The Temptation of Adam

Yesterday was Martin Luther King day.

Sadly, I thought it was President's Day. I wished many a happy day for our presidents, when in fact, signs of MLK were everywhere to me. Funny but sad at the same time.

Since Jeannie and the girls had the day off, I had to fend for myself with a day off. It was nice. I woke up at ten thirtyish, sat in bed for a half and hour, and got ready to be out of the house at noon. I needed to go buy some blank cds so that I would be able to share the joy of my music to all. So it was off to White Plains for me once again.

For some reason, I always migrate to White Plains. It is a really nice area, has all the shopping needs for me, and I can get misc. chores done while I am there. So this is my shout out for White Plains: You rock!

I jumped in my jeep, headed out on Mameranack Ave, and arrived safely to the City Center Plaza. City Center is very interesting. It is made of, geez, I think four floors, with stores like Circuit City, Barnes and Noble, Nordstrom Rack, Target, and a handful of restaurants and a movie theatre added to the mixture. It is so different from what we have back home. I mean, the Target is in the underground. Weird indeed.

Anyways, So Circuit City is going out of business everywhere. I always want to cry whenever a business fails, especially if it is a locally owned one. It just breaks my heart to see someones dream fail. It is weird, but I just feel so much for them. But whenever a business goes under, there are some fantastic sales. So I bought a couple of television seasons (Arrested Development and Flight of the Conchords), a couple of cds, blank CD-Rs, a cassette adapter for the jeep, and I think that is it. The poor girl that was in the checkout was the only one working while her managers just chatted away on their phones. She was so stressed and people were being mean. I wanted to shout at everyone and say "Can't you see she is trying her best?! Leave her alone!" Sadly, I didn't do that though. I just waited patiently.

I left right after CC for the fear of spending more money. I was hoping my trip would last forever long so I could just go from there to New Caanan for Family Home Evening. So, I did what any music/driving lover would do. I put in my ipod and drove.

And drove.

Driving.

Oh, I passed a town.

Driving.

I have to pee.

A cemetery! I drive around for a half an hour, taking pictures, listening to music. It was beautiful. Old and new stones, both intricately designed.

Three towns in!

Where am I?

Driving.

I went through all of Westchester, I believe. A couple hours later, I wound up in Scarsdale. There is supposedly a family ward in this area. I wander a bit in here until my bladder could not handle any more of this nonsense. Thankfully, at that precise moment, I came upon a little shopping district. Perfection! I went into a diner, which was closing right then, and I used their restroom. I then wandered around, looking at the shops in the beautiful snow. My goodness, it has snowed like crazy since I have been here. It is so beautiful though. I actually don't mind it, which is strange for me. It falls so softly, clinging to the trees. It is just so beautiful here.

While wandering around, I saw this festive boutique. It caught my eye and I found myself inside. The girl there was extremely friendly, and come to find out, she also lives in Harrison. She was just so kind to me. We talked for quite a while. God is sending me angels every day. I don't think she really understands how grateful I was to talk to someone. She also thought I was twenty-two, which was great for my self-esteem, especially since last year a lady thought I was thirteen. I am growing up!

After our visit, and a pair of earrings, I found my way back into White Plains. I was hungry by then, so I decided to go to a restaurant by myself. Big, bad mistake. I went to an Italian place and had to declare to the man asking how many would be in my party, that I was the party. Sitting by myself in a huge, empty room with couples around, I felt so bitterly lonely. It was a horrid feeling in my gut, sitting there, facing the world as just myself. I ate quickly and quietly that night, leaving a big tip to the waitress so she didn't think I was rude and quiet because I didn't like her. I left silently, walking quickly to target to buy wrapping paper and envelopes for present sending.

While on my way home, I found out that Family Home Evening was canceled. I was actually bummed about this because I was going to try to give my ward another chance. I don't feel that welcomed there, which does not invite the spirit whatsoever. I think I might move into a family ward. I don't need church to find friends. I need church to help me become close to Christ. I am still going to give my singles ward a try, and I am going in with a positive attitude, but If it won't work out, then I am not staying.

When I made it home, I wrapped Jake's birthday presents, burned cds, and talked to Ashlee on the phone. She listened to me and comforted me. I have just never felt so lonely in my life before until last night. Sitting there, all alone, ordering for one was so depressing. I just need some good human contact soon. I am lucky to have a friend like her. She is another angel God sent to me. I am one blessed girl in Harrison.

Today was better though. Maddie had dance today and Kayla had Tae Kwon Do. I love my girls so much. They were all so excited about Obama being sworn in. It was great. History is being made. I feel like I am part of something new. It is exciting to see what will happen, good and bad. Change is hard to handle, but it is good to have.

Oh, my phone is messed up, by the way, so please no one try to call me. I did not know magnets have a bad affect on phones, and I was messing around with the turning tab on my phone with one. Well, now my phone decides when it wants to turn off and on and when to vibrate. So hopefully that will be better in the morn. I love you all and wish you a great night. I am blessed and loved. I love you all. Life is good.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Don't You Evah

Happy Saturday to all!

Today was a great, fun day for me. I slept in, having a dream with Burberry earmuffs and that I could travel through time by running around four chairs four times because it was divisible by pi. I really enjoyed that dream, actually. I don't know why. It was just so fascinating.

Anyway, continuing with my day, I got ready to go into the big city. No, not White Plains. THE city.

The Big Apple.

Manhattan.

New York City.

By myself!

It was great. Jeannie lent me her metro pass so that I didn't have to pay for a train ticket, which was fantastic of her to do. I boarded the train at eleven fifty, put on my ipod, and enjoyed the ride. It was a great, liberating feeling going into the city by myself. Just something about riding a train with fellow new yorkers, feeling like I am one of them, was very closing for me. I wanted to shout, "Yeah, I belong here now fools!" but I quietly sat with my ipod and solitaire.

So why did I treat myself to a big visit to the city? Well, my sister's favorite musical, Spring Awakening is closing on Sunday. We were going to go when we were there a couple weeks ago, but the only tickets they had left were one hundred twenty-two dollars. Ang didn't want to pay that price, but I was fine. In fact, I did spend that price. It was so worth it though.

After the train ride, I walked up to 49Th street and got some lunch at a place called Pax. It was alright with an attractive man sitting by a table next to me. Sadly, he was not interested. My hair was probably too crazy for him today. While sitting, I called my mom and was talking to her when a lady sat by me. She heard me talking about trying to find the nearest Anthropologie, when she chimed in and told me it was around 50Th and Fifth Ave. I thanked her, then proceeded to start a conversation. She, in fact, is a native to the city. She now lives in Florida, but flies to the city at least once a month, to visit family and to see plays. She was a very open and kind woman, and I needed to see someone like that today. So to Dave, not all new yorkers are asses and some actually are human. She was great and an angel in disguise.

After lunch, it was one thirty so I decided I should get my ticket so I could go into the theatre. Well, that plan didn't work out as I hoped. You see, there was a HUGE line to get into the theatre. And these were people with tickets. So after will call, I walked to the end of the line which was AT THE END OF THE BLOCK. It was crazy! So many people love that play and they wanted to be there. So after standing in the humid, windy, freezing air, I made it into the theatre. It was beautiful. The stage was all brick, with misc. pictures on the back of it. Purple velvet draped all the seats, while the ceiling shined with chandeliers and gold paint. I fell in love with that stage. It was just so incredibly ornate but homey at the same time. The scenery was simple. A couple of chairs, sometimes an end table. Costumes were non-flamboyant 19Th children's garb. The music?

Incredible.

So beautiful. So delicate. How the cello would whine at the beginning, with the glockenspiel chiming around seven notes. Then the voices! My goodness, my gracious, it was so amazing. Duncan Sheik outdid himself. Those young--most on their first debut--actors had the most beautiful voices. It was so worth the wait and the money.

I never thought I would see the things I saw on that stage. I don't even know if I can repeat them. I mean, if people find out that I know what masturbating is or sex, it might make them stroke out or something. It was so great though. It showed what everyone experiences when growing up and the dangers of being in the dark too long. The theories in it are so Freudian, which I love a good story with Freud's views of psychology and the personality. It was brutally honest and soul wrenching. I just loved the whole thing. It was beautiful. It was racy. It was just great. Great Broadway experience for me.

After the spectacular viewing of the show, I went to Rockefeller Plaza for some shopping. I went to Ann Taylor Loft, got some shops, then found Anthropologie. I really wish Ashlee were there with me to go in there. It was huge! We are both avid fans of that store. I browsed around and bought me a picture frame and some tights. I then proceeded to wander in the Met store, saw some Degas magnets, but did not buy, then went to NBC for some birthday gifts. But before all of this, I saw a hot pink mini cooper limousine. It was the craziest thing I have seen in my life! I ran frantically after it to take a picture with my phone to send to Ash. My goodness, it was out of control.

Did you know that I love NBC? I thought you didn't. Well, that store is amazing. It is all my favorite shows in one place. They had a Mr. Bill doll and I wanted to buy it to send home to my parents, but of course, that place makes you pay out of the butt. So I bought some little things, then headed home.

I went to Barnes and Noble, bought a cd and hot chocolate (members get ten percent off on it, you know), then found the Grand Central Station. What a beautiful sight it is. After paying nine dollars for a quesadilla and walking up a stairwell that smelled of stale urine, I got on my train for some quiet time. The train ride home was great, and I am proud of myself for going to the city by myself. As my mom said, I am a big girl now. Even people here are surprised I went alone. It is funny, really, because it didn't weird me out at all. So now it is time to relax, plan next week's schedule, get some work done, and just love life. My second week is officially over. I love it here. I love my job. But most importantly, I love you all so much more than I did before I left. You are all too great to me. The Lord has blessed me well, and I am seeing that in this experience. I hope ya'll have a great sabbath tomorrow, and I will chime in soon enough.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Week Numero Dos

Hello all from New York!

This was my first week on my own. It has been quite an adventure. It has had some ups and downs, but overall, I have enjoyed it very much. So I will tell all that has happened through the days.

Monday:

Maddie wasn't feeling too well, so she only went to school for half the day. I got the wash done, picked up, picked her up from school, and spent time with all the girls. Kayla, Maddie, and I made some dinner. They were great helpers in dinner and They told me how much they enjoyed it. Monday was a great, great first day. I had fun, the girls had fun.

Tuesday:

Maddie had ballet and it was parent observation day. She wasn't having too good of a day, so she was extremely surprised to see her momma waiting for her in the lobby of ballet. She is a great dancer and it was hilariously fun to watch the perserverance of her poor teacher with eight little four year olds. Olivia and I went to go get her gardisal shot, which she did a great job of handling it. Later on, Kayla had Tai Kwon Do and after she was done, we both went to Dunkin' Donuts for a treat. She was amazed that that was my first time ever having a donut from there. The things that surprise them of me.

Wednesday:

Today, I went to Barnes and Noble to return Olivia's copy of Breaking Dawn, because Mitch forgot that he bought it for her for Haunakkah. I enjoyed my stay in that store, and I thought of sweet little Marz there and wishing we could share a moment together. I then went to Target to buy some groceries, shampoo, conditioner, and I was one frazzled mess. The grocer who checked me out even asked if I were alright. It was hilarious I am sure because I was zoning out with my mouth open at the check out. After picking Maddie up from school, we flew paper airplanes in the parking lot of her school. It was so much fun and she made a very nice paper plane. She is just too adorable. I also bought her the book Olivia and she loved it. The tennis situation worked out better this week, with Stephanie driving Kayla to her tennis and with me driving Liv to hers in Rye. I got lost coming home though, so that was even more eventful. I cooked a meal and I don't think the girls liked it. Honestly, I didn't care. I was pooped at that point.



Thursday:

Maddie was sick! she had a fever, cold, cough, and sore throat. The poor baby! I felt so for her. So we just watched t.v. on my bed while coloring pictures for my friends to mail to them. Unfortunately, all her germs were on my bed and I woke up today (Friday) with a sore throat and my head full. Oh well, the price of love, right? I have enjoyed taking care of her though. We really did have a great day, even though she was miserable. We watched Noggin all day, played chutes and ladders, ate snacks (she kept on asking for something healthy to eat. Adorable!), watched more t.v., cuddled, colored, and napped. It was great, actually. Ingrid, the cleaning lady, was in and she was telling me all of her marital problems. It was sad really, especially because I have no clue what to say or do. We ordered chinese, which was delish, and while picking Kayla up from a friend's house, I accidently ran the beast into their mailbox, and scratched the backside of the car. I feel so stupid and humiliated. I mean, it was my first week, and I already screwed up. Oh well, I should stop beating mysef up, right? I actually did some homework yesterday too. Go me.

Friday:

Maddie, and I, are both sick today. So more Noggin for us on my bed. She is actually sitting at my desk right now, playing with my buddah and elephant. She now just locked the car. What a champ. I love my baby girl. Kayla has skating tonight, so she won't be home until five o' clock, and Olivia will be at a friend's after school. So it is just Maddie and me today. It almost sounds like Marley and Me, but I promise that she won't die of old age at the end of the day. Today will be a better day I believe. I just have hope today and I hope that they know I feel so stupid and sorry about the car. Tonight is more homework and tomorrow is a trip to the city to see Spring Awakening. I am so excited to see it! It is sad though that Ang won't be there with me to see it. I miss my family right now, actually, which surprises me (no offense mom and dad.) Oh well, All will be well. I am holding my head hi and still being a loving person. So overall, my first week alone went extremely well. I have laundry to do and cuddling for a little girl. I hope all is going well for everyone else, and I love and miss you all.
Cheers!
Ch.Wa.

Born Into a Light

Happy Sabbath! Today, I went to church for the first time in a month. It was great. I am a sucker for some scripture speaking. I haven't been for about a month, so it was nice to go once again. My church starts at two, which is the worst time ever. It is also about a thirtyish minute drive into Connecticut, where it is located. The drive was so beautiful. It is like the Lord made a special day because it is Sunday. The trees lining the highway were lightly covered in snow, with the clear, light sky behind them. It was so scenic and so serene that I wish I could have just pulled over and take pictures all day. I love the trees here so much. It is just so amazingly gorgeous.
I got to the church with no problems. It is a huge building, which weirds me out for some reason. The service was good. I introduced myself to the bishopbric and a few people, then tried, unsuccessfully, to look attentive and not fall asleep in sunday school and relief society. Pretty much all the girls in the ward are nannies, which is a good thing and a bad thing.
Good thing:
We are all in the same boat. A good support system.
Bad thing:
It is a lot of people from Utah.

Hey, it will all be good though. I am just a whiner. I want to meet people from the area, who have grown up here, not some aliens like myself. I am excited for the new little family that I will make.

Speaking of little families, Megan and Ben our having their first child today. Congrats to you both! I am way excited to see the little girl.

I think I am off for the night with homework, music, and planning my week. I am excited for my first week alone! It is going to be great. Hit me up with some words and I will try to make my life interesting so I can write more. Peace Out.
Ch.Wa.

Week Numero Uno

My first week in Harrison is almost complete. A lot has happened, and it seems much longer than one week. I have seen much of the city with White Plains, Rye, Portchester, Mameramuk, and others in the vicinity. I have a good feel of where I am and where things are found. I really do love it here. The people are different and I don't know if I will ever get used to them, but my family is great. I really could not have asked for a better family.
Kate's last day was yesterday. I let her run the show and gave her some space. When we were driving around, I suddenly felt all the responsibility that I will have in the coming week. Wow, that is one scary thought to think about! A lot of stess and a lot of emotion was felt last night. It made me ache for home the first time since I have been here, but after a good emotional one-on-one, I felt much better and regained my confidence. Kate did a great job here and the girls loved her. I hope that I will be able to have that special bond with them in the coming months and year+half. I am excited for the upcoming week though. It is going to be one great adventure!
Today, it is snowing like crazy! It is like being home in Utah, and I actually love it. The snow looks exceptionally beautiful on the tall, numerous trees here, and it is not like Utah. I don't know why it isn't like it, but maybe it is because it is a nice New England-type snow? Hopefully it doesn't get too cold though, or else we will have some nasta' ice.
I braved my way through the snow to go to White Plains and Barnes and Noble. I do love me some B&N. I tried, with no luck, to find a parking stall that was not metered, so I had to hand over my seventy-five cents to the state of New York. I really don't know why I am so stingy with handing over three quarters. I think I am just bugged that I have to pay to park. Ok, so I really don't know what my problem is. Glad that one is over.
It was nice to have some "quiet time" in B&N. I just browsed around, picked up a copy of Breaking Dawn for Liv, and browsed the music successfully with the purchuses of Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, and Josh Ritter. I am going through some weird bluegrass/folk phase, but I enjoy it a lot. Plus, everyone needs a little Dylan in their life. You cannot love music without loving that man. I might just spend all the money I earn here on music, not clothes ha. Mom and dad, I promise I wont though. Don't worry with that.
After my quiet time, I came home and have been sitting here, looking at facebook, adding addresses to my address book, starting/finishing my laundry, and working on some homework. It is a lovely chill day in a snowy Harrison. I feel great about this now and am so excited for the new adventures to come from this. This area is so beautiful. I just love the trees and the nature life. It is going to be good here. Unless the humidity gets to me. Then it will be just semi-good. Maybe. Nah, it will all be good.

Hard Shopping

This is what I have to deal with in the closest mall. I hope i can make it through the eighteen months because they really don't have that great stuff. Oh well, right?

http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=105

Cheers.
ChWa.

Time to Pretend.

Hello from New York! December went by so fast, I really don't know where the time went. The goodbyes were hard, but being here is actually easy in the emotion department. So to update ya'll, I will start writing on my blog.
I flew in on Sunday, which was one of the LONGEST days in my life. So I had a little shindig at my home to say bye to friends and I ended up staying up until two-ish. That would not have been a problem if my flight weren't at FOUR IN THE MORNING. So pretty much I did not sleep. The drive to the airport was fine, just Mom, Dad, Ang, and I. My mom broke down and surprisingly I did not cry. I was also surprised of how friendly the airport workers were at six in the A.M. They were joking and smiling and that was just great.
So from SLC, I flew to Long Beach, CA to catch my flight to the NYC. Flying over Utah was really weird. I just sat there and stared out the window, looking at those beautiful mountains with the sun rising over them. It was the most beautiful sight to see. I love Utah with all my heart and for a minute there, I really wanted to get off the plane and just go home. It was a really weird experience/feeling that I have never had before. The flight was beautiful to Long Beach with the coastline in my view. It was probably one of my favorite things I have seen.
Long Beach is oooone tiny airport. It is like a trailer home with planes. You just walk off the plane and go to either terminal
1
2
3
or 4.
Great place.
So that was a five and a half hour flight with a window seat and extra leg room. It was luxury. I then thought I saw whales in a New York bay. I hope I did because I feel really stupid telling people that, especially if they really weren't whales. Who knows. I was greeted with the beautiful skyline and the sun setting. Really was one great flight.
Jeannie, Mitch, Kayla, and Maddie came to pick me up from the airport. They are such a fun family and we were all getting along great. We came home (weird thing to say) and I had to start unpacking. That is one hard task to do when you have just two hours of sleep in you and you have spent AT LEAST eight hours in a plane. It took a while. Maddie helped me a great deal though, putting pictures in the room and hanging up my clothes. Loved it.
Yesterday seemed like it was a week of things. It was great! We dropped Kayla off to school and Maddie got to spend all day with us because the basement in her school flooded. I opened a bank account and I think my friendliness to the guy helping me made him think that I was interested in him. He is from Ukraine and likes snowboarding. Yeah, I have no clue how those topics came into the subject. We then ran errands, ate lunch, drove more, errands, picked up Kayla, I drove the beast (a HUGE infiniti SUV) and stayed up 'till two talking on the phone to Ashlee and Jake. Oh, and the bachelor? Great show, but no one was as drunk as I wanted them to be.
So today has been good. I got the girls ready today, didn't have to shower (I didn't have time either to shower but I look amazingly great), drove a bit, got stuck in the driveway, hit Treeresa, went to Sleepy Hollow with Kate, saw a huge mall, listened to MGMT, and we are about to pick up Maddie from school.
Life is good. I love it here. I am always hungry though. I don't know what is up with that.
Send food?
Nah, just send some love.

With Love,
Chwa.