Arizona

Watching: Hoarding

Since my last blog post I've been to Arizona for my second vacation. I visited Amy Parker, a gal I met online almost 5 years ago on Gaiaonline.com (a chat thread I frequent - everyday) as well as her son Dallas who is a very well-behaved four-year-old boy. We had some great fun; watching movies at her house, took her to experience hookah for the first time (she got sick though, wah), visited the Arizona Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium and had a BLAST at karaoke.

I also took an unexpected visit to my old neighbor Julie who is attending college at ASU which was only a 40 minute drive from Amy's house. We went to Whattaburger to which neither of us had been to before.

My final visit was to my cousin Sarah where I also met her finace. We watched a lot of Netflix and had dinner.

Overall I was very please with myself on this trip. I was nervous about flying alone, but I did it. I rented a car and navigated around Arizona very well on my own (well, with lots of help from mapquest) and it was a great experience.

I will post more photos once the film is developed.

Heading into 2011

Watching: Wild China (6 pt series)

It's Dec. 31, the day that is most known for making resolutions. I've never been a fan of making those but realized I do have some.

First of all, of course, is to reach my weight loss goal. That part I can see happening easily since I'm so close and had already made that a goal. So as my resolution I will draw from that and say that I resolve to remain conscious of what I eat and continue to make healthy decisions about what I put in my body. Alcohol is my weakness, but I think if I eat healthy and start a work out routine, I'll be in good shape.

Another resolution, like always, is to save money. The goal has always been to save money, but my resolution is to learn money management and utilize the skill and have my savings account reflect that. Before 2011 begins, I've already taken a great step to this because I'm registered for a personal finance class.

I will be going to Arizona to see an online friend I've never met yet have been in touch with for over 5 years. Amy Parker. In 2011, I'm taking advantage of 10-days furlough time and turning them into experiences. I will be visiting Amy and her son Dallas (and her husband and other housemates) and we will go out to karaoke. I will then go visit my cousin Sarah who is often in AZ to see her finace (or bf, but I think it's finace) and will be at that time. I bought my tickets a few days ago and so the motion of this plan has begun. This means I cannot turn back. I've chosen my days, I've got my ticket, now I need to collect information on what to pack, how to rent a car and remind myself through the whole thing that I'm brave enough to face my fear! I don't have a fear of flying, I have a fear of doing new things alone. So 2011 will be a big step with this event alone.

Also in my furlough schedule are 3 dates in a row in which Igor Spectre is playing a show each of those nights. So I'm sure everyone knows where I'll be. I used to be scared to go to Igor Spectre shows alone and I got over that. Hope for the future. ;)

Stuart and I are making a list of things we want to do together. We have gone to the aquarium and want to return. We also want to go to the wild animal park, zoo, la brea tar pits, the 'house built by a crazy lady' (he knew what I meant as soon as I said that) and others.