Goodbye 00s, Looking Forward to the Next Decade!

As 2009 ends, its hard not to reflect back on the last year and relive the good and the bad. Since its the end of the decade as well, it makes me think about the last ten years and be amazed at how much I've done and where I've been. To be honest, I'm thankful that 2009 is over and that we're about to start anew, but I am also thankful for the experience that I've had in the last year and have to be thankful of what I've learned over the the last year, as well as the last ten years. Basically, its all about the people that are around you as you are going through life.

Ten years ago, I found myself living in Utah and starting college. I wasn't happy about moving to Utah, but as I got involved with a church and began to meet people It became one of my favorite places. The relationships that I made while I was there have been some of the most important in my life. I learned so much about myself and my faith the five years I was in Utah.

After college, I moved to New York City which will be on my list of the craziest things I've ever done. I went without knowing a soul. It was a big city to be alone in and though it was hard, I was determined to fit in and make the best out of where I was. I succeeded and spent the next few years living life as a New Yorker and having a blast. I became independant and started to build a career. I also met some fabulous people, who I miss dearly and will always be a part of my life. My work girlfriends helped me feel like I fit in, my roomies in Hoboken made my life so much fun and my small group kept me grounded and focused on Christ. I was so lucky to have all of them in my life.

To end the 00's, I returned to California. San Francisco has always been one of my favorite cities, so I thought I would give it a try. Transfering with the company I was working with in New York, I movede out west and started to build a new life here. I have to say in hindsight, that its been one of the best decisions I've made. I love everything about the west coast. I've made some great friends and love the diversity of SF.

Also, since moving back, I've been able to reconnect with some great friends that I've known the majority of my life. Its amazing how great having old friends in your life can be. Laughing about the past and talking about the future. So fun!

So back to 2009 - this year has had a lot of lows, but its also had a lot of good moments too. My sister got married, which was such a great event! My best friend had a baby, he is so awesome and I wish I lived closer so I could spend more time with him! Lastly, I started a new job at the end of this year, which so far has been great. I'm excited to see where 2010 takes me and what new adventures the next ten years will bring.

Happy New Year friends! May 2010 bring you nothing but peace and happiness!

Let the Transformation Begin!

I've decided that 2010 will be the year I get into shape. Its been a while, but with the new job, it just seems natural to implement other new activities into my life. So, I started a three week holiday boot camp right after Thanksgiving and will continue for six months beginning in January.

I have one class to go of this first three week session and much like a Jillian Michaels video, this last week has been tough. The first two weren't so bad but this last week has really taken a lot of effort. I've been made aware of many muscles that I've forgotten that I had.

My instructor loves lunges. I've done more lunges in the last couple weeks, then I think I've done in my entire life. I also have been made fun of in class for being graceful when we were doing some across the floor exercises. I can't help it if I float across the floor, its all the years of ballet, but I'm glad my class had a laugh. :)

Stay tuned for more boot camp updates - I'm sure I'll have much to talk about over the next few months!

Top Ten Holiday Movies, As Said By Me

10. Meet Me in St. Louis
9. Elf

8. Scrooged

7. Mickey's Christmas Carol
6. Love Actually
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
4. A Christmas Story
3. Charlie Brown Christmas
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated)
1. White Christmas

It is hard to narrow it down to just ten, but there you have it - my take on Christmas masterpieces. I may be the only person on Earth who doesn't put Its a Wonderful Life on their top ten holiday movie list. I don't know what it is, I just don't love that movie.

What movies are on your list?

My Reasons to be Thankful….

* Family – I have the best family in the world. My parents are so supportive and are always there for me whenever I need them. My sister is my best friend and the person that I can talk to about anything.

*New Job – Great way to end the year! I’m now working at Zinch.com. It’s a fun new chapter of life. I look forward to the coming year and growing with this exciting company.

*Friends – My friends are AMAZING! Throughout this year, they have been so great and supportive. Always there to listen to me and make me feel better. We laugh together, cry together and have so much fun together!

*Faith – My faith continues to grow and I’m constantly growing closer to the Lord. I learned this year, how to really wait on God and trust that He will provide.

*Reconnecting – I’ve reconnected with many old friends in the past few months. My ten-year reunion kind of freaked me out this year, but it allowed me to catch up with so many friends that I was so close to when I was a kid. It’s been a blast and I look forward to continuing to grow those relationships.

*Boot Camp! – I have the opportunity to be a part of a new gym. I will be going through six months of a personal training boot camp. I am so excited and so thankful that I know the trainer and am sure I’m going to get my a** kicked!

I think it’s important to reflect on blessings and be thankful for what you are given. I would love to know what you’re thankful for?

Waiting....

I might have some really great news to share soon. Prayers are welcomed and I just hope everything turns out for the best!

"Natural" Blonde

For those of you that don't know, I dye my hair blond. I've dyed my hair since high school and really have no idea what my natural hair color is. My guess is its some mousy blondish brown color, probably not that pretty looking.

Why this post? My aunt and I were discussing hair color today (as she was highlighting my hair) and how common practice it is. Its no longer just to cover gray hair and its more of a rarity if you don't dye your hair. I feel comfortable as a blonde and think it suits me. My mom always said that she should have had red hair and I feel the same about mine.

So I want your opinion. What do you think of hair color? Is your hair "natural"?

BTW - Please note my blonde vs. blond usage. I looked up the rules so that the grammar is correct :)

Oh Edward, How I love Thee...

With New Moon a little over a week away, I've recently noticed an influx of Twilight fever. From Volvo commercials (which I thought was kind of lame) to the stars of Twilight gracing the covers of every magazine and being talked about on every blog. With all the Twilight talk, I have to say I am getting really excited about New Moon!

I came late to the Twilight world, but once I read the first book, there was no going back. I read all four books in about a week and then went through some serious withdrawal. Why is it that the books are so enticing? They aren't written particularly well and the fact that someone is glowering at someone on every single page, makes me want to send Stephenie Meyer a list of words to use instead of glower. Still there is something about the character Edward that she got right.

I wonder if he is made up or if there is actually a man in her life that shares the same qualities as Edward. If so, I would love to meet him! As far as I'm concerned all men have been ruined for me, because of this character. I know what you're thinking - and I agree, that is sad.

With that said, I would love to know your thoughts about Edward. Oh, and if anyone wants to get me a random present, my friend DJ just got this shirt and I think its kind of cute :) They're available at Nordstrom :) I know, I fully accept the dork label!

Stop with the MRS.!

So, after a year hiatus, I finally have something to blog about. There have probably have been multiple things to write about this year, but nothing has moved me to so, until yesterday...

I've had DirectTV for a couple months. When I signed up, they gave me free HBO, Starz and Showtime. After receiving my November bill, I realized that they don't stop the service, they charge you for the premium channels.

Kind of annoyed by this, I called DirectTV and spoke with a very polite customer service representative -we'll call him Bob.

Bob: Thank you for calling DirectTV, can I please have the name on the account.

Me: Sure, April Conyers.

Bob: Hello, MRS. Conyers, how can I help you today?

Me: (Ignoring the MRS. Conyers reference) I need to cancel HBO, Starz and Showtime.

Bob: I'm sorry to hear that, MRS. Conyers. Are you not happy with the channels?

Me: No, the channels are fine, I just don't want to pay for them.

Bob: Well, MRS. Conyers, you know those channels average out to be about 3 cents per day, are you sure you want to cancel, MRS. Conyers?

Me: Yes, Bob - As I said before I want to cancel those channels - Please stop trying to sell me!

Bob: OK ma'am, we'll cancel. Remember you can sign up for them anytime. Have a great day MRS. Conyers.

So you may be thinking, what's the problem with this conversation? I have a problem with being referred to as MRS. Conyers. I know it seems petty, but I'm not married. I live in an apartment with a roommate and a cat. Why do people just assume? Why did this drive me so crazy? I'm not really sure. Just food for thought - there are certain social rules that should always be followed.

What bothers you?