Bridal Showers & Ice Cubes

I'm not bitter. Just trying to bring some humor to the table. Promise. I just got home from my third Bridal Shower in three weeks. That's right. Three in three weeks. And they just keep coming. I love going, don't get me wrong. It's so fun to be with the happy bride-to-be and all the guests that are so happy she's happy. The happiness is contagious. It's just that sometimes, like tonight, when you're the ONLY one present that is not engaged or already married, you tend to feel a little singled out. Pun intended.

But what adds more to the frustration is when everyone wants to know who you're dating. I always smile and kindly reply "No one right now." Of course this just fuels their fire. They usually come back with something like "Well why not? You're so pretty and accomplished and..." You get the idea.

Then next comes my favorite part. The set-up. I've finally just given up and consented to go out with these guys they wanna set me up with. You know...their daughter's friend's uncle's cousin that's oh-so-handsome and lives in Nebraska. "But don't worry" they say, "He comes to visit California all the time." So, I say yes and that usually puts an end to that. And I'm not complaining. Honestly, I'm not. I'm grateful that people think highly enough of me to set me up with their daughter's friend's uncle's cousin. It's flattering. And I always say you never know!

Anyway, as the shower went on I slowly sipped my water until there was nothing but ice left in my cup. Meanwhile, the cake was being passed out and the presents continued to be opened, when suddenly I found myself chomping down on the cold cubes. Chomping. Some say that chewing ice cubes is a sign of sexual frustration, and I'm pretty sure the woman sitting next to me sensed it because as I took my last bite she whispered in my ear "Don't worry honey. He's out there somewhere. You're next. I can just feel it." I smiled and excused myself to fill my cup up with more ice cubes.

Behold: The Snuggie

If you're looking at this picture and thinking to yourself "Oh no she didn't!" Well, then you'd be correct. No! I did not buy a Snuggie. But my hilarious friend Brad did. He also bought a Sham Wow, but that's another story for a later day. If you're not familiar with this product, may I kindly suggest you stop where you're at and take a moment to click HERE before we all move on. Okay. Are we all on the same page now? Moving right along...so Sunday night I was invited over to my friend Lance's place to relax after church and play a rousing game of Speed Scrabble, when all of a sudden I felt a little chill creep through the room. Lance noticed me looking around for a blanket to wrap around my toes and was quick to offer this blue felt monster. I was hesitant to "put it on" because after all, I just wanted something to keep my toes warm. But when Brad came home and saw his Snuggie draped across my lap, he convinced me that I would thoroughly enjoy everything the Snuggie had to offer if I "put it on." He also allowed me to use the FREE booklight he got for buying it "within the next 30 minutes." I couldn't bear keeping the creepy thing on any longer than to snap this lovely pic on my iPhone. Enjoy.

We put the Ocean in motion!!!

It was another great turnout at Ocean's in Laguna for the ever popular Mormon dance-off we like to call 80's night. I LOVE me some Kenny Loggins with a side of Bon Jovi. I feel like I danced with almost all my ladies from HB down to SC. Miss Erin Hawley, if you're reading this, there better be a darn good explanation as to why you and your gold leggings never made it to the dance floor. You got some splainin' to do.

Q: How do you make a tissue dance?

A: You put a little boogie in it.

Okay really? I mean picking your nose in public was cute when you were like two. Not twenty-nine and on national television! If you have no idea what I'm talking about then I'm guessing you didn't watch Monday night's episode of The Bachelor.

Did you SEE when Shannon picked her nose in front of Jason! And then ATE the booger off the napkin! And then KISSED him right after that! Ahhhhhh!!! You've got to be kidding me! Okay, so maybe that's not exactly what happened, but it sure looked that way on TV!

This show is seriously getting too ridiculous. At least the drama queens are getting x-ed one by one. I feel like Jason did the right thing by sending four girls home instead of just three. Bye bye Niki-needs-her-side-burns-shaved. Adios stalker-Shannon. Later loco-en-la-cabeza-Lauren. Good riddens manly-Megan. Oh, I'm mean! But you know you were all thinking it. I just said it.

And in case you're all wondering, I still stand firm in my decision. The other girls may be going home with a bouquet of roses, but Jillian will be going home with a ring on her finger, a man on her arm, and a little boy named Ty around her ankle. I bet you a dollar. No. Two dollars.

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Sunday evening one of my very best friends, Miss Erin Elton, hosted a most incredible Chinese New Year's Dinner. She graciously offered up her home and invited some close friends over for a homemade celebration. She slaved in the kitchen for hours and came out with the most amazing food. She dished up homemade tofu, orange chicken, vegetable rolls, a melon fertility salad, and much more.

As we gathered around the beautifully prepared meal, Erin took a moment to explain the symbolism behind the food we were about to eat and then gave each of us a red envelope and explained that on the Eve of the Chinese New Year it's tradition for the parents to give each of their children a red envelope with a fortune for the coming year inside. As we ripped open our envelopes we all found a crisp one dollar bill. How exciting! I guess that means 2009 will be filled with wealth and prosperity!

Before digging into our feast, Erin asked if anyone present spoke Chinese or any kind of Asian language to say a blessing on the food. Brig, a return missionary from Korea, stepped forward and offered to give the prayer in Korean. I have no idea what was said, but it sounded awesome! Within a matter of minutes the plates of piled high food were gone and we all just sat back to relax. Way to go Elton!

To wrap up the celebration, Erin, who totally out did herself, announced that she made homemade fortune cookies for everyone and suggested that we each read our fortunes aloud. When it came time to read mine, I was so excited. My fortune read: "You will travel to many foreign countries and make lasting friendships." How spot on is that? I love it! Thank you Miss Elton for a fabulous evening of fun and celebration. Can't wait to hear what theme party you come up with next!

Super Monkey goes to Disneyland

Aren't reunions just so fun! One of my very best friends from College, Erin Madsen, came to town this weekend for a Scrapbook Conference. She's a professional scrapbooker. Cool job, right? Anyway, she had the day off so I met her at the Happiest Place on Earth for some much needed girl time.

While standing in line for our first ride on Space Mountain, she told me a story about how her little four year old, Troy, saw a commercial where the dad took pictures of his child's stuffed animal while he was away on vacation and sent them via cell phone. So, of course Troy sent Erin to California with his friend Super Monkey and asked her to take pictures of him everywhere he went.

We had way too much fun taking pictures with this little monkey throughout the day. We snapped a shot of him on all the rides, at the castle, with the churro man, and even one with Mickey. This last picture is especially for you Troy-boy. You're Auntie Aubrey loves you! Thanks Erin for such a fun trip to the Magic Kingdom!

I see London, I see France . . .

Yup! I Convinced my girlfriends to buy tickets to Europe for our birthdays in March. I've never been! All I can say is signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours.

Twenty-Nine & Twelve Months

Well I guess it's only appropriate that since we were so late in celebrating Cora's 30th birthday that I be so late in blogging about it. One of my favorite friends and past roommate, Cora Rall, celebrated her birthday earlier in January. Sadly enough, Lauren, Allie, and I completely forgot (I know...so bad) and decided to make it up to her by throwing her a belated birthday.

It was nothing big or special. We just invited her over for some homemade Pizookies and to watch the latest episode of Greys. I'm new to this show but I'm totally addicted. Sometimes its just fun to have a show to watch with the girls and Greys is definitely one of those. Cora, I hope you had a very happy birthday even if it was belated. We love you and are so excited for Baby Rall to come!

LBM Photo Shoot

I'm beginning to like my job more and more. This week I was invited to represent our company De La Rose for a series of photo shoots throughout the city of Laguna Beach. We were asked to provide blushing arrangements and bouquets for bridal shoots to be featured in an upcoming special wedding edition of Laguna Beach Magazine.

The first shoot was at the chic and ultra modern Seven 4 One Hotel along Pacific Coast Highway. While I didn't do much on the set other than stylize the flowers, I did enjoy gaulking at the male models. I decided to give them my business card which just so happened to have my personal cell phone number on it...you know...just in case. Please don't be gay.

The second shoot was just through the canyon at the high-class venue 7 Degrees. I was quite surprised I'd never seen or heard of this place before. It's located right next to the Sawdust Festival and directly across from the Pageant of the Masters. It's an absolutely charming venue and I can imagine it would be an outrageous location for a wedding.

The final shoot was at the spectacular oceanfront Montage Resort & Spa. This was by far my favorite shoot of the week. The photographs were done by the talented and oh so attractive Baldemar Fierro. Don't worry, I gave him my business card too. The shoot which again featured our flowers, consisted of a series of events: a proposal on the beach, followed by a romantic lunch in the room, then an afternoon at the spa, and finally a classy dinner at the 5-star restaurant. I hope to share some images when the special edition of Laguna Beach Magazine hits the stands. They should be amazing!

Future RM's

I absolutely adore these two! Saturday afternoon my roommate's siblings and dear friends, Markie and Bri Hobbins, went through the Newport Beach Temple in preparation for their missions. They will both be reporting to the Provo MTC on February 11th. How fun and exciting! After a few short weeks of training, Elder Hobbins will be shipping off to the Colorado Denver Mission and Sister Hobbins to Salt Lake City's Temple Square. I honestly couldn't be more excited for them. This past weekend as we all sat in the temple together I reflected on the many emotions I felt as I prepared to serve the Lord for 18 months in Canada. It was a sobering feeling to be reminded of all the wonderful blessings that have come into my life because of that choice I made nearly 5 years ago. I'm so grateful for the gospel in my life and the plan that our Heavenly Father has for each of us. Congratulations Markie and Bri! I might be crazy but I wish I could go again. I know that you two will do wonderful things on your missions! And remember "...if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father."(D&C 18:15) Go get 'em!

Team Jillian

Another episode of the Bachelor and I still think hot diggity dog Jillian is the front runner! She's gonna win the heart of the Bachelor...if she hasn't already. I called it the moment she stepped out of the limo. I don't even know why I'm still watching this show? Oh yah, the drama!!!

How ticked was everyone when Megan got a rose? We all gasped for air! And girls, I understand that Melissa is great too. She's cute, she's bubbly, she's fun. I get that! But let her be runner up. She can be the next Bachelorette and charm all the men with her hot cheerleader bod. Meanwhile, Jason, Jillian, and Ty will be living happily ever after. I'm right. Admit it.

Birthday Celebration

Sunday night the Messick kids and grandkids gathered at Grandma & Grandpa's house in San Clemente for some hot dogs and hamburgers and to celebrate the birth of this beautiful woman. I just love my Grandma!

I feel it such a complement when someone meets me for the first time and says "I could tell you're a Messick. You look just like your Grandma Janice." My grandmother is such an amazing woman! I truly love her beyond words. Here's to you on your birthday Grandma! May we celebrate many, many more!!!

PS- Dad, we see you!!!

Ice Skating Extravaganza

This weekend could not have been more fun! I LOVE ice skating and I LOVE these ladies. Saturday night we all headed up north to join some friends for the Multi-Stake YSA Ice Skating Extravaganza and had ourselves a blast.

We were all pretty excited that the admission and skate rentals were FREE! Well, everyone but Tristen. And please notice that Paula is so DIVA that she requested Katie Hatch put her skates on for her. Dear Paula, I heart you.

Of course we made a scene the entire time we were on the ice, showing off as we whipped each other around, trying to knock each other over. Poor Paula, there she is again, scared stupid that we might try and knock her down.

After a few good skates around the rink, the party really got going when they started the skating competition. You know I was ALL over that. They had the men and women compete in a 100m dash on ice. And in case you don't know me, skating ridiculously fast just so happens to be my specialty.

Here is my victory picture. What? You didn't believe that I could win. Shame on you. I SMOKED the competition. When asked "What's your secret?" I tell them it's gotta be my black Bauer hockey skates that I've had since the 7th grade! Yup. Still fit. These Sour Patch Kids are for you Bauer.

Friday Night Bull Ride

I've secretly always wanted to do do a bull ride and Friday night in LA I was offered the chance to ride one for free. Well, not free, or so I found out later from Tristen. She pretty much sold my phone number to some random guy in exchange for 3 tickets to ride the bull. Hopefully he was too drunk to remember the digits. Regardless, it was worth it. Enjoy the show!

Belated Baby Shower

My long-time High School friend Lauren (Nielson) Hunter had a belated baby shower Thursday night. I never get to see her because she lives in Washington D.C. with her husband Ryan and now beautiful baby Annie Leigh. When I first arrived at the shower little Annie was so happy and full of smiles. I think she looks just like her Mom. Same piercing blue eyes, same sweet smile, and adorably petite.

Throughout the night we played games, opened presents and ate the most delicious treats. I think the excitement of it all tired little Annie out cuz by the time I finally got my camera out to take a picture of the little angel, she had fallen asleep. Lucky for me she's here til next Wednesday so I know I'll be seeing more of her and I can snap some pictures of this adorable baby girl.

Sunset Over Salt Creek

Are you sure it's January? This warm Southern California weather has made me all kinds of happy lately. I'm pretty sure today was the 5th day in a row of 80 degree heat. WOW! Thank you Santa Ana's.

Lucky for me, I finished my work a little early and decided to enjoy the rest of my day outside. So I put on my sundress, grabbed some reading material, and hopped on my longboard.

I rode just down the hill to my favorite childhood beach, Salt Creek, and planted myself on the grassy knolls overlooking the most beautiful view of Catalina island. Wouldn't you agree?

Throughout my several hours of lazy lounging (I'm just practicing for when I get the job in Australia), I snapped a view pics to remember the day by. I truly could not have wished up anything better. I love California!

Best Job In The World!!!

If I win will you visit me? Click HERE to see what I'm blogging about.

And then there were 12 . . .

I love Monday nights! What a ridiculous show. Isn't it great? My girlfriends and I gathered at April's in Newport again to eat cookies and provide the commentary for the best show on Prime Time. And I may or may not have brought a homemade game for everyone to play along during the elimination process. You know you like it.

So, my three favorites are still around...although I think I'd like to switch out Nikki for Melissa. I used to think Nikki looked like Sandra Bullock, but now all I see when I look at her is Michael Jackson. Ugh! And my money is still on Jillian. I love her confidence, quirkiness, and everything about her...so far. And does anyone else think she and Jason match? Cuz they totally do.

Anyway, the rest of the girls are a bunch of crazies and should all go home next week. Was that a little harsh? I just can't handle some of the women this season. The drama is definitely top notch...and Deanna hasn't even showed up yet. Yikes! ABC, I think you've got yourself another hit season. Can't wait for next week!

White Trash Monster Jam

Ain't nothin' wrong with a little white trash outtins every once in a while. Saturday night we hit up the local Monster Truck Jam in Anaheim with 46,000 other screaming fans at Angel's Stadium. It was a sell out! We had ourselves a rill nice time dressin all klassy and eatin' healthy foods like slim jims, cotton candy, hot dogs, jerky chew, and bbq sunflower seeds. I saved the best pics for facebook so if you have an account I suggest you check 'em out. Them there photos won't disappoint.

Disneyland, again.

We waited 3 long weeks for our passes to work again. Darn those holidays. But we more than made up for lost time on Friday night. After chowing down a famous Cream Cheese Filled Pretzel and greasy corndog, we hit up a few of the less frequented rides: Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and Peter Pan. It was nothing short of a magical evening at the Land of Disney.

80's with my ladies!!!

A special thanks to Miss Erin Hawley for getting the girls out for some 80's dancing at Oceans on Tuesday night. I think this needs to happen more often!

De La Rose, Laguna Beach

After weeks and weeks of pushing back my start date, I FINALLY started my new job. I am officially the Events & Marketing Director for the floral shop De La Rose in Laguna Beach. During my first few days of official employment I have been busy gathering information on hotels, restaurants, clubs, venues, and concierge services throughout the Orange County area, thinking of ways I can land this amazing company some more events.

Wednesday was exceptionally fun. I took off my marketing hat and enjoyed a creative day at the flower shop. I helped spruce up the store and even did a few arrangements for the window displays. Aren't they purdy? I kind of envy the girls that get to work in that cute flower shop everyday. But then again, let's be honest, there's no way I could sit in that little store 5 days a week. Cabin fever! I'm really quite excited to travel and work from home.

Enough of my ranting. What I really want to get at is this: If you or someone you know is getting married, holding a corporate event, or any other kind of event that could use some gorgeous, out-of-this-world, knock your socks off floral arrangements, PLEASE call me! I am so excited to get started with our events and show Orange County how incredible our flowers are!!!

THE BACHELOR: Season 13

My favorite show is back on Prime Time again! I don't know why I love this show so much? Maybe it's the boyishly handsome bachelor that the ladies fall all over, or the crazy women we all love to make fun of for their overly aggressive botox injections, or maybe it's simply the fairy tale ending when the happy couple falls madly in love and lives happily ever after (or for at least a few months). Whatever the reason, I love this stupid show.

For the season premiere my girlfriends and I met up at April's fabulous new place in Newport to enjoy some virgin margaritas and to watch the women of season 13 compete for the heart of Jason Mesnick. I must admit, I wasn't all that impressed with the pickings, but who am I to say! Regardless, at the beginning of every show I always like to pick my favorites and these are my top three:

NIKKI: 29, Administrative Assistant; Chicago, IL
NAOMI: 24, Flight Attendant; Carlsbad, CA
JILLIAN: 29, Interior Designer; Vancouver, BC, Canada

I guess we'll all just have to wait and see how far these three ladies go. Don't tell anyone, but my money's on Jillian (and it may or may not have to do with her occupation and hometown). I love this show!

New Year's Resolutions 2009!!!

Starting my year off on the right track! Or trying to anyway...

10. Make my bed every weekday. Weekends are optional.
9. Visit Utah. It's been almost 3 years.
8. Travel overseas. England? Italy? Greece?
7. Loose a few pounds. At least before summer.
6. Run on the beach 3 times a week...or more.
5. Study the scriptures daily.
4. Read a book (or two) a month.
3. Visit my nephew in Arizona quarterly.
2. Pay off my car.
1. Get married.

ROSE BOWL 2009

This year's Rose Bowl match up was a killer for the Messick and Bracken families. I decided to side with my brother-in-law Mark and put my money on Penn State's Nittany Lions while Jacki remained loyal to the SC Trojans.

There was also some serious tension between husband and wife. My bro-in-law Mark attended Penn State for Law School but my sister Jacki is a southern California native. This created a bit of conflict when it came to deciding which team their son Dallen would be cheering for.

During the half-time show the girls snuck out to go visit Jacki's cousin-in-law Lyndsie so my Mom and I could finally meet her infamous twins Gage & Zane. Aren't they absolutely adorable! I'm so baby hungry!

When we got back to Mark & Jacki's place the game was almost over and we found Mark in the corner, weeping like a baby. Metaphorcially speaking of course. Sorry Mark. Maybe next year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I can't believe it's the end of another year and the beginning of a new one! 2008 was a great ride and I'm so excited for what's to come in the year ahead!

This New Year's I decided to skip out on all the fun in Southern California to welcome in the new year in Arizona with my family and friends.

While my little sister Kellie partied on Mill Avenue with the ASU crowd, and my little brother joined some friends at a Stake Dance in Gilbert, the rest of us enjoyed a night at the Klepinger's gorgeous home in Mesa.

We had so much fun playing with babies, stuffing our faces with food, rocking out to Rock Band World Tour, and watching the fire works go off all over town. I even got a smooch from my favorite little nephew in the whole world. Hope everyone had a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy 20th Birthday Kellie!!!

One year older and wiser too!!!

Like two pees in a pod!

Kellie is our family's New Year's Eve baby! The whole family was in Arizona for the occassion so we went to our favorite Mexican Restaurant MACAYOS to celebrate the birth of this babe. Love you little sis!