gets stuck in my head all too often...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UBb087qHvI

2008-07-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

I may have said this before but I feel like an old lady trying to work a VCR when I use Facebook. It frustrates me and I don't get it. I wonder if maybe I'm just becoming an old lady. I've been carrying handkerchiefs around in my purse for a while now and have recently decided that bright eye shadows are a really good idea. I've secretly always wanted to be that crrrazy grandma that wanders around with bright lipstick on and says whatever she wants. I want to embarrass my kids and grand kids with what I show up to church in or with the crazy stuff around my house...kinda like Maude in Harold and Maude. That would be perfect. I wasn't planning on behaving this way until at least my 70's but maybe it's coming on a little sooner due to the subconscious. I could go on but I'll spare you! The end.

2008-06-25T23:40:00.001-07:00

1. I love the salon I'm working at. It's so chill and there's no drama. It's perfect! So far I've had clients every day--3/3. Gotta keep it up! Refer your 909 dwelling friends. I know they're out there!
2. I have had some time to do some reading in between clients. I must say that I learned quite a bit in today's reading session...I read Cosmo for the first time in like probably 15 years. I've never had so many incredulous thoughts before:
You can do that?
Really, they like that?
You want me to do what?
Wow!
Are you sure?
Oh!
Skip that page.
I've never felt so naive and kinky all at the same time in my life. I wonder how for real it all is...would love to read anyone's thoughts on this one...haha!
3. My sister Michelle had baby number 4 today. So now she has 4 girls and my other sister Stephanie has 4 boys. Cutest kids in my world! Can't wait to meet the latest. She came C section--kinda crazy b/c the others were all out the--um ya. Anyway, I'm an auntie again!
4. I found out today that my ex that I loved and wanted to marry 3 1/2 years ago, is getting married. I'm really pissed off about it--not because I want to marry him but because he's getting married before me. He was the one with all of the stupid issues and was all messed up. (I know, I don't know why I wanted to marry that either) So now I'm just mad. Life is so not fair EVER.

2008-06-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

Last night I sat at the kitchen table eating icecream with three little kids. They were talking my ear off about baseball games, fireworks, and spiderman. Despite all of the happiness and fun conversation around me, my mind kept returning to the house I spent the day in. Flashes of the white doors and white moldings, covered in black dust; flooring and walls removed; the initial walk through= solemn, quiet, reverent; Deanna crying from the depths of her soul, fighting to come back to the surface but drowning in the sorrow for the loss of the person that meant the world to her; A house once filled with excitement and energy, now standing hollow and still--yet echoing a quiet whisper of a life's end.
My friend Travis Alexander was found murdered in his home this week. I feel shocked and sad. I just keep shaking my head the more I discover. Who would take another life and in such a violent manner? Travis was a good person. He worked hard to become a person that everyone loved. He went to church, attended the temple, read an endless amount of LDS church related literature. He loved to quote the scriptures and he truly loved the Lord. He spent every morning creating a list of goals and would check them off as his day progressed. It was haunting to find his last index card. He didn't have a chance to check one item off.
As I sat at that table, watching those kids as we ate icecream, it was hard to believe that there was actually happiness outside of the sorrow and horror I had experienced the three days previous. I forgot that life actually still goes on and there are people out there that are still experiencing all kinds of wonderful things.
So I went to the temple today and I was reminded of the larger picture. Our time here on earth is such a small part of it all. So really, as awful as it is for Travis to have died the way he did, I'm actually happy for him. He's in a place that is more wonderful than we could possibly imagine. He is happy to be there and he could not care less about the things he left behind--his house, his furniture, his car. As far as people he left behind, he loves them so so much and he took that love with him. The time between us seeing him again will seem long, but to him it will be so very short. As much as we will miss him, we can forge ahead and find happiness again. We will experience wonderful things and feel joy and peace. I already find peace and joy in knowing without a doubt that we live beyond this life.

2008-06-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I put all of my clothes in bags and threw them off of my balcony. I felt like I was kicking my boyfriend out but I was really just avoiding carrying all of those bags down the stairs to my car. So my move has begun. This morning when I woke up it felt like Christmas! I guess you could say I'm a little excited to be moving.
A couple of nights ago at Origins, I helped this lady. As I was putting make up on her, she asked me how old I was and then proceeded to tell me her words of wisdom. I have to share them because it was funny--she was sitting in the chair, her head leaning against the make up display, and she was falling asleep. Imagine trying to put eyeliner on someone with their head cocked to the side like that.
1. Never let yourself get out of shape.
2. Take care of your teeth
3. Save your money
4. If the builder asks you if you want extra insulation, take it.
Great words of wisdom. Good times.

2008-05-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

It's ON.
I'm moving! I'm moving! I'm moving!
Yes, I'm a little excited. I've been trying to make Nevada work for me...made a solid effort to make myself a permanent resident but alas, I came to the conclusion that I needed to move away much to the chagrin of my poor roommate.
JUNE 15th I should be back, moved in, and ready to go. I will be living in Riverside with my parents(cough) and working at this salon like a block and a half away. I will be able to walk there which is good for two reasons. 1. gas is like $800/gallon 2. exercise
I like living with my parents actually. I have my own space and can do my own thing and when we do cross paths, I get along with them pretty dang well.
SO when you need to recommend a hair and makeup artist to someone in the 951, send 'em on over! The salon I'm going to be in is cool and the owner is totally cool. It's pretty much everything I've been looking for so I'm way excited.
side note: I just finished Stephenie Meyer's vampire series. I read Twilight last year and just hadn't gotten around to the other two b/c I didn't really like Twilight all that much. But after reading New Moon and Eclipse, I would have to say I like the series. Her writing got SO MUCH better towards the end. My advice to someone who hasn't read it would be to pretend that all three were one big book and to not give up and just read through them all. I realize that you all will hate me for saying this but I think I'm a Jacob fan. I wasn't until the very end of Eclipse. I don't know....we'll have to see how the fourth book pans out!

2008-05-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went to my good friend Liz's wedding in LA. I'm pretty good friends with all of Liz's family and they all obsess over my full name. It's not Tracy--It's Tracy Lee Green with every address. Actually lately, it's been TLG a lot. Dr Tray kinda came and went. So even if some of the extended family didn't know my face, all I had to say was my full name and they knew exactly who I was.
It was a smaller wedding than I'm used to and I was right there in the middle of all of the action. I did like everyone's hair and even did some makeup. It was fun but a lot of work! I was exhausted by the end of the day--to the point that I wanted to cry. But I didn't. Just kidding I did. When Liz and her sisters and cousins did this polynesian dance that I can't remember the name to, I cried. It was so pretty and all I could think about was how cool it was that they are keeping the traditions of their culture alive.
I think I've been to one too many sealings because I had to really focus on being reverent when we were sitting in the sealing room waiting to start. I was trying not to make faces at everyone and run over and whisper silly things in their ears. It was a good thing they started when they did! I made it through without crying until the end. After that, my roudy insides came crashing out and I told Deanna that I wasn't crying, it was just raining on my face.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=64a_1fWTsls
It was painful to not laugh after that.
Lately the thing that makes me really tear up in the ceremony is at the end when the sealer tells you all of the blessings you are going to recieve from having made those special covenants. I'm so happy for Liz and Rob! ....and everyone else and their mom that's decided to up and get married this year. heart you all!

2008-05-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I was really excited to go to the mailbox and see a card that wasn't a wedding announcement. My aunt randomly sent this one. Isn't it funny?

It says 'the search for mr. right continues....'

I love you Aunt Diane!

2008-05-09T12:49:00.001-07:00

It's summer time so I'm getting my summer on!

Flip Flops 24/7
Bathing suit almost 24/7
pool
laying out
reading
bbq
disneyland!
MAYBE moving back to CA but big fat maybe

There is not enough time to work so maybe I just won't...

2008-04-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

So I totally went to Disneyland on Monday. I bought a season pass so for all of you that have the socal select pass and want to go ANYTIME, let me know. That place is TRULY the happiest place on earth. I really think they are siphoning laughing gas in to the air. I was in the FOULEST of foul moods and as soon as we got in to that parking lot, BAM! Happy, happy Tracy. I could tell several funny stories like how these boys thought me and Dano were lesbians b/c we were sharing a Matterhorn car. But another time. My favorite story by far was the one that gave me the biggest head, of course. We were totally exhausted after wandering the park for 6 hours and decided to go in and watch this movie: Disneyland, the first 50 years hosted by Steve Martin. We were waiting inside this large room, full of Disney paraphernalia when Dano convinced me to come over and watch this little slide show of disney characters through the years. So I sat down on this bench next to her and these 17 year oldish boys, and waited to see the really effed up mickey/minny mouse characters. All of a sudden I see one of the boys jump up from the bench. I looked up at him and he was looking back at me with this expression of complete shock on his face. He gained composure, almost unable to speak and said, "Oh my gosh! I'm sorry! I totally thought you were Cameron Diaz!" It seriously made not only my whole day, but my whole freakin year. I made Danielle take a picture of me right then.

So does that mean I am hot enough to make out with Jude Law??? or date Justin T??? teenage girl scream---ahhhhhhhh!!!

2008-04-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

My phone had a melt down this weekend and I lost most of my phone numbers....if you get a chance, send me a text with your name so I can save you again!

2008-04-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ya know it's funny how the choices we make everyday have such a ripple effect on not only our own lives but other peoples. Like if I had gone to Hawaii last September with one of my friends, he most likely would not be getting married on a day very soon that will remain unnamed. There was no way that he or I would have ever known the consequence of that choice. It's crazy to remember and feel, almost if you just went back in time, and you're looking at the future or what is going on right now and thinking wow ok, now I see why.
I just made a choice. It was probably the hardest thing that I've ever had to do because right now, I am back in time and I can't see the future and think wow ok, now I see why. I basically had to pass up probably the coolest job offer I've ever had and hope that the ripple effect will be all for the best. I'm so thankful that right now, I feel totally at peace.

2008-03-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

Wedding morning--all was super calm. We got her ready and out the door on time!

Super happy couple.

Cute little vintage bride.

oh look--yes I was really there. Steph and baby James, Mom and Dad

close up just before reception. pretty! pretty!

2008-03-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

I had to do fingerwaves for my state board exam in CA. I practiced on my mom the day before...pretty sweet.

2008-03-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's POISON. In the late 80's, I remember sitting in the family room, watching MTV with my brother and sisters. This is back when they used to play music videos. Was that a guy or a girl singing? Long hair on a BOY? bandanas? leather? what is this? It was Axel Rose singing Sweet Child O Mine. The more I saw it, the more I liked it and from there I became a total butt rock/hair band fan. I couldn't get enough of Poison, Motley Crue, Winger, AC/DC, Van Halen, Guns and Roses, Scorpions, etc etc. (Don't worry, I still listened to New Kids at the same time.) I thought the earrings, big hair, and make up thing was totally bizarre but I was in to it all the same. It wasn't really until grunge rock came around that I started to form crushes on singers so I never really found this whole look as attractive:

But HOLY CRAP have you seen ROCK OF LOVE with BRETT MICHAELS??? I now see what all of the older girls were freaking out over.

All of a sudden, this week, I've had a MAJOR crush on Brett. I think he is dripping with sex appeal and I am now constantly flipping over to VH1, just hoping a rerun of rock of love is playing or a commercial or SOMETHING.

Oh Brett, I love you.

2008-03-23T00:46:00.000-07:00

Today was marathon wedding day. My cousin Alison got married and yours truly was the stylist--the hair, the makeup, the dress. It was so much fun! I overheard so many people say how beautiful she looked and I just stood by and thought to myself, ya, I did that! My dad put it best by saying she looked straight out of a vintage vanity fair magazine. I can't wait to post pictures! So some highlights of the day were, performing a choreographed dance in front of 350 people, sitting at a table of awkward single 30-ish year olds, and Uncle Alan trying to set me up with a married guy. It sounds like I'm being sarcastic but they really were the best parts of the day!
Dance: Alison and Eric decided to make up a dance after being inspired by the salt and pepa push it video--you tube it. So the song was a Junior Senior dity and in the end it looked like we were in the thriller video--not because we looked like zombies although maybe I did--but because we surprised the crowd and jumped in and started dancing with Alison and Eric about 1/2 way in to the song, moving all together. It was seriously so fun!
Awkward table: I appreciate the gesture here--let's put the people that are single together so that they can find a match and unsingle themselves. However, at 30 we all feel uncomfortable with ourselves no matter what because we are all thinking the same thing: there is always a reason why a person hasn't been married before 30 but I'm def not included in that statistic. So all of these people are a bunch of weirdos and I'm the only normal one. Let me back up on this story really quick. When I realized that my seating assignment was different from the rest of my family, I just about died. I knew what was coming and I was the first one at the table. Uncle Alan + his whole family was at the next table and they kept offering to have me come and sit with them but I declined saying thanks but I'm not going to fix it, I'm just going to complain about it. So as the table filled up, I noticed that they were all watching and giving winks and nods of approval at the obviously single boys now filling the seats beside me. After the table was full and we had been sitting there a while, Alan came waltzing over, leaned over and said to me just loud enough for some to hear: Tracy, would you still like to come over and sit with us? I wanted to sink under the table. I mean really, how do you get out of that??? As Ali came by to greet us she asked us if we had found our eternal companion at the table yet. I think I was the only one that really laughed while every one else got really uncomfortable. I love these stories!
Uncle Alan: The first time he embarrassed me was at the luncheon after the temple. He had been talking about some guys that he wants to set me up with and said that there was even one guy there at the wedding that they thought I would like. I didn't think much of it until I realized who it was. We were sitting around chatting when this particular individual walked by. Alan called out, Hey Bryce! Have you met Tracy yet? It was too late. I couldn't do anything but say, yes, we met sort of last night and hope that Alan wouldn't say anything more. After a minute or two of chit chat, Bryce walked away. Alan asked Well??? and I replied, He's MARRIED!!! But good try. I should have just played it off and called Alan out on the spot in front of Bryce but I was too flustered to think to do it.
Ah I love family weddings...June 7th is another one!!!!!

2008-03-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

This one goes out to my man, GEORGE.
Dear George,
I just want to thank you for cooking my chicken to perfection EVERY TIME. It's truly amazing and I am just dying to know how you do it! My life will never be the same considering I now make chicken every time I work at Origins--where you are now living. I will never forget the day when Danielle brought you home from work and I thought she was crazy to have kept you there--not because I was missing out on you but because I wondered what all the fuss was about. Why was it so important to have you there? It was only when I started working there too that I realized how important it is to make freshly grilled loveliness for dinner instead of heating something nasty up in the microwave or spending what it takes to make in an hour on restaurant food. My life is now complete thanks to you.
hugs and kisses,
me

ok ok, YES I just worked an 8 hour shift and YES I'm a little delirious. For most people, working that amount of time is totally normal. For me it is, however, the past few months I've worked on a bunch of different things in that time period--do hair for a few hours, go to Origins for a few hours, sew for a few hours. So doing all Origins is a bit crazy for me. I'm more exhausted than working a 12 hour day of all three jobs. How is that???

2008-03-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

I walked out in to the kitchen to give danielle a scare with my hannibal lecter origins face mask and was met with her black charcoal mask...

2008-03-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

I took a color personality test a few years back and discovered that I was a 'white' with a 'red' as a close second. Taking the test made me think back through my life at my behavior. I've always been shy and super low key but there have been times where I've been really passionate about something and unleashed myself. I kinda thought that was cool and was proud to tell people my colors. Being red meant that I wasn't afraid to stand up for myself or speak my mind and white meant that I didn't ever do that so I felt like maybe there was a balance and I would only really speak up when it was important. It's only been recently that I realized being passive aggressive isn't necessarily a good thing. I let things go and in theory want to pick my battles (aka: avoid confrontation) so I don't pick any until the same battle builds up and I explode. I am a scorpio and born in the year of the dragon=calm on the outside+violent storm on the inside. I'm seriously a walking time bomb! Why am I writing about this? Probably because I actually had the courage to stick up for myself and say exactly how I felt before I exploded. I'm growing!

2008-03-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

So my friend Jeff was in a marathon on Saturday morning and he convinced me to come along. I'm not really sure why he wanted me there....maybe to entertain him after he was finished?
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=11071833781&subj=803224777
He did a great job running. I was super spiritual and read the Ensign until he was finished. Oh and I took pictures of some different cactus--err cacti? and the red mountains since we were at Red Rock.
We had to leave at 5am so I was up at 445am. Since then, sleeping in is nearly impossible. Yesterday and today I was awake by 7am. My life is ruined! Now I can't stay up late with Danielle to watch LOST (we are almost done with season 2). I could barely keep my eyes open past 11pm last night! Oh the mutiny!

2008-02-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

So I happened to watch Conan last night and was super excited when I found out that Will Arnett was going to be on...Will is better known to some as GOB Bluth. I think he is so hilarious and this interview was--wow--just check it out!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=z8kSZ9tbxIU
Flava Flave was on too. He was wearing a lot of fur and a bear hat---yes, a bear hat. I think my favorite part was his idea of a romantic date--Benihana's and bowling. So now we know why there is a Flavor of Love THREE.