Vegas Cars

Hi my name is Brooke and I like to take pictures of stranger's cars.

Thanks for Sharing

I want all of you to feel the awkwardness of this picture. Anyone else think he looks a little too 'dirty old man' in this picture?

Little Yellow Truck

I've been checking out this cute little yellow truck in my parking lot for some time now. It looks like something that belongs in Preston Idaho. The steering wheel is really old looking. It reminds me of my dad's '57 Jeep. The tires are brand new and I love the little hooks on the exterior rim of the bed. It's a Datsun and from my brief google search I think it might be from the 70's.

**My dad just told me that he owned a truck almost identitcal to this when I was really little. I don't remember it at all but I guess now we know why I'm so drawn to it. It's really sweet I think.

Look Mom! We're not the only ones......

http://theapronstage.com/2009/05/14/in-a-panic/

Louise

Let’s discuss panic and anxiety disorder. I had my first panic attack when I had two toddlers a year apart, and my mother-in-law had just visited for a month. I was minding my own business when suddenly I couldn’t breathe, and my face and limbs got all prickly and numb, but my heart was hammering. It felt like I was being forced into a deep hole from which there was no return. Panic.

Contrary to what it feels like, a panic attack is when you’re taking in too much oxygen rather than suffocating. The way to make it go away is to breathe into a pillow or jam your mouth and nose into a paper bag. Or take a tranquilizer, which no person experiencing her first panic attack ever has on hand. Even knowing this information, the second panic attack feels no better than the first. It always feels like you’re going to die.

Anxiety is more generalized, but can keep you under the covers some days and can lead to depression, because it’s really tiresome to be anxious all the time. And the thing is if you don’t take it by the horns, it’s worse. You have to do your life’s work despite the anxiety and panic. Bummer.

Here are some helps not in any particular order:1) Decide to be imperfect. 2) Stop worrying about what other people think about you. 3)Exercise, exercise, exercise. (I hate this one the most). 4) Find someone to talk to. If your husband isn’t good at this, then find a girlfriend. Find a good therapist. (Not all therapists are equal—shop around) 5) Pray for guidance. Be specific. 6) Don’t be afraid of medication. This scares young people, but women of a certain age know that medication is a gift from God. It’s a gift. Insulin is a gift; so are serotonin inhibitors.7) Don’t repeatedly thank your husband for “putting up with you.” He’s probably got some other kind of anxiety disorder like obsessive/compulsive disorder and is driving you out of your mind. 8) Take care of yourself. It’s not selfish. It’s good sense. (Oprah is right about this). 9) Turn dark thoughts into positive affirmations. 10) There is no ten. 11) Face your chemistry. Anxiety and panic disorders are chemical disorders and run in families. 12) Stop talking about having a nervous breakdown. There is no such thing as a nervous breakdown, especially now days with excellent meds. 13)Pretend you’re a cat and find a square of sunshine.

Finally, you’re not going mad (despite your husband or mother-in-law). It’s really hard to go mad. Try hallucinating. Try hearing voices. It’s really hard to do. (Although I often hear muffled radio voices late at night. Sometimes I go downstairs to see if the radio is on. Sometimes, I just raise my head off the pillow. I don’t know what it means, and I don’t care).

A Juicy One

Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten Different People. (but don't say their name)

1. You are not as cool as you think you are.

2. I want to submit your name to 'What Not to Wear."

3. I think you would be happier with me, but I'm not sure I would be happier with you.

4. I think your husband is a pervert.

5. I still wish you would have chosen someone else.

6. Sorry if I make you feel dumb, but I think you really are dumb.

7. Do you know how ridiculous you sound?

8. I wish you could see the world more like I do.

(10 minute pause because I can't think of anything else to say. I think this is a good thing)

9. I wish I wouldn't have listened to you.

10. Lighten up and live a little.

Nine things about myself.

1. I just adopted a dog. I adopted because its cheap, not because I'm big-hearted.

2. I'm messy. There, I said it.

3. I really don't like my natural hair color.

4. I connect best with people who have light colored eyes (blue, green, light brown)

5. I think my mom is an attractive woman. I can only hope I look as good as her when I'm 50.

6. I like that I have freckles. They cover blemishes.

7. I would spend $150+ on a pair of good jeans. (But I never have...yet)

8. I've had over 50 roommates during my lifetime. I only disliked a few of them.

9. I can't stand Pepto Bismol. I always buy the pill version.

Eight ways to win my heart.

Note:**These are not all must-haves.

1. Make me laugh.

2. Touch my hand, shoulder, arm, knee when you talk to me.

3. Help people move regularly.

4. Tip well (20% is the minimum)

5. Play the guitar. 6. Drive a foreign car.

7. Be non-judgmental.

8. Be spontaneous but not dangerously spontaneous.

Seven things that cross my mind a lot.

1. What am I going to eat?

2. Is my dog ok?

3. Should I move away from Vegas?

4. How many pairs of clean underwear do I have left? (I hate laundry)

5. Am I going to lose my job by the end of the year?

6. What does that person do for a living to be able to afford that HUGE house?

7. When will the summer be over? Too hot.

Six things I do before I fall asleep

1. Turn on my fan.

2. Shut my door.

3. Put dog in her kennel.

4. Turn off lights.

5. Get under blanket with my feet sticking out of the bottom.

6. Smoosh my pillow into the perfect shape for my head.

Five people who mean a lot to me. (in no order whatsoever)

1. Breeann Lemke Heaton

2. Merrin McWilliams James

3. Bethany Stanley

4. Heather Goodrich Shuler

5. Julianne Partridge

Four things you're wearing right now.

1. Pink Polo

2. Jeans

3. Socks

4. Keen's

Three songs that you like listen to .

1. "People Should Smile More" by ....

2. "Mad" by Neyo

3. "Senorita" by Justin Timberlake

Two things you want to do before you die.

1. Have a family of my own.

2. Have a doctorate degree.

One confession.

**So many to choose from, this is hard.

1. Sometimes I read Cosmo's tips on you know what. I shouldn't admit that here I know. Too late. NOW IT'S YOUR TURN.

Update on UNLV

I reported earlier that I was going to UNLV this fall but plans have changed. They called us in at work a month ago and cut everyone's salaries by 10%. I don't want to go into debt for school and I KNOW that I will go back someday. For now though, I'm going to hunker down and wait for the storm to pass.

Lexy the Dog

Why did I get a dog?
-I am getting bored just taking care of myself all day, every day.
-Dogs help with depression. Who can't use a bit of cheering up right?

Why did I choose the name Lexy?
-I read that dogs can recognize the letter 'X' easily.
-Lexy rolls off of the tongue easier than Roxy, which was my 2nd choice.

Why did I pick this specific dog?
-I wanted a non-shedder.
-I wanted a non-puppy.
-I wanted an easily portable dog.

Where did I get her?
-I adopted her from the pound. ($155)

Why is she wearing a cone?
-At the pound they include spaying (or neutering), all vaccines and a microchip.

Other information...
-They shaved her hair off. When it grows back, she'll be cuter.
-She is only 1/2 lb underweight according to the vet.
-She likes to wake up and play between 3-4 a.m...........zzzz

SYTYCD

My top ten ranked 1-10

Jeanine Mason1st

Brandon Bryant
2nd

Kayla Radomski
4th

Melissa Sandvig
Eliminated

Randi Evans
Eliminated

Janette Manrara
Eliminated

Evan Kasprzak
3rd

Jason Glover
Eliminated

Kupono Aweau
Eliminated

Ade Obayomi
Eliminated

Quote from church on Sunday

This hit home for me on Sunday. Time to refocus and recommit Just wanted to share.

Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Settle This in Your Hearts’,” Ensign, Nov 1992, 65

LINK

"Today my plea is to those members already inside but whose discipleship is casual, individuals whom we love, whose gifts and talents are much needed in building the kingdom!

Any call for greater consecration is, of course, really a call to all of us. But these remarks are not primarily for those who are steadily striving and who genuinely seek to keep God’s commandments and yet sometimes fall short. (See D&C 46:9.) Nor is this primarily for those few in deliberate noncompliance, including some who cast off on intellectual and behavioral bungee cords in search of new sensations, only to be jerked about by the old heresies and the old sins.

Instead, these comments are for the essentially “honorable” members who are skimming over the surface instead of deepening their discipleship and who are casually engaged rather than “anxiously engaged.” (D&C 76:75; D&C 58:27.) Though nominal in their participation, their reservations and hesitations inevitably show through. They may even pass through our holy temples, but, alas, they do not let the holy temples pass through them.

Such members accept callings but not all of the accompanying responsibilities; hence, their Church chores must often be done by those already “anxiously engaged.” Some regard themselves as merely “resting” in between Church callings."

A Bishop's Counsel

So I met with my bishop last night and he asked me to email all of my loved ones and ask them to set me up on dates. So please set me up loved ones, my future happiness is in your hands. :)

Here are some guidelines...

To my married female friends:
Rule of thumb...If you were single, would you go out with them?
Yes? set me up.
No? no thanks.

To my male friends:
Actually don't worry, I trust your judgment more than my female friends.

I've learned at least the following over the years:
1. I like brains over brawn.
2. I like blue, green or light brown eyes. Dark brown or black eyes are not my thing apparently.
3. I like to converse and communicate; which ties into the brains part.

Minor Mishap

I was doing a modified pull up. When I came back down I was suppose to step back onto the bench I was standing on but I missed and scraped the H E double hockey sticks out of my leg. It stung really bad and I cried for about five minutes but continued on with the workout. Luckily I like bruises.

The Marriage Decision

I looked up this article Sunday because I was struggling with the idea that couples were counseled not to put off having children for long periods of time after marriage. (I mean on purpose, I understand that many struggle to have children.) It sounds logical and wise to me to wait a while if a couple will finish their schooling or get their financial feet under them within a few years. I guess it all comes down to what a person defines as 'a few' and 'a while.'

This article is VERY straight forward about this topic AND marriage in general. It was a good wake up call for me to read it so I thought I'd share. It kind of made me feel bad and I could see it making others feel bad who feel they are putting forth their best effort to get married and have children. But at least you know for sure what the standard is.

So click HERE if you'd like to check it out.

Atlas Shrugged

I'm reading it at a snail's pace but its SO WORTH IT.

Workout Group

My friend is opening a gym this week and I might check it out. It's 'boot campy.' (p.s. i always want to say/write 'booty camp' haha booty is such fun word!) I didn't even recognize her yesterday and I'd seen her just a few months ago. Must be something to it.

http://www.kaizencrossfit.com/

Workout Video

I REALLY like this workout video. In my opinion it is similar to Pilates.

http://tracyandersonmethoddvd.amazonwebstore.com/

I'm a REBEL

It's ironic that my resume will now scream a 'I'm a Mormon Rebel!' Sounds like an Honor Code violation to me. I am excited to announce that I'm going back to school this fall to become an expert bean counter.

26 Goals for my 26th year

MerBear and I eating cupcakes on my 25th birthday.

I just sat and excitedly wrote out this silly list. I wasn't going to share because it's a little embarrassing but lets get real....now you can see what I truly value.

1. Clean your Room!!!!!!!!
2. Stay on Top of it.
3. Pilates Every Day
4. Eat nothing
5. Buy a new article of clothing every week.
6. Make bed comfy DONE
7. Legs always perfectly shaved.
8. Hair perfect
9. Perfect skin, fingernails & toes.
10. Whiten Teeth DONE
11. Tanning Package Changed my mind to be tan via healthy methods.
12. Perfectly clean car at all times.
13. Read scriptures for 10 minutes a day
14. Temple once a month
15. Institute once a week
16. Fix FSA/Pay Bills
17. Use the clothing iron more often
18. Send birthday cards to my family members
19. Update Ensign subscription
20. New 'underwear.'
21. Organize and update Jewelry
22. Buy some Keen shoes.
23. Wear more lotion
24. File all paperwork or shred it.
25. Update photo albums/memorabilia
26. Have 2 months worth of salary in savings.

My favorite part is that I got to the end and remembered that I'm going to be 29!! Can you believe what a ditz I am sometimes? Maybe I could fix that by adjusting my priorities.
27. Start my master's degree
28. keep my job
29. go on a real vacation

"He who laughs last didn't get it." - Helen Giangregorio

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Royal Blue, but a pretty sort of dull royal blue not a harsh bright royal blue.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
No, not because I hate them but because there would be no point.

4. Do you plan outfits?
Yes, especially when I purchase new clothes.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
In Pain, these headaches....honestly I'm ready to partake of illegal drugs here people.

6. What’s the closest thing to you that's red?
My purse

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having.
Last night I had a dream that I went to a gun and horse show in Preston. My mind is weird.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
No

9. What are you craving right now?
Nothing food wise. I'd like to be in Preston right now though.

10. Do you floss daily?
Almost never. I've never had a cavity and I expect my expensive toothbrush to get the job done.

11.What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Asian food, spring/egg rolls.

12. Are you emotional?
Yes but I can pull off being 'unemotional' pretty well. Most of my emotions are kept on the inside and do not show on the outside.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
No, that would give me a headache.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick?
Bite, I'm a biter of lolly pops too. I will lick the ice cream if its melting though.

15. Do you like your hair?
Yes but only because other people compliment me on it. From my own perspective I wouldn't say I like it though. If that makes sense.

16. Do you like yourself?
Yes, but I always wish I were a better version of myself.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Of course, I'd go eat with anyone famous or historical.

18. What are you listening to right now?
Before she was mama by Clay Walker pandora.com is the best website ever!

19. Are your parents strict?
Not at all.

20. Would you go sky diving?
Only if a REALLY cute boy was involved and maybe some cash.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Yes

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
No

23. Do you rent movies often?
No

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
There is a star shaped wand in my office. I don't know where it came from.

25. How many countries have you visited?
Argentina (I know the airport shouldn't count)
Uruguay
Mexico
Cayman Islands (I enjoyed reading about the political structure of the country more than actually visiting)
Guatemala.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Yes, the only one I can remember was calling Arbys and telling them that their horsey sauce made me gallop.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes from SLC to Sacramento. So fun! Everyone should take a train ride.

28. Brown or white eggs?
White

29.Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes, btw Nokia brand is CRAP. Verizon however is the only way to go.

30. Do you use chap stick?
Yes

31. Do you own a gun?
No

32. Can you use chop sticks?
Yes and I like to use them.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Myself. Work shmerk.

34. Are you too forgiving?
It's good to forgive but sometimes it causes me anguish which is a negative side effect.

35. Ever been in love?
Yes, but looking back...ya I'm certain the real thing is yet to come.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
One is packing, the other is probably puking (she's prego.)

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes

38. Last time you cried?
Earlier in the week something made me get emotional and teary eyed in a good way but I can't remember what it was.

39. What was the last question you asked?
'What is her blog address?'

40. Favorite time of the year?
Fall

41. Do you have any tattoos?
No. I really like henna tattoos. I've always said that if someone could come up with tattoo ink that only stayed on for a year I'd consider getting one.

42. Are you sarcastic?
Yes at times. I wish it wasn't considered rude. Sarcasm can be really hilarious.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
No but I wanted to when I saw the trailer.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
Glass door but not a wall.

45. Favorite color?
Red

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
No...well maybe when I was younger, actually definitely but I can't remember. I was mean sometimes.

47. Is your hair curly?
I can make it wavy with product and scrunching.

48. What was the last CD you bought?
I have no idea. It was a long time ago.

49. Do looks matter?
Yes they matter, no doubt. It's an interesting topic to discuss. A good looking person might have more opportunities and be treated better in life, while someone who is average looking develops a stellar personality because they have to work harder to get what they want. Which is better? I say average looking.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Depends on why they cheated.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
No

52. Do you like your life right now?
Like but not love.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
Sometimes its the only way I can fall asleep.

54. Can you handle the truth?
Yes but sometimes it stings at first.

55. Do you have good vision?
No! I need surgery. My contacts dry my eyes and my glasses make me hot (warm.)

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
I don't hate anyone. I dislike between 3 and 5 people.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
Everyday a little. I'm a big texter though. It's just so much easier to get your point across. Phone calls waste time in my opinion.

58. The last person you held hands with?
I'd rather focus on the next person I will hold hands with.

59. What are you wearing?
Black tank top with lace around the top (not bottom like all the mormon shirts), grey 3/4 length cardigan with small ruffles around the collar and jeans.

60. What is your favorite animal?
Horse

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
Park and amphitheater across from Mt. Timpanogos Temple.

62. Can you hula hoop?
Last time I tried I absolutely COULDN'T! How is that possible? Isn't it just like riding a bike? Apparently not.

63. Do you have a job?
Yes

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A big bag of Peas, Pomegranate/Blueberry Juice, Breyers Peanut Butter Tracks (holy hella good.)

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
I'm sure I have and it was probably awkward.

My 1st Fondant Cake

It went from THIS.

To THIS.

Mom & Dad

Am I in these pictures?

Guitar

I use to think that my favorite instrument was the drums but I've recently realized that I like guitar the most.

I heard this song this morning and it reminded me what I like about guitar.

Idaho

Our governor has not appeared in any movies.
I'm not within North Koreas nuke range.
I measure distance in hours.
I know several people who have hit a deer more then once.
I often switch from "heat" to "a/c" in the same day and back again.
I can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching.
I see people wearing camouflage at a social events.
I have security lights on my house and garage and leave both unlocked.
My halloween costume fits over or under my puffy coat.
Driving is better in winter because pot holes are filed with snow.
I know all four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction.
own south means Utah or Nevada.
I have jumper cables in my car and know how to use them.
I find 0 degrees "a little chilly".
Its a madatory tradition to hike the hill behind the highschool and toiletpaper your class year onto the sagebrush.
I only wear "smith" sunglasses.
I can name everyone I have or will graduate with.
I lose all sense of direction when you lose sight of the mountains.
I've snowboarded in a t-shirt and shoveled snow in shorts.
I've had a lengthy telephone conversations with someone who dialed the wrong number.
I can go out at midnight, AND, I can walk down the street. ANY street that is, without being robbed by kids with guns.
Cali girls are NOT hotter than ours... In fact, they are almost equal... and thats only due to silicone, saline, botox, lasers and hair dye... We have the real ones and they can beat yours up.