Spring Break

Spring Break was awesome. I spent the time in the 90 degree heat of Arizona. It was great fun to spend the time at the pool and at Chase Field. Unfortunately, I was enjoying myself too much to take many photos. Here's the only moment that was captured on film.

Me & Mary at the D-backs/Giants Game.

My Annual Trip to PA

I just got back from my annual trip to PA to visit Ruth and Ryan. Although I had tons of fun, I only took one picture. I really need to start using my camera more often. Anyways, this picture was taken on our visit to the Indian Echo Caverns. It was way cool. We also visited Chocolate World and Hershey Park while I was there. Although I'd been to Chocolate World several times, this was the first year we went to Hershey Park. We went for Ruth's birthday and spent the entire time racing from one roller coaster to another. They have a lot of intense coasters!! Besides those fun things, we spent a lot of time hanging out and catching up. I love the Stewart Family and am so happy they invite me to come stay with them every summer. Thanks guys!!

Summer Break - DC & PA Edition

So I've been back east for the past 10 days (and I'm still here) visiting Camie and Ruth. In that time I've done the following:

• Visited the Newseum. I hadn't been to the Newseum since it had moved to it's current location in DC on Pennsylvania Ave (it's old location was in Rosslyn, VA). The new facility is awesome, but it now costs $20 to get it. I swear it was free when it was located in Rosslyn (all you DC and former DC residents correct me if I'm wrong). Anyway, here are a few pics:

The Newseum
The writing on the building is the 1st Amendment.

Taken from the ground floor.

Taken from the 5th or 6th floor - I can't remember.

Taken from the roof.

Berlin Wall and Watch Tower.

9-11 Exhibit: Newspapers reporting the day
and the radio tower from the top of North Tower

• Visited the American Indian Museum. This museum was being built while I lived in DC so I had never been there. The building itself was gorgeous and there were some really cool artifacts in the museum (some dating to 3000 BC), but the museum was way too big for the amount of artifacts. Almost every artifact is located on the 4th floor. The 3rd floor is dedicated to the modern day American Indian (so you can learn all about gambling - I kid you not). The 2nd floor is all food court and the 1st floor is all museum store. Here are a few pics:

The museum's exterior.

The museum's interior.

Artifacts from North and South American Indians.

Gold artifacts from North and South American Indians.

• Visited the National Gallery. I've been to the National Gallery dozens of times. I used to stop in weekly to view the work of JMW Turner (who is my absolute favorite painter). I hadn't been to the Gallery in years and was really excited to return and view Turner's work once again in person. When I got there I was sorely disappointed - the entire British Gallery was closed for renovation!! I was very upset. I did, however, discover a painting I'd never seen before. It fascinated me. Here it is:

Moonlit Landscape with Bridge by Aert van der Neer

• Visited the Amish Experience. This is an 1805 Amish house and farm located in Lancaster County. It has been turned into a tourist trap and is available for tours. Here are a few pics:

The Amish Barn.

Ruth under the clothes line.

Check out the sunflowers.

• Visited Lebanon County Fair. Oh, how I love carnival food - fries, hot dogs, soft pretzels, funnel cake. Delicious!! More pics:

Me & Evan at the fair.

• Spent 8 hours watching The X-Files: Revelations with Ruth. X-Files creator, Chris Carter, just released a 2-disc collection of 8 X-Files episodes. To get ready for the movie, Ruth and I watched all 8 episodes. It was a pretty good collection and I was very, very excited that it contained my favorite X-File episode of all time - Bad Blood. Here's one of my favorite scenes (it's only 20 seconds).
  
  
  
  
• Seen tons of movies: The Dark Knight, Mamma Mia, Space Chimps, and X-Files. My thoughts:
• The Dark Knight: Seriously loved it. I thought the hype surrounding Heath Ledger's performance was simply because of his death. Whoa, was I wrong!! He was fantastic. The only thing I didn't like was Christian Bale's gravely voice when he was Batman. I know that's how he spoke in Batman Begins, but I still didn't like it.
• Mamma Mia: It was exactly like I thought it would be. It wasn't the best thing I've ever seen, but it was fun.
• Space Chimps: I'm calling it the surprise movie of the year. It was hilarious and full of jokes only adults would get (and only educated adults - many times only Ruth and I were laughing).
• X-Files: Basically a glorified X-Files episode with more cursing. Still, I loved it. It was fun to see two characters I love together again. I also enjoyed seeing how Mulder and Scully's relationship had changed in the past 6 years (even if it wasn't exactly clear what their relationship status was).
  

That's just a taste of all the fun I've been having here. I'll post more when I return back to SLC next week.

Memories

I saw this on a Ruth's blog and thought it would be fun! Please participate. I can't wait to see what people put here!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Thanks!

Summer Break - Week Four (Phoenix Edition)

Last week (week three of summer break) I was at Lake Powell, this week I'm in Phoenix, and next week I'll be in Canada. Crazy summer traveling. Anyway, this week I've done the following:

• Went out to lunch with my old roommate, Emily.
• Went to FHE with another old roommate, Mary. While we were at FHE, I ran into fellow Leonard's Lawn member, Travis.
• Went to the movies with my parents. We saw Get Smart.
• Went to the movies with Mary. We saw Hancock. I liked it - there was a little too much profanity, but some interesting twists that I didn't see coming.
• Went swimming.
• Started reading The Battle of the Labyrinth - the fourth book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
  
• Went to the spa for a manicure and pedicure - very relaxing.
• Sat in Ronnie's massage chair for about an hour each day. Again, very relaxing.
• Went to see the Diamondbacks play the San Diego Padres. They lost - Padres 4, D-backs 2. Here are a few pics:

Chase Field
They kept the roof closed because it was 106 degrees.

My cute padres

D-backs & Diet Coke - I'm one happy girl.

Lunch with Emily

One of my old roommates, Emily, recently got in touch with me via my parents and her in-laws (it's a complicated story). Anyways, she currently lives in Phoenix and since I'm currently in Phoenix, I thought it would be nice to hook up, go to lunch, and discuss the last decade of our lives (we haven't seen each other for 10 years). So we went out to lunch yesterday. You know how sometimes it is awkward seeing someone after a long time, well it wasn't at all awkward. It was great. She is still a fun, considerate person, except now she has three hilarious boys. It was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon. Anyways, here are a few pics:

Emily & Me

Us with her cute boys

Single Life vs. Family Life

The purpose of this post is to tell a funny single life vs. family life story, but because I haven't posted pictures for a couple of weeks, I thought I'd include this picture of Katrina and me at lunch today (even if it's not the best - we're blaming bad lighting). Besides, the picture is still applicable because having lunch with your girlfriends is easier to do in single life than in family life.


Anyway, to the story - after lunch I spent 3 hours searching for the perfect swimming suit. I want a chocolate brown swimsuit that does not have a halter top. I didn't care if it was one-piece or two-piece, all I cared about was the color and the straps. I searched 7 stores and still couldn't find anything!! I was quite distraught over the whole situation when my phone rang. It was a phone call from one of my closest friends, Ruth. Our conversation went something like the following:

Me: Hey

Ruth: Hey, how are you?

Me: Fine (but not sounding fine)

Ruth: You don't sound okay. What's wrong?

Me: (This is all said in one exacerbated breath) I've been trying to find a new swimsuit. I've been to 7 stores and I haven't found anything!! It's not like I'm being too specific. I just want a solid brown suit with two over-the-shoulder straps.

Ruth: Oh

Me: (Realizing how stupid my "drama" sounds) Soooo, how are you? How's Oscar?

Now let me explain - Ruth just had a baby (Oscar) last week and he's been in the NICU since then. I know my stress over finding a new swimsuit must have sounded so trivial and down-right lame compared with her stress, but because Ruth is such a fantastic friend she laughed it off.

Here's where the funny part comes in. Apparently shortly after I talked to Ruth, she called our mutual friend Camie. Camie is also a single girl who is able to stress over trivial things. When Ruth asked Camie how she was, Camie went on to complain about leaving her favorite shampoo at Ruth's house (Camie lives in Virgina and Ruth in Pennsylvania) and being upset that she wouldn't get it back anytime soon. Camie also realized she was complaining about something stupid. Again, Ruth, being such a great friend, laughed and said it was funny because she had just listened to me complain about swimsuits.

Poor Ruth - having to listen to us stupid single girls bitch about random things. I'm sure she's thinking, "Seriously? You think that's something to be upset about?" But because she is such a great friend, she would never say so.

Anyway, until I have a family to worry about, I will continue to worry about swimsuits. Luckily, because Camie had experienced some similar swimsuit issues a couple of weeks ago, she knew exactly what I was going through. After she hung up with Ruth, she called me to give me some swimsuit leads. So, I'd like to thank my single and family friends. Single friends for understanding my concerns and my family friends for not mocking me for those concerns.

Shout Out

So, I will publish the answers to my "Movie Quote Trivia" tomorrow, but I wanted to give a Shout Out to a friend from long ago, Zach Madden. Zach, since you found my blog, you know pretty much what's going on in my life. I'd love to hear an update about what's going on with you - work, family, etc. Send me an email at mandalynngeorge@gmail.com

Congressman Tom Lantos

Nicholas recently wrote about the death of Congressman Tom Lantos on his blog. Although I had heard that the congressman had been diagnosed with cancer, I had not heard of his death until today. I met Congressman Lantos while I was interning in Washington D.C. during 2000. I was very impressed with him at the time, and have continued to be as he's served in the House of Representatives.

Congressman Lantos, a Hungarian native, was the only Holocaust survivor to serve in Congress. Because of the atrocities he witnessed during the Holocaust, he became a champion for human rights and civil liberties. When Congressman Lantos announced he would not seek another term (because of his cancer diagnosis), he stated, "It is only in the United States that a penniless survivor of the Holocaust and a fighter in the anti-Nazi underground could have received an education, raised a family, and had the privilege of serving the last three decades of his life as a Member of Congress. I will never be able to express fully my profoundly felt gratitude to this great country."

One of my most memorable moments in D.C. involved Congressman Lantos. I had gone to his office to meet up with a fellow intern. We had planned to go to dinner and to a free Millennium Stage concert at the Kennedy Center. We changed our mind when Congressman Lantos asked if the two of us wanted to join him and his wife for a performance from the Capitol Steps on Capitol Hill. Of course we said yes. We walked with him to the Capitol (even using the "Members Only" elevator) and sat with him at his table. It was awesome!!

Although I have become jaded by a lot of politicians, it was refreshing to meet a member of Congress who had overcome the odds and dedicated years to help change the world for the better.

Nicholas's Visit

Last month my old friend, Nicholas, came to Utah for a visit. We were able to spend the evening reminiscing about our BYU and D.C. experiences. I met Nicholas during the fall semester of 1999 at BYU. We were both in the International Politics - Human Rights capstone seminar. The next semester (Winter 2000), we both interned in Washington, D.C. I interned at the State Department and Nicholas interned in Vice President Gore's office. Although I hadn't seen him since 2000, we've kept in touch with Christmas cards, and over the past year with blogging. It was great to see him again and spend some time with him. To read more about our time together, click HERE.

Nicholas, Me, and a fellow intern.

Sorry this picture is so bad, but my scanner is broken so it's a digital picture of an actual picture (and the actual picture wasn't that great to begin with). This picture was taken on the White House lawn where we were attending a ceremonial state arrival for King Juan Carlos of Spain and his wife, Sofia.

Brilliant

My friend, Nicholas, made a great post comparing each state to students in a high school graduating class. I thought it was brilliant so I thought I'd share it with each of you (with his permission, of course). Here it is:

California would be the class president and the most popular student in the school. Everything California does would set a trend that other states would follow. It's just the ultimate in cool and knows it.

Texas would be the star quarterback on the football team, the jock that's also a jerk, whose macho intensity attracts all the girls to where it can use and abuse. But the girls don't seem to mind, so long as they've all had Texas.

Oklahoma is the loyal sidekick that follows Texas everywhere, hoping to bask in reflected glory and receive all the throwaways its buddy disposes of.

Florida would be the popular girl, the head cheerleader who is everyone's "favourite travel destination." And yes, she does have a lot mileage on her.

Not to be undone, Nevada would be the student who masquerades at night as a stripper/call girl. You can be assured that whatever happens with her, stays with her. She also loves to gamble, taking huge risks that would scare the timid.

New York would be the pretentious snob who thinks everyone wants to be like New York, but would never be as cool. Doesn't understand why everyone looks to an upstart like California. New York is from old money, from a well known family. Why wouldn't anyone want to be like New York? Why doesn't everyone HEART NY?

Maine would be the writer of the class, an expert at observing the scene.

New Hampshire and Vermont would be fraternal twins, one a Birkenstock-wearing, latte-drinking, NPR-listening, environmentally conscious, socialist vegan; the other a Rush Limbaugh-listening, NRA-gun owning, beer drinking, Ayn Rand-reading, libertarian carnivore.

Massachusetts would be the goth chick flirting with Wicca and lesbianism.

The District of Columbia would be confused. It doesn't know why it had to be a district when it really wants to be a state.

Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Delaware would be the rich kids who have a trust fund to look forward to after getting their college degree and a few Eurail trips abroad.

Utah would be the token Mormon student in the class, who often gets picked on by the Southern Baptist fundamentalist South Carolina. Catholic Maryland is also in the same boat, having to defend itself from the same intolerance. Pennsylvania is religiously open. One month, it flirts with Quakerism, another month, it's Mennonites, another month it's all out Amish. It can't seem to make up it's mind, but it's the most religiously tolerant of all the states.

Virginia is the most stately of the students, as it has older siblings who were class presidents, but still remains embarrassed by the blue collar background of cousin West Virginia. Similarly, North Carolina, the basketball star is embarrassed by its intolerant cousin South Carolina. And besides that, North Carolina is overshadowed by the star quality and popularity of Illinois on the basketball team.

Indiana and Kansas are farmer states, hardworking and low key. At least they aren't like the least popular North Dakota, who sits alone at the same table as that other loner, the Cowboy wannabe, Wyoming.

Iowa enjoys attention when the popular states try to win it's vote for Student Council, then is ignored the rest of the year.

Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Kentucky are the trailer park trash who prefer to remain ign'ant and disdain the cool states by sticking faithfully to it's own kind.

Georgia is a state who prides itself on rising above and beyond its origins in that trailer park clique, trying to fit in with the cool states, going so far as to discard its racist clothing for hipper clothes. It won't even acknowledge the existence of its former clique.

Louisiana and Tennessee are in the school band, adding their own unique musical styles.

Ohio has an identity crisis because everyone always seems to confuse it with Idaho or Iowa, while Michigan has a split personality.

New Jersey is the easy girl who has slept with New York, Illinois, California and Texas and doesn't understand why no one respects her.

Wisconsin is the earnest student who dreams of one day joining the Peace Corps.

Minnesota is proud of its Nordic heritage and works as the school mascot, complete with a feather boa.

Missouri is a know-it-all and a show-off.

Nebraska is another football jock who takes the sport more seriously than Texas (who's only in it for the glory and the girls).

Colorado is an independent sports fanatic: skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, you name it.

South Dakota tries to distance itself from its unpopular cousin North Dakota by being more involved in student council activities.

New Mexico and Arizona are the minority students whose parents don't speak English. One of them is into New Age spirituality and UFO sightings, the other is a bit more traditional in the grand scheme of things.

Idaho and Montana are the anarchists who are anti-Student Government and flirt with white supremacist ideas.

Washington and Oregon are the environmentally-conscious students who are members of the science club and have started a recycling program at the school and lobbied to have soy milk and vegetarian options in the cafeteria.

Alaska is the rugged mountain man/outdoorsman of the class, while Hawaii's ethnicity always causes the other states to question it's citizenship.

Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the American Virgin Islands are the exchange students who have no desire to become American citizens.

Brilliant, right? To see his original post, click HERE.

Two Weeks Back East - Part Two

To clarify: Yes, I was back east from July 11th - 16th. I then returned to the great state of Utah (and Wyoming for the weekend); I then flew back to the east coast. I'm still staying with The Stewarts. Here's what we've been up to during week two:

Tuesday, July 31st:
Today we went to Philadelphia. We saw Independence Hall, Benjamin Franklin's grave, etc. Of course, we also ate Philly Cheesesteaks. I've been to Philly a couple of times, but it was still good to see it again.

Wednesday, August 1st:
Today was suppose to be an All-Day PJ Day, but around noon we decided to run errands. Hence, I had to get dressed. Don't worry - I still did plenty of lazy things: finished reading the 5th Harry Potter book, watched 3 episodes of Heroes, and chilled out with the kiddos.

Thursday, August 2nd:
Today we took the kids to Hersey, PA and visited Chocolate World, headquarters for Hersey Chocolate. As soon as we walked in the door an old man walked up to us, held out a bucket of mini-Hersey bars, and asked, "Care for some medicine?" Chocolate as medicine. Yes, I knew then that I loved PA. We had delicious chocolate milkshakes and went on a ride that explained the chocolate making process. The best thing about the ride was that it contained robotic, singing cows declaring that their milk makes the chocolate "moootritious." I loved it!! That night Ruth and I had another fun girl's night. We went and saw No Reservations. We then went to Ruby Tuesday's and ordered appetizers and desserts. It made me so sick to my stomach. I vowed never again!!

Friday, August 3rd:
Today we took the kids to the free movie again. The feature was Over the Hedge. It had a very funny part where the animals were talking about what food means to humans. After over indulging ourselves the night before, I thought it was very appropriate and humorous. The vow I had made the night before didn't last long. In fact, that night we went to Red Lobster and I had a pound of crab legs. (Seriously - will begin diet when I return home). We also went to the movies again. This time a grown-up movie, The Bourne Ultimatum. Awesome. Seriously awesome!!

Saturday, August 4th:
Today we went to Lancaster. This area is mainly known as the center of the Amish community, but it also has a great outlet mall (with horse and buggy parking). We shopped and shopped. I considered this my exercise for the week.

Sunday, August 5th:
Today we went to church then came home and had lunch. Immediately after lunch, we spent the entire afternoon cooking for a dinner party. Ruth had invited two families from her ward over for dinner. I told Ruth it reminded me of an African tribal family who spends every waking moment preparing food, eating food, or cleaning up food. A diet of Lean Pockets has kept me from this lifestyle for many years (and hopefully will continue to keep me from it).

Monday, August 6th:
Today was my last full day in PA. It was a little sad. Again, we went shopping, out to eat, and watched movies. This has been one of the laziest vacations I've been on (and I've loved every minute of it). Ruth and I share a great love for horror movies so we decided to watch The Messengers. We both decided that we get more frightened than we used to. Is it the old age? If so, I must fight back - will continue watching horror movies.

Tuesday, August 7th:
Today I returned from my two weeks of fun. I loved staying with Ryan and Ruth and wanted to say, THANK YOU!!

Two Weeks Back East - Part One

So I'm currently on vacation with the Stewarts. We have visited NY, NJ, PA, and the D.C. area. Here's a breakdown of what's been going on:

Wednesday, July 25th:

Today Ruth and I went into NYC. We went to a session at the Manhattan Temple (I know, wild and crazy fun in NY). We also went shopping, got make-overs at Macy's, went to dinner, and saw a Broadway play (The Color Purple). Loads of fun!! It was an exhausting day. We calculated that we walked over 100 blocks.

Ruth and Me at dinner in Manhattan

Us (more Ruth than me) acting ridiculously silly.

Thursday, July 26th:

Today we traveled from NJ to Pennsylvania. Nothing too exciting, but I did discover that Ryan had TiVoed the entire season of Heroes. I was super happy about this because I've been wanting to watch it since it started, but I didn't have time to add it to my TV watching schedule while it was airing. Now I'll be able to catch up with season one and start TiVoing season two this fall. (Sidenote: Ryan is super geeky when it comes to Heroes. In fact, he's an administer on the Heroes Wiki website. I refer to it as his non-paid job).

Friday, July 27th:

Today we took the boys to the movies. The movie theatre by Ruth and Ryan has free movies for kids. The movies are a little old, but the kids don't know that. We saw Charlotte's Web. Later that night we went to dinner at the Mastracola's home. The Matracola's are in Ruth and Ryan's ward and are pretty good friends with them. They live on a great old farm house!! It's very cool. They raise chickens and have horses. Plus, they have an amazing covered porch. We ate dinner there and watched the lightening bugs light up the corn fields. (It reminded me of Signs). Camie also showed up this night to spend the night with us.

Saturday, July 28th:

Today Camie took me home with her (Yep, a day with weekend dad). Camie now lives in Virginia (She's turned from a hater to a lover. For a better description regarding her transformation, click HERE). While we were in VA we went to my old stomping grounds - Alexandria, VA. We went to King Street to hang out and have dinner. We ate at a fantastic Greek Restaurant, Taverna Cretekou. I had Moussaka and for dessert I had yogurt with honey, apricots, and walnuts. DELICIOUS!! I'm glad I went to Virginia/D.C. with her. It reminded me of the reasons why I loved living/working there and why I hated it.

Sunday, July 29th:
Today I went to church with Camie. I then hooked back up with Ruth and Ryan (they had also come down to the area to see friends and family). We headed back to PA and watched more episodes of Heroes.

Monday, July 30th:
Today was a fantastic day. Ruth and I had an all girl's day. We went shopping (I got great things!!), got pedicures, went to lunch, and to the movies. We saw 1408 - Very Creepy!!

This One's for You

Yesterday our lesson in Relief Society was on testimonies. This particular quote by President Kimball reminded me of a dear friend (I think you know who you are):

"Testimony meetings are some of the best meetings in the [Church] in the whole month, if you have the spirit. If you are bored at a testimony meeting, there is something the matter with you, and not the other people. You can get up and bear your testimony and you think it is the best meeting in the month; but if you sit there and count the grammatical errors and laugh at the man who can’t speak very well, you’ll be bored."

To read more, click HERE.

If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands

I've been ridiculously happy lately - So happy I'm on the verge of being giddy. There's no major reason why, but here are some things that have contributed to my happiness:

1. Yesterday I booked a vacation to visit two of my most favorite people in the world (Ruth & Ryan Stewart). I will be staying with them from July 24 - Aug 7 (two whole weeks!!) We plan on going to NYC and the Hershey Factory in Pennsylvania.
2. My flight to visit them only cost me $10. That's right, $10. (Plus 25,000 frequent flyer miles).
3. I had my taxes done on Monday and I'm getting back a whopping $3500!! Yes!!
4. I took the day off on Monday so I only had to work 4 days this week.
5. I only have to work 4 days next week because of President's Day.
6. Alina sent me a hilarious YouTube email. To see it, click HERE. (It is a little naughty).
   

29 Pictures for 29 Years

29 Pictures to Celebrate 29 Years of Me. Sorry, some of these pictures are super blurry. My scanner wasn't working so I had to take digital pictures of my normal pictures. But even if they are blurry, I still look adorable. Enjoy!!

The Day of my Birth:

My First Birthday:

Adorable. What more can I say?

My Second Birthday:Christmas. I'm wearing a robe my mom made:

Curious, even at a young age:

I love this picture of Kyle and me:

A Young Speed Racer:

Doesn't everyone have a family photo on a turtle?

Entering the awkward years:

Getting better, but still fairly awkward:

Horrible picture, but it was my 16th birthday.

Here I am with my two favorite cousins, Carrie and Aimee.

Shadley and I looking fabulous for a dance.

Celebrating being an adult (my 18th birthday) with a road trip:Me, Emily, Shadley, & Jen at our high school graduation.

Freshman Roommates: Erin, Anna, Shadley, Jen, & Me.

19th Birthday: My mom sent me a great package.

One of my favorite pictures of Shadley & Me.

This was taken a week before we graduated from Ricks College

Me loving it in Athens:

My 21st birthday with the Hull boys.

80s Party with Alina, Camie, Ruth, Emily, & Me.

Chilling out with fellow DC interns: Scott, Mary, Susan, Me, & Matt.

BYU Graduation:

Hawaii: I'm holding a lizard I caught in Jana's house.

Lazy Lake Powell Days:

Striking it Rich in Alaska:

Yes!! I paid off my car:

Alina, Tara, Cha Cha, Me, & Kari at the Organ Stop Pizza:

Last weekend at Dinner.

Heather, Kira, Lesli, Me, & Katie: