SL, UT

Salt Lake City stole my heart and won't give it back. My vacation was wonderful, I didn't want it to end!


Most of the time I got to spend was quality time with Casey and Dillinger. I got to stay with them, which is always fun! The first night I got there we had a karaoke party with their fun roomie Justin...I'll never forget rocking out to Black Eyed Peas and singing my Fergie part! hahaha :)

Dillinger attacked me after Casey went to bed. I still have glitter in my damn hair. He kept saying his name was Papa Joe Jenkin Jenkers and my name is Baby Go Jenkin Jenkers. Then he covered me in glitter and concealer. I was exhausted and looked like a crack whore:

The next day we went to PURE (of course!) The club is my favorite thing...we need to get a club in St. George dolls! Actually, it would suck cuz no one would go haha. But I do love it there. I just love the vibe of the club, the music, the people, dressing up and getting glam and then dancing all night. We always have a pre-part before where we blast our music and play "Glam Squad" and all get ready together. We got packs of glitter and poured them all over our bodies and put on fake tattoos too, it was hot :) Anyway, The energy is always exciting and fun. We met up with our friends Aaron and Lukas, I love them :) Of course All of us kept getting seperated so here are all of the ones that were taken (I wish we would have all got one together!) Aferwards we went over to Aaron's house...by the time we got back to the apartment it was 5 AM! We had a crazy night. Oh, of course Me and Dillinger never are tired...we didn't end up going to sleep until 8:30 am...

The next night (Saturday 7/23) we went to HUKA, the fun hookah lounge in downtown Salt Lake. There is lots of fun music you can dance too and they have a Hookah right at your table! Its like a party at a restaraunt haha. Kyla is lots of fun! I am glad we got to see her too a lot during this trip. And another friend I had been missing...

ELFIE!!! HAHAHAHAHA

Sunday was pretty chill...Chris finally came! I was waiting and waiting for his arrival lol. But We did lots of fun things during each days, like sushi lunches, swimming and tanning at the pool, and shopping at the Gateway :) Casey and Dillinger's roomies Justin and Shawn are both really fun and sweet, I loved hanging out with them. Justin aka Peaches even let me share his bed since I had to nowhere to sleep! hahaha He was such a sweetheart, we totally trashed his apartment every night...I owe him big time!

Monday (7/25) The best part of all was...THE KATY PERRY CONCERT!!! Robyn opened up for her, she was amazing. One of my favorite songs of hers is called "Dancing on My Own." Don't laugh, but I first heard it on Gossip Girl and then after that I was obsessed with Robyn's fun techno dance music.

The blonde extension Casey put in my hair during "Glam Squad" so I would look hot for the concert!! I love him...I always make him laugh so hard he cries (as seen below)

Seriously, Katy knows how to put on a show. Her set was my dreamworld...Candy, sparkles and bright colors everywhere. She even named it "Candyfornia!" I LOVED the show. Every song was amazing live, and the little cute "plot" of the show was funny.

Katy's life was really sad...she worked at a gross butcher shop and was really unhappy. It got even worse when her pet cat "Kitty Purry" ran away and she had to find her. Soon she got transported to a magical place called Candyfornia. She looked all along the gumdrops and cotton candy, and found her pet, while also finding love with a cute Bakers Boy from the cupcake shop!. The costumes were to DIE for, sooo cute! It may have been my favorite concert so far...but I really liked Rihanna during last years "Last Girl on Earth" tour too though, its a toughie!

We had so much fun at Huka that we took Chris again after he came. We also went to the most bizarre Pizza Place in the entire world called "The Pi"...its like an underground heavy metal pizza dungeon. It was SCARY! The pizza was AMAZING though :)

All in all, my trip was amazing :) Glad to be back home though!! <3

Spontaneous Vegas Trip...

My friend Tyson texted me when I was working tonight...and tells me he moved back to St. George! I was seriously so excited. He is one of my best friends and I really have been wanting him to come back from SLC. But the good news kept on coming...he invited me to go to Vegas and go to the club down there called Krave (the only gay club on the Las Vegas strip!)

Krave is KRAZY! There are go-go dancers, it rains foam and glitter, and the bouncers (who happen to be straight!) are sexy as hell...One of them asked for my number  tonight! I've been texting him alot. I noticed he kept watching me dance the whole night too.

Tyson invited our friend Chris Chadburn too, and we had so much fun dancing the night away! The DJ that plays at Krave is amazing, he spins the HOTTEST music. Seriously, you don't even have to go up and tap him like at other clubs. Its like he reads your mind of whatever music you want to hear. As Chris (mendez) would say...sometimes DJs have to play songs that they dont like hahaha. As long as it is what the people want!

I wish we were in this picture...sigh. I forgot my camera this night. But you get the idea :) It looks just like this! And it even has the same dancer hahaha.

Love Always,
Manda

Great Friends Are Rare

I realized sometimes I don't get the chance to blog about everything I get to do (especially if there aren't pictures to go along with it!) But one of my favorite things to do is to go out to lunch or dinner with friends. It is really the perfect setting to catch up and just get to spend time with someone you care about. The focus can't be anything but conversation! I love those times. People get busy and distracted and its hard to make time for everyone, so if someone has the opportunity to go to lunch it makes me really happy. One of my favorite friends and I got the chance to have lunch today. His name is TRENT and he is a great friend and person altogether. I met him working at the movie theater (I am lucky to have a job where I make so many wonderful friends! hahaha!) And we just clicked. 8 months later here we are, still lunching (even though he just transfered to another theater...sniffle!) and laughing together. We were #25 at 25 main...its a cosmic sign :) Hahaha!
Love Always,
Manda

the Ke$ha Way Of Life...

...Involves way too much of the following:

-Parties

-Dancing
-Laughing
-Drunken Behavior (sorry to admit it)

-GLITTER

I feel like there are songs that speak to you and that you will remember for the rest of your life. Sometimes when I hear those certrain songs, they transport to me to that time and place in my life, reminding me of who I was with and what we were doing. It is crazy how songs can do that. I'm sure a lot of people will say Ke$ha isn't talented or this or that, blah blah blah. But...I don't care. She is FUN. She knows who she is and what she's worth, and thats all her music is. FUN. I love it, it makes me happy and will always remind me of my crazy times during my 20s, at the club with my friends, dancing and drinking. Me and my best friends Casey, Dillinger and Chris were even lucky enough to see her in concert this February. I will never forget  singing at the top of our lungs, or Me and Casey pushing our way up to the front row (we were literally 5 feet away from her!) These experiences are things you will never forget. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

"We Are Who We Are"

We're dancing like we're dumb/bodies goin' numb/we'll be forever young/just like a superstar...DJ Turn it up/I'm so sick of being so serious/ it's making my brain delirious/i'm just talkin' truth/and tellin' you bout the shit we do...Tonight we're goin hard, hard, hard, just like the world is ours, ours, ours, we're tearin it apart cuz u know we superstars, We Are Who We Are!

This song is a lot of fun and makes me smile everytime I hear it. I am a busy girl and work hard. But I like to play hard too. You are only young once and I want to live to the fullest before its time to have a full time job, a family and other responsibilities.

There are other artists or songs that mean a lot to me, and remind me of times in my life. Here is a musical timeline for you:

(1997)*Madonna: During my childhood, Madonna was a huge influence on me. I loved her style from the time that I knew what style was. and I remember "The Immaculate Collection" was the first tape I bought (along with an ugly blue straw hat and glitter nail polish...what else could a trendy 7 year old want?) The songs I still remember obsessing over were "Borderline," "Cherish" and "Lucky Star."

(1999)*Boy Band/Girl Band Explosion: Backstreet Boys (my first concert) Nsync, Hanson (they changed my life) and, um, duh THE SPICE GIRLS. Me and my friends used to write plays and act out that we were with the members from these boy bands, or make home movies about trying to sneak into their concerts. We knew their favorite colors, birthdays, etc. And as for The Spice Girls, i dressed like them everyday during 4th grade. My favorite song is and always will be "Say You'll Be There" I used to try to karate kick like Sporty Spice does in the video...i would jump off and try to do it in the air lol. I still know every word to their songs. There were other minor bands like O-Town, Dreamstreet, 2gether etc. That we REALLY loved. We were teenyboppers to the fullest.

(2005-2007)
My High School Classic Collection:
*Beyonce: B-Day
*Fergie: The Dutchess

*Gwen Stefani: Love Angel Music Baby and The Sweet Escape

*Justin Timberlake: FutureSex Love Sounds

These are my ultimate favorite CDs from high school. These albums from sophomore, junior and senior years I could never get sick of. They will always be classics to me. And anything from the 80s era was me and my best friend Chris's thing. I'm talking...

*Madonna (again)
*Michael and Janet Jackson
*Stacey Q

*Jody Watley
*Debbie Gibson
*Expose

(2008) *The Higher: When I was first starting out my college years this (somewhat) local band really struck me. I was obsessed with their CDs and saw them in concert twice! "Undertaker" and "Play with Fire" were my favorite songs. Seth Trotter was so dreamy...his voice is amazing.

Britney Spears (Blackout and Circus) became my favorite CDs instantly when they were released. I remember going the first day the came out to the store to buy them (which is rare for me) More music I never get tired of. When I saw Britney in 2009 for her "Circus" tour it was my first major concert in 10 years. I loved every minute and inspired me to want to go to concerts every year. It became my rule! At least one every year.

(2009-2010) Lady Gaga: (The Fame/The Fame Monster) and Rihanna (Rated R) This music changed my life. I emulated both of these women. My style, my attitude even my personality changed. Lady Gaga has had such an influence on me that people even call me Gaga at my college and my job! I dressed like her for my 21st birthday costume party, and again for Halloween last year! When I saw Rihanna in concert, I thought she was the coolest girl that literally didn't give a fuck what anyone thinks. She is so strong and has an amazing voice. I love all of her songs, any and all of them.

ALSO, Christina Aguilera (Bionic) and Rihanna (Loud) will always remind me of days in my apartment at La Venita. We listened to this music constantly, this was our soundtrack to the summer/winter months. If i hear a song from any of these I am instantly transported to my days with my two former roommates Justin and Spencer.

(2011) Now we come back full circle to Ke$ha, and my other girl, Katy Perry. Katy Perry's music is also really fun, upbeat and always reminds me of fun times in my life. "E.T" and "Last Friday Night (TGIF)" are the songs of this summer. Last summer "California Gurls" was my favorite too. Summer songs are really important to me for some reason.Lady Gaga's new CD (Born This Way) is fast becoming a part of so many of my memories this summer. There is always one song or another by these girls playing during some random crazy adventure of mine.

Sorry for the long tangent of a post! But it was fun to think about this and look back.

Love Always,
Manda

10 Things...

You wished you knew but never did.


#10. Not everyone is going to like you: No matter how hard you try, there are just some people in life that won't want to be your friend. Even if you are nice and go out of your way for people, sometimes its just not in the cards. It doesn't make you a bad person, especially if the person who doesn't like YOU is bad. Don't dwell. Just remember what you do have.


#9. And what that all boils down to: I think there are REALLY only two reasons people hate people. The first is because of Jealousy...someone has what the other wants, and it makes them feel insecure. It makes them feel better to kick them lower. And the second is because someone hurt them. Whenever you are in a position of being vulnerable, it is discomforting. If you someone hurts you, hate is the defense mechanism.


#8. It's hard at first: We are trained as society to care what other people think. When I was in middle school, I used to make myself sick worrying if someone liked me or if someone thought I was stupid for something I said. Turns out, more than 95% of the people I was worried about didn't even matter. And the 5% who did, love me no matter what.


#7. Life is too short: Be silly and don't give a shit. I quit caring about someone looking at me funny or thinking i'm weird about something I said or did a long time ago. I'm going to be the girl talking to everyone, laughing her ass off, not the one in the corner worrying. People will stare no matter what...might as well smile and wave.


#6. Don't give all of yourself away: There are certain special things about you that shouldn't be information for everyone to know. Only share those parts with someone you really care about. Be open, loving and carefree, but remember to have secrets, and funny inside jokes and memories with the people you love. No one needs to know your whole backstory.


#5. Friends make everything better: I have made so many friendships in my life, and they have made me the a very fortunate and loved person I am today. I would do anything for people and I finally realized that is what has hurt me in the past...Now I know, only do anything for those who matter most. You can still care and be an amazing friend without giving all of your heart away.


#4. Losing some along the way is okay too: Unfortunately, I have lost a few friends over time. Sometimes it was by my choice or sometimes it was theirs. This is not something I accept easily. Even if I don't like someone I want them to like me. But not having people in my life who treat others badly (especially ME) has made me a happier person. If only 4 or 5 people don't like you in your life, even if you thought they were important, consider yourself lucky. I had to let it go.


#3. I can finally admit I'm not perfect: Yep, on record, right now: I'm not perfect. I'm emotional sometimes. I'm dramatic and like to gossip. I bite my nails. I still suck my thumb. I haven't always treated people the best. But I learned from EVERY mistake, grew up, said I was sorry, some people accepted it, and others didn't. But thats okay. I learn something new everyday and I am fucking proud of who I am today. My only regret is being too inhibitied sometimes...not gonna do it anymore.


#2. Haters Be Damned:  Do what YOU want to do. No matter what anyone else says. ANYONE. Don't make anyone else your priority.


And last of all...#1. There only is ONE: There only is ONE life to live. You can waste it or treasure it. I treasure mine, so I'm gonna make sure to remember theres only one Manda, and my purpose in life is to make HER HAPPY. I have big dreams and I am not going to stop going after them for anything or anyone.  Love you all <3.
Manda

The Weirdest Night I've Ever Had...

I'm actually not kidding this time. I can't believe I actually forgot to blog about this!

Me and my best friend Dillinger (before he headed back up to Salt Lake City) got the chance to spend some time together. We decided to go hang out with our other friend Billie, and Chris and Zach joined us.  Upside down is an appropriate angle for this photo hahaha especially after you read this story!

Zach is a new addition to our group of friends! :) He is a lot of fun. We connected instantly and have lots in common. I love our movie dates, Mesquite adventures and how much fun we have laughing together.

Back to weirdness...We were having a grand old time, when all of a suddent Chris, Zach and Billie left us! We were so scared for some reason, and decided to go up and down the street looking for them.

I don't know what it is about Billie's street, but is so scary at night. Me and Dillinger have the weirdest sense of humor and  kept heard the weirdest noises. Here's an excerpt of our convo:

Me: Did you hear that?
Dillinger: Omg, what was that???

Me: I really think its a UFO.

Dillinger: What?!?!?!?!

Me: The glow of this streetlight is making me suspicious....look at the weird color and glow it casts on the street...I think this has something to do with it.

Dillinger: Do you think its an Alien Faction?

Me: Stop it you are scaring me!

All of a sudden, I see a milk box under said streetlight, run up to it full force and kick it and start running. Me and Dillinger are now running and also jump off the sidewalk, laughing hysterically yet terrified at the same time. We are so weird.

Also...MEET ELFIE!! Elfie is our love child. He is a magical party elf (err, umm a backpack Dillinger got at Hot Topic isn't quite as interesting is it?) who comes along with us on all of our adventures. Here is Dillinger teaching him something quite illegal that I don't partake in:

He looks like such a patient sweet Dad in this one HAHAHA I just love it

After we decided to leave Billie's, we were starving and had to hit up our favorite addiction...McDonalds! Of course, even that can't be normal tonight. Another conversation excerpt:

McDonalds Worker: Hi, Can I take your order?
Me: Hi, can we get two spicy mcchicken's plain and a...
McDonald's Worker: Plain? As in No Mayo and No Lettuce?
Me (teasing Dillinger, who hates Mayo) no mayo or extra mayo?
Dillinger: Thats what I fuckin said...
McDonalds Worker: THERE WILL BE NO PROFANITY IN MY DRIVE THRU. GET OUT NOW. YOU ARE NO LONGER WELCOME AND WE ARE REFUSING SERVICE TO YOU.

Me: Um, I think you misunderstood, we just want to get our food...

She proceeded to yell at us and get angry even after we apologized. I was so confused! I don't think thats normal behavior at all hahaha but me and Dillinger were pissed. We finally told her that there is another McDonalds less than 2 miles away and we would go there...she flipped us off as we drove away. I wasn't one bit surprised she looked exactly like a white version of Mo'Nique from the movie "Precious."

Love Always,

Manda