It's your birthday.

Hey everyone!

A few things. I've been watching all the past episodes of The Office that I've missed. I stopped watching, because Michael Scott's character just got to be too tragic to make it fun to watch. However, the two newest episodes are pretty funny. I don't want to ruin it for anyone... so SPOILER ALERT!!!

In the past two episodes, Michael is out of the office on a lecture series, so Jim and Dwight are in charge in Scranton. They forget Kelly's birthday, and have to make up for it, which includes brown and gray balloons, a sign that says:"It's your birthday.", and a birthday cake that has no name on it. I won't go into it anymore, but a lot of times, I've felt like Kelly in those episodes. Not only about birthdays, but you get the idea. ;)

I also watched He's Just Not That Into You. Great movie. Surprisingly. It looked like it wasn't really going to be good, but it was done VERY well, and needless to say, I had a lot of revelations. Like: A guy isn't into you if they aren't 'making things happen.' Well, DUH!!! But, women really do have a HORRIBLE habit of making things more dramatic than they need to be. So what? He's not the one. Get over it and move on. I've always told my friends that if he's the right guy, everything will work out. That doesn't mean that you won't have to work for it, or make things happen, because relationships are work. However, things will be a lot easier. Take it from me. I've had a lot of one-sided relationships, and it works better if BOTH of you know what you want, and how you want to achieve it. Communication is always key to a good relationship. It doesn't ease the heartache when someone really hurts you, but don't make undue drama, just because he's hott. There are plenty of fish in the sea. :)

Valentines Day is tomorrow, and I just wanted to talk a little about how the holidays are treating me in all my single glory. A lot of girls will probably say how much they hate this time of year because of all the 'Love in the Air.' Some of us feel like we have gas masks on-- making us unable to breathe in this so called 'Love.' lol. BUT, holidays aren't really that bad this time around. I've realized that even though I'm not 'taken' being single isn't that bad. I have friends that I can spend time with, and a family that loves me. Why focus on the negative when so much positive is there??? :)

Tonight's agenda includea karaoke at my favorite spot and possibly a dance. :) Good times had by all!!!

I'm SICK!!! :(

So, I'm sick. It's funny how I can go YEARS without getting sick, and then BLAMO! I get hit twice in the past 3 months. :( I hate being sick.

Lately I've been trying to save money by cooking more often at home. Something I've come to LOVE is my brother Josh's recipe for Mabo Tofu. :) It's a Japanese dish with beef, miso, onions and tofu that is TO DIE for!!! I've included a picture of my version, which I have made 2 times already! Delicious!


I'm glad for this time to just kick back and explore the things I've always wanted to do, like cooking, camping, graphic art, budgeting, going house shopping (not that I'm in the market...), and traveling. I'm grateful for the time to get to learn about all these things (and more) and just figure them out. Especially traveling. I'm planning to do a lot more traveling this year. I think it's all due to not only my 'single status' but also just breaking free from my debts. Thanks budgeting!!! You're the best!!!

So, I'm afraid of the dark. Not many people know that about me, but I go out of my way to NOT be alone when the lights go out. I just found out that one of my cousins is also TERRIFIED of the dark. I'm not that bad... I think for me it's the unknown that scares me. Just a note of other things I'm afraid of: clowns, spiders, being alone, heights, commitment, failure... i think that's it. It's a life goal of mine to confront my fears, and overcome them. Or at least try to. I think the hardest one for me will be spiders. I literally FREAK OUT when I see one. Childhood trauma. lol

So, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!! lol. Sorry, I forgot to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. It's the year of the bull, and supposedly its supposed to be a good year for those born under the Rat sign (like me). I don't usually go for any of that kind of stuff, but it's fun to read. :)

I think I'll start posting recipes that go well on this page. Oh, and if you ever want to know more about the eating situation here in St. George, check out my food critic blog I've made with my trusty side-kick, Susi: www.eatinginstgeorge.blogspot.com. :)

Good times

I think its about time to write a blog about my family.

My family is EXTREMELY awesome. Some would say borderline amazing... but awesome is a better word for us. We were raised by both parents, and they are still going strong after... wow. 30 years this March.

Growing up was an adventure for me, because I had two older brothers, and a younger brother. I was a VERY obstinate child. Everything had to be done MY way, or I wasn't going to be involved. Funny enough it it still sort of that way, but people do it my way now, because I usually do it the easiest and most fun way possible. lol.

Anyway, back to history, my oldest brother was always trying to get me to do things his way, which needless to say, made for a lot of fighting, and we do FIGHT a lot. Well, I guess I should rephrase that. We USED to fight a lot. Now that we're older its more like bickering. lol. But we are a loud, fighting, bickering family, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I really believe in the old adage that 'You don't truly know someone until you fight them.' Truer words have never been spoken. On to the family.

My dad is a hard working upstanding guy. He has been an electrician most of his life, and has done very well for himself in the way of his career. He is caring and funny, and works hard for his family. When I think of my dad I think of a big bear. He can be grouchy at times, but underneath it all he is a soft and cuddly guy. :) He doesn't sugarcoat things, which I'm grateful for, because I can always depend on him to tell me the truth. Sometimes, its a harder truth than I'm willing to take, but I love him anyway. :) He taught me to sing, to perform, to strive to be the best, and to forgive. I am nothing without my dad, and I am a daddy's girl to the core.

My mom is one of the smartest people I know. Especially when it comes to church related stuff. If I ever have a question about anything, I go to her because she is so amazingly smart. I think of she went on Jeopardy, she would win BIG MONEY. Seriously. :) She is the center of the family, and keeps us on speaking terms. ;) She is a great cook, baker, money management person, etc. What can I say about my mom other than she is the woman I aspire to be??? I can't imagine anyone that could be a better mother and friend to me. She knows me inside and out. And even though we don't get along sometimes (have you ever heard of too many hens in the hen house? lol) I know that she is always there for me. When I think of my mom, I think of an owl, because she is wise. :)

My oldEST brother, Adam. Adam is almost just like my dad. he's easy going and smart. He has made a lot of sacrifices for me and my brothers, and I'm eternally grateful to him. If I had to describe him as an animal, he would be a panda. Super chill, and just a great guy to hang out with. He has a great personality. :) I know he and I have taken our lumps, but I think we are the most alike. He always supports me and pushes me to be better than I am. BUT he understands when I take a fall, and helps to lift me up.

My oldER brother Josh is the most different personality wise from all of us. I say that because he has always gone his own way. He forged his way through life, and, I think, has come out on top. Josh is a really sensitive guy. That sensitivity, however, makes him really adept at music. I think music is the best way to relate to him, because he is the perfomer of the family. Everything he does, he excels at. AND if he doesn't get it, he works at it until he does. He is the epitome of the phrase 'practice makes perfect.' He is a perfectionist. When I think of Josh, I think of an elephant. He not only is strong and smart, but he does his own thing, and doesn't let anything get in his way.

ME. Wow, Karyn... you're putting yourself in??? lol. Yes. Only because I want you to see how I fit in. I call myself the black sheep of the family. I'm the only girl, and I am often the most rebellious. I think if my parents knew more about my life when I was younger, they would have put some restraints on me instead of focusing on the boys, but they didn't. I'm the instigator of the family. I am also the one that likes to call the shots. :) My dad told me once that I'm the artist of the family, and I think he's right. I am a VERY free spirit. I don't know what animal I would be. Maybe a black sheep? lol. Just kidding. Maybe a cat. I do my own thing and don't obey well. he he... IDK, ask my family. I'm sure they can tell you.

And last but not least, Sean. The baby. :) I think I'm the closest to Sean in the way that I helped raise him. Sean is the peacemaker of the family, and as he's grown up has become the coolest person ever. :) He's really chill and likes to kick back. He is also a dedicated and hardworking guy. (lol. all my brothers are) When I think of Sean, I think of a dog. He's loyal, kind, obedient, friendly, cheerful, smart, and everyone loves him. He is really paitent and always know what to say to make me laugh. He's one of my heores and I look up to him. (not only because he's taller than me, but because he's AWESOME!)

I love my family. We can all sing (thanks to my dad) and when we get together, we sing. I think that's what I miss the most. Just sitting with them and singing. Even though I'm here in Utah by myself, I know that I can go back to Hawaii anytime and they'll be there for me.

One of my favorite memories of my family was the last Christmas we spent together. My mom worked so hard to make everyone happy, and we just cruised together and had fun together. Gosh. I miss my family!!!