Evo Conference '12-Part 1

This past weekend I was able to attend Evo '12 Conference due to the amazing internship I have with MomItForward. And I was able to rub shoulders with some of the most influential women in the world, mom bloggers. These women are phenomenal in every aspects of their lives. I met women who have fought and won against cancer. Women who made many mistakes in their lives but choose not to focus on those mistakes but instead work forward. Women who are truly grateful for the big and small miracles in their lives.    

It was incredible to realize that there were many women who were experiencing their first Evo Conference including myself but they amount of love and inclusion we received from the start demonstrates the uniqueness of Evo. Being involved in the flash mob dance was exhilarating and nerve wracking for all of us, but it didn't matter because we were determined to do it even if we looked rather ridiculous.

The kickoff for the conference were the IGNITE presentations. Inspirational women who shared their lives and how they had overcome difficult trials. Each speaker left us with a motivational thought. Here are just some of those thoughts:

• You can have it all. Your dreams and wishes along with a family- Jenny Eckton. 
• Showing gratitude in every blessing, both large and small. Also she was a fabulous dancer - Lucrecer Braxton
• Accepting that we are each a superhero even with the flaws that we have - Jyl Johnson Pattee
• Getting over the a**hole in your self and going outside of yourself to interact with those around you -Cecily Kellogg
• And my personal favorite was Casey Mullins. I could tell that she was nervous but that only made her message that much sincere. She had her notes and may have stumbled but I don't remember. All I remember is a woman who had been through a horrible year like myself. A dark year in her life and she had made it out of the dark. She had to overcome past mistakes and painful trials.

Watching these women and every other woman at the conference, I saw women who were strong and capable. Women who were nurturing mothers and wives along with being successful business women. Women who were very inviting of the newbies and provided conversation to keep everyone included. 

Elizabeth Banks: I Thank Birth Control Pills for My Son

Elizabeth Banks: I Thank Birth Control Pills for My Son

Just over a year ago, my son Felix was born via gestational surrogacy. He came out of me nine months early and because of my broken belly, his babycake was baked in a wonderful angel’s oven and now — I can’t believe it — he’s a year old and walking. He has expanded my capacity for joy a thousand-fold.

His life would have been much harder to come by if not for the birth control pill. How’s that, you ask? Well, it’s a simple fact: The pill is used for many situations that have nothing to do with the prevention of pregnancy. The pill was prescribed to me when hormonally induced migraines kept me locked up in dark rooms for days at a time. It was prescribed to me to regulate insanely painful cramps every month — cramps so painful that I often vomited.

And here’s a little secret I am happy to blow the lid off of: The pill is often prescribed during the IVF (in vitro fertilization) process to help MAKE BABIES! That’s right, women dealing with infertility are often put on the pill to help regulate a cycle so that they might have a more successful IVF. The pill is used to manage ovarian cysts, endometriosis and other conditions too. Not to mention, it helps couples plan for wanted children.

Obviously, I’m not a doctor. I’m just a woman grateful for my necessary and very helpful medication. And I’m sure glad I don’t have to discuss any of these conditions, including infertility, with my employer.

A girlfriend and I recently wondered what would be more mortifying: having to tell her male employer she needed birth control to mitigate a heavy flow or just bleeding all over herself in the office?

So with that image in mind, I encourage all women — and the men in their lives — to protect access to birth control, and encourage our politicians to take women’s health issues out of the political process.

For more information, please visit the most comprehensive and willing advocates for women’s health in America: www.plannedparenthood.org.

It All Ends 7.15

I am so excited to see the final movie but also full of a pang of despair. Nothing is yet to be with Harry Potter. No new mysteries to follow. No new spells. Nothing. Sure you can read the books and watch the movies, but that page turning thrill is gone. My childhood is drawing to a close 7.15.11

Cravings

I've never been a lover of cake, brownies, cupcakes, or frosting. In my neighborhood, growing up, the families would get together to celebrate birthdays. And I always got extra ice cream because I didn't like cake. Fair trade, I believe. Since those days I'm pretty much the same except that I have discovered a guilty pleasure. Sweet Tooth Fairy Cupcakes. These things are to die for! Just look at them. Strawberry Shortcake. Peanut Butter. Scrumptious. Delectable. I'm craving a box full right now. So now I hope that you want one too. Aren't I just so nice?

P.S. I've always wanted to smash a cupcake into someone's face but that'll be reserved for cupcakes who don't make the grade.

It

Lately I've been pondering what it is about men that lures me in and came up with a couple reasons:

A suit just adds to the allure of a man. It's classy, successful, and self-confident. Sorry single men, your t-shirt with batman on it is not producing results that a suit does. I may be a little vain but I like guys who look good.

According to some study done somewhere, women prefer men with stubble. The study goes on to list that it is the most attractive look while men with full-on beards are not. Personally, I agree. Men with stubble have an air of masculinity while men with full-on beards are creepy and ages a man 10 years. Plus who wants to make-out with a man with a Moses beard. I do feel bad for those men who cannot grow facial hair-looks like you are stuck with a baby face.

I realize Russell Brand is crazy and out of control but he is also attentive to Katy. Seriously, he adores her. And she adores him even when he is inappropriate. She is the only woman in his world. He is mesmerized by her and only her. They don't try to change the other which is very attractive. Plus he is hilarious. If you can make me laugh and I mean really laugh not some polite (I have to laugh or he'll cry) laugh.

Attentiveness- let her know that you are thinking about her. It doesn't have to be something big or everyday. A simple text in the morning will brighten her day.

Baby blues stop my heart. I could look at them all day. Maybe it's because I have blue eyes and like attracts like? My best friend's know that if a movie has a guy with baby blues, I'll pay $8.75 even if I have no idea what the movie is about.

Ambition. A man who goes after what he wants whether it's a job or a certain girl, is attractive. Someone who mans-up and takes the risk.

Also another attractive feature of a guy is one who is truly interested in you. Not every female in the room. Guys: make it obvious to her that she is not just "some girl". Be attentive, classy, and sincere.

When In Rome

One of my favorite movies, mainly because it stars Kristen Bell. Seriously HILARIOUS and WITTY girl. I can relate to Beth except I don't need to steal a coin from a fountain to get creepy men to fall for me....they do that all on their own. Anywho, I mainly like this video due to the unique way of defining "stalking". Check out 1:10 on the video. Funny.

Lady's Imagination

Being single and living within Utah County the push for marriage is undeniable and outspoken. Much like Mrs. Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It is both hilarious and annoying at the increase of "marriage pep talks" that singles are getting in this valley. I find that those who are constantly pushing us singles towards marriage through FHE activities, Munch & Mingle, and Sunday talks remind me of Mrs. Bennet. Just like Elizabeth I find myself asking these people if marriage is all they think about? And like Mrs. Bennet they respond with "when you have single daughters and sons, what else shall occupy your thoughts". And just like her daughters, every single push and reminder about marriage has the singles of Utah laughing and rolling their eyes.

Another Single Ward phenomenon I find utterly hilarious that is also approached in P&P. The matter concerning "lady's imagination". In a singles ward, the dating scene is seen at a faster rate than the outside world. It is as if this area is caught in a time dilation which makes everyone go through life faster here than anywhere else. For instance, it is not a secret that many girls (in singles wards) make the jump that a 3rd date means you are bf/gf. So many times I overhear friends telling the girl that she HAS to have a "DTR" or else. Or else what?? Does something bad happen like the world ends or there is a shortage of french fries. Because the threat of no more french fries may push me towards presenting a DTR to a guy. Come on, gotta save the fries!! But really, probably not. I don't know about you, but I find that I can put on quite a show well-past the 3rd date mark. For all I know, the fact that I am a picky eater may not emerge til date 27 and may be the breaking point???

Any who, I do so love messing with people. Causing a ruckus and not doing things properly. Not grabbing my label maker and placing a label on everything I come into contact with. Personally, label makers aren't really all that fun....I prefer the Bedazzlers, much more me. In P&P, Jane and Charles have known each other a fortnight (2 weeks) and her mother is completely sure of there being a wedding. Is there where the idea for quick marriages occurred? Yes, in the case of Wickam and Lydia, but who wouldn't want their teenage girl marrying a man much older than her and not having a decent job.....oh that's right, most of my town and Stephanie Meyer.

What Mormon girl doesn't want to marry a guy like Edward? Someone controlling, cold, and dead? I certainly know a few 40-year old moms who wish they had. As for me, necrophilia isn't my thing but all you 18 year old girls now flooding the church buildings, I'm sure you can find him somewhere...... the Elder's Quorum room is on your left, make sure you wear distracting ear rings to keep their attention, oh and don't forget to mention how "big and strong he is". As for me and mine, I'm grabbing me some starburst/skittles to watch the latest and cheapest form of entertainment. Grammy anybody?

StumbleUpon

StumbleUpon is a sure way to waste away the day. It's a way to explore the Internet when you don't know what you are looking for. And it gives you a whole lot of random, cheesy sites that make you laugh....

First Cheesy Sites are those that are titled "Things Guys Should Know About Girls" or "Things Girls Should Know About Guys". They are seriously funny and often times can be followed by a "no duh!" I've decided that these pages are posted by guys/girls who are single and pine away for their "soul-mate". You keep thinking that sweetheart, he may even ride up on a white stallion. Bless your soul. :/

• Do not cheat on a girl. We girls talk, we WILL know, and we WILL find out, and we WILL dump you! No kissing two girls within 24 hrs, it's rude and disrespectful. Plus it puts you in the Jerk/Player category.


• Don't drench yourself in the cologne, but smell good. Oh I just love your excessive use of Aqua Di Gio. Yucky!


• When in doubt, wear a shirt that matches your eye color. Blue eyes automatically give you 10 bonus pts.


• You're sexy when you're shaving, fixing things, wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, driving, eating a peach, holding a baby. "Eating a peach" is not sexy, just messy.


• Baseball players are hot. The sport makes you skinny and your arm muscles… well, it’s hot. We’ll go to all your games even if we hate baseball. No arguments here. Watch him run, oh baby oh baby.


• At sleepovers, if you wonder what we talk about, quit worrying. It really is only you. It's you and the really cute guy at Blockbuster....


• We like you to kiss our hand and cheeks and forehead (esp. forehead!!), not just shove your tongue down our throats. We do like to breathe. Please do not kiss me that resembles a dog, sappy tree, or some sort of sea creature.


• As surprising as it may be, while guys might actually look at personality, the first thing girls look at tends to be looks. We're not going to see you and think, 'I wonder what his personality is like!' Terrible, but true. It's true but a girl will quickly place you in the "Potential" category or the "Jerk/Creeper" category based on how you carry yourself and if people in the room avoid you.


• If we say "Let's just be friends", we really mean it. Don't keep trying to pursue us, and don't say ok and then ignore us. That's just mean and horrible. And do not take the "let's be friends" phrase as a promise of some future relationship. If I don't like you now, I never will. Don't give me hugs and linger, it's creepy and one day it will cause you to be on the floor gasping in pain. Also don't do surprise dates. Don't say that a group is going to a movie and it ends up being the two of you. She will fake some sort of illness, typically cramps bc a guy won't investigate.


• Girls fantasize too...

Since StumbleUpon is not neither male nor female, here's the for the flip side, what guys wish girls knew....

• Guys don't like sluts.....really? are you sure? ok, well in that case I better notify the female population.


• When a guy looks at you for longer than a second, he's definitely thinking something. Oh good, neurons are synapsing up there. That's a relief.


• If you like the us, then you would let us think that our mustache, beard, or sideburns look cool. Facial hair can be very sexy but no girl wants to make out with Hitler.


• Guys don't necessarily like girls who are too skinny. WTF. What does "too skinny" mean? How do you measure something like that? Maybe it should read "guys don't like girls who look like teen boys?" Furthermore boys, she may appear to have a proportional chest but don't you know? Victoria Secret is the best friend of the "flat-as-a-board" girls.


• When a girl says "no", a guy hears "try again tomorrow". No means no, tomorrow's answer will be no and now you are a creeper.


• Guy's fantasies are unlimited..... since when is creativity bad?


• If a guy suddenly asks you for a date, ask why? Seriously?! Who comes up with this crap? It is probably because he is attracted to you.


• If you don't dress like the Victoria Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys. I'm perfectly ok with this mainly because I don't want you to be secretly my sister's baby daddy nor the guy in coma for the entire season.


• Let us ogle. If we can't look at other women, how can we know how pretty you are. Nice loop boys.

P.S. these comments were listed as "Facts" and thus have been scientifically proven to be true and have been agreed upon by all parties of single boys and single girls. Poor unfortunate souls.

Site #2

An application from a father to date his daughter. It is nice to be able to tell your father that the guy you are going out with on Friday night does not have a record and is not a drug dealer. However a father wonders a lot of other questions (or in my case your grandmother)

• If I were shot, the last place I'd like to be shot last is? Pretty sure any girl knows this answer, at least if she hasn't been living under a rock


• A women's place is in the? You say "home" and my father won't need to beat you, I will myself.

Site 3

• 1,385,160 Cows have been abducted by aliens


• I am prepared for a Velociraptor attack


• Custom building hell....

Slow Drivers
Circle I Limbo

Stupid People
Circle II Whirling in a Dark & Stormy Wind

Ke$ha
Circle III Mud, Rain, Cold, Hail & Snow

Dentists
Circle IV Rolling Weights

18 year old girls
Circle V Stuck in Mud, Mangled

River Styx

Creepers
Circle VI Buried for Eternity

River Phlegyas

Screaming children before 9 am on a saturday
Circle VII Burning Sands

Guys with Hitler mustaches
Circle IIX Immersed in Excrement

People responsible for forcing Cookie Monster to eat fruits/veggies
Circle IX Frozen in Ice

Hope for the Hopeless

Sometimes friends offer you good advice, even great advice. Like if a certain dress makes you look fat or if your new makeup looks a bit hookerish. However, sometimes it is best to follow your instincts that way you know what YOU thought was best. Not what some other person thought was best. Well now I'm in a state of having to deal with following the bad advice and it sucks. I can't take it back and it just sucks sucks sucks x 1,000,000. Not even an Astin Martin would make me feel better.

PS but there is always hope isn't there?

Spare Time

Since school has ended and I am still working on finding a job (when I say "finding" I mean actually filling out applications. I not one of those people who sits and waits for a job to fall in my lap) I have been blog hopping and found this wonderful blog titled Really-He's Just Not That Into You. These ladies are hilarious and say their opinions. Today I found the following post:

Really-He's Just Not That Into You.: Adore > Love: Brittany's Thoughts on Dating: "Adore:  to   regard   with   the   utmost   esteem   and   respect;   honor. Like the rest of the world, I watched the Royal wedding this w..."