No Promises

I enjoy writing. I think I've always enjoyed writing.

I also tend to be an entertainer. Not necessarily because I love to entertain or because people really care to be entertained by me. Mostly, I entertain because that is who I believe I'm supposed to be. Or something like that.

I think that's where I get confused sometimes. I love to write but what I really want to write about isn't always entertaining. In fact, it's probably down right dull. Somewhere in me I feel obligated to not be dull and not just write about randomness but let's be honest people...

I'm kind of dull.

Not only am I dull but I'm pretty okay with that fact.

I obviously stopped writing on this blog and all but gave up on it. What you don't know is that I think about blogging frequently. While I'm driving I write posts in my head. I see an interesting news story and I mentally write out my opinions and thoughts. Oh, and when I say "news story" I mean People Magazine article. I obsess over stories I've heard, books I've read, quotes I've found. When that happens I think about writing and sharing it here. I think about it often and for the past few months I've craved it.

However, I don't share it and I often don't write those thoughts anywhere. Which is a shame really. Even if it is only important to me. It most likely will appear poorly written to some Smarty McGee. To many, my opinions may seem naive, uneducated, and just plan silly. However, despite those facts I've made an important decision.

I'm going to write again.

It might be a little different than before. Less updatey (because I'm not all that exciting, as discussed before) and more writing. You might decide to take me off your reader, mark my posts as read without really reading, or doing the bloggy skim. I will not be offended if any of those things transpire. I know most of you will be just fine with what takes place here because you love me and so you have to deal with it. I can't promise where I'm going with this or how long it will last. It's happening though and I'm excited about it.

That was a long way to say it but...

I'm back.

Precious Moments

It's been a long time since this blogging thing was a constant in my life or even had a small cameo. Last time I made promises of weekly posts and frequent blog reading.

Lies. Lies. Lies.

Some photos have recently just fallen into my lap that must be shared. It's important you see them because they are just so breathtaking. They also update my life in an all too perfect way. So let's photo this sucker up...

I got a puppy in June (seriously that was that last time I posted?!?!) and this is him as a cute little 8 week old. His name is Stinson. Don't ask, it just works.

So then he grew up, started doing the humpity hump, and had to get the snippity snap. When that happened in August, Stinson had to wear the cone of shame. It was ridic.

We also went to puppy training so that he could learn to be a well behaved machine. In the process this picture was born. Let me just preface this one by confessing that this is the most embarrassing picture of me that has surfaced in a long time. The trainer made me wear the cap so just back off.

Then he grew and grew and became the chubby old man he is today. He has the gray hairs on the head and he weighs in at an astonishing 3 pounds. This is my 6 month old monster.

There is another new addition to my family since the last time we chatted here at the bloggerator. My little baby brother got married to Kelsi the great in June and they make my life better every day. Here's an example of why:

This day is bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

That is one HOTT dog!

So that sums things up for now. This is the time I promise great things to come here at The Always Random Lindsi

........

I got nothin'.

No promises so keep it real until whenev.

Blogger of the Year

I'm up for the Blogger of the Year award!!!

These are probably your thoughts right now.

How? You don't post anymore

Why? When you do post it isn't that awesome.

Who nominated you? It sure as heck wasn't me.

You're right to think those things because I'm not nominated for any awards. I lied. Mostly to get your attention. Did it work?

I do realize that I've been MIA from posting here and even from commenting at your lovely little piece of internet paradise. Most of my old loyal readers have probably given up on me completely. If you did give up on me but are for some reason reading this I beg you to forgive me. Can we please just make up? I think you're smart, funny, cool, wise, and a great bike rider. I really do.

Today I start over and try my hand at the blogging thing again. I'm going to commit to one a week. I can do that, especially with summer on the way. So, I'M BACK!

For my first post back I'll belittle and make fun of myself and my poor blogging ways. Check. I will grovel a little to get the readers back. Check. I'll post a few pictures to prove that I haven't died but that I just took a long sabbatical. What? I haven't done that last one yet? Okay, fine. Here are the pictures.

We had a bridal shower for Kelsi. She will be my sister in law on June 5th. That's 5 days people!

My friend David and I had a joint birthday bash BBQ. It was fantastically fun and I turned 25. CRAZY!

We had a group camping trip. We went to The Swamps of Lehi. It poured rain and made for some priceless memories. Or just a lot of mud and grumpy people. Either way.

And here are a few pictures to remind any of you who may have forgotten how random, crazy, and cool I really am.

This is Who I Am

Hello. You've probably forgotten about me. I don't blame you. Let me remind you about who I am.

My name is Lindsi Marie Sullivan. This is what I look like.

I love Easter time. The Easter candy is the best candy selection of any holiday season. Reese's eggs and mini Cadbury eggs = life is complete.

I'm a big music lover. I got to see these beautiful men in concert recently. Floor seats baby.

I love to travel. I went to Jackson Hole last week with my friends I went to Africa with. The majestic Grand Tetons in the background.

I love peanut butter and jelly. I eat it for every breakfast and lunch right now. Sometimes dinner, too.

I'm happy, healthy, and living it up. I'm off now to enjoy the fantastic weather! Please let the weather man be wrong with tomorrow's forecast. Please.

Life is Life and a Blog is a Blog

Hello.

How have you been?

I'm fine, thanks.

So, I haven't been the best, most efficient blogger lately but I'm pretty okay with that.

Life is life and a blog is a blog.

That is my deep thought for the day.

I think I'm going to crotchet it into a pillow. I'm such a crotcheter. Don't you think it is funny that crotchet is spelled Crotch-et? That is funny to me. Ha.

Okay moving on. This is a Smelling Diary. It's been a while but I'm not done overemphasizing my inability to smell. I'll probably never be done with that. I can't remember how many Smelling Diaries I have written. Honestly, I'm too lazy to look. That's pathetic.

Here's my thought about smelling today.

When you can't smell the following places are not fun...

The perfume counter-

Do you know how many times the average person says,

"Here smell this,"

while standing at a perfume counter?

I do... 34

(I made that up. However, I'm sure it's a true fact. I'll perform a study.)

The Candle Store-

Once I went to a candle party with my cousin Jodie.

It was a blast.

Side note: I don't know who the man in this picture is but he really seems to be enjoying the candles. I'm glad.

Everyones personal favorite...

Bath and Body Works

First, why do they have to make the name so close to Bed, Bath, and Beyond? I get them all tangled up every time I try to speak. It's horrible.

Second, people can spend hours in this store. Hours I tell you. Sniffing, spraying, and lathering up. It's amazing. While most people can spend hours here, I have about a ten minute endurance span here. That's when I'm trying EXTREMELY hard to be patient.

If you ever need a buddy to go to any of the above mentioned places, just let me know! I'm available anytime!

I Do Stuff... Fun Stuff

Like many of you this past month has been C.R.A.Z.Y! It has been full of exciting and not so exciting events. My family did what the Sullivan's do best... CRUISIN' THE CARIBBEAN! It was great fun and a much needed break! Here's a recap in picture form...

Chillin' Around on the Ship

Puerto Rico-

St. Thomas-

One of the most exotic and beautiful places I have ever been.

St Martin -

We went on a booze cruise. It was spectacular!

New Years Eve-

Craziest New Years Eve I have ever been a part of. I got my party on!

Sullivan Style Elegant - This is how we do it!

We're pretty classy, we can't help it.

This picture best describes the whole trip... I would like to go back.

Freaky Situations- Part 2

As promised, freaky situation number two. There are three important factoids to know to fully understand the situation.

Factoid 1: I moved into my condo about 3 months ago. HOLY CRAP!! I just realized it's been 3 months. Wow!
Anyway. Moving on.

Factoid 2: I love my place and haven't had any significant problems since I moved in. The appliances were written into my contract and so they were purchased by the previous owners. They are in great condition, only a year old, blah, blah, blah.

Factoid 3: I don't cook. Ever. I think I have used the oven twice since I moved in and it was probably to heat pizza or something. I'm not domestic.

The Freak Accident: The other day I was just bustling around the kitchen. I'm serious, I bustle. When I looked at my oven and noticed that the inside piece of glass on the oven window looked weird. I looked closer and thought it looked like grease was on it. I was seriously confused at how grease would get all over. Remember, I don't cook. I open the oven door and to my bewilderment the glass window FALLS APART! The inside piece was completely shattered. I was shocked! Never, in my existence had I heard of this happening. Have you?
I didn't know what to do so I just closed the door and walked away. I needed to gather my thoughts. I pretended for about ten minutes that the whole thing had never happened. That didn't last very long though because every time I took a step in the kitchen another piece of glass would break free from the mass and fall onto the kitchen floor. It was time to take action.

First- I googled tempered glass to see what I was working with. It was really informative. I learned things I never knew.
Second- I put on my snow boots, a great way to fully protect the feet.
Third- Took pictures with my camera. Proof.
Fourth- Got out my scissors and a vacuum. The scissors were to break the shattered glass apart with (using the handle, duh).
Fifth- Cleaned up the mess while listening to "Breaking Glass" by David Bowie with a smile on my face.
So, that's it. Two more moments in my life that lead to a story in which I feel like I can say, "You might not know anyone that has had this happen to them but I...."

Proof:

The original scene

A close up.

Wise Geek told me that the brittle nature of tempered glass causes it to shatter into small oval-shaped pebbles when broken. That is true, as you can see.

My vacuum filter. This was half way through. I emptied it twice.

So the big question is...

What do you do when the tempered glass on your oven breaks? Who do you call? Any suggestions...

Freaky Situations

The weirdest things happen to me. Right. Why? I'm not sure. I'm not some crazy thrill seeking, adventure-ramma woman. I'm just plain old Lindsi. Don't misunderstand me, I consider myself semi-adventurous. I'm not afraid to participate in outlandish activities. I'm always up for a challenge. Statistically, 85% of my life is rather boring and generally routine. I do my thing, teach my class, live my life. So it is always perplexing when these random yet hilarious situations happen to me. Always.

The great part about my freak accident nature is if you know me you know I LOVE a good story. There really is nothing better. Which makes the pain, the money (for medical bills and/or to replace whatever I broke), the time to heal, and the embarrassment associated with my accident prone life, all worth it.

I tried to think of a few recent freak accidents to give as examples. Here are a few I came up with...

• Mexico, scooter, an ambulance, and an IV
• The Nile, a raft, class five rapids, me. Did I really believe I would come out of that one unscathed? I guess. I have a pretty sweet battle scar on my shin though. I hope the saying that "Chics dig scars" goes for males as well. Otherwise I'm SOL.
• Africa, no electricity, night, and open sewage ditches. Need I say more.
• Breaking a college buddies hand in a friendly wrestling match. My only defense is that he continuously pestered me to wrestle him. Not my fault that he caught himself with his hand as I was falling on him. Not. My. Fault.
• The home teacher. If you don't know this story by now you never will.
• The Rabbit. You're never going to hear this story from me but Mike and Carly will tell you any day of the week. Happily.

That was a super long intro into the whole point of this post. I have two more freaky moments to add to my list of crazy happenings. They both happened last week and really made my chaotic final week of school a little more entertaining.

I got set up on a blind date. I'm going to leave out some of the nitty gritty details like who the date was, the identity of the setter upper, etc. This is to save the setter upper's reputation. Even though they have admitted defeat in the match making area and promised me they are in retirement. ;)

I got called the day of and the way the situation was presented left me no way to back out. Don't you hate that kind of trickery? We made plans to meet at Barnes and Noble. On my way driving there, I thought I got a flat tire (which adds to my freak accident theory). It turned out to be low and just need air. I took care of the tire mess and then went into the store. By this time I was about twenty minutes late. Oops. As soon as I walked through the doors I realized my date and I had not made plans on how we would meet up once in the store. I've never seen the man before, I didn't have his number, he didn't have mine, and setter upper wasn't available. Oh geez.

I stood around the front of the store for a while, feeling like a moron. I gave up and decided to go about the shopping I had to do there. I wandered the store, frequently returning to the front. I would look around and search for a person I didn't know. It was an awkward feeling. I finished my shopping and was now about 45 minutes late for the original meet up time. I was about to call it a loss and bail when over the loud speaker I hear,

"Lindsi Sullivan, if you are in the building please meet your date at the front desk."

Well, that was it. I DON'T get embarrassed. Ever. However, in this situation I was completely mortified. As I made the walk of shame to the front of the store I felt like it was the slow motion part of the movie where the girl pushes through the crowd with every eye on her. I was sure everyone knew I was the sucker on the blind date that couldn't seem to connect with one another.

I realize nobody was even paying attention to me but that is not how it felt.

I reached the front and the smirking (they were smirking, it was not my imagination) clerks pointed in the direction of my date.

When we finally met up we did the awkward intro with an awkward side note of us starting the date out with a flare. It turned out this guy wasn't good at the laugh at hilarious situations thing. Too bad. It was a good one.

The night just went down hill from there. He informed me he had "tickets" to a High School Christmas Concert. Newsflash: They are free and don't require tickets. I am then informed he didn't have any friends or family performing in the concert and he didn't attend that High School. This cause me to ponder why we were there suffering through it. Everybody knows you only force yourself to attend a HS choir concert because the ones you love are involved. Never voluntarily. I now know he isn't included in the "everybody" category. We then pushed through the most forced and uncomfortable conversation ever. That is an unusual occurrence for me since I can carry on a meaningful conversation with a stick. That was followed by some serious dodging by me when asked for my number, a follow up date, etc. It was all just too much.

I'm sure I'm a better person for enduring it. Or maybe not. I at least have the story to tell.

That story ran a little long so Situation 2 will follow in a separate post tomorrow. Look forward to that. It's equally, if not more entertaining, than the first.

Christmas Music Scrooge

In the past few weeks I have been referred to on several occasions as a "Scrooge" because I am semi-anti-Christmas music. I'm not a full blown no Christmas music kind of person. I'm simply selective.
Rascal Flatts have never and I'm sure will never dissapoint me in the music category. When I saw this music video today I was inspired. Really. It brought me Christmas spirit. I then played it again and this time I just listened to it and didn't watch. They have the most amazing voices ever.
Listen. Really. Listen.

Soundtrack of My Life

I love music. I love movies. I love my life.
At all time during the day I have a song running through my head and I frequently think to myself, "If my life was a movie, what would the soundtrack be?" A long lost friend of mine did this and I liked it.

So, here's how it works:

1. Open your music library.
2. Put it on shuffle.
3. Press play.
4. For every question, type the song that's playing.
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button.
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...

Lindsi Marie's Motion Picture Soundtrack

Opening Credits: "Wonderful World" James Morrison

Waking Up: "Once In a Lifetime" Keith Urban

First Day of School: "All Fall Down -Live" One Republic (I feel like this song is appropriate for skill. We all do fall down, especially during school.)

Falling in Love: "Where You Lead Me" Mercy Me (Definitely works.)

Fight Song: "Shy Boy" Jordin Sparks (I'm embarrassed I own this album but I've never even listened to it all the way through because it's that bad. I have no idea if this song fits but I'm going to assume that it doesn't.)

Breaking Up: "Today" Joshua Radin (No this doesn't work silly! This is a love song about getting married. Ironic at least.)

Life: "Ring-a-Ring-a-Rosies" 100 Silly Songs (Don't you dare judge me. Also, this sadly is a good representation of my daily life.)

Mental Breakdown: "Me Love" Sean Kingston (If I had to listen to Sean Kingston for any extended amount of time I would have a mental breakdown. So it works.)

Driving: "Just to Be Me" Josh Kelly

Flashbacks: "Simple As It Should Be" Tristan Prettyman (Very appropriate flashback song.)

Getting Back Together: "The One" Vanessa Carlton

Wedding: "Ever Ever After" Carrie Underwood (This really just happened.)

Birth of a Child: "The Story" Brandi Carlile (Beautiful song. This is actually great when thinking about new life and childbirth. I like it)

Final Battle: "Giving Up" Ingrid Michaelson (What a sad final battle. No surprising though, I don't really have Final Battle appropriate music.)

Death Scene: "Billy Brown" MIKA (Yikes)

Funeral Song: "1234" Feist

End Credits: "Unmistakable" Backstreet Boys (I have the biggest smile on my face. In the soundtrack of my life I feel it only appropriate to end with the Backstreet Boys. Awesome.)

This was a weird activity but enjoyable too. The songs mostly don't fit but they are fantastic music (mostly-Jordin Sparks).

Sabbatical

I took a blogging sabbatical. I decided to come back. I'm not going to return to the every day blogathon that I participated in before but the bi or tri weekly posts will return as of today. I'm feeling rejuvenated.

I've realized over the past few months that I really love to write. It is therapeutic for me and a great way to express myself. I don't really believe that anyone else cares what I have to write about. Which is perfectly great but I just love putting my thoughts out there. They are generally so random and unorganized but they're mine.

I also love reading others blogs. It makes me think, gives me ideas, and provides me with new insights. (Deep, right?) Here's some more I'm into right now. Check them out. You might enjoy... you might not.

What It All Looks Like - This man Mike Terry is a photojournalist in Salt Lake County. His pictures are interesting, beautiful, and unique. He usually posts pictures of events going on around the city which I love too. My favorite posts he has are of a live nativity scene, a children's ballet, and BYU vs. UNLV (which is weird since I don't like football.) Also, on his links bar on the right side he has tons of other great photographers links. I enjoy that.

Utah Loves Cupcakes- I have talked about a friend of mine that writes Project Domestication which is a super cute blog with all things domestic. Well she started another one all about cupcakes in Utah. It makes me hungry.

The Style Files- I just like to look. Maybe one day I will buy something that was inspired by this blog. That would make my drooling over the furniture and other items posted here worth it.

That's all for now. I just wanted to share.

Laughing is Theraputic

This video is a little long but so worth it! I couldn't stop laughing when I was watching! Kids are cool.

It's Finally Over!

I freaking did it! I almost gave up multiple times and I'm honestly all blogged out. It was actually kind of fun and I feel a pretty good sense of accomplishment. I'm not really sure why, but I do.

Thanks for reading, commenting, and baring with me. I know it was kind of intense for those of you who read this too. Thanks. I appreciate it!

I'm taking the next week or so (probably more) off!

DWill

I bought this at the Jazz game last night....

My father has never been so proud.

I've never felt like such a sell out.

I look freakin' hot in it though. Duh.

I'm super excited about my new jersery. Can you tell?

AOTW- Ingrid Michaelson

Artist of the Week:

Ingrid Michaelson

I absolutely love Ingrid Michaelson. Her voice is beautiful and she usually plays the guitar or piano while she sings. She also throws the ukulele in as well which is fairly impressive. She has an acoustic-electric vibe which makes her slow songs uptempo enough that I'm never bored. I think she is beautiful but she just seems normal and real. I like that. I'm sure if we ever met she would totally want to be my friend. No doubt about it.

I think she is amazing on her own however she has some pretty sweet duets with some of my favorite artists including Joshua Radin, Jason Mraz, Sarah Bareilles, and Matthew Nathanson. Fantastical.

There are several songs by her that I put on repeat and listen to five times in a row before I move onto the next song. My favorite choices are The Way I Am, Keep Breathing, Be Okay, You and I (featuring Jason Mraz), Sky (with Joshua Radin).

Get to know Ingrid. You won't regret it!

I found a few clips of here that I really enjoyed. See for yourself:

Live: Breakable

Old Navy Commercial You may recognize her song from this commercial.

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Funny

Turkey Jive!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Smelling Diaries - Part 3

The scratch and sniff concept is ridiculous to me. Scratching a sticker, paper, shirt, etc. to then have an aroma produced seems silly. I just don't really understand. Honestly, I never will.

People magazines Sexiest Man Alive issue came out this week. Of course I bought it. I appreciate a sexy man. Anyway, while I was reading I came across an article I never would have anticipated

The Sexy Scents article - Scratch and Sniff style

The deal is they chose some sexy men and fragrances that make them feel sexy. In order to get a whiff of their "sexy scents" you RUB THE CHEST on their picture. HILARIOUS! The whole concept cracks me up

However, the no smell issue made it so I couldn't even enjoy the article. I'm sure if any of you had read the reasons these men gave for there choices you would have nodded your head and thought, "Oh yes, that smells nice." When I read them I thought, "Why is the world would you want to smell like that."

So here is a quick breakdown of the men, their sexy scent, and my thoughts on the matter.

Chase Crawford: Freshly Cut Grass

"I grew up playing a lot of football and golf, and I mowed the lawn as well."

My thoughts: You want to smell like cut grass? You want a girl to cuddle up to you and smell the sweaty outdoorsness of cut grass. Cut grass, weird.

Michael Phelps: L'Homme YSL

"It's good stuff! I got it as a present. I just spray a little of it on my wrist and then on my neck."

My thoughts: First- Do you know how hard it is to find a clothed picture of this man? Practically impossible. In fact, I didn't really find one. Second- I can't say anything about his cologne choice because I know nothing about it. However I can say that I am thankful to Michael for explaining how he puts it on. I would have been so confused about the process of wearing a fragrance if it weren't for him. Wrist first then the neck... interesting.

Taye Diggs- Vanilla, Chocolate, Sandalwood and Musk

"It's part of my little regimen to apply essential oils."

My thoughts: That just sounds like a horrible combination. Vanilla and Chocolate probably mix fine. Sandalwood and Musk probably do alright together as well. However, sweet baking product and essential oils smell good together? I don't think so.

Chris Meloni: A Day at the Beach

"There's just some calming effect about the beach... It's that soft, coconutty, baked, warm sun smell. It's fresh, it's clean, it's natural."

My thoughts: That sounds nice. I wish I could smell that. The only one of these four men that I wish I could smell is this man who I do not find sexy at all. That's ironic.