Please bear with me while I engage in some major white girl problems whining.

My fabulous and wonderful job is sending me to London for two weeks at the end of April!

But...this means that in the next four weeks I need to...
- attend a 3 day work summit thing
- throw a bridal shower for one of my favorite people the next day
- take comprehensive exams for two days straight on everything I've learned in three years of graduate school
- MAKE A FILM
- continue do my job 50+ hours a week

and for the bonus round...
- lose the 12 pounds I gained post breakup (oops!)
- try to have a life
- spend time with the best man in my life (Midasmonster, obviously)
- put in several hours a day waiting for the phone to ring

All of this begs the question: I can do all this, right? I can push myself to the breaking point for four weeks, and make it out fine on the other side. After all, I just have to PASS the exams, not ace them. I just have to MAKE the film, not win an academy award for it.

Better or worse, it's all over in four weeks. And then I get on a plane for London.

Before I got the plague this past week, I spent a lovely weekend in Palm Springs with two old good friends, and one new good friend (at least I now consider her one!).

The weather was perfect, the food was fantastic, and the company was even better. I can't imagine a more relaxing weekend than reading by the pool, nights in the hot tub, and more good conversation than I've had in ages. This may sound strange, but it was an inspiring weekend.

It's easy, living so far away from what I'm used to, to become disconnected from the way I used to live my life, the goals I used to have, etc. Life in the west is truly different from everywhere in the country. And being reminded of that was refreshing.

Anyway, I know the title suggests a specific story, but really, it was just that time in Palm Springs that I needed and loved.

I won't go into details, but circumstances last week led me on a solo trip to Grand Junction, Colorado. (interesting note: on the east coast, we say Colorahhhdo, but not with that much emphasis. Out west, they say Colorado, with the a like in apple.)

Most people probably wouldn't take a mini vacation alone, but being by myself doesn't bother me, and in fact is sort of refreshing. My amateur phone pictures don't do it justice, but this area of Colorado is absolutely breathtaking.

On my first night I went to a painting class, which was sort of terrifying because I'm not artistic in that respect. But I'm pretty pleased with the results.

The next morning I hiked in the Colorado National Monument. The views were amazing. I wish it was in my backyard, I could see myself doing a lot of hiking if it were this accessible.

That afternoon I visited the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens.

And walked around adorable downtown Grand Junction.

On my last day I was pretty lazy and did a lot of reading and watching 30 Rock. But I did manage to make it to Palisade (just east of GJ) to wander around some vineyards and orchards.

Solo traveling isn't for everyone, but I loved it. Because I used to travel for work I'm not bothered by eating alone or even going to a movie alone. If you aren't comfortable sitting alone at a restaurant, get takeout! Go to a movie on a weeknight (I saw Five Year Engagement, so funny!) if you're worried about what people will think. But really, don't worry, because you aren't in your hometown, so you don't know anyone. 

I do want to mention that I was very safe about this trip. At least one person knew where I was at all times, when to expect me back, etc. I meant to get pepper spray (D has been bugging me about it forever), but couldn't find any close by before I left SLC. 

On a sappier note, being on this trip made me realize in a very real way one of the reasons people get into relationships. As much fun as I had doing whatever I wanted by myself, there were times (a lot of times) when I just wanted D there so he could see what I was seeing, or so I could tell him something. I think we all have a desire to share our lives with someone, or as Sarah says, to have someone witness our life. This hit me when I was alone on this trip. But it's true what they say...distance makes the heart grow fonder, and we had a great reunion when I got back.

In two days I will be here:

This time next week I'll be in sunny California! To say I'm excited would be an understatement.

It's been years since I was in California, and I can't wait to see the beach. And Disneyland! (I've never been, and I feel like a little kid right now.)

This month is shaping up to be pretty fantastic. And so...(because I love lists)...a list of things I'm excited about this month:

1. California trip: Disneyland, beach, warm weather, great company
2. St Patrick's Day Shamrock Shake with Rachel (well...with her in spirit)
3. Fun. concert on March 31
4. Festival of Colors (I couldn't go last year so I don't want to miss it)
5. Jeremy's thesis film shoot this weekend (going to be a lot of work but I think I'll learn a lot)
6. A certain new someone I'm a pretty big fan of (do you like how I resisted listing this first?)
7. Warm weather! (wishing and hoping)

With all that to look forward to, how could the rest of March not be as great as the first week?

I can't wait to get back to Salt Lake tomorrow.

I was just trying to make plans with a friend to take a class, and realized I basically have 4 hours of reliably free time a week. Between school and work and TAing and working out (boxing, yay!) I am stretched beyond thin (metaphorically only).

Plus, September is going to be a really busy month. Filled with fun things every weekend, but still, I'd like some time to catch my breath.

Today I'm heading back to the East Coast for my first cross country trip of the month: Philadelphia! Cousin Helen is getting married, so it's back home for me until Monday.

Here's hoping I can be zen and calm and the opposite of anxious on my flight!

My mom tried to show me where they keep the towels. My parents kept all my shampoo and conditioner in the shower. And my mostly empty face wash.

It is so green there. So, so green.



Sarah came up from DC to visit. As usual, we did not take a single picture together. I was reminded how nice it is to be around someone who understands you so completely.

Seriously? So green.

Remember the first time I went to Vegas? I'm blogging it so I will.

Even though I was still sick with strep throat, Melissa and I (and Nicolas) drove to Vegas for a few days the weekend before last.

We stopped briefly in St George (also my first time).


And climbed Dixie Rock. It was really this orange.


Our view from the hotel.


Mel and I at this amazing shark aquarium that you can't see any of in the photo.


Melissa took this photo of Nicolas and I at the Paris Hotel.


Nicolas took this photo of me relaxing at a brain health clinic. It was definitely good for my brain health.

Vegas was amazing. Even though it was a little chilly, and I was sort of sick, I had a great time. I can't wait to go back.

I thought about using another Katy Perry song (Waking Up in Vegas), but I decided to go retro.

Is there a more classic Vegas song than Viva Las Vegas? I think not.