This Pile Should Last Me at Least Two Weeks

Not to be dramatic or anything, but I was practically wasting away without books.

The Library has cured me.

I Miss Me a Little Bit of This

This girl always makes me laugh. Plus I miss cuddling with her.

I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to that squirrel over there

The first stop on my Friday adventure was the National Archives. I didn't actually take any pictures there. It was amazing to see the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution. I was pretty much awestruck by it all.

My next stop was the Natural History Museum. I decided I needed to give every museum a chance, even if it didn't seem like something I would really be interested in. I would list natural history under that category.

I went to Deep Sea 3D because with my special badge I get on free IMAX a week.

It was awesome, though slightly terrifying especially when it looks like thousands of jellyfish are swimming around you. But I love the ocean so I just closed my eyes during those parts.

I spent most of my time in the Mammal section. I was fascinated by the way they arranged the animals in little senarios. Just some mice having some fun in the woods.

Possibly my favorite animal. I always did love 'Crazy eyes'. That or the flying squirrel.

I also spent quite a bit of time in the Ocean section. They had a cool tank with all the Nemo fish.

The Wishing Tree. People write down their wishes and hang them in the tree.

I love the sculpture garden. I have actually gone there several times to just sit and read. There are so many pretty trees in the area plus it is usually quiet.

The Hirshhorn Museum was not my favorite, though I did enjoy some aspects. I loved the Calder mobiles.

I love this painting. I am not sure why but I think it is beautiful!

That was my Friday! I am slowly finding my way to all the Museums. Then I will know which ones I want to return to!

I Decorated!

I figured I needed to add a little something so my room wasn't so bare.

* And, yes, that is a stuffed owl in the corner. My parents promised me they would take me to Build A Bear for a graduation present and they lived up to their end of the bargain. Ollie the Owl- intelligent and cute

Mock Me If You Will

I wore these shoes and socks to work on Wed. In my defense, my feet were in pain. Lots of blisters from all the walking. I have probably been pegged as the 'socks/sneakers girl' at work but at least my feet have been thanking me.

Feel free to laugh. Beacuse I am definitely laughing!

P.S. I get every friday off. How awesome is that?

I'm Just a Bill

I made it to DC! Hannah and Robbie picked me up at the airport, which was just fabulous of them. They took me out to dinner, then showed me around the city a bit. They were just great and made me feel much less nervous about being here.

After they dropped me off at my house(!), my cousin Vanessa and her boyfriend Adam arrived! It was lovely to have them because then I had people to do touristy things with. I think we did every touristy thing that it is possible to do in three days. We walked about 20 miles total so my legs are pretty sore.

Here are some pictures of my first few days here!

Me Loving the Capitol

Art work in the Botanical Garden and my lovely cuz Vanessa

Native American skateboards, in the Native American Museum, my favorite thus far

The Empanada's we searched for over a two day period. Definitely worth it though I complained about it while looking for them

The White House. I think the Obama's were amused.

A gravestone with our last name on it. Definitely called for a picture

Lincoln

Possibly the coolest exibit- I had no idea women flew in WW2

My Great-Uncle

Then comes the rain! Adam was not happy about that!

I am having a fabulous time so far. I have already started to fall in love with DC. I also have not sweated this much in my whole life and my hair is on the fritz but other than that it is all good.

Tomorrow: My first day of work!

I'M BACK

There were many hilarious happenings at the Iron & Wine concert but this one topped them all. A very drunk man came up to Emily and I saying, 'I'm Back' in a loud voice. Neat. Like we had missed him or something. Then he proceeded to climb the wall we were standing by, practically using me as a footstool. He then continued to yell 'I'm Back' over and over. I didn't get my camera out in time to catch him screaming 'I'm Back' but this segment is still quite enjoyable.

I especially enjoy the "guys, I'm sweating like a pig...but I'M BACK!"

So Creepy...

When you are sitting on your bed and out of the corner of your eye, you see something move, which turns out to be a huge spider, which then disappears under the bed even when you think you killed it with a shoe.

I am not sleeping in my bed tonight.

Summer Can't Last Too Long

With Summer winding down, I have to start

• showering
• wearing pants
• wearing shoes
• combing my hair

It is a tough transition into Fall.

The Roar of a Sunday Crowd

Who knew it was so hard to stay on a bull for 8 seconds!

I took 20 videos at the Rodeo. Yeah, I was a little camera happy but I just kept hoping I would get someone who could stay on for 8 seconds!

This Rodeo gave me the opportunity to wear my leather vest and string tie while Emily sported some awesome plaid. I am pretty sure we fit right in. It also gave me the opportunity to renew my love of Garth Brooks.

No one sings country quiet like Garth Brooks. Plus I know every single word.

Rodeo- Thanks for being my new Summer love.

Vampire Wouldn't Tell, Cyborg Wouldn't Know

After all this struggle, I am going to give in. I just do my best blogging in list form. If I write it any other way, I get to self-conscious about how things sound so...

1) Razor Scooters should only be used by professionals...namely Meagan. It is always a good idea to have your professional photographer on hand to document every possible humiliation. I am here to amuse.

2) I have watched 17 Again three times since I rented it on Tuesday. I am not ashamed to admit that I love Zac Efron. Me and every other 12 year old girl.

Plus 17 Again is so easy to quote.

"Who is that stone cold fox?"

"Your shirt is bedazzled...Bedazzled with rhinestones!"

"Have you, at any time, been exposed to a gamma ray?"

3) I leave in 21 days. And yes I am panicking. I have tons to do and buy but everytime I sit down to write a list, I forget it all!

4) I made friends with the crazy dog lady that lives on our street. I waved at her once and know we both wave enthusiastically when we see the other coming. It is nice to have a friend on the street.

Happy Anniversary...

to my lovely mother and handsome father!

In their first year of marriage. Extremely adorable.

24 Years

of Wedded Bliss!

You have set the example for me.

How Do YOU Sleep?

I like to pretend I have superior taste in music but secretly I love a good pop song just like any other regular person. This song is currently on my "I secretly love this song, but am slightly ashamed" playlist. Who could resist?

Plus this music video provides all sorts of amusement. Like when I said to Emily, "Who is driving the car?" She said, "No one", in a tone that implied it was obvious and not at all strange.

Dear Summer,

Thanks for the last couple of weeks. They have just been full of perfect Summer fun!

Ross Park with Karissa, spending hours floating around the lazy river

Family Bike rides,
including Sarah weaving all over the road

plus sunglasses

Swimming at the Lemmon's,

Visiting Carly in Salt Lake,

The Choral Concert, International Art Exibit & dinner at Bro. Brigham's

Meat, potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls, and cake!

Cafe Rio, surely a summer gift if there ever was one,

Loving potatoes

Kenna's Birthday Celebration(I made the cakes!)

Single Ladies Camping in which I wear a skirt and watch everyone else set up the tent

I am looking forward to many more weeks filled with perfect summer fun!

Thank you Summer for finally arriving!

PLEASE STAY FOREVER!

Love,

Melissa the Beautiful

P.S. If you were a man, I would marry you.

DC, Here I Come!

Housing: Check!

Airfare: Check!

Fingerprints: Check!

On my way!

You Saved Three Lives Today

Sometimes giving blood can be a little dangerous. Especially if the lady taking the blood keeps making concerned faces, while saying "hmm I wonder where your vein is." Never a good sign.

Thankfully they had someone else do my other arm!Then they rewarded me with cookies and a pin!

One Gallon Baby!

Every Now and Then I Look Fabulous

Sometimes I just love my hair. And sometimes I just think it looks perfect.

Coming to America

Independence Day was crazy stormy! We had massive amounts of hail and rain. Notice the fact that my Father drops a hamburger on the ground then picks it up and puts it back on the plate. I am pretty sure I ate that one. Also, he thought I was taking a picture hence the standing and smiling. I love historical holidays!

* I kept repeating myself over and over "this is insane"!

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Several unfortunate things have happened to me this past week.

1) I almost lost my swimsuit bottoms while boating on Saturday. Luckily I grabbed them at just the right moment. Actually this is more hilarious than unfortunate. Now if the guys in the boat had to search for my swimsuit bottoms, that would have been unfortunate.

2) I hit a cat with my scooter. It ran right in front of me, without giving me a chance to stop. I think it was just a glancing blow because it ran off. I hope some old lady is waiting for her precious kitty to come home...

3) Clive, the devil's own dog, destroyed my journal. The journal I love, the journal I bought in Italy for many Euros.

I can laugh about the others, but I can't laugh about this one. Maybe next week.

Finally...

After weeks of trying to decide, I had bangs cut!