CHUG!

So, last night I accomplished something that anyone should be proud of. I won the Chugging contest at FHE. I beat every guy by at least 30 seconds. I am the undisputed root beer chugging champ. haha! That is totally something to brag about, isn't it?

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Afterward Logan, Jason and I went out and decided to use the hatchet to help explode the already shaken extra cans of root beer. I felt like a 17 year old guy, but it really was fun. I had to laugh.

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Then as always, rock band. I am getting very good at this fake guitar stuff. :) I apologize about these videos, they were taken on my phone because I forgot my camera at home and wouldn't you know it was the one day the guys were like, "Nichole, get your camera!" I love my boys.

Jason is on the guitar and Logan singing like he is a rock star! haha. Don't worry I took a turn doing some of all of it.

Blemish Free

So tonight after stopping by a few parties and playing some rock band, I had just left Jason's house to take Logan home. I didn't turn sharply enough around a corner and went into the center turn lane and then corrected myself. This all happened about 12:15 am. I went maybe about 15 feet before the dreaded lights started flashing in my rear view mirror.

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Now let me back for just a minute. I have never (knock on wood!) been given a ticket. I buckle my seat belt and drive the speed limit, or at least close to it. I am a good and safe driver. So the idea that my blemish free record could be stained had me a little shocked.

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So, back to the story...

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So I pull over. Logan is in the passenger seat just kinda laughing. I am shaking my head and reach to grab my purse from the back seat when I realize suddenly, that I left it at Jason's house. My purse with my wallet. And in the wallet, the license. GEES!

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So I roll down my window ready to try to explain myself to the officer. Logan opening the glove compartment to get out the registration. The cop smiles and says, "License, registration and proof of insurance."

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I smile and begin to explain, "Ok, I know this sounds bad, but here is what happened. I just left my friends house and realized when you pulled me over and went to grab my wallet that I left it at his house. But I do have a license and it is valid." I smile my large sincere smile and wait. (in the mean time Logan rolls his eyes and goes back to looking)

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"Ok, do you have a valid UT license?"

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"I do, I promise!" I assure him.

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"Ok, your name and date of birth." He says getting and pen a paper.

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I politely smile and spell my first and last name for him. Logan hands me registration papers, but they are for last year. So the cop says to keep looking and he will go run my license. I grab my phone and call Jason and get voice mail. I leave a message and ask him to call me back. Logan finds the paper work and I hand it over. I hold my breath as I wait for the officer to speak.

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"Ok, you are good, just watch what you are doing. And have a good night." He smiles and walks away.

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Logan rolls his eyes and says, "If it were me he would have given me a ticket. For not signaling, or being a guy, or being white, or something! I knew he wasn't going to give you a ticket from the beginning. How annoying."

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I laughed. Seriously, of all the people to be in the car with me when I get pulled over it would have to be Logan. He gets tickets for dumb things. He was so annoyed and kept saying it was because I was a girl. I said no, it was because I had a great smile and I know how to work it.

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So the moral of this story, smile when you get pulled over. It may help your case a little. It helped mine. I can happily say I am still ticket free. :)

The Best...Again?

So the debate has raged, OK, so there was no debating really, about who the best friend was in the previous post entitled "the best". It seems everyone seems to think the best friend that I was referring to was Logan.

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Well I am here to set the record straight.

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I have a lot of good friends and it could be any of them. Jason is one of my best friends, we spent more hours than you would like to know and I would like to admit to rocking out on Rock Band this last weekend. It was a long week and Jason and I started a new band to just rock out to. We ended up adding Logan in later and titled the band "Los Three Amigos", which is too funny for so many reasons! We talked and he just let me vent and just be me. Which is what I love about Jason. He is always willing to help and not judge. It could be him.

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There is Melinda. Melinda is wonderful, sweet, sarcastic and always tells the truth, like it or not. We spend hours discussing everything from our favorite TV shows (one tree hill!!!, Hell's Kitchen/Kitchen Nightmares, ANTM...), books (still DISGUSTED by renesme and the stupid imprinting!), food, (the apple cake is super yum, spinach pesto meatballs ick) and life in general. Not to mention that this wonderful friend of mine has been so sweet to loan me her car in the mornings (and other random times as well) so that I can get to work while my car is out of commission. I adore her. It could be her.

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There is always Tricia. She is someone I look up to and admire for her ability to go for her goals and not settle for anything less than what she really wants. She is so put together in the things that I am not and she is always there with a listening shoulder and a wonderful sense of humor. We can drool over Colin Firth or talk about the great pink satin trench that is just SCREAMING my name. She humors my coat fetish and even helps dig up some amazing additions to my collection. It could be Tricia.

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And yes, there is Logan. His goofy way of avoiding all things awkward and never getting too worked up about small things. His late night chats when all he really wants to do is sleep and his early morning texts to chat when he just needs to bounce ideas of someone else. His not letting me take a back seat in things or ditching out on things that I should do, but don't really want to. And his unrealistic faith in me. It could be him.

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There is my sister Rachel. We chat with each other regularly about the dumb things like stupid new songs on the radio to the real life problems one or both of us is having. An unlikely pair from the beginning, she is my link to the family at the moment and I like her more than I thought I could and love her more. She thinks I can do things I don't think I can and she really believes it. I am so grateful for her, it could be her.

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It could be my wonderful Stacy friend. She has so much faith in me and in my abilities in anything I do. I think she thinks I am this awesome person that I don't always seem to know. She knows what I am thinking without me saying anything and she enjoys enjoying the wonderful world of eye-candy with me. I can always talk to her about anything, no matter how big or small. She loves me despite and because of our differences. It could be her.

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And I have a million other people it could be! So why would you all just assume that it was Logan? Hm?

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OK, so that one was about him, but it could have been anyone...

Kickin' it 90's Style

So remember back in the day, when laser tag was all the rage? yeah, I do too. So when the opportunity to go play laser tag presented it's self yesterday, I ended up taking advantage. It did take a little persuading, but how do you end a rough day? By going and shooting at friends and random people and hoping you don't die too much.

All in all it ended up being pretty fun. I wish I had remembered my camera though. But it is ok, next time I will remember it and you will have some entertaining videos to go along with it.

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A few nights ago I also hosted a little game night. I gathered up some of the 18 year olds who are new to the area and a little homesick and grabbed some of my trusty friends to help them just have a fun night that made them feel included and welcome. Yeah, part of the nice Nichole. :)



A few rounds of Pit (one of super favs!), Apples to Apples (classic), and then some Snorta. It ended up being a fun time. The 18 was a little hard on me by the end of the night...but it was good to be reminded of what I was like back in the day. Yikes.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

This Saturday I was roped into going into a Raptures baseball game. After asking and me avoiding and then asking again, pleadingly, I caved. Logan had tickets to the game and volunteered to take his younger brother and his two nephews. Seem a little suspecious? yeah, that is what I thought too. But somehow I was convinced.

So me and the boys went to the game.

How cute is his nephew? Poor Logan had to go to bathroom so many times durring the game. It may have been the large sprites that he bought the boys.

Jason joined us for the game. Yes, that meant it was me and 5 boys. So much fun! I was the prettiest one there.

Durring the 7th inning stretch Logan helped the kids sing take me out the ball game and it was funny, but cute to see the boys all singing.

What an evening. It was a great way to unwind and try to recoup from the last few days. My eyes are a little puffy and such, perhaps it is from the 1.5 hours of sleep I have had in the last 48 hours. I think I will be sleeping a lot in the next day or so.

Boy Log

Guys in my life and relationship status:

Logan: Logan I have known for almost 2 years, he has dated a couple of my friends and is enjoying (not dating currently) my dear friend Tricia. I am Logan’s personal chef cooking three meals a day for him, seamstress (hemming pants, sewing buttons, etc.), social coordinator (a normal text from Logan is along the lines of “hey, we should get some people together and go bowling. Let me know when.” Translated that means, “I want to go bowling, call some people and let me know what time you told them to be there.” It doesn’t normally fly, but he keeps trying), interior decorator (picked out all kinds of home décor for him) and I serve as best friend.
I love Logan for how good he is to me and how patient he is with me. He has a personality that makes me laugh and knows what and how to say things sometimes that just take the crazy out of me. I love him for that. I do not love him though. While I think he is super cute and a great catch, he is not for me.

Want to kiss him: No
Have kissed him: No


Jason: Jason is a new edition to my guy friends but he is only a friend. There a few deal breakers involved with Jason for me. He is a good listener and a good shoulder to cry on. We laugh and have fun together, but there is no spark.

Want to kiss him: No
Have kissed him: No

Those are the big two guys in my life. Others drift in and out but those are my big guy friends at the moment. I tend to get them as friends, make them feel good about themselves and encourage them to date and get married. They do and I find new guys.

100 (or less) lies I tell guys:

yeah, I am sure she would go out with you.

I am ok with not dating, I am happy to see you dating though! (ALWAYS a lie)

Yeah, all my friends are married or dating. (sometimes guys just aren't good enough for my friends!)

I date all the time!

I have been in a few relationships before...(um, yeah, a lie.)

No, your not a bad kisser... (if you have to comment on it, it is NEVER a good sign!)

I have over the years just developed the desire to tell it like it is. I am not one to sit on stuff. Maybe not one of my endearing qualities to guys, but I just don't see the point in lying about stuff sometimes. So, these are the ones that I guess I tell guys. Otherwise, I just tell them the truth.

The last kiss was about a year ago and the last make out was about 2 ½ years ago. Last good make-out, 3 years ago. I am in a definite dry spell Ladies. Not for lack of looking. So, if you need something to keep in your prayers, it is me and lack of make-out! Haha! Or if you happen to know any great guys in their late 20’s to early 30’s, single and in need of my brand of specialness, send him my way. While the make-out is a good thing, I would settle for a good cuddle on the couch watching a movie.

There is one almost-sort-of prospect, a guy in my friends singles ward she wants me to meet. I know very little about him, he can carry a tune, has a degree and is working on another and is 29. I don't even know a name. But if anything comes of that, I will be sure to keep you updated. I am trying to stay positive, but there just aren't any guys around at the moment. Or for the last few years. There are worse things than being guyless, I am sure that there are.

Logan the Builder

So, our friend Logan likes to build things. Well, maybe that isn't really true. Logan can build things and will do it if you ask him to. So in the process of redecorating his condo (which Tricia and I are doing for him) he decided that he needed to build a shelf to go with his rustic themed living room. And then that turned into a music cabinet for Tricia's class room (she teachers choir and math in middle school) and bookends for me.

So we made a date to go to Home Depot (Logan's store of choice for wood, says it is the best place in town) to get supplies. Let me tell you, shopping for wood can be fun. More girly than I think Logan thought we could make it. But make it girly we did. I managed to get one good shot from our excursion.

After that we rearranged some pieces at Logan's place and experimented with the pictures we bought for him that will hang further down the wall than they are in the picture. And yes Ladies, the color was Logan's choice and the wood frame work was all done by none other than Logan. At 6' 2" with dark curly hair and a boyish grin, he is still single. Sad, no? Not to worry, I have a plan to remedy that situation soon, and it is working nicely.

After some serious shopping and arranging we did what we do best, some guitar hero. It seems to be our activity of choice lately. While Tricia (who is in MoTab) and Jason jam on the guitars Logan and I belt out the song. So listen up for my non-rock version of "Sweet Child of Mine".

Rock Band

For your pleasure, I submit these videos. I personally do best on Drums and Singing.

On drums: Me Guitar: Logan Singing: Nick Bass: Rick

On Drums: Nick Guitar: Me Singing: Jason Bass: Rick

A Day at the Lake

Well after a long week we, Logan, Jason, Tricia and I decided to take a day and spend it at the lake. It was a long anticipated trip, (OK, so 12 hours could be construed as long!) and woke up early to get a good start on the day.

Logan DJed most of the way up and we had fun to laughing and joking on the couple hour drive. To finally get to the lake was wonderful. We could hardly wait to get out on the sand and on the jet ski's.

Jason and I went on the Jet ski together and right after we made it out onto the open water he opened it up and we went as fast as we could, then he whipped around and threw me off. I was not really ready for it, but it wasn't that bad. I had fun anyway.

L to R: Tricia, Jason, Logan and Me
I have great friends. A day off was just what I needed. Thank you Logan for inviting us and for introducing me to your family. Tricia, thank you for coming and for being so wonderfully you. Jason, thank you for dumping me off the jet ski, letting me hold on tight and for not giving up on me.

So Long Bear lake. I had fun. I will miss you.

I will just have to think of this day on the beach until next week when we go rafting. I can't wait for more memories with these very special people in my life.

24th of July, Sort Of

Well here in Utah we celebrate the great holiday, the 24th of July. While the rest of the world goes to work and lives a normal life, we party. The background is that it is the day we celebrate the pioneers who came across the country in wagons, with handcarts and walked it. We celebrate the determination and strength they had to trek all the way out west and settle the lovely place we call home.

Every year we have a big celebration the week before with the Utah symphony playing and a huge fireworks display. This happens a block from my house so we put cones in the road and driveway and save spots for friends and then part take in the festivities.

Yesterday was that day.

We had a group of about 12 of us who went over and played games until it got dark, swap is the game we played and it is one of our favorite card games. Then we watched these lovely fire works.

It was a lot of fun. I managed to get one stunning picture of the fire works.

And what fun is fireworks with lots of friends if you don't take pictures? So here is my gallery of friends.

From left to right: Jason, Nick and David

Above: Logan and I Below: Jason and I

Melinda and I, we have to get a picture of the roommates! I love her.Jason and Danny wanted a picture together because they were feeling left out.

The next part of this story is not so much fun. On our way back from the fireworks I tripped on the curb and fell face first. Everyone laughed but I just laid there feeling like a complete idiot. In the end I bruised up my shoulders and chest, got road rash on my forearm and knee. My knee was killing me so one of my friends walked me across the street and then piggy backed me home. It was super nice of him and it didn't hurt that it wasn't horrible to have to hang on tight. But it still didn't help the fact that I felt like an idiot.

After all the leg issues were taken care of, alcohol applied and band aids carefully placed, we started the first and roasted marshmallows. It was so much fun to just hang out with friends and enjoy being together. I have some great friends people! So what if I will get teased forever about tripping over a curb? In the end I say it was worth it.

Transformers

Once a week the city has a free movie night outside in the amphitheater downtown. I love downtown! So many unique shops. So some friends and I went to the movie last night, Transformers. It was so much fun! And the city has it's fiberglass horses out and we had to take a picture of Logan with one.

Logan with his horse. Logan is a great friend and we have lots of fun together.

Here is my super cute Tricia friend. I love her hair!

David, who is a so much fun, he is from Kenya and we love to talk about the differences between our cultures. He tells me he thinks I am part south African all the time. Silly boy! And MaryAnne, she is sweet.

On the left is my new friend, Jason. He loves to make faces at the camera and this the best of the bunch of him, haha! He is a night owl like me and that makes for some interesting conversations. Last night we talked about making lasagna with grape jelly and eggplant. YUM!

And Me. I haven't put a new pic up for a while and this was right before I left, so I thought I would share. I have some great friends and we do lots of things together. I have very blessed lately to have all guy friends. All the girls got married and left me with the boys. LOVE IT! I just have to single one out...and I think I might have. :) But more on that later...