Spontaneity

I did something I rarely do anymore…. I was completely , 100% spontaneous! On Friday afternoon around 3pm I met a new co-worker named Lynn. We were both talking about races and how we love to be involved in outside, physical activity. Anyhow…. We were surfing active.com together and saw that the Tri Girl Tri was the next day (Saturday) and they were taking same day registration. Since the last time I did this race in 2006, it was sold out months in advance so I figured that this was a sign, so we both decided to do it together. I went home, packed my gear, picked up some goggles at sports basement, and woke up at 4:30am Saturday morning. We drove to Napa (2hrs) and were ready for the race at 9am. It was a really windy cold day to start, but by the time the race was done, the sun was a shining, and it was beautiful outside! I love Napa. Too bad the road to Lake Berryessa is so damn curvy. We were both carsick and took a good ½ hr for our stomachs to settle. After the race we drove to Mc Donalds for lunch (if only I could get my eating under control- maybe then I’d loose some lbs!), and headed home. It was super fun, and Im so glad I made the most of my Saturday and made a new friend, Lynn.

Oh and by the way, for all you tri girl tri’ers out there. They changed the race up a bit this year. They moved it down the road and with the new location the mileage went down a bit. I kinda wish it would have went up instead of down to add to the challenge, but it was great fun none the less. The mileage is now: .5m swim, 12m bike, 3m run. Still the same hills though- theres no getting away from them!

If anyone is down for this next yr, lets sign up in the spring time!

San Jose Rock n' Roll Half Marathon

Thanks Liz for the "Borrowed" Picture.


Today I ran my 2nd half marathon with Liz and Molly. It was such a great time, and such a great feeling when I finished. I think i even teared a little bit while crossing the finish line, I was so glad it was finally over! I wasnt very well prepared for the event in terms of training... my longest distance prior to the race was 7 miles, so 13.1miles was a big stretch for me... like double the miles i had trained for! silly me. This of course is completely my own fault. Maybe if I would have gotten out there and hit the pavement with Molly and Liz, I would have been better prepared.

In any case, my legs were sore all the way up to mile 10, weird right? Then I felt like I was soaring from miles 10-12, then the final mile was hard.. but there were so many people there cheering that it was ok.

During the run I just kept thinking that running a whole 26.2 mile marathon is crazy. I dont know how you crazies do it! And many people do it over and over again! I just dont get it.. so much pain! But I do envy your ability to do this- what amazing drive and self control you must have. For me, i think the hardest part is committing to all of those long Saturday runs for training. Maybe one day...

Sean didnt come to watch me as he was working, but Liz's husband Brad was there with his doggy and a camera (speaking of which, Liz, please send me the pic :) He took pictures and then we all went out to hobbes for brunch (my most favorite meal and my most favorite breakfast place) and topped it off with coffee cake. Yummy!

ANyhoo.... I had a blast hanging out with Liz and Molly- thanks for the good time girls! Lets do this again soon.

Here are my offical results-
Eve
Payne
Mountain View
CA
Age: 27
Sex: F
Chip time: 1:54:33
Clock time: 1:55:31
Sex Placing: 548 ( out of 5375 Female finishers)
Age/grade 57.5%

The maddness has to stop! Im certifiably Craigs List Crazy!!

Ok, so like i mentioned in my last post.... im really into craigs list furniture shopping. Well... let me tell you that this favorite past-time has progressed into a full fledged addiction/disorder. And, whatever it is, its contagious, bc Sean has it as well! We both search craigs list with the key words "crate and barrel", "pottery barn" and "restoration hardware" multiple times daily. One friday night, i was so excited for the new listings to come out that i woke up at 3am and starting surfing the postings until 5am! And no... im not joking, this was real. Sad but true.

This obsession has totatly replaced my love of perez hilton and teddy & moos. (Well, actually, i dont check perez much anymore bc he no longer blogs about anyone on Sony's music label, which are pretty much all the big celebs that i want the juice on. But that is besides the point.)

For those of you who have come to cali for a visit, you know that we live in a 1 bdrm, 600 sq foot apartment. Its teeny tiny.... so small that sean uses the hallway closet for his clothes, and our computer desk too is in the hallway. Well... unfortunatly our apartment is now at capacity and there will be no more craigs listing for me. I must find a new obsession to fill my time inbetween excel spreadsheets at work... any suggestions?

Here are some pictures of our latest (and final) acquistions. Unfortunatly there really isnt any room to walk anymore, so you'll probably never get to come over and check them out... unless of course you dont mind sleeping on a really beautiful pottery barn coffee table :)


A matching set of 2 end tables and 1 coffee table from PB
A dark wood, distressed Armoire from CB
Vintage wrought iron queen bed (its solid... i checked)

Really cute White PB Madeline dresser.

Its actually from PB kids, but its good enough for grown up me and way nicer than any dresser i had as a kid!

And finally, a new desk.. our last one was particle board and was slumping in the middle from the weight of our computer monitor. And we have a flatscreen... so it was not a sturdy desk.

Craigslist- the Ultimate Garage Sale

So, maybe there is a little bit of mom in me after all. My mom LOVES garage sales. She goes religiously every Saturday morning around 8am in the summer time. She usually buys things that she already has 5 of, but because they are such a “great deal”, she just can’t seem to pass anything up. She buys up everything she can find that is at least 30 yrs old. One summer I rounded up all of her old school vacuums, and found about 12 of them, four of which actually worked (well sort of worked). Anyways… the point is my mom loves garage sales and so do I.

The only difference is that I do my treasure hunting on Craigs Lists. I love it. People in the Bay area buy really high end stuff and then move 3 yrs later and sell it for 25% of the original cost. Its sooo crazy the stuff I’ve found. My most recent purchases include:

Crate and Barrel mango wood dining table w/chairs.

Crate and Barrel distressed Mahogany Queen bedframe and matching Armoire

Crate and Barrel 7ft chocolate brown leather sectional.

We’re pretty much getting rid of all of our old stuff (also purchased on Craigs list 4 yrs ago) and replacing it with new Craigs list finds. Craigs list is sooo much fun too… the good stuff goes really fast so you have to monitor the listings religiously. Then when something new is posted, you must email asap and then find a way to get over there to see the item that day. Sometimes this means taking a sick day, sometimes this means missing a family dinner. Sacrafices must be made!

The golden rule of Craigs list is that the first one to show up with the cash gets the prize…. Even if the seller has basically promised it to you! This happened to me with a restoration hardware coffee table going for $100 (an insanely great deal). I was just about to leave to pick it up and then I called her for directions and she said she just sold it. I was bummed…. But it makes the thrill of the hunt that much better when you are victorious in the battle of the craigs list’s fittest.

Here are a few pics of me, patience, my mom and my seany sean from last weekend. They came for a visit and we had oh so much fun together. Mom and poo came to the salon with me on saturday (i did poo's blonde locks), my mom got a perm from another student, and then we feasted on Chipolte burritos and went to the movies.... a perfect day! Sunday we laid out in the sun and went for a big long walk. Monday was all about shopping, cheesecake factory and frozen yogert. Thanks so much for coming!! I love visitors!

Im a red head!!! crazy. TEll me what you think! Im starting the interview process to look for a job in a salon, so i needed to spruce up my look a bit. I was going for feirce :)

The Paul Mitchell West Coast Show Here are some pictures from the big event i sold shampoos to attend... it was such a blast!! (above- me with a couple of our models)

Dancing in the prep room


my friend Josh.


My friend Virgil.


This is me and Takashi- the Paul mitchell Cutting specialist. Hes a god in the hair world- so this was like meeting a celebrity... only totally friendly.






This is Cari- my model (and friend) for the show. I cut and colored her hair.






Me and my roomie Yanin... shes 18... i am always giving her big sis type advice.






Me at the Paul mitchell stage at the show. IT was MASSIVE!!! totally better than any other stage at the event



Thank you to everyone who bought Shampoos so i could attend. If you bought them but havent yet paid... please do so.... I have bills to pay!!

XOXO
Eve

Saturday Night- the Angus M. Neva Haircut

I love hair. Last night i was supposed to color a friend's hair however, she cancelled so i was left with some free time. I took out my new Angus M DVD that I purchased at westcoast and learned a new hair cut! Its very rocker chic with a face framing fringe and the illusion of length in the back without the weight. The back as internal triangular concave layering, which you cannot really see from the pictures, but it gives it swing and movement. Its Mod, its Hip, and its a great alternative to traditional long hair layering. I think im going to give this cut to Nawana when she comes down, as long as she agrees. I will make the fringe a little shorter around the eyes so she can see... i kept it longer on this doll so that i can use the doll again for another cut. Here are some pics, enjoy!

( i have am terrible at formatting the pictures in the right place.. sorry!!)

Just in case you're bored... Sean is sick and has a really deep, raspy voice. So he recorded a new message on our answering machine using his smooth vocal tones. Its hilarious-i cant stop laughing. Call and I wont pick up... you too can enjoy the smooth sounds of the seany-sean!

Top 10 Reasons I Love day time hairschool

1- I dont have to drive to school! (i take public transit).
2- I dont have to plead to the parking gods everyday, hoping to find a free spot.
3- I dont have to worry about my car being broken into every nite (which happens often in the shady area).
4-I dont have to do stupid Sarbanes Oxley work. (accounting stuff).
5-I never look at the clock anymore, wishing for time to pass, cause i love what im doing at school!
6-I dont have to endure the scary walk to my car each night, armed with my mace, and praying that i dont get jacked/assulted/lynched by all of the scary people walking around selling drugs.
7-Im not mindlessly snacking at my desk all day. Im on my feet all the time and barely have time for lunch!
8-I can focus 100% of my mental energies on learning, and becoming an amazing hair stylist.
9-I have time to cook again!! I've dusted off my cookbooks and am back in business!
10- I have time to enjoy working out again... not trying to slam it in btwn meetings at work, always looking so NOT put together after lunch.

Anyhooo... I love hair school! It has such great energy, my classmates are darling, and I LOVE doing Hair!! Hip Hip Horay for me!!

Hair Model Needed- Free Haircut & Color

As you all know, I am now a full time cosmetology student at the Paul Mitchell School in San Francisco. I’m looking for a model for a hair show that my school is putting on March 5. You will get a free Hair cut and color, prints from the photo shoot, and model experience for your resume. So, if you’re a college student with some free time, or a model in training that wants experience or just bored with your current hair style you may be the right person. Or, if you know someone who may be interested, please give them my email address.

Here’s the time commitment:
Thurs Feb 28- Model Call at the school (9:00am-noon)
Tues March 4- Cut & Color at the school (9:00am-4:00pm)
Wed March 5- All Day at the venue- prep, practice & photo shoot, Show starts @ 8pm (10am-10pm)

Model Requirements:
-Open to a new “fashion-forward” look
-both Cut & Color
-17 to 35 yrs old
-available at the above dates & times
-Height and size don’t matter, as long as you’re comfortable in your skin and can strut your stuff.

Here is the website to the school: http://www.sanfranciscoinstitute.com/sfiec/
If you are interested and need further detail please email me! evepayne@hotmail.com

Thanks!!


Eve

A good day.

Yesterday was a great day. Besides the fact that I have t- minus 5 days left at my job and I am sooo sad about this, I'm very excited because i Love cutting hair! I've been on a role with my haircuts for the past 2 weeks... I havent had to ask for help from my instructors at all, and my timing is getting awesome! So Exciting!!! Plus I keep getting return clients, mostly guys, and they are tipping me so well. Love it! I havent had alot of practice on color yet, as these go to the senior students.. but my time will come. I start day school on Feb 4th, and i've been talking to the instructors, and they are going to bump me up a class level in day school, bc they say my skill is much better and i'll be bored with that class that i should technically be in (based on the number of hours i have).

Such a good day. I have another return client tonite... last time i cut him a hella cool maux-hawk.. so hopefully we'll get to do another fun and exciting cut tonight. I'm so glad to be doing this! Im so glad I've found somethign that i absolutely love to do!

XOXO
Eve

I'm it Bhappenings decided to tag me so here goes, I have time to do this today thanks to #1.THE "RULES":Link to the person who tagged you. Post the rules on your blog. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

Here are the 6 non-important things/habits/quirks about myself...

1) I am a messy cook. I will inevitably spill a large quantity of ingredients on the floor, counters, and likely leave splatter all over the kitchen walls. I’ve done this with hot tomato soup that exploded in the blender, an entire jar of prego, and on countless other occasions. The funny thing about it is that if Sean is home at the time of the incident, I usually let out a good shriek for help, and he does most of the clean up while I sit emotionally distraught until the clean up is over. What a great husband !

2) I am a picker of sweets. I pick the chocolate chips off of the tops of my homemade banana muffins, I swipe the icing off of most cakes with my index finger, and I always take little mouse bites from my baked goods. So if you’re baking something sweet and Im in the vicinity, you’ve been warned!

3) I love Celebrity Gossip. Many many years before Perez was blogging, I have been an avid reader of all things celebrity. I have subscribed to People since I was like 12, and I currently have about 10 magazine subscriptions to ensure I have adequate celebrity coverage. I’m probably going to be one of those crazy old ladies reading the national enquirer each morning.. hee hee.

4) I can’t parallel park. Since my driver’s test at 16, I didn’t ever have a necessity to Parallel Park … until I started driving to SF everyday for hair school. Now I have no choice, and it usually takes at least 2 tries before I get it within 18 inches from the curb- usually still at an angle. And I don’t even attempt the tight spots! Sometime i have to drive around the block 3 times to find a spot large enough to attempt.

5) I am developing my inner couch potato. Before hair school I always had SO much energy, and was rarely found laying around on the couch, watching TV. But in the last 10 months, I’ve become very found of spending the majority of my Saturday doing exactly that. I just cannot funnel up the energy to put on clothes, leave the house, and fight traffic for another day. I have a really comfortable couch, which makes it even better!

6) I am a textbook type A, Red personality--- but if you know me at all, you already know this.

Ok- Tag you're it. (Again.. im so not going to be offended if you ignore this tag): (note- my sisters have already been tagged by betina):

Rachel
Tara
Iris
Julia
Liz
Danielle (you'd better blog again!)

A New Chapter (to quote Julia)

I gave my 2 weeks notice at work yesterday. I’m surprisingly depressed about it. I like my job, love my company, work with good people and get paid well. I’m leaving because life is changing and its time for me to move on to a new chapter… but it doesn’t make the departure an easy one. I’ve been at Tibco for 2 yrs and have had a fantastic time. I could not have asked for a better job.

I’ll be going to hair school full time starting February so that I can finish up by the end of summer. In the fall we’ll start another new chapter…. Actually it will be more like a novel… but I’ll give more details about this when plans are certain. Hopefully we’ll know by April.

Wish me Luck!

Eve

The Sneaky Culprit

Ok so the last 6 months I’ve put on like 7 pounds, which I am not happy about. I’ve been avoiding the issue for a while thinking that in the New Year I will get back down to business and take if off. So, last week I got back to counting WW points. I am not a freak about it, but I do like to know the point value of everything I consume and try to stay between 20-25 points a day. So, I had to do some research of my newest addiction- the Starbucks Reduced Fat turkey bacon breakfast sandwich. I have been eating these almost daily for about 4 months- not ever bothering to check the nutritional information, which is so unlike me, but due to my crazy busy life, I just didn’t take the time to do so. I didn’t think they could be that bad; I mean they are composed of a whole wheat English muffin, cholesterol free egg, turkey bacon and reduced fat white cheddar. I’m thinking around 300 calories and 6 grams of fat.

So, last week I went to www.starbucks.com and found out the facts:
Calories- 350
Fat- 11 grams
Fiber- 3 grams
WW points= 7.3

I was appalled when I got this data. I cannot believe that I let myself live in ignorance for so long… and I know its going to take hella effort to take it off, as I am not one of those lucky people that loose weight easily. Fat is in my DNA, and I have to fight it with a vengeance!

I’ m pretty depressed about my 7 pounds of Starbucks that I have to work off. But… on the bright side, this is going to save me hella money, and those suckers can get expensive when consumed daily.

Christmas 2007

This Christmas we traveled to my home in Slave Lake Alberta for the 3rd year running. We love our annual trip to Canada for Christmas because of the snow and cold weather. Christmas without snow just isn’t the same. Here are a few highlights:

1) Joeys Tomato Kitchen for dinner with Celeste, patience and anders- can you imagine! It was so nice to see them!

2) Dan the Man- I got to meet my future brother in law Dan… who is very cool. The wedding is set for Feb 16th- go patience!

3) G&G- I hung out with my grandparents finally! I don’t know how much longer my grandparents are going to last, which is why I specifically flew into Calgary and drove and extra 6 hours round trip just to see them. I’m glad we did.

4) Relaxing in SL for 4 whole days! We hung out with the nieces, Sean ate treats watched a ton of movies and we just de-stressed. It was a much needed break!

5) My mom’s bread… my mom is the best bread maker in all of the land. The only problem is she never seems to make enough, so we are constantly begging her to please make more. As such, she spends the majority of Christmas baking bread. The loaves disappear shortly after they are finished baking, so if you ever get a loaf, count yourself lucky!

6) Visiting with Danielle & her family- so great to see you again! Kaleb has grown into such a nice boy, and Oliver is just darling!

7) Baking cookies with Nunu, Bunny and Poopie- Ok so I didn’t really bake much this year, but I sure did enjoy eating all of your delicious treats!

8) Working out in the SL gym- I love the freedom to work out on vacation. It makes me feel so much better about all of the eating. Less stress all the way around.

9) BP’s- We went to BP’s for pizza with Dad, Patience, Nawana and Celeste. I love BP’s- while none of my friends understand why I like it so much (its all just cheese and bread) it’s a very nostalgic place for me.

10) Hair Cuts- I got to cut and style lots of hair. I’m so glad my family trusts me enough to let me do this. Soon enough I will be great, so it’s nice that they trust me even when I’m not so great! Thanks Dad, Mom, Serinda, Patience, Anders Nawana & Celeste!

11) Swimming- I went swimming with my Dad, Sean and Anders. I got to show off my mad diving skills to Sean, and we relaxed in the hot tub. I love Canada for its massive indoor swimming pools. All of the pools in California are out-door and I have yet to see one that isn’t old, dirty and over crowded. Plus the fact that the Canadian pools are 50 meters long (as opposed to 50 yards) makes for a much more enjoyable lap session. Oh yeah… plus I spend many a summer in this pool for sharks, its also very nostalgic.

12) Iris- I spend boxing day (dec 26th) with the Dias family in Edmonton. This entailed another trip to BP’s, a little shopping, and lots of catching up at the Dias condo. We love staying with you Iris! Your family is so entertaining and you’re mom’s veggie lasagna is always a hit!

While we were ‘busy’ relaxing in Slave Lake, Betina was picking up her 3rd child Ivy from Ethopia! We missed her... well mostly we missed Eden and the Oakster, but I’m so excited to see little Ivy in February for Patience’s wedding. Yippee!

When we got back I had another 4 days until I started working again... only I got a bad case of the stomach flu so I spend most of the time on the couch, popping Tylenol 3’s like candy and moaning in pain. It was the worst stomach pain I’ve ever felt for 3 days straight. Torture!!!

Now it’s back to work and back to School. I’m really not looking forward to my never-ending schedule of 16 hour days. I will hopefully go to full time school in the near future. I just cannot handle the lack of sleep and energy for much longer!


XOXO

Eve

Thanksgiving 2007

One of my bestest friends from BYU, ms. margie Ralf is coming to visit me tomorrow for thanksgiving break! Im sooo soooo excited, and honored that she wants to spend the holidays here with me-yipppeee!

heres a little peak of our weekend'o girls fun:

Wed- Im doing Margies Hair at my school & pizza nite in SF at extreme pizza (the best veggie pizza in the land).
Thurs- warm up our pre-cooked turkey dinner from Draeger's gourmet grocery, and bake a pumpkin pie and green bean casserole. A lot of Sex and the city reruns and Midnight shopping at the Gilroy outlets!
Fri- Mani Pedi's, Chipolte, a movie & the human life exhibit
Sat- Hobbees, MAC, and maybe a dye job for margorie!

Im so excited to have you here again ms. margie!

My Lazy Butt

Ok so, I've had alot of excuses this year about why can cant work out regularly, train for events, go mountain biking, and just generally increase my level of fitness. While Some of my reasons have been valid... its time for me to regain control and get my butt in gear. So... and i state this publically so all of you can give me a hard time if i fail..... My goal is to run a half marathon by christmas. I'm on the lookout for an event around here in december... so if you know of anything good, please let me know!

XOXO
Eve

Disneyland this weekend!!


Sean & I are going to Disneyland this weekend to see my mom, dad, Serinda, keith, abby & Mina, and we're staying at the Disneyland Hotel! I am soooo excited! I remember only taking the monorail from the Disneyland hotel to the park when i was little, but i never actually got to stay there. we usually stayed at the KOA camp ground across the street (which is no longer there). My family has shared many a family vacation at Disneyland, and I am oh so excited to return.

This weekend is especially important as it is both Sean's and my dad's birthday- and we're having a big birthday dinner at the Pirates of the Caribbean Restaurant Saturday night- yippeee!


Here are my top 10 Disneyland favorites

1- Gibson Girl's Ice-cream Parlor
2- Pirates of the Caribbean ride
3- Splash Mountain
4- Fireworks at midnight
5-Toon Town
6- Indiana Jones Ride
7-Thunder Mountain Railroad
8- Souvenir Shopping
9-Soaring over California
10-chocolate covered frozen bananas

I'll be sure to post pics upon my return.

Burrittos & Banana Muffins-

Because i am living a crazy busy life right now, i really dont have time to cook. My meals consist of subway, WW Frozen dinners, Tibco Cafe Fare and Chilopte burrittos.

My average weekend consumption is as follows:

Friday night (11pm): Chipolte Burrito
Saturday Dessert: 3 chocolate banana muffins
Sunday Breakfast: 2 chocolate banana muffins
Sunday Linner : Chipolte burritto
Sunday Dessert: 3 choclate banana muffins

Im going to turn into a chocolate chip burritto if i dont watch out!!

Cancun Mexico- August 2007

I just returned from an amazing vacation in Cancun Mexico. This vacation will probably sound a little lame as we spent 70% of the time at the pool or beach, but it was really just what the doctor ordered in the craziness of our lives.

Aug 3-4, 2007: Our first stop was in Utah to attend my dear friend Andrea’s wedding at the Mount Timpanegous Temple. I did her make up for the big day, and she looked beautiful! The day went very smoothly for her. I got a chance to talk to her dad and he is the cutest man ever! After the ceremony we went to Magelby’s restaurant in Provo for a lunch- where yummy chocolate cake was served.

Sunday Aug 5, 2007: Our flight to Cancun was on time and our luggage did not get lost between flight connections. I am also weary of connecting flights as I just don’t understand how they can unload all of the luggage and get it to the proper plane with such tight connecting schedules. One day I would like to work as a baggage handler so that I can learn the inner workings of the system. I had my very expensive professional make up kit in my suitcase so I was especially worried.

We checked into the Marriot Casa Maga and set up camp for the next 7 days of bliss. We paid a little extra for an ocean view, as last year we had a terrible view in Hawaii, and I decided that if I am going to a tropical location, I must wake up to the ocean every morning. It was worth every extra penny for the view. We even had a large balcony to hang out on and watch the ocean and the hotel pool.

Tropical Travel Lesson #1: Pay a little more for a great view



Monday Aug 6, 2007: Our first official day in Cancun was spent relaxing by the pool, frolicking in the pool and playing in the Ocean waves. We ordered diet cokes by the pool, I read my trashy chic lit, and Sean slept in the sun. It was so rejuvenating to finally have time to breathe!

In the afternoon we wandered over to the local market and got talked into going to a timeshare presentation in exchange for a free excursion to Tulum and Xel-Ha, a $120 value. My friend Harmandeep has been on these before in Cancun and swore it was a great way to get a free excursion in.. little did we know what would happen!

We worked out in the gym and ate at the Japanese/Thai restaurant in the Marriott. The food was amazing! Sean ordered this lime-coconut soup that was so delicious. He graciously shared it with me but was very protective over the chicken chunks and would only let me have one. Oh well… my sushi was especially delicious and luckily he hates sushi so I never have to share J.

Tuesday Aug 8, 2007: We went to the Time share presentation in the morning which lasted 2 hours. The property was totally ghetto and the guy, “Brandon” was the sleaziest salesman I have ever met. It was the longest 2 hours of my existence. In the end we had to tell him 100 times “No”, and he finally abandoned us with no transportation back to our hotel. We were both just really glad to get out of there alive! At least we had something funny to talk about for the rest of the day, and a free excursion.. Although, looking back it really wasn’t worth the pain.

We spend the rest of the day by the pool, and were so relieved to be back at the Casa Maga, where the service was amazing, and they really treated us like VIP’s the whole time. We ate dinner at the hotel’s steakhouse where I opted for salmon and Sean got a huge flank steak. I of course spilled my drink all over the table, because I am the messiest eater ever!


Tropical Travel Lesson #2: Don’t give in to shady Timeshare presentations! Pay your way!



Wednesday Aug 8, 2007: Today we went on the Xel-ha and Tulum excursion that we “paid” for with the 2 hour torture session previously mentioned. Tulum was first and it was amazing. It is the site of an ancient Mayan city, and it was on the most beautiful beach ever. It is amazing to see that something built millions of years ago still stands today. Construction really isn’t what it used to be, that’s for sure. Sean was feeling a little quezy in Tulum, but he was a trooper and made it through the ancient city without much trouble.

By the time we got to Xel-Ha, Sean was really sick. We were supposed to spend 4 hrs there snorkeling, and enjoying the outdoors, but due to the extremely hot temperature and Sean’s quezy stomach we had to call it a day early and paid a cabbie $70USD to get back to our hotel. So much for our “Free Excursion”. Lesson learned, nothing in life is free! Finally back at the hotel, I was a diligent wife and nursed Sean back to heath with Tylenol PM’s, Pepto Bismo, Grape Flavored Gatorade, a cold cloth for his forehead, and lots of love. Poor guy,, he slept the rest of the day away in the room- luckily we had the ocean view so he was still able to partially enjoy the Caribbean coast. For dinner I ordered pizza and cake from room service and had myself a little picnic on the balcony, reading my chic lit while Seany-sean slept.

Tropical Travel Lesson #3: You get what you pay for and nothing is free!

Tropical Travel Lesson #4: Bring basic medication with you- otherwise you’ll pay $10 for a miniature bottle of Pepto!

Thursday Aug 9, 2007: Sean was feeling much better today, so we had another day frolicking in the pool, walking on the beach and laying out ordering diet cokes and poolside lunch of pita bread and hummus. We couldn’t eat too much or we’d ruin our appetites for the Yummy Mexican dinner at the only restaurant outside of the Marriot that we ventured off to.

The Mexican restaurant was awesome, I got Tuna tacos and Sean got Chicken Mole- his favorite. We had a table right over the water- it was brilliant- I only wish we had room for dessert.

Friday Aug 10, 2007: Today we went on a Snorkel Adventure at a national park about 40 minutes from the hotel. It was beautiful, un-touched and in its natural state. We did 3 different snorkeling sessions at various locations around the reef, and we saw many colorful fishes, a stingray, giant squid and beautiful reef formations. I really Love Snorkeling- it’s my favorite thing to do in the ocean. They also served up an amazing Mexican Lunch of chicken tacos, rice, bread and watermelon- with an open bar for all you can drink diet cokes- yummy! This was by far my favorite part of the trip. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to the tour guides advice to wear a t-shirt in the water. Rather, I thought my SPF 45 would suffice. I ended up with a terrible sunburn on my back, bum and thighs, as the sun’s powerful rays went right through the water and fried me like bacon. I was really sore when we got home at 5pm, so I jumped right into the hotel pool to cool off.

We were still pretty full from lunch so instead of dinner we walked across the street to McDonald’s for Caramel Ice cream sundaes- a common theme of our Cancun vacation.

Tropical Travel Lesson #5: Wear a t-shirt and board shorts when snorkeling for long periods of time. Sunscreen alone doesn’t cut it!


Saturday Aug 11, 2007: Our last day in Cancun- how Tragic. We figured there was no better way to finish it off then to lay by the pool, frolic in the water, walk on the beach and eat lots of yummy food. We also ventured off to the Market where I purchased 3 different necklace pendants- Amber, Turquoise and Rose Quartz. The rose quartz is my favorite; primarily because I talked the guy down from $90 to $35- I finally learned the art of bartering! We enjoyed our final Caramel Ice cream sundaes from McDonald’s J Oh yeah, the McDonalds at the Market overlooks the ocean! There are ocean side tables outside, so you can have dinner on the Ocean for the cost of a McDonalds Happy Meal.

For dinner our final night we ordered shrimp and chicken Quesada’s from Room service and ate them on our balcony overlooking the ocean. It was really a perfect way to end our perfect tropical vacation.

Hair School Pics

Here are a few pictures from Hairschool. They are from May/June, so I have done more since then, but unfortunatly dont have pictures. Im going to the Aveda Hairshool tonight in SF, and Iwill take some pics there of the professional platform artists' work, and show you how the real professionals do it. I won a ticket into the show by having perfect attendance at school :) Oh, how sweet the small victories are. I cant wait for it, and I will hopefully be inspired to work hard and get better!.

XOXO

Eve

My First UPdo's

My First Hair cuts- Square One Length & Triangular Layers (choppy)

Hello Friends- here is a quick update on my not-so-eventful life:

Hair school is fantastical. I love love love it!

Vacation is in ONE WEEK. I am SO excited! I leave next Friday to Utah for Andrea’s wedding, then on Sunday we go to Cancun for 7 glorious days at the Marriott Casa Magna. Yippeeee!!

In addition, my boss has been out of town this week too, and coming to work is killing me! I don’t have very much to do at the moment, I’m having a hard time focusing as vacation looms nearer, and I wish I could just go home to suntan by the pool.

I am involved in planning for a service project at school called “A perfect Getaway”. It’s a fundraiser in South Dakota in September. Nothing makes me happier than planning.. it must have been all of the Sunday night family planning sessions I enjoyed growing up. We all brought out our calendars and planned for the week, the month, and then for Summer & Christmas holidays. I think all of the Payne girls are pretty hardcore planners because of this- I love it!

What else- Oh, I have the cutest nefew in the world Oakley. If you’ve read Betina’s blog, then you’ll know what im talking about. His 3rd birthday is on Sunday, Happy Birthday Oakley!

Finally, the greatest news of the week is that I now have a Canadian calling plan on my phone. For only $3.99/month and $0.10/minute I can call my fellow Canucks on my cell phone. After 4yrs of no calling, this is a MAJOR event in my life. Please call me on my cell to celebrate! I’ll answer this time (unless I’m in school of course).

Have a great summer!

XOXO
Eve

But I’m Just So Tired!!

Ok, I know its been forever since I’ve blogged- my only excuse is that I am just so tired, and I don’t have much going on outside of school and work.

I did however go white water rafting on the American River in Sacramento California last Saturday (I skipped school- naughty girl). I have wanted to do this ever since I was like 12, and I finally had the chance. I went with a group of harmandeep’s friends including the hilarious Shilpa Rege. She is so funny… she cracks me up every time I see her.

Anyways, it was major adrenaline, and if any of you ever have the chance to go, I highly recommend it! Unfortunately seany sean was working so he didn’t come, but I think next year, ill go again and bring him too.

Yesterday was forth of July, so I had the day off of both work and school, hallejouah!! I had big plans to go mountain biking in Santa Cruz…. But unfortunately, I was just too tired… (surprise surprise). Instead I slept in and had a relaxing day at the movies, shopping and going to dinner with Sean. We saw Ratatouille… it was so funny!! Sean was laughing a little too historically- although it was cute. I’m not generally a fan of cartoons, with the exception of Pixar, who is always creating entertaining toons!

Did I tell you all that my very good friend Danielle had her baby! A boy named “Oliver”, 7.2lbs born in June. I haven’t heard from her much since, as im sure she is sleep deprived and “Just Too Tired” to call or blog. Anyways, be sure to send her good wishes via blog, facebook or email!

A bunch of my friends/family are coming in town in the next few weeks, im so excited! Lindsay Haverluck and her family will be here this weekend, Camille& Kyle next weekend, and Uncle Larry & Aunt Jerry next weekend as well!! I’ve found time in my insane schedule to spend with each of them… yipppeeee!! My friend Matt Stern was also supposed to make it down this way, but I haven’t heard from him in months so im just not sure.

What else… So my other very good friend Andrea Squires got ENGAGED and will be married in Mt. Timp Temple on Aug 4th! I’m so excited for here that I changed my Cancun vacation plans so that I can attend her nuptials! No worries, I will be continuing on to Cancun the next day for some sun and relaxation J I’m also her “make up artist” for the wedding, which im excited about as well. I have some great colors for brides so she should be beautiful J

Have a great summer!! I’m sure my next update will be in another few months J

XOXO
Eve

Ok so the best thing about hairschool is all of the free stuff we get as prizes for simple things like being on time and in dress code.

TOday i got this anti-wrinkle eye serum. V. excited about it, but didnt realize just how excited i was until i came home and googled it. It retails at like $80!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy days... hopefully i will have fewer fine lines around my eyes the next time i see you.

XOXO

Eve

My Big Sister Betina

This one is for you betina. Betina totatly came to my rescue and found me a hair model from WASHINGTON in less than a day! Why i cannot find my own model in the city where i live, i dont know. Maybe this is saying something about my people skills.

Anyways.. i was full of self loathing today and skipped church because of it.

Then , when i woke up from my day of slumber, betina called me to tell me the good news- she sent out a help message to the land of blogs and her friend Bek has volunteered to be my model.

This is not the only time that betina's come to my rescue. I remember distinctly when i was in first grade --- my mom had a million kids and didnt have time to put any TLC into any one child. So, this left me to my own devices and I'd often to go to school in mismatched clothing and discheleved hair. I remember one day in particular- all of the kids were making fun of me and no one would play with me. That night, I was sobbing myself to sleep when my big sister, betina, (6th grade) crawled into my bunkbed with me, and had a heart to heart to find out why i was so sad.

THe next day she picked out my clothes, put my hair in a braid and made sure i didnt look like a welfare case. Amazingly, all of the kids played with me that day at school. I remember distinctly being invited to play a game of 'tv tag' and i felt so special. I would always say 'elf' when tagged, because we didnt have a TV, so i just copied what all of the other kids said... but that is besides the point.

THanks betina... . you're the best big sister ever!

XOXO

Eve

My Sisters & Brother-

As you know, my sisters Betina, Patience & Celeste (bunny) came for a quick visit last weekend, and we had a blast! I love seeing my family whenever I can. We did almost everything on the list, but couldn’t fit in the mani-pedi’s as we were still at the mall for patience’s shop-a-thon.

Its amazing that in a family of 7 children (6 girls, 1 boy), we all get along. We are not all the same, but I think we embrace our differences and find it interesting to learn more about each other.

Betina- the eldest. 2 kids-married. List orientated, loves to exercise, chocolate addiction, detail orientated & Very clean.

Serinda- 2 kids-married. Hates exercise, loves subculture movies, cooks complicated dishes, sugar cookie champion & has a very quiet home.

Eve- married-no kids. Loves exercise, loves pop-culture, rarely cooks, cleans only when necessary, loves to travel, and has a very loud existence (laughs loud, talks loud).

Patience- dating. Exercises when necessary, cookie baking champion, loves to spend $$, loves socializing and hates crumbs on the counter.

Anders- dating maybe?- Loves non-exercise exercise (rock climbing, biking ect), loves going to movies, loving the outdoors, expert skier, and hates when his sisters as too many questions.

Nawana- Steady boyfriend, recently joined a gym, Shop-o-holic, very fashionable, cookie baking champion, loves to chat on the phone and like eve, has a very loud exsistence.

Celeste- status unknown, walks for exercise, hippie, veggie, artistic, creative, the “quiet” sister, creamy snow white skin, and hates when her sisters as too many questions.

Thanks for coming sisters!! You are always welcome, and we’ll have to start planning out sister celebration 2008! However, even though I’ve called it the ‘sister celebration’, I would lOve for Anders to join in on the fun and have been bugging him for years to come out to California!

XOXO
Eve

Sister Celebration-- Weekend update

Due to popular demand, the responses back voted "yes" to mani/pedis.

I have made appointments for all of us to go to pinkies nail salon for mani/pedis on Saturday at 4pm. Amazing that we all got in at the same time!!

Cost
$38 for mani & pedi
$25 for pedi only
$16 for mani only

Are you excited??

XOXO

Eve

May 4,5,6 Sister Celebration

My sisters (betina, patience & bunny) are coming to visit this weekend, and im SOO excited for the occasion!

I haven’t had a lot of time to plan anything “extra-curricular” as my life is a little insane right now.. but I’m still very excited and there are lots of fun things to do in my hood. Sisters- please read the following and let me know about pinkies or any other ideas you have :)

Friday
*Airport pick up (sean)
*Late lunch/early dinner with Eve (either chipotle or fresh choice- majority rules)
*Eve goes to hair school L
* Wholefoods grocery store w/Sean (organic & vegan)
*Will Ferrell Movie w/Sean
*Late night rendezvous at Cheesecake factory for dessert w/Eve

Saturday
*Run the dish
*Brunch at Hobbes
*Eve can style everyone’s hair using her bazillion hair products (an entire blog in itself)
*Shop (nordy’s rack, Valleyfair mall)
*Matinee movie ( my favorite kind, bc I can actually stay awake)
*Dinner (several options—Hola's (Mexican) is one idea)
*Hola's link: http://www.holarestaurant.com/belmont.htm
Optional:
*Mani-Pedi @ Pinkies nail salon (let me know if you want to do this asap bc I’ll need to make appointments. It’s Text book clean & and they do an awesome job. $38 for both, $25 pedi, $16 mani)
Pinkies link: http://www.pinkiesnailsalons.com/treatments/treatments.php

Sunday
Option #1-
*Drive to Santa Cruz for a walk along the ocean.
* Ride an old skool rollercoaster on Santa Cruz boardwalk (super fun!)
Option #2-
*Church
*Walk the dish or swim
The Above options both include
*Homemade BBQ chicken pizza for dinner @ eve’s place

Notes:
1- Please bring your bathing suit in case it’s sunny (I have a pool at my apartment).
2- Bring an extra bag ( I have gifts to send back).

Paul Mitchell Hair School (SFIEC)

http://www.sanfranciscoinstitute.com/sfiec/

Ok, so most of you know that I started hair school in San Francisco 3 weeks ago ( I just started my 4th week). I have to tell you all how awesome it is! I wish I would have done this years ago! Well, maybe right after BYU.. but then I would not have had any money to pay for it, so I guess now is the right time for me.

Hair school is awesome. Because Im in night school the class size is really small (6 peeps), and our teacher Becky is really awesome. I feel like I found what I was meant to do. Im a really hands on person, I like to be “doing” something, as opposed to just thinking, or talking as many jobs require.

So my days are super busy…here is my schedule:

6am- wake up, go to gym
6:30-7:30 RUN
7:30-8:30 shower, get dressed, get dinner ready for evening
8:30- arrive at work, eat cereal at desk
8:30-4:30- work work work, trying to fit in a full time job into 35 hrs/week
4:3-=5:30- Drive to SF
5:30-6:00- quick break before class starts- eat dinner packed in morning
6:00-10:00- CLASS
10:00-10:40- Drive like a mad woman back home to get some sleep
11:00PM-6:00AM- Sleep … ahh, sweet bliss :)

I know, it sounds insane.. and it is. Im supposed to look “fashionable” for school everyday, and its so hard to think under pressure- I have like 2 minutes to pick out my clothes. I think I should put some outfits together on the weekend, and then just hang up each outfit on a hanger, for easy grab’n’go!

Thus far we’ve learned mostly wet-styling including finger-curls, pin-curls, & roller- sets. This week we are practicing the above and learning braiding, corn rows and an easy up-do! I hope to be a master of the up-do, as I have many sisters left to get married. In fact, this whole hair school thing would be a lot easier if my sisters lived here, because then I could practice all of the time! So, if any of you want to come to California, you can be my hair model :)

We start cutting in 2 weeks (on mannequin heads), and by July I will be cutting on real people, yippee!!

XOXO

Eve

March 2007

As Sean has been working for the last 8 consecutive weekends to due “change-over” (he switched work shifts, and got the short end of the stick) I’ve been keeping myself busy as not to hate him too much on my many many lonesome weekends. Here my friends is a recap of the month of March:

1st weekend- I took a weekend trip to LA to visit one of my dearest friends Aishia. She bought her own place about a year ago and is finally settled with freshly painted walls, and beautiful furniture. Oh, I cannot wait to be a home owner! We shopped, we ate at clebrity hotspot “KOI”, we went to the beach in Malibu, we ate Chipotle burritos, and we just had a fantastic time. I found my dress to for the Tibco party at the Nordstrom’s Rack there, and it was only $65!! (Original price was $250).

2nd weekend: On Saturday me and Harmandeep woke up bright and early Saturday morning and went to this warehouse jean sale. We paid $15 cover, as the flyer boasted sevens, true religion, Frankie B’s, bluc cult ect, all at discounted prices. We were so excited, but then when we got there, we realized it was basically all of the ugly jeans that the department stores couldn’t sell. I did manage to find one really cool pair which are my new favorite pair. Im not sure what kind they are, but they are made in LA, and they are all torn up.. I call them my Rockstar jeans. They are totally inappropriate for work, but I wear them anyways.. hahaha- that’s how cool my job is!

That night we went to the Christina Argularia concert in downtown San Jose. That girl is sooo tiny.. like a little tinkerbell with the voice of a heavy set black lady singing in the gospel choir. She put on an amazing show- probably one of the best I have been to. The pussy cat dolls opened for her, and they were really fun to watch as well- they basically just dance like strippers while the main girl does all of the singing.

3rd weekend: My parents came down from Canada for a visit and we went on the Sea-Voyage from hell. My dad really wanted to go on a long boat ride (instead of snowboarding), so being a dutiful daughter, and found us a 4 hr whale watching tour that left from beautiful Moss landing. About an hour into the trip we were both barfing over the railing (well, actually dad did have one session on the actual boat which the sailor lady had to clean up!!). We continued to get sick for the remaining 3 hrs of the trip. I seriously wanted to just jump ship. I thought that Drowning would be far better than enduring the rest of the rocky journey. Mom, on the other hand, took her sea-sickness medicine ahead of time, and she was having a gay old time watching all of the dolphins and whales with glee.

4th weekend: I took another mini trip to Las Vegas to visit my old BYU friend Jessie Turner. She is such a riot, one of the coolest people I know. Everything I learned about fashion and make up I learned from Jessie or Aishia, both LA breed ladies. We shopped, went to a really good movie, ate at this old man restaurant “Hugos” in the cellar of this old school hotel, and went too a cool burlesque club where we watched some pretty ladies dance ( they had costumes on).

5th weekend: Saturday night was the annual TIBCO party at San Francisco city hall. Sean and I went to this last year, and we were oh so excited to go again. It’s a really fancy affair, so I had a new dress to wear (purchased in LA), I got my make up done at the MAC counter in Bloomingdales, and I did my hair really cute. We ate yummy food, got another caricature done, and danced the night away with the entire finance department, including our VP! It was the craziest scene. Sean is not much of a dancer, so him and Vik (Harmandeep’s husband) played craps all night with monopoly money. I had the best time ever! We stayed until the very end of the party 12am, which is unheard of from Sean as he is always trying to cut out of everything early (school, church, parties ect).

Next, up , I will post about HAIR SCHOOL!!! Stay tuned!