30 Foods

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it." — Julia Child

Food, glorious food. Just like music, some items of food make me all nostalgic. Here are some favorite items of mine, as well as some things that have great memories associated with them.

1. Skittles

2. Fenton’s Ice Creamery- post temple trips.

3. McDonald’s Apple Pies & Parfaits

4. Gnocchi

5. Marie Calendar Pies - Thanksgiving time. My all time favorite Razzleberry.

6. Nut Tree loaves of bread - My grandparents brought some down and as a child I thought it was the coolest thing ever.

7. Otter Pops - I always wanted the pink ones.

8. $.99 cent menu at Wendy’s and many late nights spent getting frosty’s in Provo.

9. Jamba Juice Smoothies- The one off Crow Canyon comes to mind.

10. Chili’s – First date ever eating a fajita pita with Mike Baxter not a good thing to order. Someone told me that I would marry the next guy that would take me to Chili's. Thank goodness that never happened.

11. Crepes at Summer Hunt’s

12. Costco Pizza and Chocolate Ice Cream with Raspberries- Many shopping escapades with my mom and Marisa

13. Dad’s Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Chip Cookies- Lazy Sunday afternoons.

14. Sandra's Meat Loaf- I was never one to like meat loaf. However, my sister-in-law told me she was making it when I had invited a guy over to my brother's house for dinner (back in college). I was super self conscious that he would hate it. However, it was one of the tastiest meat loafs I have ever had.

15. Homemade Pumpkin Pie

16. Fantasy Fudge – Peanut Butter fudge from Grandma Mary's house.

17. Homemade Jam – YUM!

18. Silvia’s amazing salsa

19. Macaroons- Thank you to Amanda who introduced me to this.

20. Chicken Divan- Staple meal in our house.

21. Beef Stroganauff

22. Filet Mignon and red potatoes with parsley flakes

23. Staag's Chili - This was another quick and easy meal we would have

24. Taco Bell's 7 layer burrito and Mexican Pizzas- This was always before heading to mutual.

25. Quizno's Honey Bourbon Chicken Sandwich

26. Ice Cream from the Ice Cream Man -- the ninja turtle type.

27. Old Fashion Chocolate Doughnuts – Berkeley dive post temple trips with Trent & Bob's Doughnuts in San Francisco.

28. Granola bars- A staple item for skiing.

29. Capri Suns & Orange Slices - When I was on the Invaders and Fillies soccer teams.

30. Airheads - Buying them at the student store in Junior High.

Song #6: Diana Ross's "If We Hold On Together"

I love this song. Love it. Many years ago I went up to Camp Oljato. Yes, you heard me right! I went to boy scout camp with my grandparents and family (kind of). My father was a boy scout leader and boy scout camp always fell during the July 4th week. I don't know if it was because my grandpa brought up the boat for all of the boys to go waterskiing or because my dad felt guilty that it was my birthday. However, one year we spent a few days in a cabin across the lake from Camp Oljato. It was here where I met Vaughn Featherstone and got to hang out at Scout Camp. My grandparents had a friend with them who stayed with us who happened to bring a cassette tape of the song "If We Hold On Together." I want to say his name was Bob, but I'm not too sure. He played it for Marisa and me and we instantly learned the song. It was later that I discovered that it was used as the theme song for "The Land Before Time." Another trip back to the 80's!

Fast forward to college where I found that I had somehow obtained the sheet music to this song. My friend Jeffy was kind to strum out the song for me. We sang it for some sort of talent show in the Taylor building at BYU. I love the lyrics especially the line Wonders are waiting to start. Live your story, faith, hope & glory, hold to the truth in your heart.

It was a toss up between the movie footage and Jordin Sparks. I chose the latter. Enjoy!

Song #5: Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA"

My favorite holiday is the fourth of July. There is something about BBQ’s, warm weather and fireworks that always made me happy. I picked the following song because it’s very nostalgic to me. In fact, this song was my very first big solo. Granted, I had a small line "schnitzel with noodles" in Brand New Sound from Sound of Music's "These are a few of my Favorite Things" and Crazyactrics but this was the song that I sang to the entire elementary school body, in the talent show, while I was in 4th grade. My sister was an even braver soul as a 1st grader singing Stupid Cupid. I wore a bedazzled t-shirt that my mother spent hours assembling.

I am truly proud to be an American. I am grateful to the heroes who have fought and continually fight for my freedoms including my grandfather Oren Lewis who fought in three wars. I still remember distinctly the dance which required waving the flag when I sang it with Lea, Kristi and Rica in our group F.S.O.A. (Future Stars of America). I remember Dahlia changing the word "wife" to "spouse," for me. I remember when Lea would sing the phrase, "From New York to LA..." and wail. This was the first time I learned what “harmony” is. It was a great experience singing with some very talented singers. I am so grateful for my mother who spent many hours patiently waiting and driving my friends, sister and I to Concord for voice lessons each week. I have many fond memories in Dahlia's Rising Stars that I will forever cherish and am very thankful to a mother who helped me develop a gift given from God.

I'm sorry you don't get to watch me waving the flag. It really was great. Maybe I can figure out how to convert VHS to youTube until then you get this:

Song#4: Newsies "Seize the Day"

My love for Christian Bale started at a very young age when I first saw him in "Newsies." In high school, Anneli, Jen and I choreographed a "Newsies' medley. I spent hours copying the choreography from Christian Bale's lead. It turned out to be a fantastic dance. We also choreographed a dance to Seal's "Kissed by a Rose."

We spent some time choreographing our numbers in the cultural hall. One time after spending what seemed like hours we got kicked out of the cultural hall and started working on our number in the nursery room since a single's dance was starting soon. When we came out of the nursery, the dance had been going on for a little while. I remember looking around at all the oddities and eccentric people in front of me. I vowed I would never get there. The lady with the crazy long frizzy hair still haunts me. Needless to say, I have now joined the ranks of those "scary people." At least, I don't have crazy long frizzy hair.

Day 3: Earliest Memories: Clayton (Kindergarten and Before)

Thanks to facebook, I just found my childhood crush. He was much dreamier as a four your old or whatever age I was. The only thing I remember is someone egging me on to kiss my crush Kody. This most likely had to be my three older brothers. So after chasing Kody around the cultural hall, I pinned him down and started kissing him all over. I may have even had help to keep him tied down so that I can accomplish the operation. I don't think I stopped until someone pryed me off, most likely an adult. I'm okay that things didn't work out between us even though he is my first crush that I can remember.

The other memory I have is at Joel's house. An older sister was babysitting and she told us to kiss and she then ordered her even littler brother and my younger sister to kiss. They did. I think Marisa was 2 at the time. I remember the upstairs of the house and coveting the fact that he had a big giant stuffed animal like the type you win at the county fair.

I remember:
* Going to Sizzler for Mother's Day
* Peeling off the coating on the sliding glass door and the terrible smell but picking at it over and over again because I was obsessed.
* Getting stung by a bee.
* Learning to ride my bike on a black bike next to Pamela's house and being super scared since there was a steep incline. Only to go back and realize that my perspective was from 3 feet.
* Driving around on my blue and pink big wheel in the garage.
* Packing up the house when we left Clayton
* Watching my brother's play Pac-man in the room next to the garage.
* The night I stayed in the hospital and talking to my parents on the phone before I went to bed and being scared. Later being bribed a grape Popsicle from the nurses while taking my bath. I also remember having a play phone there too which had the old school dials.
* My mom driving me to swim team practice and putting ear drops in my ears and how much it hurt.
* Doing a potato sack race near the Dana Hills Clubhouse.
* Clayton Pumpkin Patch.
* The type of plant (don't know the name) of the stuff that grew outside our fence on the greenbelt.
* Falling multiple times on the high chairs when leaning back and the type of chairs we had. Then being scolded for leaning back in my chair.
* Where I sat for my brother's play Tom Sawyer.
* Chuck-E-Cheese & Straw-Hat-Pizza
* Playing in the courtyard of my mom's hospital room around the time my sister was born and getting a new doll to take care of.
* Wheeling my big wheel around the Wentzel's track in their backyard.
* Quarters in birthday cakes.
* Across the street from Dr. Gardner's dental office was the General Store and there were biker men that always hung out in the front. I remember the treasure box and Friend magazine at Dr. Gardner's offfice.
* Receiving underwear for my birthday, being super embarrassed about it and throwing a temper tantrum because there were boys at my birthday party, including Joel.
* Having chicken pox and my mom putting ointment on me.
* The tile in the entry way of our old house.
* Making homemade ice cream in Ms. Coverdale's class.
* Mary Lou Rhetten on a Wheaties box
* Crying because I didn't want to be at the Tobler's house since I wanted my mom and screaming at the top of my lungs. Only to be told that I was really tired. I didn't think she was right. However, I remember waking up and feeling extremely defeated.
* Singing with Brand New Sound my first snippet of a solo "My Favorite Things" and being told that we would be on the news that evening. My first ever cameo with the public. Little did I know the promising future I would have later in life.

Again these are the memories that I recall. They may be skewed but this is what I remember.

Song#3: Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth "For Good"

I remember when Crystal and I would listen to the Wicked CD over and over while I lived in Belmont. I remember that I was super jealous when she went out to New York City and went on and on about how great the musical was. Well, soon after I was able to go see it in San Francisco and later I saw it again and again and again.

I remember when my parents got me tickets and I sat on the edge of my seat during the whole show. I was absolutely mesmerized. I love broadway musicals. However, this was one of the best that I had ever witnessed. During this song, I was particularly moved. I got very teary eyed. I couldn't believe that I was unfamiliar with the song. However, that's not unusual for me since I hardly ever get to the end of my CD's. I soon had this song on instant replay.

Well, it turns out that Wicked ended up doing a lottery system where you put your name in a raffle. If your name is drawn you can get up to two tickets for $25. I soon discovered that the secret to winning was to scrunching the paper to get your name drawn. I ended up going to see the show an additional five more times. It actually was neat because I soon realized who I liked singing which part. In fact, I learned that Patty Duke plays an awful Madame Morrible. She was indeed horrible. However, I did like David Gene Garrison (from Married with Children fame) as the Wizard of Oz.

This song makes me think of all the great people that I have had an impact on my life. In fact, I always thought this would be an appropriate song to sing at my wedding to let people know that So much of me, Is made from what I learned from you, you'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have re-written mine, by being my friend...

I truly have been changed For Good by the people that have placed their handprints on my heart. I wish I could thank everyone individually for their positive influences and how they have helped me become who I am. Really, I am a better person because of all the great influences that have shaped me. So to all those who have been a part of my life, thank you. You may not realize it but I am sure I have been changed for the better.

The Original Song;


Here is the story behind the song.


Here is a video of Daria and my attempt at the song:


and more recently when my cute friend Em was in town we went to one of my fave places in the city the Palace of Fine Arts. Please excuse my awful note. It was an impromptu concert:

Song #2: "You Are My Sunshine"

My sister and I would sing this quite a bit growing up.

The last time I sang this was for my grandfather as he lied motionless in the hospital, before his death. I remember the immense power that was in that room. It was a very tender experience singing with my brother. One I will never forget. I felt an amazing amount of love in the room. I wanted to sing for my grandfather more than anyone in the world and I wanted to sing my best. I knew he was proud of me including my performance.

One night before he died, this song came across my mind. I knew my grandpa was about to have his final breath and I felt like I needed to let him go. I didn't want my sunshine to be taken from me. However, I knew that it was time. It was hard to know that things wouldn't be the same. There would no longer be phone calls of my grandfather telling me how much he loved me. Yet, I knew that my grandfather would be in a good place. I remember after he died my Uncle Mark telling me that my grandfather would be welcomed by my other grandparents Dot & Brownie in the heavens. I felt at peace. I know that my grandparents loved my grandpa Lewis as much as I did and would take care of him. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I will be reunited with my family and friends that have already passed on someday.

I loved this rendition.

Day 2: Early Childhood: Mostly Pictures

Honestly, I don't have any recollections of the first few years of my life. So here are some pictures.

Song #1: One Republic's "Good Life"

I am obsessed with music. In fact, my brother Joshua and I disagreed much about my love for it. I was notorious for making up songs. Terrible songs. Not the type that would win you Grammy's. More like Will Farrell's character Buddy the Elf where he sings out "I'm singing.."



I would do household chores and sing out exactly what I was doing. It came down to a bet. The challenge was to see if I could go 24 hours without singing. The prize $100. Back in the day, $100 was a ton of money for me. Who am I kidding? It still is. I thought to myself something like, "I so got this." I kid you not it wasn't even 5 minutes without me losing out on the $100 prize.

Due to my love for music. I've decided to also post 30 songs that I really like and/or have some significance in my life. I feel that the following song is the most appropriate as I sit back and reflect over my past and welcome the future. I present to you one of my fave bands One Republic's "Good Life."

Day 1: Introduction

It feels like yesterday when my father sat me down and told me that high school will go faster than a blink of an eye. So it did. I thought he was lying. Yet, as I get older time seems to move at an accelerated pace. Sometimes that is a good thing. However, I am learning that, that's not always true. On Saturday, I came across the quote I left with when I graduated high school (Class of '99). I have no idea where it came from but I felt it was very appropriate at this place in my life. It states, "Pause and remember the little things and don't wish that life will magically fast forward, because when it does the movie will be long over and you can't go back and rewind. Be good, be happy and CTR!!!" Yes, I am a dork with the last little bit. However, I liked reading that. How true it is the need to stop and slow down. How essential it is to soak and absorb the little moments in life. I really learned this last year during my car accident and death of my grandfather this principle. I guess that's kind of what has inspired this project. Looking back on the past and recognizing the blessings of my life. I figured this will help organize some of the monumental experiences in my life as well as some of the small yet significant things.

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The Early Years
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I was born to very goodly parents in the summer of 1981. I followed my three awesome brothers lead by taking the plunge to come down on earth. I don't have much recollection of the first few years of my life. However, I feel blessed to join a pretty amazing family. My parents are great examples to me. They taught me what is right and wrong and helped mold me into the person that I am. My father taught me the importance of hard work, being diligent and sticking things out. I have yet to master these concepts but his example is one that I hope to fully embrace someday. My mother taught me unconditional love, order and service. She is kind to all those she meets and loves everyone. Much of her hard work and sacrifice goes unnoticed. She has an amazing ability to be organized and efficient. I am so grateful that she has taught me the importance of order. I have always found myself very artsy and well, artistic people are usually all over the place. However, my mother has really helped me value order and structure in my own life.

My eldest brother, Big K helped bring out my competitive side. He has helped me not be a sissy and understand a little bit about men in general. Yet, he also has taught me that a real man can cry too. He is the type of guy that protects and I know that if anyone would do me wrong Big K will bust out a can of whoop a.

Next comes JerBear. My brother J is absolutely an incredible individual. Just like my father, J is more disciplined than the rest of us. He is the type of person that after working 15+ hours comes home and folds the laundry. I am constantly amazed at how much he sacrifices for his family. I see it in his lack of sleep, yet he never complains. He is extremely committed to his family, the gospel and his job.

Then comes J2. J2 and I had the hardest time getting along growing up. This is probably due to the fact that we are more alike than we ever wanted to be. J2 is very sincere. He is definitely the glue in the family. He plans very constructive and fun activities that help bond our family unit. He is incredibly brilliant. He knows everything and if doesn't know it, he'll soon figure it out and have an answer for you within moments.

I feel lucky to have three older, wiser and very protective brothers. They each are great fathers and husbands. I am grateful for the men that they are.

In 1984, the baby aka Chubbles joined the clan. Risa-Roo was the bestest friend a sister could dream of. How lucky I was to get a sister. Granted, we have had our share of fights. Yet, I have had a great playmate once she came into the picture. She is a natural leader and is one that people adore. She is the word beautiful, inside and out. Many times I wished I could be her, because she was that cool, talented and smart. She is a huge part of my life story as I'm sure I will discuss later.

So that's my fam-damily. These are the people who I have learned to grow with. I feel lucky that Heavenly Father has given me such choice beings to be surrounded by. I am grateful for the past and future memories that I have with them.

30 Places I've Been

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30 Places: Their Impact on My Life
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1. Folsom Lake - Where I learned to waterski and spend multiple birthdays.


2. Lake Tahoe - Many fun filled memories in both childhood and adult life. Lots of boy stories here as well as the time my sister and I drove out from Utah in the snow and we were freaking out. We never prayed so hard.


3. Mt. Diablo - First "official" date, special benches, and many great Sunday drives.

4. Yosemite - Breathtaking views and one great hike.

5. San Francisco - I now know why you can leave your heart here!

6. Israel - My first totally independent experience and where I came to fully learn about the life of Jesus Christ.

7. Italy - Great food, great family trips, great times.


8. London - The time I ran into Prince Charles after losing my credit card, learning to travel all by myself, being moved in the National Art Gallery and the highlight of the trip was watching 6 musicals in 3 days (Phantom, We Will Rock You, Footloose, Hairspray to name a few).

9. Hawaii - Two big family trips one courtesy of Marriott.

10. Seattle - My car accident and realizing how fragile life is.

11. Disneyland - Many fun filled memories with family including Buzz Lightyear competitions, Tiki Room pineapple floats, & The Golden Horseshoe Shows complete with chili fries.


12. Outerbanks, North Carolina - Fun filled trip with the Fab 5 and meeting some great new friends.

13. Washington D.C. - Lots of fun filled memories with old but goody friends... including besties Meggs and Scotland.


14.Boston - One of my fave trips with the 'rents.

15. Florida - Disneyworld with the fam and another trip with just the 'rents. The best was calling off work while I was half the country away. So naughty! Also, great trip with cousin Harley.

16. Mexico - Nothing like a 2 hour drive across the border that was not 2 hours during swine flu season. Thanks to Jennie we were able to have a fantastic time filled with an incredible illegal firework show provided by Speedy and lazer star show by DH.

17. Monterey/Carmel - Multiple birthday trips as well as a nice "short weekend" getaway.

18. Oakland Temple - The place that keeps me the most grounded and humbled.

19. New York City - Summer of 1996 living in a hotel with the fam. What a great experience this was for all of us.

20. Utah- So many memories, I don't know where to begin? However, Colee, Wilma and Crystal have played a huge part as well as some Cafe Rio.


21. Vail - Many ski trips with my boy friends including the time I met a guy at the airport that I was madly smitten over and later chastised for.

22. Parents House - My Hamptons.

23. Palo Alto - Great friends... and new adventures.

24. Grandparents house - cherry tree, knotted tree, park swing, scary barking dogs, Barbie dolls, red cups, getting freaked out by a scary neighbor, dentures, Sports Center, slobbery kisses & RC Cola.

25. Grandparents house - cherry tree, basketball hoop, boat, Thanksgiving, bingo, toy bucket, V8 juice, milk can, sunnyside up eggs, dogs named Cindy, jam, deer heads, & m&m dispenser.


26. Rexburg, Idaho - My first home away from home. Great memories including the start of great friendships with my PL's, Jess and Gina (Nate).

27. Seaside, Oregon - Extended family reunion time... excited for more of it this summer.

28. Las Trampas Hills - Great hikes and runs including lots of alone time.

29. Libraries- Where I learned a lot about myself (Provo & all school libraries)

30. Sausalito - Great dates, mini mass bicycle rides and fun times with friends in such a beautiful place including Meggs birthday.

My So Called Life

Welcome!

So I had this brilliant idea as I was reflecting through old photographs, letters and journals this past weekend, to write a somewhat autobiography of my life in 30 days. I know nothing too special and probably a very daunting task. However, I thought this would be a fun approach to ringing in a new chapter of my life... middle age... well, kind of. At any rate, I think this will be a great opportunity for me to recognize the many blessings, friendships and memories that I have had over the course of my 30 years of life... well, soon to be 31. It's amazing that I am, where I am. Who'd of thought? Granted, I would love to have a few munchkins and a hot husband to brag about at this juncture of my life but instead you get to hear me rave about my glory and not so glory days. It should be an interesting ride. Honestly, I'm not sure how this will all pan out. However, I am excited to see how all this will unfold and have a record for my own good about my life from my very own vantage point with a 30 day deadline.

The other day I read a very funny letter to myself for when I turned 27. Let's just say it was very humorous and if you're lucky I may post it. It made me think of how much I have grown given the experiences that I have gone through.

Then, tonight, I had the opportunity to go with a friend to listen to David Berkeley. It was a fantastic experience. I was very unfamiliar with the man. However, I was strangely moved by his reading and sharing of music. He wrote a book about some of his personal experiences which are some of the background stories to his songs. His writing is clever. His voice is beautiful. He was passionate and I loved it. I love passionate, talented and creative people. It allows me to think outside of the box. At any rate, here we go with this adventure. If I bore you, I'm sorry. However, this is more for me, than you. With that said, let's take a step back of the past few years of my life.

So we begin...

30 Days 'til 30

This is my pathetic attempt to prep for my big 30th birthday... a very monumental day. I have decided that I am going to post the following, more for my own good:

* 30 Favorite Songs
* 30 Favorite Memories
* 30 Pictures

I hope you enjoy this as much as I will. :)

Here's to 30 more years of a great life!
Best,
Kambria