Cady Groves, Hot Chelle Rae, oh boy oh boy!

This conversation took place on Monday:

Kendra: Listen to this new song by Cady Groves. (She then proceeds to tell me her whole life story)
             She's gonna be in Salt Lake on Wednesday! I would love to be able to go.
Me: What?! Why aren't you going?
Kendra: I don't have a car.
Me: Well let's go.
-- The look on her face at that moment was priceless. As though it isn't even possible that I could recommend such a thing.
Kendra: Erica! You don't understand. I love her! That would make my whole life.
Me: I think I do understand, Keng. Which is why let's go.
Kendra: Erica!
Me: Keng!

I don't necessarily have all the wording exactly right, and I definitely cut down the amount of times Keng looked at me with that disbelieving expression and said "Erica!" It was pretty hilarious. Needless to say, tickets were purchased, plans were made, and on Wednesday Katherine, Keng, and I were headed up to Salt Lake to rock out faces off to some Cady Groves. Oh and Hot Chelle Rae! Surprise, they were the headliners.

We hit up a bit of Salt Lake first though. It was beautiful and magical and everything I dreamed it would be. Here is our lovely little party wagon (did I just call us a party wagon?)



I know, I know. I am rocking those turquoise skinny jeans. Don't hate.

I know approximately two Hot Chelle Rae songs, but they are awesome songs. I know approximately zero about the band too, but that's ok. I learned some stuff. For example:

1. The lead singer is Ryan Follese. He likes to wear bandannas. I know he likes to wear them because he was wearing one at the concert. It looked fresh.
2. The main guitar guy is Nash Overstreet. If you watch Glee, like I used to before I realized how very much I hated it, you might know of Sam. Nash Overstreet is his brother. Also, I like him more. He has pierced ears, which is weird.
3. They have all been friends and/or related for a long time. Probably the related ones have been related longer than the friend ones have been friends. I can not confirm or deny that though.
4. They have a lot of incredibly obnoxious fans that I want to punch in the face, but it's difficult because I'm too busy trying to get them to stop touching me.
5. People are jerks.


Ain't they precious?

I don't know much about Cady Groves either, but I learned some things about her too:

1. She's super funny and suuuuuper tiny. She had a little booster stand on stage. It was cute.
2. She buys a hat every day.
3. She totally handled it well when people were asking her who she was and being awful.
4. People are jerks.

I really, really want to be able to express via the internet the expectations vs. reality of dancing at a concert. Basically you're there and you're rocking out and you feel like "oh yeah this is awesome I feel great wait why do I have my hands up like a T-Rex right now am I bouncing up and down in one tiny space oh no I look like a fool!"

So anyway, the whole experience was super great. Cady Groves talked to Keng directly, which basically made her life and I totally made eye contact with Nash, no bigs.

AAAAANNNNNNDDDD here's the part of the post where I spit out random other events in my life:

Yesterday my friend told me that I am Liz Lemon. This both was incredibly flattering and made me feel ridiculous amounts of pressure to be funny all the time and declared right then and there my retirement from comedy. Also I'm hoping the Liz Lemon thing was more of like a Tina Fey thing, cause let's face it, Liz Lemon is kind of a total disaster.

My parents are officially in Utah. I am sooooo pumped. Sell them a house, please.

I got beautiful flowers and delicious chocolates on Valentine's Day from a secret someone and it made my whole day/year/life. So thanks. You know who you are.

If you were wondering how many ounces of Dr. Pepper I have had today, it's 48. Did I have to add 32 and 16 on a calculator to get that answer? Of course I did.

My hair is pretty short, but it makes a pretty great mustache.
 Deal with it.

Like totally

So in my favorite class today (Linguistics and the Media, not to be confused with my other favorite class, Psycholinguistics) we read a study about how in the nineties, teenagers used to use all in the quotative sense, as in "I was all, 'oh no you didn't,'" but now we all use like. The ensuing discussion in class was so comically frustrating that I kind of never want to talk again. Because when you're talking about the word like, every single time that word is uttered, you flinch. And then you realize, or at least I realize, that I say it a lot. A lot. And I've been trying really hard not to, but it's really difficult. The discussion today also reminded me of this:

You're right, Mos Def. I do like this cat a lot.

We also talked about slang phrases in the nineties that aren't really used anymore, and I'm thinking that some of them really need to be incorporated back into my speech. Mainly "all that and a bag of chips." Because really, how else am I supposed to explain how cool that guy is? He's so cool that you need to add a snack food just to describe it! So get ready to hear that if you spend any time with me. It's gonna be so gnarly.

Other things going on with me:

1. I went snowmobiling for the first time ever, and here's what I learned: I love snowmobiling. It's awesome. It's all that and a bag of chips. Salt and vinegar chips. Because we all know they're the best.

2. My nephew, Joel, turns two on Saturday. That's so awesome. How did it even happen? Crazy pants.

3. This week is dang busy, but it's only because I have a lot of social events going on. So basically, thanks, friends, for wanting to hang out with me. I super appreciate it.

4. I'm a little too concerned about zombies right now. But it's making me really prepared for the future. The dark, dreadful, post-apocalyptic future.

5. I'm babysitting my nephews tonight and we're gonna paaaartaaay. Probably by watching The Lion King. Don't hate.

6. Lately I have been having some beautiful talks with some beautiful people. And I've decided/discovered some beautiful things. First, don't make decisions based on how other people feel about them. Second, work harder on liking myself before I try to make others like me. Third, junk food and I have an unhealthy relationship. I'm working on it.

7. I always make fun of my mom and her list making fanatacism (fanatacism is probably not a word, but I think you get it). But, clearly I need to worry about the beam sticking out of my eye first. Lists are awesome.

8. My parents are in Mexico swimming with sting rays and having an awesome time and not only am I jealous, but I MISS THEM. I keep pulling out my phone to text my mom and then I remember I can't. Sad face. And she told me I could email her, but I'm sorry, mama, I don't remember things that long.

So there you go. I explained Cockney English to someone today. That was cool.

A conglomeration of a bunch of things because I can't settle on one

I've been having trouble thinking about things to write lately, as evidenced by my most recent facebook status. But I have gotten a few suggestions, so I'm going to see how I do with those, and also whatever else happens to run through my mind right now.

For one, my mom wants me to write about more things I've learned in college. (Also my mom wants me to talk about her. Isn't my mom the best? She's the best. Here is a text conversation we had the other day:
Me: You're a weirdo
Mama: Not a weirdo the beardo
Me: What are you even talking about?
Mama: Rhyming
end of conversation. Seriously, mama? I love you)
So let's do some of those.
what number did I leave off on last time? Let me check ... apparently I'm on

24. Sushi is crazy delicious. I wish I had learned that sooner than last semester, but also I'm glad I didn't so I didn't spend money on it until now. I need to stop spending money on sushi.

25. Sometimes dates are really fun. Other times dates are really awkward. Other other times they are really, really bad. Like call your roommate from the bathroom and tell her to save you bad. Ok, I've never had one that bad, but I've been close. But no matter how bad the date seems at the time, they always come in handy later when you're having a bad date story competition. Plus, you usually get free food, which is nice.

Sidenote: Anyone reading this who I may have gone on a date with recently, don't worry, I'm not talking about you. I had a lovely time. It's been a long time since I have had a truly awful date.

26. There are weak moments in college when all you want is a big pan of brownies. I would suggest inviting over some friends so that you don't experience the shame of staring at an empty brownie pan that not one other person partook in. If you find yourself in this situation, tell no one.

27. There are some people that you may run into on campus or somewhere around Provo and you haven't seen them in a while and you say things like, "Oh my goodness! How are you?? It's been forever! You look great! We should totally get together some time soon! Hooray!" It's really enthusiastic and peppy and you will never hang out with this person. You probably don't even know how to get a hold of them. Don't worry. They have no intention of hanging out with you either.

28. It's a really good to have friends that are willing to spend most every second of the day with you. Like this girl maybe:


Love her. That being said, don't actually spend every second of the day with them because then they might get sick of you or realize you're some kind of freak. Plus you should be at work or school or something. I mean, what are you doing with your life? geez.

And as a fun little twist, here are some things that I haven't learned:

1. Math. Not one single math class in my four years of college. It's my way of sticking it to the man. Who is that man, you may ask? I don't know. I guess I never learned that either.

2. How to share food. I try so hard to be kind and share my stuff and I really don't care if my friends use my dishes, my hair straightener, or borrow my clothes. But I will shun you for a year if you touch my leftover Cafe Rio. But seriously, I gotta start sharing those brownies.

3. How to not hate getting up early. I had four years of early morning seminary. I woke up every single day of my high school years at five in the morning. I had nearly perfect attendance, and would usually get there early. I was generally in high spirits when I was there. So now, how is it that I can't even fathom getting up before 7? Sometimes I even attempt it with abysmal failure. It is just stupid how early that is. Nobody should have to live like that. How could I even do that? Oh. I went to bed at 9. Yeah that's probably it.

And that's enough with that, because I would probably be embarrassed to admit how much I am still trying to learn. Let's just talk about a few more things and then I promise I'll leave you alone.

Katherine Pearson. I love you. We follow each other on Twitter, and I feel like that's a really special bond. Also I've heard people tell you that you look like Selena Gomez, and sometimes people tell me I look like Selena Gomez. So I'm deciding that means we like alike only you're like way beautiful.

Trevor Antley, why do we not hang out? We need to. Although, based on my own knowledge of college we never will again. Knowledge of college was rhymey. Oh no, I'm turning into my mother.

As a final act of solidarity to my childhood, I am re-reading the Harry Potter series. Because I'm a senior in college and I do what I want.

On January 28th, we're having a half-off sale at Duke's Jewelers. I work there. You should come buy things from me. Valentine's Day is coming up. Just saying.

Hey, friends. Hang out with me all the time, ok? Thanks.

Wait! Just ONE more thing.

This is my new favorite song. I heard it on Real Steel, which was a surprisingly good movie. You should listen to it because I just love it so much. I'm really sorry this post is never-ending. Except for it is ending . . . right now.

Thoughts on my last first day of school, as told through a series of letters

Dear Wilson Diamonds company car,

Comic Sans? Really? How is anyone supposed to take you seriously?

Just trying to help,
Erica


Dear girl who looks like she's studying at 8 in the morning,

You're making the rest of us look bad. Have you even gone to class yet?

Take it down a notch,
Erica


Dear cell phone,

I'm really sorry I left you home today. I probably missed you more than you missed me. Thanks for showing me you still care by rewarding me with 5 texts.

Never again,
Erica


Dear friends who texted me because they knew I forgot my cell phone,

Way to make my life.

I'm a lucky girl,
Erica


Dear schedule,

Classes end at twelve? Now that is a beautiful thing. Only three classes this semester? Even better.

Maybe I'll get better grades,
Erica


Dear ELang Senior course,

Linguistics and the Media? Not to go all Chandler Bing on you or anything, but could you be any more perfect? The professor showed clips of Modern Family and The Office on the first day. This is going to be a great semester.

Best senior course ever,
Erica


Dear life,

This may seem a little forward, but I love you.

Love,
Erica

More stuff to learn, always more stuff (Finals edition!)

oh no! I don't remember what number I stopped on last time!
Don't worry, guys, it was 14. I figured it out. Just calm down!

15. The times I get the best ideas for blogging are usually at around two in the morning when I'm trying to get some kind of paper or large assignment done. It's terribly inconvenient, and an obvious procrastination technique, but I like to follow through with the urge anyway. Don't be too disappointed with me, mama. I'll get my assignment done, I promise. It's finals week, ok?

16. Finals week is the worst. Seriously. It's best to just go to the HBLL and shove your head in a book or your computer and go into some kind of freaky-zen-robotic-super-nerd-worker-bee trance until all your finals are done. You can have friends when you've passed junior year.

17. Last time I wrote about how sometimes you have a really good feeling about a test and then it totally drops a bomb on you. On rare occasions, the opposite happens. You walk out of that room thinking the worst, and then, bam! you didn't do so bad after all. This happened to me today by the way. No bigs. I'm just super awesome is all.

18. As crazy stressed and out of control you feel during finals week, it really does end. I promise. And when it's over, you know what you have to look forward to? Christmas. Family. Presents. Love. And most importantly, no homework. But that family thing is great too.

19. In the same vein, not only will the semester end, but lately I keep realizing that school ends. Seriously, guys. I'm graduating in four months. Who believes that? I certainly don't. But it's happening. I only have one more finals week to worry about in my whole life. And I'm only taking three classes. Piece of cake.

20 a. Finals week is the worst. Oh. Did I already say that? I've learned it lots of times. It pretty much turns me into a psychopath who has no control over my own emotions or anything I say or do. So I try to have as little contact with people as possible. Or if I do see people, I make sure they're the people who I know for sure will still love me with their whole heart when the week is over. (I'm looking at you, Keng.)
          20 b. Kendra Lynn Moberg has been in my life for a while, but very recently she has become a staple to my everyday survival.. I don't know how I could have gotten through the last couple of days without her, and I only wish I knew a way to express my appreciation for her. I love you, girl.

21. When you're as close to finishing college as I am (can I rub this in enough? No. I can't.), it's pretty much a lost cause to try to sell your books back. Especially because you bought them on Amazon for, like, 12 cents or something. So now you're stuck with The Book of Jewish Practice forever, and you'll just have to deal with it.

22. When that glorious moment arrives when you walk out of your last final, and you have zero responsibility for at least a second, do me a favor. Go to your room or a comfy spot that you enjoy, lie down, and think about absolutely nothing. If you want to cry, go for it. If you want to laugh maniacally, that's ok too. But just take a moment to let go of everything you've learned over the semester, so that you can prepare yourself for another four months of new information being crammed into your head.

23. After your moment of zen, have a dance party or something. Finishing finals is super exciting.



It kinda makes me feel like this. This picture is way too big, but I think that just emphasizes the excitement of it all, and I don't have the heart to change it.
Three more days.

Things I've learned (part 2)

Here's some more of this! I hope I can think of lots to say.

9. (Yes, I'm starting at 9) Sometimes there are people on campus who do weird things like sing out loud to themselves or dress up weird or start yelling in the Wilk, they're either doing some kind of social experiment for their freshman sociology class or they're super nuts. Either way, I've found the best approach is to just act as though it's completely normal and you don't even notice it happening.

10. When taking a test in the place where all happiness goes to die (also known as the testing center), there's this moment right before you look at the screen to see your score. You're feeling really confident or at least pretty ok about your test. This feeling is a trap. You did not do well on that test.

11. When you do actually look up at the screen, and happen to see that abysmal test score next to your ID number, it's best to save any emotion for a dark corner in your apartment. Or possibly eat your pain away at J Dawgs or Scoreboard.

12. J Dawgs is delicious. Eat there as often as you possibly can without wanting to hate yourself. But I don't know if you can hate yourself after eating a J Dawg. Get the special sauce. Seriously.

13. BYU chocolate milk is the best chocolate milk there is. That plus a doughnut from Sugar n' Spice and you'll gain that freshman 15 in no time.

14. As hard as you may try, Cosmo will probably never be your boyfriend. Even if he meets your dad and everything. Life is hard.


On a completely different note, I got an email from my mama yesterday detailing her plans for Christmas break and what everybody was doing. Needless to say, all I want to do now is go home and sit next to the fireplace and be with my family.

Other note. Yesterday Grant was trying to watch a movie on the XBox, and he was all, "How do I set this thing up?" Then Keola said, "Think outside the box." Hilarity ensued.

Last note. B flat.

Chanticle

I asked Dani Bakker what I should write about and she said, "me." Deal. Dani makes delicious cookies that I should just not try eating because then I want to steal all of them from everybody. She tells me that I dress outrageously, but in a really nice way that makes me feel good about myself.

After this exchange with Dani, Cambria Hill grabbed a cupcake, broke off the top, flipped it over, and made a beautiful icing sandwich. Blew my mind. That deserves to be recorded for the masses.Also, she likes me because I help her think of words and correctly place commas. Then this guy:

was all, "Will you mention my name in your blog? That would be awesome." And I told him, "I'll do you one better, Keola Goodman. I'll put your picture up there." Also, yesterday we spent an hour reading first world problems, and I kept being able to relate to them. Awkward. He's the nicest person ever.

A couple minutes later Grant Gagon asked why I've never blogged about him. So, I love Grant Gagon. He's the best home teacher anyone could ask for. He's also the best at paying compliments to me.

A few more things: Mackenzie Walker is a delight every time I see her smiling face. Scott Moberg is always willing to go to the temple with me, and thinks my baptizing form is impeccable. Mickell Walker pretty much lives at his kitchen counter doing accounting homework, and it motivates me to park it right next to him and edit my brains out. Drew Reid and Cherie Abiang pretty much make me pee my pants out of laughter every day. Bri Barrett, Aubree Street, Sadie Cervera, and Hannah Johnson are my favorite roommates. Wouldn't it be awkward if I had a fifth roommate? I don't.

Basically the moral of this story is that my friends are great. They are the best friends. I don't know why they like me because they're all way cooler than I am. Sometimes they make fun of me for the stupid things I say, but they hang out with me anyway. Right now I am sitting among them, and they aren't judging me for blogging. So that's pretty great.