100 Things i LOVE Terribly

It first should be said that I am plagiarizing this from TWO different blogs. It should second be said that I am most definitely in need of a pick-me-up. This should do the trick.

My favorite Shark and the Rockstar Diaries gave me the inspiration, and I am merging the two ideas together to birth:

100 Things i LOVE Terribly
*In NO PARTICULAR ORDER*

1. John Mayer (the man, the music, the mystery)

2. Yoga
3. Driving with my feet out the window
4. Laying out by the pool
5. Reading in the shade on a blanket
6. Cafe Rio salads
7. Kids with type 1 diabetes
8. Working hard to find a cure for kids with type 1 diabetes
9. Laffy Taffy
10. F*R*I*E*N*D*S
11. Gilmore Girls
12. Grey's Anatomy
13. Sarcasm
14. My family


15. Sex & the City

16. Thunderstorms
17. So You Think You Can Dance
18. Concerts
19. Sleeping in
20. Kissing in the rain
21. Novelty books
22. Victoria's Secret
23. Retail therapy
24. Diet Coke
25. Fall vacations
26. Massages

27. Footloose

28. Iceberg shakes
29. Broccoli
30. Quaker Crunchy Corn Bran
31. iPod
32. iPod Shuffle
33. Little Caesar's Crazy Bread
34. MSN Messenger/gChat/Facebook IM
35. Facebook
36. the Beatles
37. Shakespeare in Love
38. Song lyrics
39. Hugh Jackman
40. Work
41. The beach

42. Baking

43. Flying on airplanes
44. Road tripping
45. Rollerblading
46. Michael Jackson
47. Movie theater popcorn
48. A Plethora of pillows
49. Naps
50. A good sweat
51. Burts Bees
52. Hard earned money
53. Birthday presents

54. Target

55. Chunky rings
56. Aromatherapy
57. Pencil skirts
58. Thanksgiving
59. Entertainment Weekly
60. Dark nail polish
61. Gerber daisies
62. Ryan Reynolds
63. Ann Taintor
64. The Weepies
65. Vintage
66. Skittles


67. the Jonas Brothers
68. Chocolate
69. Sunglasses
70. Lucky bamboo plants
71. amazon.com
72. iTunes
73. New music Tuesdays
74. Stars
75. The O.C.
76. Shopaholic books
77. Going to the movies
78. Lazy rivers
79. First kisses
80. Shoes
81. Bridal fairs
82. Sharpie markers
83. Apple Macintosh
84. Sudoku
85. Listening to music in the dark

86. My sissy

87. Longboarding
88. Eating out
89. Listening to music, full blast, in the dark
90. Finding new music artists to adore
91. Showing others new music artists to adore
92. Thinking about getting a tattoo

93. Chace Crawford

94. Meeting new people
95. Falling in Love
96. a Good Cry
97. Laughing until you cry
98. Mod Podge
99. Domesticity
100. Contentment

Lightning could strike

I saw the movie Meet Joe Black when I was a sophomore in high school. I fell in love with the movie immediately. It was later on in college that I fell in love with the content. I began compiling a book with magazine ads and photos that depicted "love." To compliment the photos, I began scouring the web, lyrics, movies, and books for quotes about love. To this day, this passage from Meet Joe Black still holds a certain significance in my life. I imagine this is what it will be like...

I want you to get swept away.
I want you to levitate.
I want you to sing with rapture and dance like a dervish.
Be deliriously happy - or at least leave yourself open to be.
Love is passion...
Obsession.
Someone you can't live without.
If you don't start with that, what are you going to end up with?
Fall head over heels.
I say find someone you can love like crazy and who'll love you the same way back.
And how do you find him?
Forget your head and listen to your heart...I'm not hearing any heart.
Run the risk, if you get hurt, you'll come back.
Because, the truth is there is no sense living your life without this...
To make the journey and not fall deeply in love - well, you haven't lived a life at all.
You have to try.
Because if you haven't tried, you haven't lived.
Stay open - who knows...
Lightning could strike.

Drive My Car

This weekend I said goodbye to the only car I have ever owned.

I bought the Priz when I was 17. It was a flash decision, born of lucky circumstance and necessity: I totaled my parents' minivan in the high school parking lot and had no choice. I needed a car, and I needed it fast. Before we found the Priz, Paul and I had to ride the bus - for a grand total of one week. Needless to say, it was one of the longest weeks of our lives - and one I vividly remember...hating.

My mom and I had discussed a price range, and I knew I didn't want to pay more than $200 a month, but soon realized that cars in that arena were few and far between. I test drove a Saturn with a stick shift - not very well, I might add. We were back at the dealership in no time. I had no preferenct in make, model, or color, but instinctively knew I wanted it to have a sunroof, power windows and locks, and a CD player. Sadly, I soon learned that these bells and whistles didn't generally come on a $5,000 car.

I settled on the Priz, paying $6,500+interest. I very quickly learned that taxes on a purchase that large added up quickly, and that interest was a b****. It was love at first sight - and very luckily so, because my patience with riding the bus was wearing thin.

I.loved.that.car.

Since I bought it at the height of my high school career, and drove it all through college and 3 years post-graduation (a grand total of 9 years), the memories associated with driving in it are innumerable. Some of the top would include:

2000: Being reprimanded by Mrs. Belliston in the HS parking lot for parking in faculty parking (she was trying to give me an opportunity to be an example to Paul, but instead I took the opportunity to give her lip, and ended up getting chewed out in her class, and promptly passing out).

2001: Packing EVERYTHING I own into the trunk and backseat to make the mighty move to Ephraim for my freshman year in college. Thank goodness for a fully furnished apartment.

2002: Driving to Las Vegas with Snow College roommates and learning firsthand that when the oil light turns on, you should probably check it out.

2003: Driving to Los Angeles with Haley - no destination in mind, just the two of us and the road. We ended up in LA, two naive, sheltered Utah girls, and at the temple because we knew nothing bad would happen to us there.

2004: Fighting with the starter EVERY TIME I TURNED THE KEY. Thank goodness for Uncle Dave who saved me in the WalMart parking lot and escorted me to the repair shop! Oh yeah - and this was the year I PAID OFF the Priz.

2005: Started a long distance relationship with a guy in Logan - began commuting from Provo to Logan nearly every weekend (sometimes not even leaving Provo until close to midnight).

2006: Graduated from college and moved to Salt Lake City to begin life as an "adult." AND, in my first "real adult" scenario, I had to pay to have the transmission rebuilt - to the tune of $2,000 (ouch!).


2007: Took the Priz for an impromptu trip to Las Vegas with Nick for In-n-Out. We ended up walking the strip until the wee small hours, and landed in the Bellagio parking lot to sleep for a few hours - to this day, we're lucky to be alive (and still friends, for that matter).

2008: Started working for JDRF and realized again the Priz's massive capacity for cargo. The best example of this is cramming 13 boxes of Frito Lay inside and driving to Logan with my knees against the steering wheel...again, lucky to be alive.


2009: Realizing that 3-years post-graduation is high time to buy a new car. The final "long" trip in the Priz was to Idaho Falls to kick off the Walk. What a great last run. I decided on a 2009 Subaru Impreza Wagon - very practical for work, and nice and zippy. And I finally got my sunroof, power windows and locks (and even more important, NOW, an auxillary cable for the iPod).


Side by side, there's no contest. I am so grateful to have the Imprez (tried to figure out a parallel nickname). I hope Brad is equally as grateful that Doug and Lynnae were kind enough to buy the Priz for him...he really lucked out. Its got a nice long life ahead - and he better treat her well!

My Life According to The Beatles

My favorite Schmiburon had this fun game (for the music lover in us all) on her blog. Me likey...

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"

Pick your Artist:
*The Beatles*

Describe yourself:
Her Majesty

How do you feel:
I'm So Tired

Describe where you currently live:
Run For Your Life

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Here, There and Everywhere

Your favorite form of transportation:
Ticket to Ride

Your best friend:
Girl

You and your best friend are:
Tomorrow Never Knows

What's the weather like:
Sun King

Favorite time of day:
Golden Slumbers

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
You Never Give Me Your Money

What is life to you:
Helter Skelter

Your relationship:
Free As A Bird

Your fear:
For No One

What is the best advice you have to give:
Come Together

Thought for the Day:
All You Need Is Love

How I would like to die:
When I'm 64

My soul's present condition:
Carry That Weight

My motto:
Let It Be

I tag:
Lynsey, Leigh, Shamae, Jody....anyone else who wants to play. Let me know if you do - I want to witness all the creativity!

Celebrity Crush #1

Now, when posting about celebrity crushes, we all know who occupies my number 1 slot (John), but since I am just now acknowledging (and delineating them on the blog) that I have many celebrity crushes, I thought I'd start off the listing with someone a little more obscure. He is a man of dashing good looks, but many would say his brother, Ralph, has had the more stellar career. I tend to disagree.Joseph Fiennes came into my life when my roommate brilliantly suggested we watch Shakespeare In Love. I consented and immediately fell in love with the male lead, who so fabulously played William Shakespeare. I am now convinced that very few men know real love the way Shakespeare did (totally kidding, but they do a great job convincing you of that).

Joseph has more recently come into the spotlight again (after what I view as many years of hibernation) on a new drama on ABC starting this fall. I'm not too intrigued by the story line, but I dare say, just because my Joseph is starring, I may pick up a new favorite. Take the trailer for a spin...



Even better is it premieres on the same night as Grey's Anatomy, which, I might add, I still haven't been able to watch reruns of because of how devastated I was after the season finale!

So, here's to crush number 1 (and many more to come)!

The BEST news of the month

In April, 2006 I graduated from UVSC with a BS degree in Health Promotion. I was ecstatic to be done, and even more ecstatic at the prospect of moving out of Utah Valley for good. Upon graduation, I faced a mound of debt, larger than any balance I have ever had to pay off. I immediately set a goal to have it paid off as fast as I could (shows how good of a goal-maker I am - not putting any time parameters on it). I got to work and started making payments. Nick and I brainstormed ways I could have the balance paid off by December, 2008. I went to Seattle in October, and kind of lost momentum after that. I got back on track and kept on trucking - promising myself that if I paid it off, I would reward myself with a new car. With one payment left, I got the car (with a good window of time before the first payment). I was going to pay the last payment of the Student Loan at the first of August and the first payment of the Car Loan at the end of August.

On Tuesday, I got the best news of the month. Welcome to the good news minute portion of the program:


"Dear Stacey McAllister:

We are pleased to inform you that the remaining balance of your student loan(s) listed in the table below has been forgiven as a way of thanking you for taking care of your loan obligation in a diligent manner. Within 2-3 weeks UHEAA will send a document indicating the paid in full status of the loan(s).

Sincerely,
Borrower Services"

It was only the last $250 of the balance (which I'm sure I paid, several times, in interest throughout the course of carrying the balance), but still, what a thrill, and a teriffic surprise from "The Man." It's official - I'm out of the student loan tunnel!

congratulations to the happy couple!

My sissy got married on Thursday. And what a wonderful day it was!

After quite the long weekend of self-inflicted stress, I got my mind off the pity wagon, and embraced the fact that I have two younger siblings that are married. I LOVE my family! We had a good time at the wedding, and I think, perhaps, my favorite part (beside Brian's ADORABLE niece) was that my sissy actually let go of the reins enough to enjoy the day. I didn't get a picture, but after the ceremony and the plethora of group photos, she sat down, put her feet up, and hung out with her new brothers-in-law and her husband. I was relieved and so happy for her. The kind of sappy happy you get watching a Sandra Bullock chick flick. Witness the smiles:

Ethan and I prior to the ceremony - can't tell we're related can ya?


Beautiful couple #1 - Paul and Marianne


Beautiful couple #2 - The Parents (looking happy as ever!)


Brian's niece, Avery. She fed me ice cream, and I nearly took her home with me

Congratulations sissy! You made a gorgeous bride!

Blue Plate Diner

I remember the night we went to the Blue Plate Diner. He had come over to drop off a mix CD, which turned into hanging out...all night. His friends had plans for dinner and I didn't want to crash the party (with the friend in from out of town). He made every attempt to make it clear that my company was desired, but in my typical stubborn nature, I had myself convinced that no one wanted me there. I made some outlandish request for pancakes (not thinking that any of the guys would follow suit), not of the Denny's variety, and he made it happen. Quite elated that I had manipulated dinner plans in my favor, I gleefully hopped in the car.

Upon arrival at the diner, we were the first of the group to get there. We perused the menu, as well as the city weekly provided at the door. The group filtered in, one car at a time, and we proceeded to order. I got pancakes and french fries - an unorthodox combination. We chatted, caught up, and decided to move on to phase 2 of the evening.

I was tired, so I hung back while the guys threw out ideas for the remainder of the evening. Keys on Main seemed to be the consensus, and immediately I felt ready to go home to bed. He was so considerate to accompany me home, against my insistence that he go out with his friends - one of the boys had offered me a ride home. I was annoyed that he would be so unrelenting, but by that point, I didn't care anymore. He drove me home, saying "I would rather be here watching a movie with you, than anywhere with those guys."

Immediately I melted, realizing how much he cared for me. My annoyance turned to comfort as we watched Holiday Inn together. He kissed me goodnight, and when he left, I scratched my head and considered, exactly, what I felt for him. I knew I was in trouble.

Another Reason to Love the Mayer

I had no idea that John was a part of the tribute to Michael Jackson. I've been "mourning" the loss of one of music's greatest talents since I heard of his death, so, naturally, when my dad mentioned that there was a memorial that would be televised tonight, I had to tune in. I heard that all-too-familiar electric guitar and immediately had to scour the web for a full video. I knew I loved John Mayer before, but this is a merging of two fabulous talents. I only wish John would have joined in the singing...

Random Thought on Singledom

While hopping from blog to blog this afternoon, I stumbled upon a quote I found very comforting to me in my singledom. It goes a little something like this:

“Girls are like apples...the best ones are at the top of the trees. The boys don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they just get the rotten apples that are on the ground that aren't as good, but easy. So the apples at the top think there is something wrong with them, when, in reality, they are amazing. They just have to wait for the right boy to come along, the one who's brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree...”

Glad to know I'm not a rotten apple today.

By the way, here's where I found this gem. She had some great insight on Independence Day. Rather than try to duplicate a post, I think I'll let her words suffice - we have very similar feelings towards our Nation's Birthday. God bless America - we need His help more than ever!