my bicycle

This morning when I woke up, I decided to go on a bike ride. I put on my converse, high wasted shorts, 'cool' tee and bug eye sunglasses and headed out. I biked all around my home town. I went up hills and down hills, on the roads and the sidewalks. It was quite lovely and I loved every moment of it. (Even the burning quads... ha. Take that you practically exercise-less summer!)

There's something about the breeze through my hair that makes me giddy inside. My favorite thing to do is stand up on the pedals as I rush down hill... bliss. I can hear the wind in my ears, actually hear it since I do not bring my music and it's a new experience. I am rarely in silence. I always have something playing whether it be in the background or it be my main focus. It is a special experience to be alone with my thoughts. I always find that a little intimidating (yes, my thoughts intimidate me, don't question it) but this morning I felt invincible on my bike. (Don't worry. I'm not about to become a reckless teenager who does BMX jumps for the thrill of it.) What I mean to say is that I truly felt happy and at peace on my bicycle.

Random thought by the way: If anyone feels like getting me an expensive present, a bike from the Urban Outfitters Bike shop would work. I mean, you can custom design your bikes! It's brilliant. A beach cruiser would work too... thank you kind friend!

And now, if you'll please excuse me, I think I am going to go on my second bike ride of the day. You just can't resist bliss.

We are... both Steve

Steve and Steve have too much fun in the field of snakes...

FOURTH POST

I did it! Let it be known to the world that I did everything on my to do list today and it was magnificent! I improved (as in, make up on the spot, not get better) to several songs like Stuart said to and it was lovely. Improv is always a challenge to me but it gave me a few ideas for the new school year for lovely, lovely d.co...

Also, Kate and I made a 'funny video'. It is currently saving to my computer and shall be posted shortly. But just know, it is DONE. Filmed and edited. It is called, 'We are both... Steve'. It's quite witty actually. I'm very proud of us. (Holy braggy... what can I say? It's late and this is my 4th blog of the day. Goodness me!)

In conclusion (how official does that sound), I would like to thank my pal, Stuart for being so kind and truly knowing what I would like to do and find enjoyable. I think that says a lot about our friendship bud. As Mar would say, 'You rock. Never change. HAGS.' But is it ridiculous to say, I truly do mean that? Because I do.

Stuart the stud himself.
'A is for Alex' '... Atlanta'

Clash of the Titans

What did I make for my 'Big Breakfast'? French toast on wheat with home made jam and bananas. Doesn't it just look scrumptious???


Clashing outfit time...

This...

plus this...

equals this...

To be completely honest, I'm a little concerned at how fast I put the outfit together. Clashing seems to be pretty easy for me. Whoops-a-daisy.

And now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to blast 'In the Air Tonight' by Phil Collins. Salut!

DCFC

Guess what I'm doing right now? I am listening to Narrow Stairs by Death Cab for Cutie. And here are my thoughts as I sit here and ponder the music...

Track 1: Bixby Canyon Bridge

• Bixby… bixby. I shall name my first child that.
• Love the intro. So peaceful.
• All the way from San Francisco? Wow. You’re legit.
• Oh wait. Here's the hardcore stuff. I can say that I did see this one coming.
• Dun dun dun dun. Dun dun dun dun.
• Try headbanging that fast. It’s painful.
• Is he humming or just breathing really, really loud? Whatever it is, please stop, I feel like I am imposing on your exercise routine.
• I feel so… hip. Hey my name’s Sasha and I listen to Death Cab. S’up? Do you want my digits?
• Is that a scream?! What? No. Say it isn’t so. Screaming is bad for your vocal cords.
• Okay please shut your pie hole. It’s scaring me now.

Track 2: I Will Possess Your Heart

• Creepy title. What the???
• When's the singing going to start?
• Still no vocals... I'm very confused.
• Congratulations. This song wins the award for longest intro EVER. I want to hear singing!!!
• 4.33!!! Oh my goodness! There are actually some lyrics!
• Wait a second... I think I've heard this song before. I lied, I'm sorry Stuart! I am not completely and totally DCFC (death cab for cutie) uneducated. But I pretty much am...
• Speaking of their name... isn't 'cutie' kind of femmy? I'm just sayin.
• Don't you know you gotta spend some time, love. you gotta spend some time with me???? Helloooo people. Duh. ps. I will possess your heart.
• I actually really kind of like this song... don't read too much into that please.

Track 3: No Sunlight

• If this is another long intro I'm going to shoot myself in the foot.
• OH MY! yay! Vocals.
• I really, really like his voice.
• I've never seen what he looks like but if I had to guess... he's tall, blond, skinny- a little scraggly but he has a cute sense about him. I bet he wears girl jeans...
• This song has quite the clever chorus. "No Sunlight. No Sunlight. jam jam jam No Sunlight. No Sunlight. etc... "
• That song souned happy but it's actually quite sad. Everyone loves sunlight! And if you don't, move to Seattle. Or Forks! Say hi to whiny pants Bella for me.

Track 4: Cath...

• Cath what? Cath... eter? Ugh gross. Please no.
• Oh. Is Cath a name?
• I'm listening to the lyrics very hard... so hard it's hurting my brain and I still can't figure out what 'Cath' is.
• Oooh oooh! Maybe it's short for Cathy! I know one Cathy. She is beautiful. (ps that is the most random shout out EVER. Sorry if that creeped you out a wee bit Cathy.)

Track 5: Talking Bird

• I want a talking bird. I'd teach it to say french swear words. KIDDING!!! But I would teach it French though... only clean nice words. Like, 'Bonjour!' and 'J'taime!' and 'Tu es tres, tres bell!" Awww stop it, I'm blusing.
• This song is very melancholy. Is that the right word? Maybe.... I don't think I know the true definition of melancholy.
• I Just looked it up. Dictionary.com says… mel•an•chol•y [mel-uh n-kol-ee] Show IPA noun, plural -chol•ies, adjective –noun 1. a gloomy state of mind, esp. when habitual or prolonged; depression. 2. sober thoughtfulness; pensiveness. 3. Archaic . a. the condition of having too much black bile, considered in ancient and medieval medicine to cause gloominess and depression.
• Did he just say your feathers are fatter than fur?
• That song makes me sad. Thanks a bunch DCFC.

Track 6: You can do better than me

• You better be happy or else I will cut you.
• I like the tambourine.
• His high notes are cute.
• I feel like this song would be featured in 500 Days of Summer
• You fall in love EVERY DAY?! Holy cow! I don’t think that’s love you’re talking about… maybe it is though. I’m only 17. That’s
• You can do better than me, but I can’t do better than you
• I love the piano. Just keep it acoustic from now on. Thanksabunch.
• Ahhh! Cutest song eva!!! Loves right now.

Track 7: Grapevine Fires

• I’d like to see a Grapevine Fire.
• The grapevine was my favorite in step aerobics. I’m really good at the right side… the left side though. Woah. Now that’s tricky.
• Are we over? No. Please don’t sing sad songs, I’m not in a sad mood right now. I am in a weird one though, in case you can’t tell. Maybe it’s because all my besties have ditched me today!!!!! My apologies. I have composed myself. I am back.
• I seriously LOVE his high notes! They’re so sweet and innocent.
• The swirlies on my windows media player are super cool right now.
• Hmmm. 3.2 stars.

Track 8: Your New Twin Sized Bed

• Fun. But I wouldn’t get a new twin, I’d get a new king! Go big or go home.
• I don’t understand all these analogies. Why are they so deep?
• Was that vibrato or was he a wee bit nervous… maybe he needs a glass of water. Shaken or stirred?
• You look so defeated lyin there in your new twin size bed. Nuf’ said. Look, I can rhyme too.

Track 9: Long Division

• I hate long divison. I hate short division. I hate division…. I’m a multiplication kinda girl.
• I like this song. That’s all I have to say about that comment. Weird.
• Wait. I take it back. To be a remain, remain, remainder. NO REMAINDERS. Math problems should come out even.
• This song reminds me of Mr. C’s class last year! Please, no!!!! I can’t take it. Say no to mathematics. Why can’t I get an A on a math test or homework assignment? Why can’t I get a B for that matter… shhh.
• “Mama! I’m dumb!!!” – that one’s for you Katie.

Track 10: Pity and Fear

• Why is a stranger lying next to you? Oh wait… I remember now. K folks. If a stranger is lying next to you, my advice is to run. Fast. Say no to strangers. Especially lying ones.
• Another high note. Yes!!!
• This feels like a tribal war dance song. Not really but use your imagination.
• Cap-siz-ing. Good. That’s how I’m going to say that word from now on.
• Oh. This reminds me of ‘Medicine Man’ by The Hush Sound. Or is it Hush Sounds? Either way, I think it’s just the beat that resemble each other. Aren’t you proud of me Stuart? The inner percussionist is coming out. I should be a drummer. I have such incredible rhythm. I’m not a white child at all…
• Ah! My mom’s new phone just went off and scared me. It sounds like a Japanese village. Complete with running water and a sweet little melody I would hear from Mulan. That was strange. I did not see that one coming.
• I’m having a hard time near the end here. There’s too much chaos. I need to hear organization or else I tune out.
• Did it just abruptly stop or was that my CD?

Track 11: The ice is getting thinner

• I think I’m going to like this one.
• Who’s good? I am. I like it.
• I feel like I’d listen to this song after a break up as I drank my shot glass of… milk.
• Holy Hannah. Your high notes sir. ‘Nuf said.
• I can picture this DCFC man sitting on a stool, closing his eyes as he sings into his microphone…. Can you?
• Shortest song ever.
• Oh wait! False alarm. There’s more.
• Poor guy. Did he write this from personal experience? I should make him edible cookie dough and lend him a banana and peanut butter. I have plenty.
• Congratulations. The last song on your CD made me sad. Or should I say melancholy? I can officially use that word now…

Final Thoughts!!! I’d give it a solid B. Maybe a B+. Thank you Stuart. That was fun. Let’s do it again, soon. Oh wait! Let’s not do it again soon so you don’t abandon me for a mountain! Kidding… kind of.

DCFC. Wait... where's the blond, skinny one named Jude?

Blog 4 times (I'm serious)

Best friend #1 (numbers are irrelevant) has dance camp today.
Best friend #2's brother is coming home today from an LDS mission. Congratulations!
Best friend #3 is going camping.

I on the other hand am planning on having a Friends marathon and eating what seems to be an endless supply of bananas and peanut butter. But here is what best friend #3 has told me to do via facebook message this morning:

So I've come up with a few things for you to do today:

1. Listen to Narrow Stairs by Death Cab
2.Make a good breakfast.
3. Make a mix of your favorite dance worthy songs and DANCE yourself out!! (I'm serious)
4. Blog 4 times. (I'm serious)
5. Come up with an outfit that is really, really clashy/not matching and take a picture.
6. Watch some Friends.
7. Listen to Phil Collins' song "In the Air Tonight" all the way and crank it loud.
8. Make a funny video with you sister.

There you go. I expect to see some results when I get home.

Alrighty, Stuart! It's on!!!!!!
ps. I'm very excited for our chick flick marathon tomorrow. It's pay back for leaving me.
pps. Thanks for the list. You're very kind to save me from the bananas...

Thinking is dangerous.

My family is asleep. As they should be. It's 12:19 at the moment. However, I am, quite obviously, not asleep. This has been happening a lot recently. I either can't fall asleep until the early hours of the morning or, if I do end up falling asleep early/before 3 am, I wake up ridiculously early! What is going on with me? Je ne sais pas but I do not like it because you know what I do when I can't sleep? I think. And as grateful as I am for my noggin, sometimes it can get a little much. Thinking is dangerous.

Next time, I want bumpers.

This evening, I went bowling with Stuart, Curtis and ma soeur, Katie. It was a party. But guess what? I'm not good at bowling... surprise!!! But guess what else? I love it anyways. I don't know why I find such joy in rolling/throwing/chucking a ball down a wooden lane into a pile of pins but I do. We played 2 games. The first game my score was 36. Oh yes. Niiiiice. But don't worry. I improved a TON by the next game with a 50. Score. I think I am meant to be a bowler. I really do. Why am I so skilled?


BEST BOWLING MOMENT of the night: Katie was trying to do a trick but ended up hitting herself in the leg with the bowling ball. It then proceeded to roll down the gutter however... it got stuck half way down and stayed there until the nice Fat Cats man came and retrieved it for us.


second BEST BOWLING MOMENT of the night: Katie bowled into lane 16's lane. We were lane 15... nice. That ball then got stuck in their gutter and stayed there for quite some time. They liked us a lot.

Here we are at Fat Cats. That's where it's at.

ps I definitely stole these pictures from Curtis. whoops... Thank you Curtis!

Luise Patchy Smith

the stars of the following tale...
from L to R: Erin, Stuart, Curtis.
they like to squint in pictures sometimes.
i find it very amusing.

The adventures of July 21st 2000 and 10 go a little something like this....

My day started at 8:30am but didn't offically "start-start" until 1:00pm when I went over to my girlie twirlie's casa where we were going to swim in her blow up pool. I had never seen it but she had mentioned that her sister and herself enjoyed swimming in it on hot summer days. When Erin first showed it to me, she told me not to worry, 'it gets bigger when you blow it up.' Then we used the air pump to blow it up and it didn't exactly get too much bigger. It was what I'd call a 'tween' pool. It was bigger than a kiddie pool but not exactly and 'adult' pool. But it could fit three teenagers sitting up straight (Curtis came a little later) with legs crossed or out stretched, or two teenagers laying down. (Erin and I tried that for a little bit.)

About half way through our kiddie pool session, we brought out the 'Crazy Daisy'. It was so amazing, it changed my life. It's a plastic daisy which you can hook up to the hose and when you turn it on... it goes crazy! It sprays the entire universe and it was quite thrilling and lovely.

After the Crazy Daisy adventure, I did not want to go back into the freezing, hose water pool, go figure. So guess what? My "good" friend Curtis picked me up on his SHOULDER and carried me to the water. "Good" friend? "Good" friend?! Well actually he was a very good friend because he didn't end up dunking me. Thank you Curtis. Thank you very much.

A noodle fight and a whole bag of Cool Ranch chips devoured later, we went down the street and paid 25 cents each to see the 'Gnarly Neighbors'. They are a local band, it was their first show and I think they have a good looking future ahead of them. They may or may not have been 5 and 6 but what does that matter? They sang an original song, probably called 'Vampires Suck Your Blood Yah Yah Yah.' It was absolutely splendid.

Unfortunately, Erin then had mutual to attend and so Curtis and I decided to go pay a visit to our bud Stuart. However, our bud Stuart was grounded so we were going to break him out of his house!!! We started by creepin in the windows... one by one... looking for him... but no luck. (By the way, don't you worry that what we were doing was border line breaking the law. It's all good.) We decided that Stuart was probably not home but that he would probably be back shortly so what did we do? We sat under his dining room window on his porch and played with our new found stuffed animal, Luise Patchy Smith. Patchy because he only had one eye. Smith because you really can't go wrong with Smith and Luise because... well why not? It was quite exciting. You can read Stuart's version of this story HERE. But don't judge us...

Shall I tell you the rest very, very quickly so I don't bore you? Okay sounds good to me. After that we found out Stuart had been at his home the entire time, whoops, talked to him for a bit and then took him to his softball game. Then Curtis and I went up the Provo Canyon, looking for THE ROCK. I am sorry to tell you we did not find THE ROCK but we did enjoy a very lovely nature walk and nearly fixed a broken pay phone.

We wrapped the night up by going back to Stuart's game and watching his home run that probably won his team the game. BASICALLY, what I'm trying to say is that gosh dang it, my friends are studs and I am grateful for them.

The end.

I might explode a little.

I don't consider myself to be the rambling, raving and ranting type. Normally. I mean, I am so blessed. Life is ever so beautiful. And I do not believe that the purpose of my blog is to lay all my problems on my dear friends who actually read about my strange little thoughts and ideas. But sometimes, just sometimes I feel like I might explode. But don't worry! I won't.

Hmmmmmm. I feel word vomit approaching. Oh dear. Oh no...

I think everybody should like everybody. Drop judgments, feel the love and accept change. Remember that friends are meant to support one another rather than put each other down and be happy for another friend when she herself has found happiness!!!!

lalalablablablaoobieoobieoobie
foofoofoohickhackhickhacksmack
dabadoooo.

Okay we're good. I feel almost better! Now what am I going to do? Listen to the one and only Paramore, eat honey nut cheerios with avengeance and probably, most likely, also make homemade nutter butter cookies because that is my chosen form of anger managment. Nice.

photos and water.

Remember that one water park I worked at last Summer? Pretty sure I blogged about all the joys of that job a number of times... Walk down memory lane anyone? HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE. Anyway, I went there last week with my buds Mary and Erin. It was a wonderful evening full of lots of water (go figure with a water park) and a photo shoot (go figure with yours truly).

rippin rad besties.

My besties are rippin rad and I love 'em. A lot.
Thank you Mary and Stuart for everything.
Your friendship means the world to me and I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING.
See you guys tomorrow.
-sasha beth xxx

Mall Scavenger Hunt...

.... I have ALWAYS wanted to do one. And guess what? I did.

Where have I been this past week? That is a very good question. It's been quite sometime since I have blogged. Weird.... however, in case you were wondering, I have been keeping busy.... well, summer type stuff busy. For example, a few of my friends and I went on a mall scavenger hunt. Here it is in a nut shell...

take a picture with a stuffed animal from the Disney store.
that one was tricky. there's no photography allowed in there. you think they'd be nicer about it- I mean, it's Disney people- but nope!

take a picture in a bathroom stall.
awkie....

take a picture hiding behind a bush.
mary and I went the extra mile and hid INSIDE a tree... one for little children, but still.

take a picture asking someone for the time.
stuart asked for the time in a clock shop. they were thrilled.
take a picture wearing a hat with a feather.
we think we're so clever....
take a picture wearing a cowboy hat.
this store was tricky too. we had to hide like ninjas/pirates/spies.
take a picture giving a baby a piggy back ride.
we compromised. I don't know how anyone could do this one with a real child. "Excuse me miss, may I, a complete and total stranger, take a picture with your child as I dangerously hold him/her on my back? ps. I'm kind of a weakling so I may drop your bundle of joy. I'm just sayin..."
take a picture wearing a feather boa.
mary's mocking me.take a picture in a high chair.
"Excuse me mam, there's a weight limit."

take a picture laying on a bench.
super, super fun.

take a picture wearing an orange tie.
the bunny goes around the tree and in the bunny hole... wha?!?

take a picture wearing the ugliest prom dress you can find.
may I just point out that when the girls were ready to leave the store, the boys were not ready to leave as they were looking through the bridal magazines and picking out their favorite dresses... just keep that in mind.

take a picture purchasing a gum ball.
thank you mary for donating 25 cents to the cause.

take a picture wearing a red heel.
I like shoes. Too much.

take a picture wearing a pair of sunglasses.
strike a pose my friend.

take a picture wearing a tiara.
score.

Good day at the mall.

Halo the Snake

Attention ladies and gentlemen. I held a snake. That's right. Halo. And it was scary. But I survived and I can check it off my to do list in life. Also last night I sang 'Billionaire' on helium, mastered the front flip on the tramp and watched 'Wipe Out' with the fam bam. It was an extraordinary night and I love family get togethers.

Happy Monday! It's a new week and I'm excited.

Yesterday I went...

...skating.

But not normal, classic skating.

DISCO skating.

Groovy Baby!

Before I continue, I must say, I had a good time. I promise I did!

However... classic skating, or disco skating in this case, is not my forte.

Actually... that's being kind of generous.

I looked ever so dumb.

BUT!

With the help of a friend or two, I made it around the rink.

Like, four times.

And I didn't fall once!

Instead, I chose to flail my arms multiple times.

Nice.

Following disco skating we went to a certain pizza joint that rhymes with Wittle Weezers and enjoyed a pepperoni pizza at the park nearby.

It was oh so lovely and I did not die.

Mission accomplished.

i can't help it.

I woke up this morning with the urge to run through sprinklers. So if you would excuse me for a minute, I think I'll go and do that.

Buh bye.

My Current Obsession....

Greg Laswell.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Especially his version of This Woman's Work... oh my goodness gracious! It's so beautiful and I melt every time I hear it. You can listen to it HERE. My life will be close to complete if I ever get to do a contemporary piece to this song. D.co girls, listening? Choreograph to this song please!!! Just kidding, I'm not going to force you... I'm just going to strongly recommend it... oh goodness I think I'm so funny.

On another note... how are you all? I feel like I've been really out of touch with you guys lately. I don't know why. But just so you know, I love you all and I feel so privileged to have you in my life one way or another.

-sasha xxx

We Can't Be Tamed

My sister and I found $5 wigs... what do you expect?
We couldn't help it. And what's to help?
Picasso and Alibaba strike again!!!!!

Block Party Bash

Long story shot, we arrived at the block party/family gathering an hour early so we had some time to kill. Don't you worry! I brought my camera and we had a pre-party. It was delightful.

ps. It wasn't my block. It wasn't my family. And yet, I didn't find it awkward, at all. Sure, I mean, people were staring at me, most likely trying to figure out which house I lived at, but it was okay. For example, by the end, they gave me a flag so I could march in the block party parade! I think I was accepted into their neighborhood.

Bears and Bees

searching for a differnt kind of service...

At girls camp, there wasn't much reception. I was a bad person and I brought my cell phone. But listen. I can't survive without it. And neither can you. So please, do not be a cell phone hater, or a me hater for that matter, just embrace it.

Moving on! I did find a couple of hot spots where I was able to get one or just half of a bar of service. One of those places was my friend's bunk bed who was in another ward. As you can imagine, I liked to visit that ward/cabin/bunk a lot. Another place there was reception was a pile of rocks down the road a bit. This is where all the leaders "took walks". False. They wanted to check their messages too.



My Mommy is in the Young Women's and when she needed service, my cell phone and I liked to accompany her.

In one situation, it was dinner time and my Mom wanted to go back to the camp site and eat. But I wasn't finished texting my friends and family. After a lot of pleading and begging, my Mom let me stay at the rocks while she went up. Thank you Mama! When she left, I realized I was going to get in A LOT of trouble if someone found me, by myself, with my phone, at camp. So, I had a brilliant idea to hide in the bushes behind the rocks. Not all bushes get service you know, so I had to find the perfect one. I finally did and sat down.

A few minutes later I heard voices. I immediately laid face down on the ground so no one would see me. Of course, this particular day, I was wearing a white shirt. So not camoflauge... The voices came nearer. As I listened, I heard one man and two women talking about the search for a BEAR. That's right a BEAR. They thought one was around the area.

That's awesome. I'm in a bush.

The voices got closer and closer and I was not breathing. If they found me, I would be toast. I am a Laurel! This is my last year at camp! I should know better! Etc. Then I would run the risk of my phone getting taken away and getting kicked out of camp. How 'limp' would that be? (Limp aka Lame. Established by Bekki and Marly. Pass it on.)

So picture this. I'm lying face down on the ground, not moving a muscle and hoping I'm invisible when I hear the buzz of a bee. I slowly lift my eyes to see a big fat one coming towards me. If my heart wasn't racing beforehand, it was deffinitely going by now. I'm allergic... deathly allergic. But I couldn't move! I couldn't decide what was worse, being killed by a bee or being chastened by the camp leaders. They both seemed so dismal.

As I was trying to decide what to do, I compromised, knowing my cover could be blown, and began to blow on my arm, quick huffs, hoping it wouldn't annoy the bee too badly so that it would sting me, but just enough for it to make it feel unwelcome and find another arm to chill at.

By some great miracle, the bee flew away. By another great miracle, the 3 scary camp leaders went on a different path to look for the bear else where! Can I hear a glory, glory hallelujah! Glory, glory hallelujah!

As soon as I could no longer hear the leaders or the bumble bee, I jumped up, brushed the leaves out of my hair, and ran like Pocahontas to dinner. It was definitely karma and I never went back to the bushes again.