i'm all about the updates

So evidently I completely fail at blogging recently. Sorry 'bout that. But I'm determined to get back into a regular routine. I have a lot of stuff to blog about, but I just haven't had the energy (or, to be honest, the desire) to write about it.

Well, here's a few updates of myself for the last two months:

1. With the new year, brought a close to my 2011 Book Challenge. I successfully read 100 books in 1 year. I then set a new goal for 2012. I will read 115 by the end of the year. Considering I've read 27 books, I'm 9 books (7%) ahead of schedule. ;D

2. I lucked out with a ticket (paid by my loving momma) to Cirque du Soleil in Santa Monica. The show was called OVO. It was Fantastic. The costumes were all insects, so I was also kind of traumatized at the same time that I was entertained. All these grass-hoppers kept coming near-by me and touching me. AHH!

3. I have been baby-sitting a lot to keep myself busy. About 3 times a week. Juliet (2)  is hilarious and a pill. The fact that she is so adorable is literally her saving grace. Dean (2) is super cute and also really mellow. We like to take long walks around Westwood. And Mary (98) is sweet and loves to nap. And when she's awake, we like to chat in a round-a-bout way (as in, we have the same conversations over and over)... "What's your name?" "I love your dimples. You are such a beautiful girl." "Do you like LA?" and my all-time favorite: "Are you married?"

4. My friend Samantha and I have been discovering LA. We made a list of activities, museums, venues, and restaurants in Los Angeles that we plan to go to. And then we planned accordingly. So far, we have done pretty well with our list:
--We ate a late lunch at Baby Blues BBQ in Venice. Seriously delicious. Best BBQ in LA--considering California isn't a BBQ state (not like Texas). YUM. I definitely recommend it. We then enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at Venice Beach, being completely entertained by the crazy locals, and sitting on the beach on a surprisingly perfect beach day in the middle of January.
--Lunch at The M Street Kitchen in Santa Monica. Lots of people were there and the food was delicious. I want to go back for the breakfast menu.
--Hiked Temescal Canyon in Malibu. I discovered what a beautiful hike it was. The ocean-view was gorgeous. I also discovered how completely out-of-shape I am. Ugh.
--We dressed up all fancy-schmancy and went Downtown to a bar/restaurant called The Edison. Seriously fun. It's a 1910 boiler room transformed into a lounge. The ambiance is fantastic--lots of low-light, plush chairs, silent films playing on screens, and music playing. I'm no drinker, and the bartender smirked a bit when I asked for ice water, but I sure enjoyed the fried calamari. YUM. We then drove from Downtown to the Griffith Observatory where we got to see such a great night-life view of LA. They also had telescopes set up on the grounds to see certain planets/star constellations: Venus, Jupiter and Orion.
(We have lots more on our list. Just a few of them are: the Museum of Tolerance, farmer's markets, biking down the beach, and several other restaurants).

5. I have finally decided on my future. It was neither of the previous two choices. Go figure. I went back to Speech-Language Pathology. I am going to become an assistant through CSUN's SLPA program. It will take one semester (this Fall, if I get in--WHICH I WILL), afterwhich I can work in the school system to gain experience and then eventually go back to school to get my Master's. I am very happy about this pathway and feel content.

6. I leave tomorrow morning for Houston, TX to meet my new nephew!! Isaac Makoto Monson. Congrats Sarah & Brent! I had to say that since I haven't officially congratulated you both on my blog. He is the cutest chub around!

i'm determined...

So I'm a huge fan of the website goodreads.com. I seriously enjoy keeping track of what books I've read, and also sharing my likes and dislikes with friends. I can also keep track of books I want to read, or books friends recommend. Well, around February of this year, I made a goal on the site to read 100 books by the end of the year. I've been pretty consistent in reading at a regular pace until a few months ago. I just haven't read very much in the last two months.

Anyways, I realized a few days ago that I was 20 books away from completing my goal, and I had a little over 20 days to complete it!! I'm determined. It's ridiculous, but I'm going to do it.

So here are the books I've read in the last four days:
1. The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare --the sequel to The Clockwork Angel. I enjoyed it immensely. And when you have read it, let me know so we can discuss it. PS - Will or Jem?? I totally am rooting for Will, although a piece of my heart breaks for Jem when I say that.
2. The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas --I liked it a lot. Subtle twists and turns I wasn't expecting. It's about a group of women in a quilting club during the Great Depression in Kansas who band together during a crisis.
3. Women of Character by Susan Easton Black --I loved this. It was a book of mini-biographies on 100 prominent LDS women. Seriously loved it. It made me realize that I can make a difference in the world with whatever talents I have been given--whether it is service, education, compassion, humor, etc.
4. Proof by David Auburn --this is a script for a play. I enjoyed it. It was intriguing. I didn't expect to like it, but I totally did.
5. Betrayal by Harold Pinter --another script for a play. I didn't like this one. It was about a woman who cheated on her husband. I hate stories like that. Thank goodness it was short.
6. Dinner with Friends by Donald Margulies --another script for a play. This one was about two couples who are best friends--one couples marriage is falling apart, and the other is strong. It was interesting to see how the marriages were portrayed against each other.
7. Corker by Anya Bateman --cute LDS novel, super easy read, and yet, I've read better.
8. Big Ben is Back by Anya Bateman --the sequel to Corker. Ditto to my first comments.

So--12 to go. Not bad when I have 18 days left in the month of December, and over 30 hours of traveling to look forward to. I'm one of those lucky people who don't get car sick when I read. *grin*

So here are a few books I might read to complete the remaining 12:

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Daughters in My Kingdom: the History and Work of Relief Society by the LDS Church
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Inheritance (#4 of the Eragon series) by Christopher Paolini

Any books you recommend for my "end of the year" list??

wow

So, sorry for my disappearance from the blogging world! My sister just sent me a link to her new blog--and I thought, "Oh my gosh! My blog!" Seriously--I am ashamed. I can't believe I haven't remembered to blog! What happened to me??

Well, here are a few updates from the last few months:
1. I got to see all my amazing Sheranian family for my Grandmother's funeral. My grandpa and I are slowly adjusting to a house without my Grandma. It's weird.
2. I almost went on a blind date. Long story short--we talked on the phone for hours, totally hit it off, and then he decided he really liked my friend who set us up and decided not to risk a chance with her by going out with me. So.... lamesauce.
3. I shot a gun for the first time in my life over Thanksgiving. A 12-gage shotgun. I shot me some pigeons. The clay kind. I sported a pretty awesome bruise on my arm for a while.

4. I've been baking a lot--i.e. Today I made the most scrumptious vegan pistachio cupcakes. Seriously to die for. With buttercream rose frosting. My mom made fun of me about these because 1. I made vegan for no reason and 2. I counteracted the whole vegan thing by putting real butter in the buttercream frosting. I don't care. They seriously are the best cupcakes ever. EVER.
4. I am currently deciding between two future occupations.

Ok--let's play a game I like to call "Help-KaRynn-Choose-Her-Future." Haha. But really...

I have narrowed my options down to two I really like.
1. Get my California teaching credentials (through UCLA Extension, or through CSUN). Ultimately, whichever is the cheapest. LOL
or 2. Get into the management portion of hospice care. I'm still looking into that--because I don't think I actually need to go back to school to be considered qualified... and if I do, most likely I will have to take Business Management classes--which is ALSO offered through UCLA Extension. (Oh the blessing of living five blocks from UCLA).

What are your thoughts?

PS - Props to the people who noticed I used two #4's.

i am the captain of my soul

So, as most everyone is aware, my grandmother, Jean Prior Sheranian, passed away last week on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the age of 77.  She was one of those extraordinary women who touched the lives of everyone around her. She was a friend to everyone and always thinking of who next to serve. She was not one of those people who had to create that habit. I feel like she was always one of those lucky people who was blessed to have a giving heart. It was part of her nature to help others. It was never done out of pity, self-gain, or for praise. She never thought about the time that she spent giving to others. It was so easy for her to say, "Oh! Of course I'll come pick you up!" And "Is there anything I can do? No really, I'll make you some dinner."  Or "Have we sent her a card yet? I heard she isn't feeling well. I want to make sure she knows someone is thinking about her." 

In honor of my grandmother, my family has invited everyone to follow in her footsteps by donating to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund. 

It has been a fantastic year. I know that I have been blessed to spend the last year of my grandma's life by her side. I have had the opportunity to witness the constancy of my grandmother's optimism, determination and charity at close quarters.  I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything in this world, and I will cherish those memories forever.

I am constantly being asked, "Are you ok?" Under the circumstances, it is a typical, even expected, question. Here is my answer: Most definitely, yes.

Why? Because I believe in eternal families. I believe that she is in a better place and that I will see her again. That it is through the Lord Jesus Christ that this is possible. That if I keep my covenants, and strive to live worthy of the blessing of the temple, I will be able to create an eternal family of my own. How great is that?

This isn't a time for sadness. It is a time to rejoice in the life of an extraordinary woman. To honor her. Pres Monson said "Decisions determine destiny." She chose to live a good and happy life. To serve others. To stay close to her family. To remember her Savior. I too, choose to be happy. To choose to live in such a way that she will be proud of me when I see her again. I am the captain of my soul. 

Day 23: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

Ok, so this is supposed to be a picture of my favorite book, but I don't have a favorite. That is impossible!! I have too many books I like. But even of the top 10, I can't pick a favorite because I like different types of books, which makes it impossible to decide, because then I'd have to decide which genre I like the best--and that is even more than impossible!!

So, here is the book I've read the most. ;D It is the most beat up. And I've read it more than a dozen times. Yes, I know. Ridiculous. But you can tell, can't you?

Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites by Chris Heimerdinger (which, ps- I love this book, but did you know that the author is in prison for tax fraud? say whhaaat? makes me disappointed... and maybe not want to read the next few books. Or not...)

new camera

i'm psyched. i bought a new camera. a really good one. and the best part? IT WAS ON SALE!!
check me out...

granted, i still need to work on my photography skills, but i'm super excited. (it's a Nikon D3000, for those of you who care about cameras...)

Day 22: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

Something I wish I were better at:

the guitar.

Yep, I wish I could play the guitar. I own one, and had good intentions of learning how to play it.

But, alas, I am still guitar ignorant.

I would try again, but my sister is going to steal my guitar next month because she signed up for lessons at BYUI. *sigh* Maybe she'll teach me...

Day 21: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

Something I wish I could forget: 

Sometimes I wish I could forget that my grandma has cancer. 

And that I know the Cancer Center like the back of my hand. Every room. Every lab. Every infusion center. Every receptionist. Every lab technician. Every nurse. Every doctor.

I wish that this had never happened, and that there wouldn't be a situation where I would need to know all this information. 

But at the same time, I don't want to forget all the conversations and special moments with my grandma, all the friends I've made, and the gratitude and appreciation I've felt towards a multitude of self-less volunteers and medical personnel at such a wonderful cancer facility.

Day 20: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

Somewhere I'd love to travel...

Egypt.

Ok, so considering the slight unrest in that country, I probably won't make it to Egpyt for a while.

But that doesn't change the fact that I once had an obsession...

I would still like to visit Alexandria, Cairo, Gisa, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, etc...

I would love to take a mini cruise down the Nile...

I would love to explore the pyramids and tombs...

I'm a nut. And I love it.

lake arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead holds a special place in the hearts of the Sheranian Family.

My great-grandfather owned a cabin up at the lake for years and years.

My grandfather grew up going to the lake for a couple months every summer.

And then my dad went up to the cabin for a few weeks every summer.

So when we were talking about venues for a family reunion,

we decided it was about time to go back to the lake...

We had to wait before we could check-in to our cabin for the weekend, so we killed some time by eating lunch at Lake Arrowhead's very own Malt Shop.. 

it's been here a long time... ;D

i loved the authentic retro decor. amazing. i felt like i was stepping back into the 1950s. 

which was the point. i was.

right?

Bryan with his pineapple shake. I think he got it only because it reminded him of Shawn and Gus. ;D

Afterwards, we went straight to our cabin (aka mansion...WOW!)

view of the "cabin" from the dock area...

the pathway up to the house...

the gathering area on the second floor...

the gorgeous windows in the gathering area... great view, right?

our very own dock!! ... which included two kayaks...

the view of the lake from one of the decks...

me lounging in the coveted hammock... perfect bliss *sigh* i miss it already.

Saturday morning, a few people took the kayaks out...

uncle Steve just getting back from kayaking out to "the island"...

"the island" was just across from the dock where my dad and his brothers grew up vacationing. so they used to swim to the island and play there all day. most of us made it onto the island at one point or another during the trip... including me. although i cheated by taking a speed boat during a tour around the lake... haha

right around this time is when Bryan lost his glasses... so my dad (deciding it was worth it to risk the cold for $200), jumped in the lake to dive for them.... unsuccessfully...

(disregard my nerdy-ness)... *facepalm*


my lovely family (and the t-shirt i designed...)

Steve and Shari sportin the family shirt. While I was walking through the village to the dock where our family was water skiing, a guy walked past Sarah and I and said, "You guys are everywhere!"
We were both confused for a second before we looked down and remembered that we were wearing the reunion t-shirts. ;D Hah. Glad we stood out of the crowd. Go Sheranians!


lake tour by speedboat...


me and Bry...


Bry and Harrison...

Alex, Scott and Bryan after water skiing
(i wasn't on that boat, so i don't have the awesome photos...)


Bry's wound from water skiing...


our tour--as you can tell, it was almost too much for Harrison to handle... ;D

We had a blast.
It should have lasted a week, instead of four-ish days. Just wasn't enough.

So here's something you might enjoy:

Grandma lounging on the dock with a friend (i think when she was dating my grandpa)...
she's on the left...

and grandma lounging on the dock at our reunion...


i ♥ it.

Day 19: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

When I was little:

That's me on the back of Sarah's tricycle.

I feel no shame in showing off my extraordinarily beautiful young self.

Aren't I adorable?

ward camp-out

So for my ward's "big summer event" we went on a camp-out to McGrath State Beach in Oxnard. There were about fifty people who showed up (whew!). We had fun despite the June Gloom weather (overnight rain), and the partitioned beach (due to the endangered bird species living there). Great friends, great food.

I put up my very first tent! (I know, I know--pathetic...) But every other time I've gone "tent-camping" I've been with either my Dad (who puts it up for me), or we show up for Girls Camp, and they are already set up by our leaders.

Isn't my tent amazing? ;D I'm very proud. Allana and I put it up together. Only took us 20 minutes (haha). And the zipper is totally broken. We safety-pinned ourselves in for the night. Although, I ended up sleeping in the backseat of my car. My back/hips were killing me and I couldn't fall asleep. So around 4am, I gave up, unpinned myself from my tent, and dragged my sleeping bag through the damp dirt into the backseat of my dad's very comfortable (hah) SUV. But thankfully, I was able to sleep for at least three hours. haha.

We, of course, had some pretty fantastic food as well.

Tin foil dinners. YUM

Bacon-wrapped chicken. *sigh* Drooling just thinking about it. Bacon makes everything better.

Yummy peach cobbler, upside-down pineapple cake, and a chocolate berry concoction all due to Andrew Whiteside's skills. (He is now considered the ward's #1 bachelor!)

Masato and Johnny making everyone breakfast. We really took the gourmet route for our camping trip!

I never made it to the beach--it was too cold (that is my excuse), but we occupied ourselves very well.

Badminton, yay!

Campfire gatherings... talking, marshmallows... you know the drill.

And early morning ultimate frisbee!

A success, if I do say so myself--even if I had nothing to do with the planning or execution of the entire trip. ;D Way to go Ali and Dan!