Hard to Reach Places

It's Christmas break, and Provo is a ghost town. For the last few days, I have been the only person alive in this small section of the world. I feel kinda like Will Smith in I Am Legend crossed with Tom Hanks in Castaway. Oh, and after today's activities, we need to add a little Danny Tanner, the clean freak from Full House, to the mix.

My evening started out with a trip to WalMart to purchase some much-needed cleaning supplies. Upon my return from WalMart, I started with the kitchen.

I was planning on keeping it simple, but when you're down on the ground, you gain a new perspective on how gross things really are. That's when I pulled the fridge and oven away from the wall.





There were lots of surprises down there. I thought the half-eaten Skittle was going to take the cake, but then a spider came crawling out from who knows where. What the spider has been surviving on, I'll never know...unless spiders eat Skittles.

When I pushed the appliances back into their proper places, I noticed the cupboard above the fridge. I've lived in this apartment for over two years, and I don't think I've ever opened that cupboard.





As you can see, there was nothing too exciting...other than the gelatinous goo that used to be Gatorade. I threw it away.

Next was the floor. It needed more than just a Swiffering. I had to get down Cinderella style for this part.





Any resemblance?





After that, I hit the bathroom hard. It shines like it's never shone before.

Unfortunately I didn't photo-document the bathroom. I didn't get the vacuuming part, either. You probably would've enjoyed that, especially the part where I took our full-sized industrial upright vacuum to the couch and cushions. It has no attachments, so I had to make do.

I blame my mom for making me like this.

Better Than a Snuggie

My friends Tammy and Melissa just gave me a Christmas present.

Here they are.





Tammy's on the left, Melissa's on the right.

And here's the present (the blanket, if you couldn't guess).





With winter coming on full force this week, this blanket will serve me well. Because it was made with love, and not in China, it's even better than a Snuggie.





If you haven't heard of the Snuggie yet, you should watch more daytime Fox News.

When it comes to presents, making someone a blanket is ideal, but if you don't have the time or the know how, the Snuggie is your next best bet. It will keep your body warm and your arms accessible all year, no matter the weather!

Don't be fooled by the Slankie and other imitators. For only $19.95 (plus S&H), you can wear the Snuggie! I've done my homework, as you can tell in the background of the picture of me with my blanket.





What's more? Call now and receive TWO Snuggies for the price of just ONE! With the economy the way it is, what're you waiting for? Turn down the thermostat and wear the Snuggie today.

Thanks to Tammy and Melissa, I no longer need a Snuggie...at least not 'til next Halloween. Did I mention the Snuggie makes a great costume?

This Just In...

Finals are coming to a close, and I may never see the spaghetti-snacking weirdo from my philosophy class again.

To his credit, I have stumbled upon another human being that snacks on hard spaghetti. This person, however, is the fictitious Gob (pronounced Job) played by Will Arnett in Arrested Development.





If I were even mildly tempted to eat raw spaghetti on a regular basis, this would definitely push me over the edge.

I Want a Wii!

Shameless, but I entered a contest to win a Wii and a Wii Fit. Posting a link to it on my blog increases my chances of winning. I would encourage you all to sign up, but then my chances of winning would decrease, so please, whatever you do, do not click here before or on 20 December 2008.

Then, if all goes as planned, this will be me when I'm older.





And I'll spend my retirement years here.





Let's make this happen.

"Don't Shoot Me Santa" - The Killers

Last year, I opened your eyes to "A Great Big Sled," The Killers' Christmas song from two years ago.

This year, therefore, I find it only fitting that I show you "Don't Shoot Me Santa," their Christmas song from last year.

Next year, I might show you this year's song. Then again, maybe not; I haven't yet decided if I like it. By next year, I'm sure it will have grown on me.

Anyway, without further ado, I give you "Don't Shoot Me Santa," by The Killers.





Merry Christmas!

Who is this woman?

I Googled a picture of her for my last post, and I can't get her out of my head. So many questions...





Why is she hiking the Inca Trail?

Why is she holding a hairbrush?

Where can I get that sweater/hammer-pant combo?

Is she smiling? She's like the Mona Lisa.

Why are her arms so long?

So many questions, so little time! I hope I meet her on my internship.

Andean Region, Here I Come

When I declared myself as a Latin American Studies major, I knew fully well that to graduate, I had to go on an internship or study abroad somewhere, preferably in Latin America.

This year, with graduation looming on the horizon, I knew something had to be done. That's when I got an e-mail from my school informing me about internships through the International Study Programs (ISP) office on campus. I saw that they were offering internship opportunities next Spring/Summer in the Andean Region of South America, and decided it wouldn't hurt to apply.

On November 25 (the deadline), I turned in my essay, my letters of recommendation, a locket of hair, and my zodiac sign to the office. The next week (after Thanksgiving) I had an interview with the program's advisers, and the day after that I was officially accepted to the program. At that point, I knew for sure I'd be spending four months next year somewhere in the Andean Region.





It turns out, the Andean Region is huge. I won't know which part I'll be calling home 'til next semester when the office officially places me. So for now, all I know is that in less than five months, I'll be hanging out (interning) somewhere between Antarctica and Panama. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Peru, but we'll see.

Despite my lack of specific knowledge about where and with what organization I'll be interning, my advisers at ISP have encouraged me to start preparing now for my international experience by studying up on the region, the people, and the politics. Since I'm counting on Peru, my focus will be on that part of the region until further notice.

Now, my first step in the preparation process is to watch The Emperor's New Groove on a weekly basis.





I haven't quite figured out my second step yet.

As far as what I'm looking forward to, there is a lot I need to see/experience.

First, Machu Picchu.





I'll definitely squeeze in a visit to Shakira on Lake Titicaca.





And I'm planning on endless encounters with Llamas.





And wearing nothing but sweaters woven by natives from Alpaca wool.





I can hardly wait.

Chrismukkah?

If you needed help getting into the Chrismukkah spirit, here it is.





Real post coming soon...