So if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free

I went to see The Dark Knight on Saturday (a week after the rest of the world, I know). Because everyone and their dog had already seen it, I had very little response to my "Anyone want to see this movie today?" text. I resolved that I would see it by myself if need be, because I really didn't want more of the movie spoiled. However, one brave soul said he'd see it again, so off we went. After 45 minutes of movie, he leaned over and said, "I'll be right back." Another 30 minutes later, I began to wonder because he still wasn't back. I mean, I didn't smell or anything. During a lull in the action (not an easy thing to find in that movie), I sent a "You ok?" text, but got no answer. However, I drove, so I knew he couldn't have gone too far. So I sat and finished the show. As soon as the lights came on, he came running up from the front of the theater saying he hadn't been able to find me in the dark and had ended up in front of me instead.

And that's how, despite my best efforts, I ended up watching The Dark Knight by myself.

And this little weirdo would be a modestly hot girl

So earlier this week my relatively new external hard drive decided to stop working. I did everything I knew of to fix it...which consisted of turning it off and back on in the hopes that it was all just some misunderstanding. It wasn't. I asked my brother for help, but he had a crazy week and didn't have time. Besides, long distance tech support rarely works for these sorts of things. I ended up getting help from the IT guy at work, but I realized something: I don't have any computer geek friends anymore.

I wasn't always like this. No, I once had lots of computer geek friends. How, you may ask? Simple: I advertised.

It started in the summer of 2003. My first boyfriend and I had just broken up, and I discovered that I didn't know any guys in my ward anymore. Inspired by stories from my roommate of the benefits of a group of guys to hang out with, I decided I wanted guy friends. One Sunday afternoon, in a rather silly mood, I put a sign on our front door. "Wanted: Guys apartment to be male companions for 4 beautiful women. Must be willing to hang out, swap an occasional Sunday dinner, and listen to our problems when needed. Experience preferred, but willing to train. Please bring a resume to Apartment 108 or call 371-6658."

I figured we might get a few comments, but nothing more. Instead, I got a resume. So I wrote up an acceptance letter, and Apartment 108, Inc. was born. For the next round of resumes, we required samples of their baking skills. The new recruits were accepted based on the excellence of their cheesecake.

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. That summer, we hiked Timp at midnight. We played frisbee. We ate a lot of popsicles and chocolate ice cream. We logged more hours playing Scum than working. And we didn't stop once school started. That year I became a 5th roommate (you know you have achieved this status when you start receiving phone calls at their apartment). I even met my next boyfriend through hanging out with them. They were some of the best guys I have ever known.

Alas, the youthful days when I would do something as crazy as putting a sign on my front door advertising for guy friends are past. Though if anything technical breaks again, I may be tempted to try again. 'Cause after all, a girl can always use a friend.

I Got a Peaceful, Easy Feeling

...and I know you won't let me down.

I was out running last night (don't be impressed; it was the first time in about a month), and all of a sudden I was singing this song. And it was true. I don't know what it was about yesterday, but I was in a fantastic mood. Life was good. And it all crystallized after a half mile. I just felt like everything was going to turn out. The run, this morning, my life. Everything. It was so cool.

And I don't have much of a point beyond that. I love life, life loves me.

I'm such a girl sometimes

You know how they say bad things come in threes? Number two was pretty good...

So I'm driving on the freeway Monday night after picking a friend up at the airport. The car kinda starts to wobble, but I thought it was just the road we were on. I slow down, but that didn't help much. My friend asked if I could smell something burning and suggested the brakes, which it wasn't. After another minute, I decided something was wrong, but still no idea what it was. So I thought I'd just check it out once I got to my friend's house. Which was my plan...

...until I looked in the rearview mirror and saw smoke and a disturbing orange-ish glow.

So yeah, I pulled over. Better late than never, right?

I called AAA, they came out and put the donut on, and I continued on my merry way. Slowly. Two days later, a brand-new tire is on (that I didn't have to pay for because the first was still under warranty), and life is back to normal. Well, as normal as my life ever gets.

I just hope number three comes quickly so I can get it over with.