I'm Not Really Conservative

But when I say that I'm not really conservative, what I'm referring to, at least for the moment is my earrings. I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee earrings. Maybe a little too much. I have hoops that are literally bigger than a grown man's fist. 

If you don't really know me, then please refer to this picture. Last year when I was at the beach I took these big earrings. And you can see how happy I was with them compared to the little ones above. But I don't want to get my earrings stuck in any rides or anything at Disneymundia because then it would rip my ears off and then I'd die. So I'm being a responsible adult and taking little earrings because that's what adults do and I'm 21 now. 

Now I'm off to finish my packing because my flight leaves in 6 hours and I still can't find everything. Don't worry I'll post a picture or two on the blog and instagram and facebook to make you all jelly. 

Testmageddon

Testmageddon. That's what they're all calling it over at BYU. The last day of finals and people waiting in line for at least 2+ hours. I was in the line for a good hour and a half before I even got my test. And I got in line around 2 PM. . Nothing says stress more than the look on these kids faces and also seeing the line that won't stop growing. Would you like an example?

This was the line after I had been standing in line for about half an hour all the way back to at least the Benson. And this was only about 3 PM! Well if you want something really crazy, check out this video. You'll just about pee your pants. This was once I finished my test and left around 6 PM and decided, "Let's see how long this crazy line is." Much longer than I expected it to be. Sorry for the shakiness of the video, it was just taken on my iPhone and I wasn't really planning on posting this for anyone to see, but hey why not. So sorry about the quality and all that jazz.

Testmageddon from Teresa Maria Mendiola on Vimeo.

But isn't that crazy?! I know. You're lucky I sped the video up. In real time it's over 4:30 minutes long from when I started recording. Well all I can say is procrastinators unite. Hope finals went great for all. 

My Dearest Readers

I have decided that since my most popular post, which had a lot more of my personal life in it, that I'm going to start going a little bit more into detail for my blog posts. Don't worry, you won't hear what time I woke up, how many times I went to the bathroom or how long it takes to shave my legs. But aren't blogs more fun to read when the person really sheds light on what really happened and you feel almost like you were there? Answer: yes, yes they are. So here's to more detailed and specific blogs.
I hope you're all ready. Because I really do have some great stories. I'd say some of the best ones are my dating stories. Get ready because I've got a lifetime of these bad boys. 

In the mean time, I think I should introduce you to a little bit more of me. (PS: If you have any questions, feel free to put them in the comment box and I will answer them.) I just turned 21. I've got a great birthday dinner story to tell you all. It shall be in my next blog post which shall be about my birthday. Okay, really I don't know what to write to you all about. Perhaps I'll try some blogging prompts, such as, describe to us your first kiss. 
............ Well he's gay and turns out I was just his beard. That's all I really want to say about that. 
I hope that made everyone's day. 

Also I love to Skype and ooVoo and all other sorts of video chats. Mo and I were going to Facetime tonight, until I realized that's on fancy iPhones. So we did a Hangout on G+ (Yes we are 2 of the 249 people that keep it going). I love this girl and I love her family. Beware, when this little one learns how to take screenshots on the computer, she goes cray cray. 

It's Show Time, Baby!

So sometimes my friends and I like to support one another in the things that we participate in. And when we do, we like to take pictures of these events so we have proof that we supported each other. That way when another thing comes around, you say okay I came to your thing, your turn now. Haha just kidding, we just take the pictures for the memories.
But in all seriousness Jared performed in the ROC show over the weekend and we went to support him. They did a great job, but my two favorite numbers were Fiji and Bolivia. (That's probably just because I'm Latin in my blood and Polynesian in my heart. See my previous blog posts if you don't believe me.) 

Jared came out in the Bolivia costume in the end for finale and I was so stoked to take a picture with him afterwards in costume, but he's kind of lame and changed into an ROC shirt. 

Also all brown people go to all brown people's things, so you're guaranteed to run into anyone and everyone. The picture above was me and la familia from the Conference Center performance back in October. But who else did I run into at this performance? Hmmmm....about 4 of my exes. I would politely say hi to all of them and talk for a few minutes while I can hear all my friends behind me talking, "I bet she dated that guy too." Yes, yes I did. The other guy I avoided? A Tinder match gone wrong. 

And all the girls were wearing leather jackets, so we couldn't pass up a photo opportunity. 

Blogiversary!

I can't believe I missed such a big point in my blog's life. I've had my blog for a whole year now! (Insert Happy Birthday Dear Blogger song right now.) Here's to a big thank you to all of my readers and subscribers and anyone that stumbles upon this blog. (Don't forget to subscribe via Google reader or the side bar!) 
I was looking over my stats for this past year and my most read blog post? The story of my ex taking me wedding dress shopping. Glad you all enjoyed in sharing in my pain (even though every girl dreams to go wedding dress shopping). 
What are some suggestions for what you'd like to see in the next year? Post your suggestions in the comment box below.
Thank you all again and mahalos and gracias and merci and any other language I should know. I couldn't have kept up blogging if it wasn't for all of you, my readers and my inspirations to blog. 

In the mean time to make your day, here is a picture of a baby elephant. They make everyone happy.

Last Week

If you've never had a kidney stone, you don't know pain. Well you might know pain. But not kidney stone pain. This was my last week. Horrible. Excruciating pain that makes you so nauseous. Well it's over at least. That's all I can say about that. 

Welcome To Hawaii

"Hula is the language of the heart, therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people." I have no clue who said this, it was just on the Merrie Monarch Facebook page. Last week was the competition and even though we may not have been able to go to Hawaii to go see Merrie Monarch this year, so we brought Hawaii to us.

About 11 at night we gathered around the TV, made spam and rice and pani popo and enjoyed the sounds of the Hawaiian people and enjoyed some pretty good looking eye candy. My personal favorite? A group called Ke Kai o Kahiki. Don't believe me that they're mouth watering good looking? See for yourselves. There is nothing better than good food and good eye candy, really good eye candy.

I told you that it was some really good eye candy. The whole time I was watching the competition, all that could go through my mind was, "Can I have your babies?" Marco always says to think about your future children and posterity and that you want them to be as good looking as possible. Well....my future posterity would be well taken care of with these men. So needless to say, it was a very good night. I love always being with Momi and Maddy and Steffi and all of their roommates. 

Also recipe for the delicious pani popo. What you'll need: 1 package of Rhodes rolls (because making your own rolls, ain't nobody got the time for that!), 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup water and 1/3 cup of sugar (you can add more or less to taste). Let the rolls rise, then pour the mix of everything else on top and bake at 350 until they turn a golden brown color. Then eat until you feel ashamed of yourself. 

I Told You So

Remember back to my post a few weeks ago when I made poi balls and I put the title "Sometimes I Think I'm Poly." Well I told you so felt like a good title for today's blog. I danced in Luau a few weeks ago and got in touch with my Polynesian side. My little sister asked my why I dance in Luau but I've never danced in Fiesta. Good question Cece, maybe I'll dance in Fiesta next year just for you. 

But this has been my second year dancing in Luau and even though the early 6 AM every Saturday dance practice for 4 hours is a pain, it's always worth it in the end and I later find myself missing it. 

Although even if I feel like I put in lots of hours at practice, the instructors put in even more time. Seriously this couldn't have happened with wonderful people like Keoki, Kawehi, Kamaile, Kiana and Kira. (Apparently to be a luau instructor your name has to start with a K.) Mahalos to everyone that participated or came out to watch the show. 

We Like To Party

Well we had a St Patricks party at my place a few weeks ago (I know Easter has already passed and I haven't posted this yet) so instead of trying to tell you how much fun we had, I'll just post the pictures. Thanks to everyone that came. PS: For those trying to think of a fun activity to add to a party, homemade photo booth was a hit!

Starstruck

Elder Richard G. Scott came into my work. Yes last night. I think it's safe to say that I was a little bit starstruck. So story time, I was up at the front of the restaurant taking orders when a family comes in. The old man (AKA Grandpa AKA Elder Scott) is wearing a sweater that resembled a Mr. Rogers sweater. I keep looking at him and he probably thought I was crazy. 

"I know this man," I kept thinking to myself. "Where have I seen him???" He hands me his credit card as they start to order and I immediately look at the name. RICHARD G SCOTT! Of course! How could I have not known who he was at a first glance??? I think I went into fan girl mode because I don't remember much about taking their order. I would have given them free meals if I could have! 

I didn't want to be one of those people who interrupts people that are famous or well known for a picture, no matter how badly I wanted one. So what did I do? I did what any respectable person would do and let him eat his meal in peace. But then I grabbed a taco (to pretend it was my break time) and sat down facing right in front of him diagonally and whipped out my phone and started taking pictures of him. Yes I had a paparazzi moment. Don't judge me.

As you can tell I don't have run ins with General Authorities very often. There's only one other time that I've ever had that experience, and it's not necessary the best. So way way back in the day while I was still in junior high, my wards youth went to the Conference Center for a choir practice for this big Joseph Smith Commemoration that was to be held a few weeks later. We got stuck in the parking garage for a good 40 minutes and finally once we got close to the light, it turned yellow. My young womans president (who will remain nameless as to avoid the teasing that could possibly occur from the telling of this story) got tired of waiting and decided to run the red light and turn left. In doing this she cut off a car coming out from a different parking garage ahead of us and who did she cut off? Thomas Monson. He just smiled and waved and let us go ahead of him. Yes we cut off the next President of the LDS Church. Hopefully we can eventually get that erased from our book of life, because I don't think that would look very good. But hey in my defense I wasn't driving, so I think I'm good. 

There Was A Festival

So as everyone knows whether you went to it, saw it on Facebook or Instagram or some other form of social media, Saturday was the Festival Of Colors. Which meant lots of people in Utah Valley. Which meant lots of random visitors coming down to every store, restaurant and gas station in Provo and Orem. I ran into a girl I went to high school with. I asked her what she was doing down in Provo for the day. She answered back that she had just gotten back from Festival of Colors.

"Huh," I thought to myself, "they cleaned off really well for just having had been attacked with colored dirt." And then right as I thought that, I saw a group of about 15 people walk right past us in the store and go straight into the restroom to go clean off. They came out looking like somewhat clean people. So then I went to go see the damage in the bathroom and it looked like a crime scene. So dirty. I was so upset. People couldn't go clean off in their own bathrooms because they don't want theirs to get dirty. So they come and dirty other places bathroom. Thanks, but no thanks.

I don't want you all to think that I am a Scrooge when it comes to Festival of Colors because I actually really loved it. I went last year and got attacked with color (see picture below if you don't believe me.) But maybe I don't believe in getting everyone else's things or restaurants or stores dirty with the chalk that is literally falling out of my hair every time I move my head. (This is a big thanks to being right in the middle of the mosh pits when the throwing was going on.)

Perhaps I don't believe in dirtying peoples things because of the car ride home (or common decency, but we'll say it was the car ride.) The guy I was kind of seeing (or whatever we were) was living out of his car at this point in his life. He gladly drove us down there but he wanted to make sure his car didn't get terribly dirty because it was also his house. We brought garbage bags to cover the seats in the car, brought about 1000 baby wipes to clean off with, brought a change of clothes and changed in the middle of a parking lot even before we got into his car. 

So soapbox over. Just clean off before you go anywhere. It's really not that hard.