A Biker and a Book Nerd

Advice Please!

2012-02-12T19:10:00.001-08:00

What do you do when people in your life just do not like you? And its not people you can just cut out? You pretty much have to see them all the time for the rest of your life. Have any of you been in a similar situation? What did you do???

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Too much spare time?

2012-02-08T13:32:00.001-08:00

I have a lot of spare time on my hands, which means I am reading a lot! And sorry that I have done so many books in Children's Lit but that's by far my favorite genre. Today I finished 'The Cay' by Theodore Taylor. It takes place during WWII. This story deals with war, racism, love, survival, and is an amazing adventure story. Apparently its a movie but I haven't seen it .... yet. Anyway, I really liked reading it again. Its short. Easy. And entertaining. I sometimes had a hard time putting it down in fact.

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2012-02-04T02:28:00.001-08:00

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Visitors

2012-02-03T17:38:00.001-08:00

Today I had three random cats follow me right into my apartment. They stayed for about three hours and I fed them, played with them, and even had a little cuddle time. When it was time to leave they stood by the door, gave a little 'meow' and I let them out. I hope they come to visit again some time. It was nice to have some company while Justin slept. It also put me in a rather good mood. Yay for animal therapy sessions!!

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Another Good One

2012-02-02T13:50:00.001-08:00

Last night I finished reading "The Witch of Blackbird Pond", and absolutely loved it! I've read it before but it had been so long I couldn't even remember what happened. Its about a girl named Kit who grew up in Barbados but has to move to the colonies in America to live with her only surviving relatives. She is used to growing up wild and free, running around on the beach, and has a hard time fitting into the strict Puritan society of Connecticut where people are suspicious of everything and everyone. Its a good book. I think you'll like it.

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Bad. Bad. Bad News

2012-02-02T12:57:00.001-08:00

A week ago from today Justin got some bad news- his doctor called to tell him he is diabetic. Its been a pretty rough week for my man, he definitely didn't take the news too well. Im super proud of him though! He hasn't had a bit of sugar or pop all week. He has to go off of carbs, sugars, candy, pop, and even fruit. So mostly he is on a strict meat and veggie diet. He goes back to the doc in three months to see if its gotten worse which would mean he would have to start testing and giving himself insulin shots. Hopefully we can get it under control though.

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Better

2012-02-01T13:19:00.001-08:00

This week is the first time I finally feel better since going off of Cymbalta (see my earlier post entitled 'kill me now'). Yesterday was my first day back in the gym and it felt amazing! Going through this process of drug withdrawal has not only been a living hell, but it's also opened my eyes (just a little) to the seriousness of drugs. If withdrawal from a prescription can be that horrendous, I don't even want to think about how much worse real drug withdrawal is. Ugh. It makes me cringe just thinking about it! Thank my lucky stars I grew up with the word of wisdom! (Don't know about The Word of Wisdom? Learn about it at lds.org).

So anyway, fortunately for me all of the symptoms have gone away except for one. On occasion my body starts convulsing unexpectedly. I shake and shake, almost like im freezing my butt off. Its definitely one of the easier symptoms to handle, just a little weird maybe. Hopefully that ends soon though and I'll be back to 100% normal soon. Im SO glad I got off of that stupid medication!!

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Harry vs Bella

2012-01-25T15:07:00.001-08:00

Before I begin this rant let me first begin by saying that I have in fact read all of the Twilight books, and except for the last one, have seen all of the movies as well. I am not one of those ridiculous anti Twilight people who can't back up their hatred without first having an open mind and giving it a chance. Neither do I hate twilight. However, I do find myself becoming more and more irritated with how overrated these books and movies have become. Especially because for some strange reason that I will never in a million years be able to understand, Twilight is constantly being compared with Harry Potter. Whoever came up with this ridiculous comparison should probably go back to school and learn what good literature really is. So here is my own comparison of Harry Potter and the Twilight series, I think its time things were set straight.1. J. K. Rowling is an amazing author. Stephanie Meyer is not. There are so many spelling errors, run on sentences, punctuation errors and grammatical mistakes in the Twilight series that it makes me question how these books were ever published. Dear Stephanie Meyer, fire your editor. They suck. 2. Every good book needs protagonist and antagonist characters, aka, heroes and heroins. In my opinion a hero is someone who is selfless, courageous, and someone who you can admire and respect. From Harry to Dumbledore, Hermione to Ron, Harry Potter is chock full of heroes and heroines who fight for what is right. Sure they all have their flaws, but that my friends is what we call a 'round character'. "The world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters. We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are." -Sirius Black-Can anyone name a character that fits that description in the Twilight books? I didn't think so. Is Bella supposed to be a hero? All of her actions are completely selfish. She is constantly putting those around her in danger. Is it because she had an arch enemy return that is not only trying to kill her but take everything that is good and pure from the world? No. Its so that she can be with her boyfriend. That's it. That's her only motive for risking the lives of the ones she loves. Not exactly what I would call a role model. And if that weren't enough how about the way she leads Jacob on. Or begs Edward to have sex with her. I could list many more examples, but I think you see my point. Bella is no hero. 3. Both of these series are categorized for young readers because they are 'coming of age' stories. So let me ask you a question.Would you rather have your teenagers reading the steamy sex scenes between Edward and Bella or the awkward first kiss of Harry and Cho? I think that's all I really need to say on that matter. 4. Love: a major theme of these series. The love story of Bella and Edward is a wonderful idea, in theory. A vampire, humans enemy, trying to be good and ending up falling in love with what should be his lunch. Rather a romantic idea right? But is it true love that these two feel for one another? Or just a horrible obsession? Bella literally cannot function without Edward, which just does not sound healthy to me. Is that what we want our children to think love is? Would we want our daughters to react like Bella the first time they got their hearts broken? Life is hard. Sometimes it just downright sucks. And hearts get broken sometimes. But you still have to go on living. "You're the weak one. Because you'll never know love. And I feel sorry for you." -Harry speaking to Voldemort-Harry's mother gave up her own life for her son. That love kept him safe. Its the love that Harry had for his friends that made him walk into the Forbidden Forest and sacrifice himself. Its the love that Snape had for Lilly that caused him to dedicate his life to help good triumph over evil. This is the kind of love that inspires, lifts, heals, and comforts. Its this kind of love that you would sacrifice your very life to even sample a small taste of. "Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love."5. Last but not least, I dare you to try and read Twilight and envoke as much emotion as when you read Harry Potter. You can't. The Twilight book doesn't have the Weasley twins to laugh with. The deaths of Sirius and Dumbledore to mourn. The awkward first dates, first kisses, and first relationships. The Death Eaters to pity. The Professor Umbridge to make you so mad you could spit. Or the Hagrid to love. "After all, there's no Hogwarts without you Hagrid." I rest my case.

Kill. Me. Now.

2012-01-24T00:57:00.001-08:00

As most of you already know I have depression and have had quite the horrendous time trying to find a prescription that works for me. About last March-ish I started taking Cymbalta, and it seemed to be working pretty well. Until recently that is. I have been noticing drastic changes in my mood, and switching from such extreme highs to extreme lows that I knew that it was time, once again to change. I did some research about quitting Cymbalta and most of the websites suggested to quit cold turkey because tapering off can cause your body to go into shock. Yikes right?

Well today is day four of being off my prescription. To say its been hard is quite the understatement. The withdrawal symptoms are pretty freaky. Here's a list of some of the side effects I found online from going off this drug:

Suicidal thoughts

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Fainting

Head Knocks (which I guess is some sort of brain spasm?)

Severe headaches or migraines

Sudden mood swings

Sore throat

And flu like symptoms.

And that is just from going OFF this crazy drug. It makes me wonder what the freaking heck was I putting into my body?! Fortunately for me I am not experiencing ALL of the symptoms but I am experiencing quite a few of them and it has been a living hell to put it frankly.

Can I just say- I am so sick of doctors. I swear they just write you any old prescription they can to just get rid of you and on your way so they'll have more time for more patients which of course means more money for them. Its now their job to sale drugs rather than actually help people. At least that's what it feels like to me anyway. I mean who in their right mind would actually prescribe someone a drug like that?? Its scary. You know what else is scary? All the commercials that start with "if you or a loved one has taken such and such drug and are experiencing such and such symptoms, you may just have a case so call our law offices..."

I don't think I trust doctors. Maybe im being paranoid. But that's probably just another side affect if Cymbalta withdrawals...

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Today

2012-01-16T10:54:00.001-08:00

Today. I've decided. That bras and pants are overrated.

Sweatpants and baggy t-shirt it is.

Yes. Im sexy. And I know it!

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Excitement Anyone?

2012-01-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Alright. If you haven't taken any of my book reccommendations seriously yet, this is the one to start. The Hunger Games, written by Suzane Collins, is epic. Seriously, these kinds of books don't just come around everyday. There are three books in the series and already the world has fallen in love with them. The movie of the first book comes out in March, giving you plenty of time to read it before you see the movie. Yes. You HAVE to read it and yes. You HAVE to see the movie. Need further motivation? Watch the clip below! Ah! This book nerd slash movie fan is barely breathing just thinking about it!

Want some cheese?

2012-01-09T19:16:00.001-08:00

Alright... this is me whining again... seems like that's the one thing im good at these days. Im just so gosh dang bored and even more lonely than I am bored. Which is a lot. I. AM. GOING. CRRRRRAZY! So, once again, if you hear of any jobs in Logan PLEASE let me know. I am in serious need of a life right now. In the meantime I'll just be here. Sitting on my couch. Waiting for my husband to wake up. So that I'll finally have someone to talk to. Ugh.

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11 highlights

2012-01-05T20:41:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had an amazing holiday season! We most certainly did!

At the beginning of every year I reflect on the past year and what I've done, how I've grown, and the people I've met. Last year was so good to me. In fact its probably the best year of my life thus far, and most of that has to do with Justin. So here are 11 highlights of 2011. (In chronological order.... for the most part....)

1. Having the privilege of living with four of the most amazing girls I've ever known. They were the best last roommates a girl could ask for!

2. Preparing for a mission. Now I realize that I didn't end up going, but preparing for one really helped me grow in spirituality and as a person.

3. April 6. My first date with Justin.

4. A fun summer filled with friends, family, and Justin.

5. Experiencing my first motorcycle ride, car show, and tractor pull. I have officially entered boy world.

6. August 6. Justin proposes. And it was perfect. And I said yes.

7. My first "big girl" job at Gosners, which was actually a lot of fun.

8. Finding out I would be an aunt to a little girl in May.

9. October 6. I am sealed for time and all eternity to my best friend and the love of my life in the Salt Lake Temple.

10. Going on the most amazing honeymoon I could have ever dreamed of- a cruise to the Bahamas- best part: swimming with dolphins!

11. Moving into our apartment- which isn't all that great and the neighbors kinda suck but its ours, and I love it!

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Book Nerd is at it again

2011-12-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

Alright, this week's book spotlight doesn't cover just one book. But an entire author. I love Shannon Hale. She is such a talented writer and completely sucks you into her wonderful stories. The Goose Girl is the first book I read of hers and I fell in love. She turned The Goose Girl into a series, known as the Bayern Series, and while the other books in the series are entertaining, The Goose Girl still remains my favorite of her books. She also wrote these other books (featured below) that are amazing as well. If you are looking for a good fantasy story to read that makes you feel like a kid again, then this is the author for you!

Cheesy is How we Do it

2011-12-30T19:10:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't get one, this was our Christmas card this year. Merry Christmas!

Our First Christmas

2011-12-30T18:46:00.000-08:00

Justin and I had an amazing first Christmas together. It was so nice to have someone to spend Christmas with and we were able to spend time with lots of family this year. On Christmas Eve Eve we went to Grandma and Grandpa Olsen's for dinner and games. Christmas Eve we went to Aunt Louise and Uncle Harold's house for the extended Palmer family party. After the party we went over to Justin's parents house and played games with his parents, Stephanie, Leslie, Tyler and Tyler. Christmas Eve Justin and I were able to spend the night in our own apartment, which was kind of nice Christmas morning. Justin and I exchanged gifts, drove to his parents to exchange more gifts and have a fabulous omelet breakfast, and then headed to Preston to see the extended Wright family and exchange even more gifts and eat even more yummy delicious food. We got insanely spoiled this year! We are so lucky to have so many loving family members around and are truly blessed for all the good things that have happened to us this year. I hope you all had an amazing Christmas as well and have a very happy new year!

Forgotten

2011-12-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

I love marriage. I really do. But this month has been kind of a hard one for me. Not because of Justin, he has been great, really. But just because of .... me. I've never been married before, so I guess I didn't really know what to expect. I expected the occasional fight and the less than perfect days. I did NOT expect to be so happy or feel so loved and so safe. I didn't expect to have a sudden sureness that this is the way God wants me to live, that this is His plan for His children, and that marriage is a very, very sacred thing.

But mostly I didn't expect the loneliness. Marriage can be really, really lonely. And I was definitely not expecting that.

As most of you know Justin works graveyards, which means he works all night and sleeps all day. He wakes up around five or six in the pm and so we get to spend our nights together. That's great. But while he is sleeping, I find myself extremely bored and extremely lonely. I know I need to find a full time job, it would help a lot, but in the meantime I'm not really sure what to do with my time. The worst part about it is I feel completely forgotten. None of my friends have called me to hang out with them. In fact I haven't even seen them since October. It's weird how I am closer and talk to my best friend who lives in Canada more than I do to my friends who live in the same city as me, probably less than two minutes away. I know they are busy with their lives, and friendship goes both ways, but am I really expected to initiate everything? I guess they are no longer interested in hanging out with an old married lady like me.

Everyone says that this change is good, that it's the way that it's supposed to be. Losing contact with you friends is SUPPOSED to happen after you are married. Shiz monkey. I don't like it. I know I am just having a hard time with this change because for the past five years I have been extremely spoiled in my social life. I always had roommates and friends around 24/7 and there was always something to do, someone to be with. It's a hard adjustment for me. I miss being around people. I miss my friends. I love Justin more than anything, and I love every minute we get to spend together. In my perfect world he could quit his job and we could spend every minute of every day together. But of course it's not a perfect world and we can't spend all of our time together so here I sit, whining about my life, when really it's not so bad, I just need a hobby. Or a puppy. ;)

Book of the Week

2011-12-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

There are some books that I read over and over just for fun because I like the story and am entertained. Then there are books that I read over and over again because of the important message it contains, or because I learn something new every time I read it, or simply because I need a book to remind me of what I have. This week's book is one of those books. This week I re-read "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. This book is about a futuristic community who have decided to switch to "sameness". Everything is the same, and every part of their lives is assigned to them: such as their job, their spouse, even their children. This book may be short, but it really makes me stop and think about how lucky I am to live in this country and being able to make my own decisions, make my own mistakes, and do pretty much whatever I want with my life. Read it. I promise you won't regret it. It's a really good book to read in the month of December.

Some Wedding Pictures...

2011-12-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

This is just a very few of the MANY pictures we got that day. If you would like to see all of them check them out on my facebook.

Book of the Week

2011-12-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

This week's book was inspired by Thomas S. Monson in the 1'st Presidencies Christmas Devotional tonight. Most people know the story, but I bet very few have actually read the book. The book I am talking about is "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. This book is amazing. Not only for the story, but for the spirit it brings to it's reader. The story has so much more detail than you have ever heard, I promise that you will not be reading the same old story that you have heard since you were a kid. Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors, and this book is just chock full of inspirational quotes. If you are feeling like you're missing out on the Christmas spirit this year, then this is the book for you! It's a pretty short read so even if your not big on reading you're sure to love it.

Two Words: Cancer Sucks!

2011-11-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

When I was twelve years old one of my best friend's mom died from cancer. I'm sure I was not old enough to understand the pain that my friend went through at this terrible loss, all I knew was that it was so not fair that she had to live her life without her mom.

When I was 17 my own mom was diagnosed with lupus, which is a form of cancer. The day that I found out I remembered my friend losing her mom, and thought that I was about to face that same tragedy. I cried harder that day than I have ever cried in my entire life. That next year was one of the hardest years my mom and our family have gone through. My mom had to go through so many doctors, specialists, treatments, medicines, pains, and sorrows. I think watching her struggle was the worst part for me because there was nothing I could do for her, I was just so helpless. Fortunately my mom was able to get her lupus under control, unfortunately she will live with this terrible disease for as long as she lives. Everyday could be a threat to her life if the disease somehow gets out from under her control.

This last summer another friend of mine had to go through the heart breaking tragedy of losing her mom to cancer. It was awful seeing another person that I love so much have to go through something so devastatingly horrid. This friend lives far away, so it was especially hard that I couldn't just go to her and give her a great big hug every time she got some bad news from home. Again, I felt helpless. What could I possibly do or say to make it ok? There isn't anything. Because it isn't ok.

Well once again tragedy has struck. Another good friend of mine got the horrible news that her mom has cancer. My heart completely sunk when I found out. It's scary how many people are being affected by this terrible disease. And again, I just feel so helpless. What can I possibly do for this friend? Not much.

I guess I don't really know the point of this blog. Mostly I just want to ask people to remember cancer in their prayers. Pray for the victims. Pray for the victim's family and friends. Pray for the people who spend their time researching a cure. Pray for the doctors, the nurses, and all the others who are trying to help the fight against cancer. Just pray. Maybe if enough of us send our pleas heavenward, a cure will be found soon. Cancer is affecting too many moms, dads, sisters, brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. I don't know about you, but I personally wouldn't be too disappointed if a cure was found and cancer was never seen again. Not disappointed at all.

Book Spotlight

2011-11-29T18:12:00.000-08:00

Seeing as I am such a book nerd, I've decided to do book recommendations every so often. This week I am doing a spotlight on a series that I have finished recently. The series is Fablehaven and written by a very talented author, Brandon Mull, who is from Utah. If you are a fellow Harry Potter lover, than make this the next series you read! There are five books in the series, and in my oppinion each book gets better than the next. You can really see how Mull grows as an author with each one. I don't want to ruin anything by telling you the storyline, but I highly recommend these books if you are looking for something fun to read. These series are definitely page turners.

Honeymooning in the Bahamas

2011-11-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

On our wedding night Justin and I spent the night in the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake City. That is a very cool place! Justin chose the "Enchanted Forest" room which was awesome. The bed was in a tree! Justin was really sweet and had them cover the floor with rose petals and had chocolate strawberries waiting for us. My sweet sister had packed us a basket of goodies so we had a little picnic in the forest before bedtime cause we were ravished! She is so thoughtful! (Thanks Cas!)

...

The next morning Justin and I slept in a little bit, checked out of the Inn, and then headed to the airport. I seriously hate airports. They give me so much anxiety, especially the security line. But fortunately for us everything went very smoothly and we had no difficulties getting to our terminal and had plenty of time until our plane left. This was Justin's first ever plane ride and he did swell! He was SOOO nervous before take off but once we started moving he started laughing with the tingly sensation you get. I of course laughed at him, cause I am nice like that, and all was well. We had a layover in Atlanta Georgia. That airport is HUGE and we had to run to make our connecting flight (or so we thought) but again everything went really smoothly. We landed in Melbourne, Florida in pouring rain. I guess the rain decided to follow us.

In the Melbourne airport we met the nicest lady that gave us some water bottles and helped us find transportation to our hotel. When we got to the hotel we ordered Dominoes pizza, since it was so late and that was the only thing open, and pigged out and watched TV.

The next day (Saturday) we had the entire day to just chill or do whatever. I thought we would hit the beach but it was still raining cats and dogs (we found out there was a hurricane on the coast, but luckily it didn't get to us). We were lucky enough to have a little philly cheese steak restaurant next door to our hotel so went over there for lunch. We took a nap, watched tv, and snuggled that day which was nice because we were both so tired from the wedding and the day of travel. That night we walked a block in the rain and stumbled upon the best Italian restaurant that I have ever been to! Seriously, just talking about it is making my mouth water! I wish we had one in Utah! Everyone there was super nice and our waiter was hilarious and gave us free cheese cake cause we were newlyweds. (I felt like Monica and Chandler after they got married... if you don't get the joke, you need to watch more Friends). We vowed we would come back after the cruise because it was that amazing! YUM!!

On Sunday we got a taxi to the cruise ship and spent all morning going through security and boarding the ship. This was also Justin's first cruise and he was completely flabbergasted at how ginormous the ship was. He was like a little boy on Christmas morning- haha it was so fun to see his excitement! That day we toured the ship, checked out our room, went to the show that night, and ate... a lot! Here's the funny story of that day: when we went to our room we noticed that all of our bags were there except for my big one. We just figured it hadn't made its way to us yet and thought nothing of it. Well, a while later we got a phone call from a security officer telling us that he needed us to come downstairs immediately. We head to the security area and one of the officers tells me that my bag is being witheld and I need to come with him to see why. There is another guy, probably around Justin's age, whose bag didn't make it through security either. So I leave Justin behind and follow the officer and the other guy off of the ship, through a long winding warehouse, and finally to a table where both of our bags are sitting with about five security officers hanging around them. They inform us that there is something illegal in our bags and they need our permission to go through them. We both consent and they start going through our bags. The officer searching mine pulls out some furry sex handcuffs and says that these are not allowed on the ship. I was so embarrassed! My sisters gave them to me for one of my showers, and unthinkingly I just threw them in my suitcase when I was packing. I could have died! The guy that I was with explained that he had gotten married the day before and a bridesmaid had packed his new bride's bag. The poor guy has to watch as piece after piece of lingerie is taken out of the bag to get to the bottom where the handcuffs are hidden. haha I am just thankful that mine were somewhat on top! We both were laughing and making jokes on our way back, but I know we were just trying to hid our embarrassment! Sheesh! hahaha

The next day on the ship was an all day sail day. Justin and I ate a ton, laid out in the sun, got some fancy drinks, and went to "Battle of the Sexes" game that night. It was a fun day, relaxing day.

On Tuesday the ship pulled into Nassau. We got off the ship and into a very interesting cab that was a van. Our cab driver was an insane driver! We were a little bit scared for our lives, but luckily made it to where we needed to be in one piece. As we waited for our ferry to take us to Paradise Island we ordered some lunch and Yay! they had Mt. Dew! As we ate we made friends with a crippled pigeon who probably ended up eating as much of our lunch as we did. What can I say? He was funny! So anyway, our ferry came to pick us up and we went on the most beautiful ferry ride I had ever been on! We saw the island where Gilligans Island was filmed, and also Oprah's and Chuch Norris's homes. Wow! What would it be like to be THAT rich?! Sheesh. The ferry dropped off us at Paradise Island, the name isn't that far fetched, and guess what we did there??? SWAM WITH DOLPHINS!!!! Ah! It was amazing!! Probably the neatest experience ever! We got to hug, kiss, feed, swim, and dance with them. They also did this really cool trick with us where you lie flat on the water and the dolphins come and push your feet so you are practically flying across the water. It was an amazing feeling! The funny story of this day was when Justin and I were feeding the dolphins. The trainers told us to hold our fish high so that the dolphins could see them. While Justin was holding his fish up a seagull swooped down and stole his fish. It was hilarious. The trainers told us that that seagull is famous there and does that all the time. They have named him Steven Seagull (get it?) haha. When we finished with the dolphins we went back to town to shop and then ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. I had never been there before, wow. Yum!

On Wednesday the cruise ship pulled into Freeport. Justin and I were supposed to go snorkeling here but there weren't enough people that signed up so it was cancelled. We were kind of bummed, but we went shopping and then found a taxi that was going to the beach for a few hours. The beach was so pretty with the whitest sand and bluest water I have ever seen! We swam, layed out, drank pina coladas, and watched an elementary school boys band perform. (Cutest kids ever!) That day was amazing as well. I can't beleive how beautiful it was down there, it made me want to move down permanately.

Thursday was the day that our cruise ended. That day we got off the ship and found a cab that would take us to our hotel in Melbourne. Our cab driver was a New Yorker who suggested that we go see one of the sites in Florida since we had nothing planned for that day. He gave us a brochure and told us he would be happy to drive us anywhere and pick us up as well. What a nice, nice man! As we were looking through the brochure we saw an add for Universal Studios. Guess what that means?? HARRY POTTER LAND! As soon as I saw that I tried to hide my excitement at the possibility of going there, but I guess not very well because Justin insisted that that's where we could spend the day. I tried to tell him we could go somewhere else because he is not that big of a fan, but he could tell how much it meant to me and agreed to go. (I married a good one folks!) Ah. Harry Potter Land. Need I say more? I was pretty much in heaven. I took a thousand pictures and was running around like a little kid ... and a chicken with it's head cut off... and a lunatic. All of those things combined. Justin was so patient with me and just kept smiling at my enthusiasm and nodding along like he cared about things like butterbeer, puking pastilles, and mandrakes. After Harry Potter land we went through Seuss Land for a little bit. Justin bought our future child a little 'Thing One' onesie. Sigh. I love that he is already thinking about children so much that he is buying them clothes. Did I mention I married a good one? Cause yeah, I did!

After Universal Studios we met our driver and he took us back to our hotel. By the time we got there we were hungry again so we hit our favorite Italian place for dinner again. I think it was even better the second time if that's even possible.

On Friday we slept in, ate lunch, and drove to the airport. Again everything went great and we didn't even have to run to our connecting flight again. The last flight felt like it took fooorrrrrrever, but we finally made it home. My mom picked us up at the airport and we spent that night in Fruit Heights telling all of our stories and passing out the gifts we had gotten everyone.

It was a great trip. I honestly never imagined that my honeymoon would be that perfect. I already want a repeat haha.

I Do!

2011-11-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Justin and I got married on October 6, 2011 in the Salt Lake Temple. Everything that day was perfect... except for the rain. We could have used a little bit less of that.

I drove to Fruit Heights the day before and that night I went to get a pedicure and manicure with my two sisters and mom. I love being pampered!

I didn't get much sleep the night before, but much more than I thought I would. That morning I woke up around 7:30 and went to get my hair done at Phazes Salon in Kaysville. My car died in the parking lot, so that made me a little nervous, but while I was getting my hair and make up done my mom said she would work on fixing my car, which she did. I was so releived seeing as that was the car that we were driving later that night. Whew! One crisis averted.

Justin picked me up and we drove to the temple. I was surprisingly calm the entire way. Can I just say, the temple is SO amazing! Honestly, whatever sacrifices you THINK you have to make to get there, are so completely worth it. I love the temple and I love that Justin took me there. The promise that we can be together forever.... wow... there is nothing quite like it. Okay, sorry. Getting away from the point of this blog. So anyway, the parking lot we thought we were going to park in was completely full, which in SLC means that we had to park way far away. Did I mention the rain? ....Yeah... it was pouring! We got soaked on the hike to the temple and I almost slipped and fell on my bum a few times, but fortunately we both made it in one piece. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing for my mom :( she had a pretty horrific fall on her way to the temple. You know there has to be a few disasters though or it wouldn't be a wedding right?

So anyway, we had a lot of support at the temple and it was amazing to see so many family and friends there to celebrate with us. My mom was carrying my veil when she fell so that got super muddy, but the really sweet temple ladies cleaned it for us during our ceremony, so crisis #3 was fixed. When we left the temple to meet our fam/friends, and also during pictures, it was still pouring rain. I was kind of bummed cause I wanted my pictures to be good and I thought the rain (and all the umbrellas) would ruin them. But my photographer is awesome and we ended up with some really awesome pictures!

After the photo shoot at the temple Justin and I headed to the luncheon which was held at the Wight House in Bountiful. We knew everyone was there waiting for us so we tried to hurry, which is why we hit ever single red light AND got lost on the way there haha. But we finally made it and ate a very yummy lunch which was a pasta bar, breadsticks, and snickers cake. During the luncheon we passed a microphone around and all of our guests introduced themselves, told funny stories that the remember about us, and wished us their congratulations. It was pretty simple, but lots of fun and nice to chill after the hectic morning.

That night we had our reception in the Brook Haven chapel in Fruit Heights. I was very impressed with the decorations (we hired people to do it for us) and thought that every thing turned out great. We had lots of kitchen help and a wonderful piano player for some background music. Before the reception started we did another photo shoot and we got some more awesome pictures. The reception seemed to drag on while we were standing in line, we were all tired by that time, but it was fun to see everyone. The last part of the reception was filled with shoving cake in each others faces, throwing garters and bouquets, and finally leaving in a storm of bubbles for the honeymoon.

A week later, after our honeymoon, we had an open house in a chapel in Logan. I can't believe how much work my in laws did! The church looked so awesome and the food was great! It was another long line of people but again it was so fun to see everyone and meet some of Justin's family and friends that I haven't been able to meet yet. After the reception both of our families headed to the Palmers house for some pizza and watched Justin and I open all of our gifts. We got super spoiled! It was great!

Well I think that's about it for that. Up next: THE HONEYMOON!

Once Upon a Time...

2011-10-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

... I stupidly convinced myself that I was in love with my best friend. I stupidly waited for him on his mission. I stupidly wasted three years of my life on a stupid boy.

Stupid.

However! Had that not happened, I would have never gotten my heart broken. Had I not gotten my heart broken, I would have never signed up for ldssingles.com in an attempt to get over him. Had I not signed up for lds singles, I would have never met the love of my life and my husband today.

Everything happens for a reason.

Once upon a time I created an account on a dating site, hoping to meet new people and just go on some fun, uncomplicated, no strings attached dates. I met a few really cool guys, but nothing went anywhere with any of them and I gave up on the site for a few months. That is until I received an e-mail that I had gotten a new message on the dating site. After months of no activity I returned to the site to see that a very handsome man had sent me a message, telling me that he would like to get to know me better. We communicated back and forth for a few days and then exchanged phone numbers. After about a week of texting he finally asked me out on our first date. I was so excited to meet this guy!

On our first date he took me on my first motorcycle ride, bowling, to the Blue Bird for dinner, and back to his house where we watched "Back to the Future". After he hugged me goodbye I prayed that he would ask me out again... which he did. We had five dates in eight days.

The rest is history.

On our third month anniversary Justin proposed, and we were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on our fifth month anniversary, October 6, 2011 Though we have not known each other long, we both knew it was right from the start. Going through the temple with Justin was not only the best decision I have ever made, it was the easiest decision I have ever had to make. I am so lucky to have snagged such a great man. We are so happy and are so far living in newlywed bliss.

We just got back from our honeymoon, but that blog post will have to wait for another day. So will pictures. Thanks for all the love and support at the temple, luncheon, and reception. We truly appreciate all of you!

Help Me!

2011-10-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to fix my stupid blog for the last two and a half hours. Aaaagggghhhhh!!!! WHY is there a dang white box covering my title? I CAN'T GET RID OF IT!

... If you know how to fix this PLEASE HELP!

... And in the meantime, I am sorry that my blog is so UGLY right now!

bleh. I give up for tonight.

Bookin' It

2011-09-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight we planned, booked, and paid for the honeymoon. I am SOOOO excited! We our spending two days in Florida, going on a five day cruise to the Bahamas, and then spending another night in Florida! WoO-hOo!

My man sure does spoil me:)

Broken Buzz, Parents, and Apostles... and some other stuff too!

2011-08-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Last night the Palmer parents met the Wright parents. EEK! Everyone was really nervous for this meeting.

Yesterday morning I had to drive down to SLC for my first dress fitting. It went great and I am now in possession of my dress. Putting it on for the second time made me SO excited! I can't wait until October 6 where I can wear it all day and you can all see it!

So anywho... back to my story. I was going to drive sepparate to Maddox in Brigham City so that I could just head back to Logan after the dinner. But sadly Buzz (my car) sputtered and spat his protest and I didn't get past the on-ramp of Kaysville. BUMMER! So my parents had to turn around and pick me up and we just left Buzz stranded on the side of the road so that we could get to dinner on time. (We think it is just the fuel pump. I am just praying that it is nothing more serious than that! Poor Buzz!)

The initial meeting went great and while we were waiting for our table not only did we run into one of my sixth grade teachers, Mrs. Noel, we also saw ELDER NELSON waiting for a table as well! He was dressed in a really nice suit of course so he kind of stood out. One of the things on my bucket list is to shake hands with an apostle. I was trying to build up my courage to go over and talk to him, but I chickened out and he got a table. Dang! But as we were walking to our table we passed him at his and he was eating corn on the cob which was a very different image to have in your head of an Apostle haha. Anyway, that's the first time I have seen an Apostle in public and it was a pretty cool experience! I just hope it happens for me again cause I REALLY want to knock that one off of my bucket list!!

The rest of the dinner went great and our parents seemed to really hit if off. Whew! Thank heavens is all I can say!

So right now we are just busy busy busy with wedding plans and trying to get everything finalized. We took our engagement pictures this last Thursday and will hopefully have them tomorrow (Monday) and I can't wait to see how they turned out! We are hoping to start sending invitations out next Monday so if you have not given us your address PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do so!

Also, this Saturday (September 3) is my friend bridal shower so if you want an invite talk to Amanda Wright cause she is hosting it. I know she sent an invite on facebook but I know some of you don't have facebook so this is me inviting you.

Oh and Friday is my birthday so you can send me presents! haha j/k. ;) Later gator!

Pictures As Promised!

2011-08-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

The fireworks before he proposed

In between my fingers is the bench where he popped the big question

WE JUST GOT ENGAGED!

My gorgeous ring that I absolutely LOVE!

Moved

2011-08-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

Just an FYI- our wedding date has been moved up to October 6. Now, I KNOW it may sound scandalous to move up a wedding date, but trust me, there is no bun in THIS oven! ;) We just had some people kindly point out to us that October 22 is the first day of the deer hunt and my future husband would be camping, fishing, four-wheeling, hunting, and bonding with my dad and brother and future sons on every one of our anniversaries for the rest of my life! Um. No thanks. So we moved it up on the sixth which I am way happy about because our first date was May 6 and we got engaged on August 6 so it is already an anniversary for us. Whew. So there you go. I got lots of planning to do, but have already got SO MUCH DONE! And I accomplished the hardest part yesterday. That's right folks. I GOT MY DRESS! Yay! I'm kind of excited. The end.

PS- Send me your address if you want an invite!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!!

2011-08-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear readers (if there are any of you out there),
So much is happening and changing in my life right now! I have not been the best blogger recently, and for that I appologize. I have some big news, but there are other things that I meant to blog about, so I will update you chronologically.

Almost three weeks ago, on a Tuesday, I got offered a temp job at Gossner Food's. Justin's cousin is prego so I will be working for her while she is on maternity leave. It is a reception-type job in the shipping office. I say reception-type because there is A LOT involved in this job! I do billing, receiving, take orders, send orders, fax, file, answer phones, lots of computer work, lots of organizing, but the funnest part of my new job is that I get to check in all of the truckers who come in to pick up milk or drop off supplies. Truckers are some of the most entertaining and unique people I have ever had the privlidge of encountering! Basically they are a hoot! And almost ALL of them have terriblly hard to understand accents. I have heard russian, german, spanish, southern, chinese, and some that I couldn't place in a million years! Most of them are dirty and smelly and have not had a shower in days. And for the most part, they are some of the kindest, sweetest, funniest, people on the Earth! I kind of love them.

So that's my new job. You will notice that I got the job on a Tuesday. By the next day (Wednesday) I had started training at my new job, moved out of my parent's basement, and moved into my grandparent's basement in Preston, Idaho. So yeah. This BIG change happened very, very fast with absolutely NO warning. But it was such a good, good change for me! I love my job and I love living with my grandparents and I LOVE being a half hour closer to Justin! (And ALL of my friends in Logan too of course!!)

Alright. So now for the big news:

I AM ENGAGED!!!

Justin finally proposed and I could not be any happier!! Looking back at my life, I honestly thought that this day would never come. And now that it has, well.... I can hardly beleive it myself! I keep looking at my ring finger on my left hand just to make sure that this is not a dream!

The Proposal:
Justin's aunt owns a condo on the beach at Bear Lake that his whole family, plus us, were going to spend Saturday night at. We all also had tickets to go see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Pickelville Playhouse. The play was super amazing, I can't believe what a fabulous job they did! After the play we all headed back to the condo and were just sitting around chatting it up. Justin asked me if I wanted to go for a walk and I said sure. As we headed to the beach fireworks started going off in the distance in honor of raspberry days. We walked down a pier so we could watch the fireworks, but all of the benches were taken so we sat in the dirt and rocks. It was so beautiful to see the fireworks shoot up over the lake and have their reflections shimmering in the water. After the fireworks were over everyone on the pier left and we headed to the last bench. We sat down and were just talking, looking at the stars and watching the water. Then Justin starts listing all of the things that he loves about me. He tells me that he doesn't ever want to spend another day without me. The next thing I know he is down on one knee, holding a ring out, and asks me to marry him. I was stunned, but once I got over the shock I said YES! I gave him a big fat juicy wet kiss (didn't want to leave out any of the dirty details) and we hugged and kissed and kissed and kissed some more! We then just sat on the bench and talked and when we got up to leave he took me in his arms and started dancing with me. Wow. He done good! It honestly was the perfect proposal! I couldn't have asked for anything better. And not to brag or anything, but my ring is dang fine gorgeous! I LOVE it! And it means even more to me that he did the ring thing completely on his own. He kind of knew what I liked, deffinitely knew what I hated, and went into the jewelry store and designed it himself! And it is perfect!

We have set the date for October 22 so put it on you calendars cause you better freaking be there! Pictures to come.

What's Up Doc?

2011-07-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the doctor. They did an MRI on my back and discoverd that I have bulging discs in my spine that are hitting a nerve. They are going to give me an epideral but cannot get me in until August first. In the mean time they put me on a prescription of steroids and I now have to go to physical therapy. They believe, and I agree with them, that my job was the cause of it and suggested that I quit my job and try to find one that is not so physically straining. So.... I quit my job today. :( I am very not happy about this and will miss the people at Gold's Gym immensely! Also, I will miss the paychecks. Boo-Hoo.

So, once again, I am on the job hunt. But this time I am looking for a full time job in Logan. Preferrably a receptionist job or something that I can maybe sit down while doing. So my dear friends, if you hear of anything PLEASE let me know! I will love you forever and we would be best friends and hold hands and skip!

Well, That's all for now folks!

It's My Party and I'll Whine If I Want To!

2011-07-16T02:25:00.000-07:00

So tonight I am having a pity party for myself... by myself. Why am I by myself? Because my entire family is currently camping at Bear Lake for the family reunion. Why the pity party? Because for the last three weeks I have had a pinched nerve that runs from my hip to my knee, and this past week the pain has gotten so severe I am not able to walk the distance of a hallway without becoming out of breath and almost in tears.

Tonight is the third night in a row that I have not been able to sleep even ten minutes. I feel like I have been awake forever. I feel like I have been in pain forever.

I am pretty sure this is the worst pain I have ever been in. True, the spinal tap was no picnic, but at least that had an endurable time frame on it. This is the kind of pain that never ever goes away. This is the kind of pain that has you seriously considering just chopping off your own leg to be done with it. This is the kind of pain where you use ice, massagers, heating pads, pain pills, pillows, and any other device you can think of to find even a moments relief.

Am I whining?.... Yes. Yes I am!

Unfortunately the doctor can't see me until Monday so I have two full days left of this pure agony. It's times like these that I am all for the legalizing of marijuana and would be the first to sign up! (I'm joking of course... well... maybe)

Busy Bee

2011-06-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in a while so I thought it was about time for an update. I have been so super busy lately it's kind of insane! (Sorry to all the friends that I have forgotten to text back! I love you, I promise!)

For the biggest and most exciting news, I got a Job! Woot Woot! I now work at Gold's Gym in Bountiful on the janitorial staff. Our joke on the staff is "Why have a pass to a gym when you clean one?!" It sure is a lot of hard work, but so far I love it! I clean toilets, showers, lockers, a steam room, sauna, mop and sweep floors, put equipment away (yes this means HEAVY weights), vacuum, dust, take out garbage- basically I clean every nook and cranny of that blasted huge gym, and sweat buckets while doing it. I can't even count the number of times I walk up and down the flight of stairs, or the amount of weight I end up lifting by the night's end, but let's just say, I basically get a four hour work out by the end of my shift. My supervisor said that she lost eight pounds her first week. Thanks to a certain roommate of mine, I believe that weighing yourself is cursing yourself, but here's hoping I lose a few lb's while working here. :)

Other than work I have been spending as much time as I possibly can with the most amazing man I have ever met. "I'm in love! I'm in love! And I don't care who knows it!" (and if you don't know what movie that is from, SHAME ON YOU!) Basically I can't get enough of him, but this long distance thing sure does bite the big one!!!

For other news, life at home is alright I guess. I sometimes don't know what to do with myself when I am not working and not with Justin. I think I need to find a hobby. I am missing my social life immensely!! Not having roommates to go hang with is a very not fun feeling. I miss my old roommates. And my friends. (I know, I know. Poor me. At least I HAVE friends right? haha) I guess it's just hard to not compare this summer to last summer. I did so stinkin' much last summer! It was a riot! And it doesn't help that my mom and sister, and dad and brother, just got back on two amazing vacations and I can't help feeling a little left out. Summer is my favorite season by far, and I am just wishing that I had more exciting plans I guess. I am in a craving vacation mood and want to be lying on a beach, underneath a palm tree, eating fresh pineapple, and getting tan with my whole whole heart... plus some!

Well, that's all for now. I hope you all are having amazing summers! If you ever get bored and wanna drive to Fruit Heights, hit me up! ;) Peace Out Girl Scout!

On The Hunt

2011-06-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends. I am currently on the job hunt and having little success. So, if you hear of anything in, or around, Davis County, please please please let me know! I would most greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

Our Song

2011-05-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Justin quoted part of these lyrics to me through a text the night of our first kiss. He has informed me that he has never had an "our song" with any of his previous girlfriends before. I however, am too much of a cheesy romantic to not have a song. So I'm thinkin' this is it.

In my opinion everyone needs a song to call their own. I can't wait for the day when I'm older and listening to oldies on the radio (aka the music of our generation) and this song starts playing. We can get all goobery and say things like, "Oh honey. They are playing our song." Then we'll kiss and our kids in the back seat will shout, "Ewwwww! Mom and Dad are kissing again!", which will make us laugh and kiss even more to gross out our children. Yup. I'm excited for the day when I can humiliate and embarrass my children. It's gonna be great! :)

Today is the Day

2011-05-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

You know that excited feeling you get when you sign on to your facebook account and see a tiny heart appear in your news feed indicating that someone's relationship status has changed? And you know that behind that little symbol, is a world of gossip? Am I the only one that gets excited by that little tiny heart???
Most of the time that little tiny heart makes me feel so happy inside for the friend who has acquired a special someone. But I would be lying if I didn't admit that sometimes, there is the teeniest bit of jealousy accompanied with that tiny facebook heart. I want to be the one that gets a tiny heart next to my name in my friend's news feeds.

Well my friends. Today is that day. I am officially, for the first time ever, in a relationship. I love going to my news feed, and seeing that heart, and seeing MY name next to that heart. It makes me like super giddy. That heart is more than just a tiny picture. That heart represents someone who I care very much about. He makes me so happy and I just want to shout it out from the rooftops. So thank you little tiny facebook heart for giving me that chance!

WOWZA!

2011-05-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Wow! A LOT has changed since my last post. Where to begin?!

So basically, I have started dating this really amazing awesome fantastic wonderful guy who I am kind of head over heels for. It's crazy how fast things are going between us. We are crazy about each other and just want to be together every minute of every day. Unfortunately that is not possible cause he lives in Logan and I am in Fruit Heights. LAME!

So yeah. This is such weird timing. I just BARELY left Logan! I am preparing for a MISSION! This. Is. CRAZY! Sheesh. Talk about your bad timing eh?

So in conclusion: I have never been less sure of what I am doing with my life but I have never been happier. The End.

First Day

2011-05-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day living at home. It was rough. Let's hope for a better tomorrow.

Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.

2011-05-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

I'm moving home on Saturday. Ugh. I am not excited about this move. I was always looking forward to all of my previous moves. I could not wait for a new apartment, new ward, new roommates. I basically could not wait to get out. Now don't get me wrong, I liked most of my previous roommates, but it was time for a change. It's just not like that this time. I am honestly devastated about leaving this apartment and my roommates. I don't know how we did it, but somehow we were able to create a home in this apartment. We are more than roommates. We are family. This apartment feels more like home than my actual home in Fruit Heights does. The closer Saturday gets, the harder it gets to leave. I can't even think about it without tears running down my face.

I guess this move is even harder because the house in Fruit Heights is no longer my home. My bedroom has turned into a storage room and the only thing I can get access to is my bed. My dad is being a jerk (no surprise there) and has made me feel terrible about leaving Logan and mooching off of him. My little sister is dreading me moving home because she hates sharing the attention from my mom. My grandpa comes home every Tuesday night and kicks me out of my bedroom. I will either have to go to the family ward (gross) or the singles ward that is full of Davis High people (Oh good. High school all over again with all the people I hated). I don't have a job there. I don't have friends there. Basically, there is nothing there for me. I love, love, love, going to Fruit Heights for a weekend, even a week is okay. But then when my family starts getting on my nerves I just head back to Logan and all is well. I hate that I will no longer have that escape.

I know that this is what I need to do to prepare and save money for a mission. I know that, but I just can't get excited about it. I have lived in Logan since 2006. That is five years of being on my own, making my own decisions, not reporting to anyone, having a crazy awesome social life. How can I possibly leave this place?

BEST. WEEKEND. EVER!

2011-05-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was epic. Like seriously, seriously epic.

I'm gonna have to skip over Friday for un-obvious reasons to those of you who read this. I may explain this at a later date, but for now... it's a secret. Let's just say it started with some card games, got super spontaneous, was filled with laughter and juvenile frivolity. Other than that all I can say is that there was a concert in the streets of campus and it was crazy. It also ended at five in the morning when we finally decided to go to bed. (We being my roommates Rachel and Emily, Emily's cousin Lindsay, and myself).

Saturday started just like any other day, perhaps starting a little too early for how late I was up the night before. But then the words, "Um... Do you want to drive to Bear Lake for a few hours?" came out of my roommate Emily's lips. If I had any plans before that, the words "Bear Lake" immediately changed them. I can NEVER pass up an opportunity to visit my heaven on Earth. So Emily, Lindsay, and I packed up the car with games and food and made the drive up to the most beautiful place on this planet. Our plan was to have a picnic on the beach but we didn't even last ten minutes outside. It was freaking COLD! We jumped back in my car where we could enjoy God's nature in the warmth. We ate lunch, ate junk food, played some card games, talked, listened to music, and unrolled our windows and fed the seagulls (ok...ok... that was just me). If I remember right I also got out and danced around like a seagull and made seagull squawking noises. What can I say? Bear Lake brings out the inner child in me. Oh, and did I mention the part where I drew things in the sand, balanced on a log in the water, and ran around like a crazy person? Yeah, well. Maybe I should just keep that to myself. Ahem... anyway... So after our Bear Lake adventures we drove home and as soon as we entered our apartment we decided that we needed to pull a prank on our roommate Kenzi who was away for the weekend. Emily came up with the idea to fill her room with hundreds of cups of water. It was brilliant. Since she has a blog called "Love Me Some Lemons" we decided to go one step further and put lemon slices on each cup, and make a heart in the middle with red food coloring in the water. We went to the store and got our supplies (Rachel and Leisha joined us at this point) and came home to start the deed. Emily knew where Kenzi's spare key was hidden, but alas, Kenzi was highly suspicious that we would prank her so she hid her key. Dang. But we were not to be deflected just yet. We called up our landlord and told him that Kenzi had locked herself out. He came to unlock her door and we told him that she was at work, but would be home later that night. He unlocked her door for us without any question. Thank you Dennis! We're In! As the prank is going along we quickly realized that we didn't buy enough supplies. So it's back to the store for more cups and lemons. We finish the prank and it looks great. As we are sitting around talking we then decide we should have a dinner party the next day and invite all of our friends seeing as it is our last Sunday as roommates. So... It's back to the store for the third time that day. (Fourth for me since I went earlier that day to pick up my prescription and get treats for Bear Lake). Emily and I then raced to clean the apartment so it would be suitable for guests. We were exhausted by then but being the smart people we are we did not go to bed but watched an episode of Prison Break.

Sunday we went to church, which was very good as always. Afterwards we came home to prepare dinner. We made Hawaiian haystacks with Emily's yummy salad and Kenzi's brownies for dessert. Here is the people who came (just so that I can remember myself)

Kristi

Emily

Kenzi

Leisha

Rachel

Lindsay

Kylie

Lauren

Adam

Alex

Ryan

So yeah. It was a pretty good turn out. After dinner we went to the CES fireside that was being broadcast from the Spectrum (GO USU!). The speaker was Sister Wixom who is the General Primary President of the church. I really enjoyed her remarks and the choir was awesome! After the fireside Morgan, Jordan, and Kylie came to our apartment to play games with me, Emily, Lindsay, and Rachel. When the games were done Kylie, Emily, Lindsay and I watched "God's Army", where we all fell asleep, finally having our long nights, early mornings, adventurous weekend, catch up with us.

And now for the most important part. While we were playing games on Sunday Leisha runs out of her bedroom and tells us that Osama Bin Laden is dead. We quickly turned on the news to watch the report. I couldn't believe it. After ten long years, we finally got him! I was so filled with American pride as I watched all of those people dancing in the streets waving the American flag. We heard fireworks going off somewhere in Logan and knew that others were celebrating the news as well. My mind quickly turned to the families who suffered losses from the attacks on 9/11 almost ten years ago. It must be so relieving to know that the one responsible for their loss is now gone. Osama Bin Laden might as well be named Hitler Jr., and so yes, this is a big deal! May 1, 2011 is one for the history books! I may not be the biggest fan of President Obama, but I thought his words last night were very touching. I almost cried as I sat listening to our president announce to the world that an evil, despicable man, was caught by our own military men. Those men are heroes. If you missed the report, here it is. It is worth watching.

And now for some pictures.....

Easter Weekend

2011-04-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

This is the post where I give a play by play of my Easter weekend. Be excited.

On Saturday we had an Easter party out at my Grandpa Paulsen's home. It was a lot of fun to see some cousins that I haven't seen in years. There were three babies there so basically I was in baby heaven! I mostly played with my little cousin Ella who will be two years old this summer. She is my new best friend. We had lunch, did an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and then everyone kind of split up here and there. There was a massive volleyball game going on... but I blew bubbles with Ella. Everyone sat and talked and played. It was pretty much awesome. This is a picture of all the girls in my family at my grandpa's house. (Stolen from my cousin Kylie's facebook).

That night my dad suggested that my immediate family go out to dinner. We went to Red Robin... Yum! (like from the commercial) After dinner we decided to go to the movies. It was hard to choose one that we all wanted to see so we finally settled on The Conspirator. I personally really enjoyed this movie, but it was kind of split down the middle with some really enjoying it, and others really hating it. I probably wouldn't watch it again but I found the history of it fascinating. It's all about the assassins of President Lincoln and the trial of one woman who was accused of being an accomplice. I personally think it's worth seeing at least once.

On Sunday morning we went to church, came home and had dinner, and ate a bunch of candy from our Easter baskets. (Yes, the Easter Bunny does still come to me) We also helped my little sister with a blanket tying service project she had to do to make up some U's for school. However, it was such a beautiful day outside that I begged my family to enjoy the sunshine with me and dragged them all to the park with Chaz (our dog) in tow. We also invited our neighbors, the Caseys, and my Aunt Robin and cousins Kailey and Kade to meet us at the park. We played baseball (dang I miss that sport!), threw a football around, and had one wicked awesome volleyball game. We also colored with sidewalk chalk, played catch, ate snacks, and sat around and talked. It was so much fun to be at the beautiful Barnes Park in Kaysville and spend that time with neighbors and family. Afterwards my dad gets in the car and says, "So that's what its like to be a family again." haha I guess it's been a little too long since all six of us have been together at the same time just having some good old fashioned fun with no technology getting in the way. I miss those carefree, simple days. I hope the summer will bring much more of them with my family.

Oh, and one more thing. As I was sitting in church on Sunday this little boy started getting so excited when he saw the deacons and teachers start to pass the sacrament around. He was jumping up and down and pointing at the boys. Granted, he was probably excited for the bread and water he knew was coming, but as I sat watching him the thought came to my mind that the sacrament truly is an exciting thing. Sacred, but exciting at the same time. We take the sacrament to remember Christ and on Easter Sunday it felt especially special. I am so grateful for the atonement. For the miracle that happened so many years ago, when Christ was resurrected from the tomb. I know I will never fully appreciate or even comprehend the full extent of it, but it's exciting to belong to this church. To know the truth. To know that God loves me individually. I can't wait to be a missionary and share that message with others. The gospel is exciting. And wonderful. And peaceful. And true.

Waiting Room Kindness

2011-04-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in a waiting room the other day and this woman, who is probably just a few years older than me, gets up, puts a folded piece of paper on the chair next to me, and walks out. I was kind of confused at this, but when I picked up the note it kind of made my whole day. It's small acts of kindness like this that can make big changes in the world and I for one want to do more things like this.

Here is the note....

Miss Representation

2011-04-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

I took this from my roommate Kenzi's blog. For more information visit their site here.

Stand

2011-04-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

This is the song I listen to when I need strength. Life can really get you down. And sometimes you just feel like a candle in a hurricane or a novel with the end ripped out. And it's okay. It's moment's like these that you find out what you are really made of. So get mad. Get on your knees. Find your strength. Then wipe your hands and shake it off. Don't let life get you down. Stand.

I have added the lyrics at the bottom because they are some of my favorites.

"Everytime you get up And get back in the race, One more small piece of you Starts to fall into place"

This line is one of my favorites however because everything that happens to you in life, defines you. And you are pretty amazing! You may have a past you regret. You may have asked, "Why is this happening to me?" You may wonder why innocent people suffer, the good die young, or how this life is fair. Well, just remember, God doesn't give us trials we cannot handle, so if you are going through some really tough times, then you must be a really tough cookie! Always remember how amazing you are. "Be thankful that the Lord trusts you to overcome!"

Lyrics:
You feel like a candle in a hurricane
Just like a picture with a broken frame
Alone and helpless
Like you've lost your fight
But you'll be alright, you'll be alright

[Chorus:]
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause its all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you Stand, Then you stand

Life's like a novel
With the end ripped out
The edge of a canyon
With only one way down
Take what you're given before its gone
Start holding on, keep holding on

Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend till you break
Cause it's all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you stand, then you stand

Everytime you get up
And get back in the race
One more small piece of you
Starts to fall into place
Oh

[Repeat Chorus]

Amazingly Awesome!

2011-04-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

Wooo- Hooo!!!

2011-04-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

I recently have hit an enormous financial stumbling block. It has been weighing on my mind for days. When I think about it all I want to do is hit my head against the wall and cry... which I do. When I get stressed I develop a stress rash- this latest stress inducer caused my stress rash to explode- it honestly looked like I had the chicken pox. So to sum things up, I was basically freaking a ding dong!

Well....

Today, being the procrastinator that I am, filed my taxes. Holy. Freaking. Cow! My tax return is almost enough to pay off my debt that I found my self unexpectedly in.

I LOVE TAX RETURNS!!!

Moral of the story: Pay your tithing. You will be blessed. :D

Life Has A Way

2011-04-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

It's funny how life has a way of working itself out. One minute you're running around like a chicken with its head cut off screaming "The Sky is Falling!" and the next you find that somehow, even though you have no idea how, but somehow everything went back to how it's supposed to be.

It is now peaceful, happy, enjoyable. Your future no longer looks dark and dreary but bright and radiant. And then you think about it, and realize that a lot of small things ended up contributing to this huge change. The small things are what can change your outlook on life.

For example a person reminding you that you are in fact, beautiful. Or a nice e-mail from a friend who you have really hoped would remember you. Maybe it's as simple as three little boys in elementary who got a kick out of you waving to them as they walked home from school, and ran along side your car laughing and waving back. Things like an old friend calling you up on a Sunday night just to chat. Or a doctor telling you that in his professional opinion, serving a LDS mission would really be the best medicine, confirming that your decisions in life are really correct. It could be listening to your favorite song with the volume turned all the way up in your car. Or just the fact that the sun is out and the grass is starting to turn green. Or maybe it's having a late night conversation with your roommate, who knows exactly what you are going through.

All of these things are small, simple blessings, that can lead to a very great and unexpected change of heart. And in case you haven't picked up on it yet, all of these things happened to me within the last 48 hours, and I am so grateful for the reminder that the simple pleasures in life are what makes a life happy and worthwhile. It's these things that remind you that God does love you and is in fact looking out for you.

Sunshine in a bag!

2011-04-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

This song reminds me of Kelsey and Lorissa. I guess you could say it is "Our Song". But I have no idea why and can't really remember the reason behind it haha. Do you remember Kels? Anyway, this one is for you two! :)

I'm Not That Girl

2011-04-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite musicals. Let's just say, I can relate. We will keep it at that.

Angel Dandruff

2011-04-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

Today the Angels from heaven are itching their heads and their dandruff is falling upon us. Grosssss.

I

HATE

SNOW!!!

Um K. What the heck is with all this snow?! It's APRIL!!! I know, I know. It always snows in April in Logan. BUT this is NOT your regular snow one hour melt in the next April snow. This is dead of winter, make everyone miserable, fall on your butt, soaked pants, scary driving, kinda want to die, kind of snow.

....Apparently I am not the only one who feels this way. hahahaha

Jar of Hearts

2011-04-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

I just absolutely love this song. It reminds me of a guy I know who has collected quite the jar of hearts himself and doesn't seem to care. He never learns from his former mistakes and it leaves me wondering if he will 'catch a cold from the ice inside his soul'. I love this music video and her voice is absolutely amazing!

Something 'Bout Love

2011-04-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

I love music. There is a song for every mood, every situation in life. Music can uplift, comfort, inspire, motivate. Music has the ability to make you laugh, make you cry, recall memories to your mind, remind you of friends or family members. I am so grateful for music. So... I have decided that I am going to post more music videos on my blog. And today you get the man that I am not so secretly in love with--> David Archuleta!

Brother

2011-04-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how proud I am of my little brother? He is turning into quite a good young man.

Zach (My brother) is on the wrestling team at his jr. high and he was telling me how one of his team mates, Bobby (that's what I'm calling him cause I don't remember his real name) didn't want to be in the team picture because he didn't feel worthy standing next to everyone else since he had lost his match. Zach's coach, Mr. Pazoli, had all of the team come in to his classroom individually on Thursday, and when it was Zach's turn he told Mr. Pazoli what Bobby had said. He then asked Mr. Pazoli to give Bobby a pep talk to boost his spirits. Mr. Pazoli asked Zach where Bobby was and Zach told him that he was at lunch. Mr. Pazoli asked Zach to go get Bobby so that he could talk to him. Zach headed to the cafeteria to get Bobby, but he refused to come. However, Zach had been given an assignment by his coach to 'get Bobby' so that's exactly what he did. Zach got another heavy weight on the team and the two of them grabbed Bobby's arms, one on each side, lifted him up and literally carried him to Pazoli's office for his pep talk. I am so proud of my little brother for caring that much about a fellow teammate!

Second Proud Moment: Yesterday was the district championship wrestling match. There was one wrestler from Centerville who was cocky, arrogant, and completely full of himself. I had seen him wrestle before and I didn't like him then, but yesterday I absolutely could not stand him. He is rude to everyone and fights so dirty I don't even understand how the ref's don't kick him out. Well, yesterday he won match after match after match. He ended up taking first place in his weight class. When he won however, not one single teammate cheered for him. And he took first place! This just tells you what kind of kid he is to have his entire team hate him enough to not even be happy for doing so well.

Zach on the other hand has one of the biggest cheering sections I have ever seen. All of his teammates go nuts for him. His teammates parents go nuts for him. His family is there cheering him on, sometimes even extended family. He even has friends come and sit on hard bleachers, for many many hours, just to watch his matches. It just goes to show that being nice to everyone has its advantages!

Third Proud Moment: Zach did really well yesterday. He got 5'th place out of 30 other heavy weights, and in my book, that's good! Even though Zach didn't place and get a medal, he still went up to the four heavy weight champions who did place to congratulate them. Wow. What a good loser.(You know what I mean.) I was so proud of him for not being angry or having any bitter feelings towards the wrestlers who beat him. He is just turning into such a good man and I am so so proud of him!

This is the Ref holding up Zach's hand indicating he just won his match! Yay! Go Knights! :)

"Must be a different view, to be a me with a you."

2011-03-31T01:46:00.000-07:00

So I tend to steal a lot from my friend Tyler's blog. He posted this music video and I fell in love with this song....

Thanks Tyler for always having incredible taste in music, and for sharing it with me!

A Good Day

2011-03-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

I told you I would get back to happy posts. :)

Today was a good day. I may not have accomplished much, but sometimes the best days are spent wrapped in a blanket while it snows outside watching looney tunes with your roommates.

Sometimes a good day is getting more food than you bargained for and sharing with your roommates.

Sometimes a good day is playing a new game with your roommates.

And sometimes a good day is realizing how lucky and blessed you are to have the roommates that you do.

Thanks roomies! I sure do love you Kenzi, Rachel, Leisha, and Emily!

Friend-Ache

2011-03-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

One day I will get back to happy posts.... but this is not it. (Just giving you fair warning).

I was just wondering. Do you ever feel this awful ache inside of you when you think about friends you've either lost or are just not close to anymore? Am I weird for feeling this way?

Tonight I was able to go to a play that one of my best friends from high school was in. Fortunately I was able to see him afterwards for a few minutes. I gave him a hug and asked how he was doing, but as I was walking away from him this terrible ache filled my heart. In all honesty, I miss him.

I couldn't be more grateful for this friend. For the things he taught me. For the times he saved me. For the memories we created. I have no doubt in my mind that someone from above put him in my life at the time that he was.

I understand the concept that people come into our lives for a reason, for however long we need them or they need us, and then it's alright to move on after that. But understanding it and living it is a completely different thing. I hate change. I don't want to move on. I want to have the amazing moments I have had with past friends everyday for the rest of my life!

Is that crazy?

Thinking about this old high school friend led me to think about all my old high school friends. And I miss them. All of them. Jack. Aaron. Katie. Ali. Kristin. Cami. Amber. Alyse. (etc.)

I miss my ward friends. Lauren. JaNae. Brittney. Marissa. Tyler. Trevor. Sean. Rachel. (etc.)

I miss my old roommates. Lorissa. Kelsey. Shilah. Reconda. Maddie. TaLisha. Shalese. Breanna. Geri. SuSu. Betsy. (etc.)

I miss my three friends from the best summer I have ever had. Alejandra. Ryan. Jason.

I. Miss. Them. All.

Can anyone sympathize with me? And if so, does it ever go away?

I know I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life who have taught me so much. I have so many amazing friends now. Amanda. Alex. Kenzi. Kylie. Leisha. Rachel. Emily. Lauren. Katelyn. Morgan. Tyler. The list goes on.

I look at these lists of people and know it would be virtually impossible to have them all fit into my life. So that's what I picture heaven to be like. All my friends. All my family. Together. Forever. No aches.

Too Personal? Oh Well. I'm sharing anyway.

2011-03-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

As some of you might know, I've been going through a rough time lately. When I was ten years old I was diagnosed with depression. Since that time I have been on four different anti-depressant medications trying to help me cope and be a happy positive person.... didn't always work. I feel like I have situational depression, especially when big changes occur in my life. The times I needed medication the most is when I went to a new school, Jr. High, High School, and College. I don't handle change very well.

Knowing that, I thought it might be time to get back on a medication seeing as going on a mission is going to be a monumental change. My doctor quickly agreed with me and put me on my fifth anti depressant to see if it would work better than my previous medications. I have been on it for a month, and it is definitely not working but causing me to spiral downward into the blackest pit of despair. I have suicidal thoughts, which is scary because I haven't had that since high school.

So why am I pouring my heart out into the internet void? I guess it's because I want to say that I am not ashamed of having depression. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who don't believe that depression is a real thing. Do you know how many times people have said to me, "Get over it! It's all in your head!" Well duh! Of course it's in my head! Do you think I don't know that? I do. It's getting it OUT of my head that's the dilemma. So here is a news flash to all the doubters of the world: DEPRESSION IS A REAL MEDICAL PROBLEM!!! And to the people who suffer from depression: Get help! There is nothing shameful in having depression. It is a chemical imbalance that can be treated. Depression leads to suicide. Don't let that happen to you. Take care of yourself. Stop living in denial.

Fortunately for me I have many other ways to cope with my depression. My doctor suggested I take advantage of the free counseling center on campus, which I plan to do. Exercising helps. Talking to my friends and family about it works miracles! One of my best friends suggested that I take Vitamin D supplements. Going for drives, playing with animals, listening to happy music, reading a children's literature book (because they all have happy endings)--> all of these things can help me. But the greatest thing that has helped me is praying and asking Heavenly Father for help. Cause guess what folks? I can't do this alone! Last night was a particularly bad night, so I prayed for comfort. As I was praying the song "Where can I turn for Peace" popped into my head. I began singing the words in my head but couldn't remember all of them so I looked it up. Wow! So many lines hit me like a ton of bricks. Once again, if I haven't said it enough times already, I am so so so grateful for a Heavenly Father who is aware of me. Who sends me peace when I need it most. Who understands everything I'm going through. Who loves me even though I am crazy and should maybe sometimes be locked up in a psyche ward haha. But mostly I am grateful for the answers to prayers. Here is my answer to my prayer:

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When, with a wounded heart, anger, or malice
I draw myself apart searching my soul?
Where, when my aching grows?
Where, when I languish?
Where, in my need to know?
Where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.
He answers privately.
Reaches my reaching.
In my Gethsemane, Savior, and friend.
Gentle, the peace He finds
For my beseeching.
Constant He is, and kind.
Love without end.
-Where can I turn for Peace? LDS Hymn book page 129-

Dance on the Edge of the Hollywood Sign!

2011-03-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

My big sis introduced me to this song. If you know me at all, you know how much I hate dancing. I'm not even good at pretending I like to dance. But this song makes me want to turn the volume up and dance all alone in my room like a crazy person. I don't know why haha it just does!

Another Tale of Two Cities

2011-03-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is a tale of two cities, Logan and Fruit Heights.

When I first moved to Logan in 2006 I would become really homesick and go to Fruit Heights almost every weekend. As my social life in Logan grew however, I would stay in Logan until the phone call would come from my mom begging me to come home because she missed me. Over the last year or so coming home to Fruit Heights grew increasingly harder to do. I loved Logan. I loved my friends there. I loved my life there. I never wanted to leave!

Just recently though, the longing pull from these two cities has once again changed. I have spent a lot of time over the last month in Fruit Heights. Every time I come I want to stay longer and longer and making the one hour drive back to Logan becomes more and more unappealing. I don't really know the reason for this change. All I know is that I'm sitting in Fruit Heights on a Monday, watching the clock as it ticks closer and closer to the time my class starts. My car is all packed up, but I find myself stalling to the very last possible second. I don't want to leave. I love it here. This feels more like home than my apartment in Logan. I feel so loved here and I don't want to leave my amazing family. Why don't I want to leave?

The funny thing is, is that as I was talking to my little brother today, I called Logan my home. So when I am in Fruit Heights, I tell my family that Logan is my home. But when I am in Logan, I tell my roommates that I am going home to Fruit Heights. Sometimes it feels confusing to have two homes, but at the same time, that is also a great blessing.

As I was writing I was thinking of the people in Japan who have no home. It feels selfish of me to have two. I feel so blessed to have two places on this Earth that I can call home. The meaning of the word home has taken on a whole new, deeper meaning for me. So even though my heart feels like it belongs in Fruit Heights, a part of it belongs in Logan as well. I don't know the point of this blog really. I guess all I'm trying to say, is that I'm thankful for my home(s).

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."
-Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities-

A Tale of Two Cities

2011-03-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Last night I was able to go to the musical 'A Tale of Two Cities' at the Hale theater in West Valley. Oh my goodness. How do I even begin to describe how amazing it was. Where do I start? The cast, the scenery, the costumes, the story, the MUSIC! It was so incredible! They compared it to Les Miserables and for good reason! It was just as intense, heart pounding, goodness as Les Miserables, which is one of my all time favorite musicals.

This show runs until April so if you get a chance, please please please go see it! I know the tickets are a little pricey for poor college kids, but it's SO worth it and you will not regret it I promise! In fact, I'm seriously considering going again myself. My fingers are just itching to buy my tickets. Anyone want to go with me? haha

The really cool part was that the lead actor is in my homeward in Fruit Heights. He graduated with my older sister Cassie so I didn't know him all that well growing up, but it was still really amazing to see him perform. I had no idea he was so talented. He completely stole the show. (I think I'm in love! Seriously!) ;) (He is in the MWF cast so if you go, go to one of those nights! His name is Kyle Olsen, and believe me when I say, you're not going to want to miss him!)

click here to go to Hale theaters website for tickets and more information.

SUN! FUN! and HAIRSPRAY!

2011-03-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

This last week was Spring Break and my cousin Kylie and I drove down to Beaver Dam to stay in my grandparents condo for a few days. (For those of you who don't know, Beaver Dam is in Arizona, about ten minutes away from Mesquite, which is in Nevada, and twenty minutes away from St. George, Utah. Welcome to the four corners!)

As we were driving down there we hit the biggest snow storm ever! We found out later that the highway we were on was closed shortly after we drove past it. Whew, I'm glad we made it and didn't get stranded in the middle of nowhere!

Fortunately after about an hour the sky looked like this...

This was a pretty chill trip. We just kind of hung out and played games. One night we went to the Casablanca casino and hotel to get Dessert. Here are some pictures of that night...

On one of the days we laid out in the grass on a blanket. We played games, read books, and just enjoyed the sunshine...

We also went on a lot of drives, got a little lost, and stopped by the side of the road to take pictures...

We also ate at a really yummy Mexican restaurant, did a little shopping, ordered Chinese take out, watched some tv, discovered a new hilarious game. It was just such a fun trip and oh so nice to finally be in some warm weather and lots of sunshine. My feet were happy in flip flops again!

On Saturday of that week I was able to go see the musical Hairspray with my roommate Emily. One of my good friends from high school, Aaron Ford, played Corny Collins and he did an amazing job! The whole cast was amazing! I loved it and it reminded me just how much I love musicals! Here is a picture of us from that night...

(Sorry. I don't know why that picture is so small)

Sickness

2011-03-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

A week and a half ago I got sick. Not only am I no better, I am worse. Tonight my mom told me that this sickness is everywhere! She said that Davis High has tons of students out right now, and Cassie says that almost everyone at her work is sick. I guess on the news it was talking about how this is spreading, and it lasts for weeks! WEEKS! Well, damn! I don't have weeks! (Pardon my French). I will leave out all of the gruesome details. I won't tell you that I cough so hard I throw up. Or that my nose is so snotty I could probably have filled a swimming pool with it by now. And I won't mention the fact that my sides, stomach, and back feel like I have been kicked by a cow from coughing so hard. No, I will leave out all of the dirty details. And I won't even complain about how expensive being sick is. With the night cold medicine, dayquil, cough drops, tissue, liquids, etc. Because you know me, I'm not a complainer. And finally, I won't whine to you about how I am laying in bed right now, seriously contemplating where I am going to find the energy to get up, brush my teeth, wash my face, and make my bed. I won't tell you how I feel so weak that all of those tasks seem like an incredibly unachievable feat. It's a good thing I don't whine and complain and go on and on about how miserable I am. Because if I did, well that would be sending off some very negative vibes indeed.

The upside to all of this is that my voice sounds like a man and I am constantly reminded of the Friends episode where Phoebe is sick and thinks her voice sounds really sexy, and when she loses her cold she is really mad that she lost her sexy voice. She ends up kissing Chandler when he gets sick to see if she can get her sexy voice back. So that is always fun to have a Friends moment.

Another good thing is that it is Spring Break next week. And I don't care if I am on my death bed, I am going to get the heck out of Logan... even if it kills me! (No pun intended... well maybe a little).

Caution: Whining Blog Ahead

2011-02-23T21:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like such an idiot. This weekend as I said before, I went home to Fruit Heights. While there my mom became extremely sick, sicker than I have seen her in a long time. Being the idiot that I am, I laid in bed with her for a few hours talking and catching up. I missed her. I wanted to spend time with her. And as good as my motives were, I didn't even once think to myself, "Hey. I better stay away from her in case I get sick too." DUH! Even though it was so good talking to my mom, the way I am feeling right now is making me think it wasn't worth it. I feel like death! And the timing could not be worse!!! I have a math test tomorrow, my dad's 50'th birthday open house is tomorrow, and I am supposed to go away for the weekend with my family. Ugh. I want to die. I wan't to throw up. And then I want to die. (and in case you think I'm being overly dramatic, that line is from The Grinch, just revised a little... so I don't really mean it haha) But anyway, I'm gonna need a miracle here because I HAVE to get feeling better by tomorrow! Well that's all. I'm done whining.... for now.

President's Day Weekend

2011-02-21T21:36:00.000-08:00

This was a really good weekend. Three cheers for three day weekends people!

On Friday my two sisters drove up to Logan for a visit. We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and checked out a dessert place I have always wanted to try, I think it's called 'Sweetly Divine' or something like that. After dinner and dessert we went to the USU hockey game, which ended up being one of the most intense games I have ever been to! We played U of U and went in to over time. It was insane! But of course, Aggies won!

That night my sisters and I went to a midnight movie. The movie was called, "Just Go With It" with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. It was hilarious! I was laughing so hard it was ridiculous!

Saturday morning we slept in, I made my sisters breakfast, and then they packed up and went home. I got ready and packed myself, and then I drove home to Fruit Heights for a date I had later that night in Salt Lake City.

So Saturday night I went on one of the funnest dates ever! I guess looking back the actual activities done that night were nothing special, but the person I went with was a lot of fun to be around. I guess it also felt absolutely wonderful to FINALLY not be thinking about the dumb boy I've wasted the last four years of my life on. I don't know, I'm just happy.

Sunday morning my wonderful father made me a delicious breakfast and I went to church in my home ward. When I was actually living at home going to this ward, I was not always such a big fan of the people, but going back is always a real treat because I feel like the people there are genuinely happy to see me and ask me about my life. They are all really excited about my mission as well, so I was bombarded with questions about that. Sunday night I drove back to Logan, talked with my roommates, and watched the old version of "Yours, Mine, and Ours" with Lucille Ball. What a great movie!

So today (Monday) was another great day. I was able to go out to lunch with the guy I had the date with on Saturday. I took a nap, read, did homework, and laundry. Tonight my friend Amanda came over to watch The Bachelor with me and my roommates, and then later I played games with my roommates Rachel and Emily. It was just such a great weekend and an absolutely needed break from life!

So Mission Update:
After a few days of attempting to call the guy who schedules the stake president's interviews, I was able to finally get in touch with him today. Turns out his phone had died. Seeing as I am not able to meet with my stake president this Sunday (I'm going out of town for my Dad's 50'th birthday... shhhh... it's a secret) I have my stake president interview on March 6. After that my papers will be sent to Salt Lake and I could get my call within 2 to 4 weeks, meaning I should have my call by the first of April at the very latest. I was hoping that this process would go a lot more quickly, but at least I have a better clue of the timeline I'm on.

Just Need to Share

2011-02-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

Deciding to go on a mission is a hard thing. There are so many 'what if' questions. What if I miss my chance at marriage while I'm out? What if leaving school causes huge problems in the future? What if I don't know enough to teach? What if things get serious with the guy I'm dating? What if I just can't do this? What if? What if? What if?

I know that I'm supposed to go on a mission. I made my decision. I filled my papers out. It all feels right. When I finally told my family that I was filling out mission papers, they were beyond ecstatic. It was a very joyous experience. And then... Bam! Satan attacks! I have never felt Satan's influence so strongly in my life as I am right now. It's hard guys. And it sucks. And honestly, it's down right scary! I have so many doubts, fears, and anxieties. Please don't misunderstand me, I am so excited to go. I can't wait to leave! But it is a very big, very scary thing. I have been talking to my roommates and my mom a lot about my fears and doubts. And they have helped so much. Their words of comfort and great advice have gotten me through a lot in the past few weeks. But I still couldn't get rid of these horrible feelings. I kept wondering if I was doing the right thing.

Well, my mission prep institute class was amazing today. I feel like a thousand pounds have been lifted off my shoulders. At the start of class, after the song and prayer, everyone who has received a mission call gets up and bears their testimony and announces where they are going. I love this little ritual in the class. We had two people that got their calls this week, a girl and a guy. The guy gets up and says that he had three years of German in high school, so when he got his call to Germany it felt so right. He had such a strong testimony and I know he will make an amazing missionary. Then the girl gets up to announce where she is going. Before she tells us she says that right before she opened her call, her and her sister were talking about how they both would hate to go to some random state in the U.S. like Ohio. Guess where she is going? Ohio! But the cool thing is, is that she is called to work in the visitors center at the Kirtland Temple! How sweet is that?! So anyway, she said it was a very humbling experience but she is really excited. When she was telling this story my heart just kind of sank. You hear all the time that when missionaries say they don't want to go somewhere, sure enough, that's where they get called. I promised myself I wouldn't jinx myself, but I definitely did. I just have this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach that I am going to get called to Utah. I know of four missionaries that lived in Utah, and got called to Utah! And for some reason, I have this huge fear that that is going to be me.

So anyway, when the girl sat down, my teacher asked if we had any questions about the gospel, missionary work, or life in general. People started asking questions and pretty soon we got into a discussion about mission fears. I don't even know how we got there, but you could tell that the whole class was holding its breath to be able to talk about this with each other. My inspired institute teacher pushed his planned lesson aside, and said, "Alright class. Let's hear your deepest darkest secret fears about going on a mission." Wow. This is just what I needed today! It was so amazing to realize that every single person in that room, girl and boy, had the exact same fears. This may sound strange, but it made me feel so much better to know that there are so many people sitting in the same boat as I am. We had such a great discussion today, and when people admitted their fears, somehow, it seemed to calm mine. At the end of class my teacher then says this, "I don't know why, but I feel inspired to have all of the girls stay after class, to continue this discussion." The class ended, all of the boys got up and left, and now it was just the girls having a chat session with our institute teacher. The spirit magnified ten fold, and we were able to continue the discussion on what we were so scared of on a more intimate level. There were many tears, kind words, and comfort shared today. I needed this so badly. At the end of the chat session one of the girls asked if we could do this again. I was relieved that she asked because I was thinking the same thing! My institute teacher agreed and we are going to have 'girl talk' every Tuesday after class.

I know with my whole heart that my institute teacher is a very inspired man. I know that God is aware of me, and knew exactly what I needed to calm me down and bring me peace. I am so thankful for my wonderful family and friends who are a constant, never wavering, support system for me. And I also know that if I get called to Utah, that that's where I'm supposed to be and will end up loving my area more than anything I could have ever imagined! Institute is a divine institution. If you are not taking an institute class this semester, I highly encourage you to do so! Here are some quotes from some very great men. Maybe they can persuade you better than I can! :)

“If you are a single college student, I ask you to make participation in institute a priority. Married students and other young adults are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave with you”
President Thomas S. Monson, April 21, 2009

“We urge all for whom [institute] is available to take advantage of it. We do not hesitate to promise that your knowledge of the gospel will be increased, your faith will be strengthened, and you will develop wonderful associations and friendships”
President Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1984

“Students, if your values are in place, you will not hesitate to forego an elective class that may decorate your life in favor of instruction which can hold together the very foundation of it. Then, once enrolled, attend, study, and learn. Persuade your friends to do the same. You will never regret it; this I promise you”
Elder Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 1983

“I know the power that comes from associations in the seminary and institute programs. It has enriched my life, and I know it will do the same for you. It will put a shield of protection around you to keep you free from the temptations and trials of the world…I know of no better place for the young people of the Church to gain a special knowledge of sacred things than in the institute and seminary programs of the Church”
Elder L. Tom Perry, Ensign, Nov. 1997,

Day Thirty- Last Day!

2011-02-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of the blog challenge! I can't believe it's been a month since I started this. Time is flying by so fast these days! Today's blog challenge is a favorite quote. This quote was framed and given to me as a present from my friend Amber. It was her favorite quote, and it is now mine as well.

"I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make a life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a person humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they they ought to be, -- we help them become what they are capable of becoming."
-Goethe-

Day Twenty Nine

2011-02-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Something You Would Like To Do Before You Die:

There are A LOT of things I would like to do before I die. I have an entire bucket list dedicated to this question. The first one on that list is to ride an elephant. This is like my number one goal in life! I was going to post some more of the things on that list... but.... there are too many to choose from! All I know is, I better be rich cause my bucket list could be kind of pricey haha.

Day Twenty Eight

2011-02-09T14:04:00.001-08:00

A picture of your pet if you have one, if not a pet you would like to own:

My apartment does not allow pets, but this is the dog back home. Technically he belongs to my little brother, but considering the fact that everyone is in love with this little guy he is a family pet.

This is Chaz. He is spoiled, annoying, cuddly, adorable, and has a super hilarious personality. You can't say the words 'outside' or 'walk' unless you plan on taking him outside for a walk, he literally freaks out. His bed is on my Mom's stomach. He loves sugar. He thinks he is bigger than he really is because he acts like a tough guy around the hunting dogs, however a cat that was bigger than him scared him to death. My dad calls him Radar because of his funny looking ears. He is just cute. We all love him.

As soon as I move into a place that allows animals I am definitely getting a dog. I love pets, but dogs are by far my favorite.

Day Twenty Seven

2011-02-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

Day 27 of the blog challenge is how you spend your leisure time.

I spend my leisure time reading, watching movies, sleeping, watching tv seasons, or hanging out with roommates/friends. In the summer a lot of my leisure time is spent laying in the sun.

Day Twenty Six

2011-02-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

Something/ Someone that has inspired you to do better or make a change recently.

The thing that has inspired me the most this month has probably been my institute classes. I have learned so much from them.

The people that have inspired me to make a change are my roommates Kenzi and Emily. They have taught me about how to deal with confrontation and how to be a better friend. I feel like they are in my life for a reason right now, and they are preparing me for things that will come up on my mission. I am super grateful for the things that they are teaching me, and I am really grateful for their friendship. They are amazing girls.

Day Twenty Five

2011-02-06T17:53:00.000-08:00

Dream Vacation Spot:
In the U.S.:Hawaii
Foreign: Italy

Day Twenty Four

2011-02-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

Today's blog challenge is to write about a dream I had in the last month. But I'll do you one better and tell you about the dream I had last night.

I had a dream that my best friend from high school, Amber Feigleson, came to visit me up here at USU. I took her on a tour of campus, spending an extra amount of time in the library where I showed her the barn and my favorite study place. As we were walking back to my apartment we ran into an old friend from high school, Sean Knighton. He said hello to us and I told him that I was going on a mission. As we were walking away from each other I turned around and yelled, "Miss you Sean!". He turned and paused for a long time, then said, "Miss you too." But I knew that he didn't really, he just was trying to be polite and say it back. He hurt my feelings pretty badly because we used to be good friends. Amber and I made it back to my apartment and started discussing where we should go to lunch, and thats where the dream ended.

--Dreams are really crazy things. I don't ever know where they come from. Like, how did Sean end up in my dreams last night? He doesn't even go to USU. It was weird. Dreams are weird. The end.

Day Twenty Three

2011-02-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Author/Writer/Poet....

Some of my favorite authors include Jane Austen, Shannon Hale, Gerald Lund, Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl, and of course, J.K. Rowling.

My favorite poet, no contest, is Robert Frost.
Here are four of my favorites by him:

Mending Wall:

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it
And spills the upper boulder in the sun,
And make gaps even two can pass abreast.
The work of hunters is another thing:
I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
No one has seen them made or heard them made,
But at spring mending-time we find them there,
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;
And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
"Stay where you are until our backs are turned!"
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
Oh, just another kind of outdoor game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, "Good fences make good neighbors."
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
"Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it
Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offense.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down." I could say "Elves" to him,
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather
He said it for himself. I see him there,
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me,
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors."

The Road Not Taken:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Fire and Ice:

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening:

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Day Twenty Two

2011-02-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

All the Places I have lived:
Logan, Utah
Mendon, Utah
Fruit Heights, Utah
Back to Logan, Utah--> in 5 different apartments.

Day Twenty One

2011-02-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

A Funny Childhood Memory:

So I am an animal lover. We always had pets growing up. When I was little, like 2 or 3, we had this bunny. And I loved that thing. So Easter morning we were getting ready for church and my parents couldn't find me anywhere! They were almost frantic. My mom had gotten me ready for church, and then went away to finish getting ready herself. They looked for me everywhere and finally went to look out in our yard. When they did find me I was sitting IN the bunny cage, in my brand new Easter dress, with the bunny on my lap, just petting it away, and in my own little world. ha ha I was kind of a strange little kid.

Day Twenty

2011-02-01T11:40:00.001-08:00

Day Twenty of the Blog Challenge is your favorite song. But I already told you that in a previous post, so here are some of my favorite bands/artists:
David Archuleta
All American Rejects
Mury
Yellowcard
Lost Prophets
Three Days Grace
Jason Mraz
Taylor Swift
John Schmidt
Snow Patrol
Brittney Spears
Lady Ga Ga
Katy Perry
Coldplay

I know there are a ton more that I love, but that's good enough for now. Day Twenty- over and out!

Day Nineteen

2011-01-31T10:47:00.001-08:00

What you would find in my bag:
Wallet
Gum
Cell Phone
USU Pen
Keys
Old Receipts
Change
Chapstick
Hand Sanitizer
Gloves
Movie Ticket Stubs
Advil
Ipod
Cough Drops
Pepper Spray

Day Eighteen

2011-01-30T21:34:00.000-08:00

Day Eighteen is a list of the things you crave.
These are the things that I crave... a lot!
-Chocolate
-Mt. Dew
-Waverunners
-Guy friend hugs
-Bear Lake
-Reading
-Sunshine
-Sleep
*That's all I can think of right now.

Day Seventeen

2011-01-29T00:36:00.000-08:00

Pictures of things that make me happy:

Day Sixteen

2011-01-28T00:08:00.000-08:00

Day sixteen of the blog challenge is to name someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future. Thats a toughy because I am quite certain that I have not met the man I will marry. So instead, here are some qualities that I am looking for....
-- TALL
-- Worthy Priesthood Leader, Church Lover, Strong Testimony
-- Great sense of humor
-- Respects the crap out of women and does not belittle or objectify them in ANY WAY!!
-- Amazing communication skills
-- Will make a great father someday
-- Trustworthy, honest, dependable, hard worker, super patient, loving, kind, tender
-- Is NOT scared to show emotion, not into a super "manly man" and being high maintenance is a HUGE turn off!
-- Similar interests/hobbies as me
-- MY BEST FRIEND

Day Fifteen

2011-01-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

Nicknames. And why you have them.

Wee: This is what my family calls me. I guess it has something to do with the fact that it rhymes with my middle name. Sometimes they call me Kristi Wee. This was also my mom's nickname when she was younger.

Roxy: My sixth grade nickname that my friends gave me. I believe this was given to me because my favorite shirt was Roxy, I used to wear it all the time.

Cheese: This nickname started in seventh grade and lasted all through high school. A girl named Jessica Hill gave it to me one day in art class. We were doing a project with our names, and had to write the definition of our names down. I said that my name probably meant something stupid like cheese or something, and somehow it stuck.

Skids: This nickname was the nickname I received in my sophomore carpool. We all had nicknames that started with the letter S.

Kris: Some of my friends called me this for short. I am not sure when it started, or who started it. My friend Kristin King was the one that called me that the most though.

Kristi Lou: My friend and old roommate Lorissa calls me this.

I think thats all of them. Nicknames are so funny and so random sometimes. And it's always really fun to see the ones that stick.

Day Fourteen

2011-01-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

Plans/Dreams/Goals

It's so funny that this blog challenge came today. I am not sure if I am ready to tell the world, but I told all of my family yesterday, so why not?

... I am going on a mission! I am almost done with my papers, so should be able to turn them in, in a few weeks. So that's my plan. :)

... Dreams. My dream for myself is to have a family. I would love to be a stay at home mom, but I understand that sometimes that is not always possible, so I am preparing for a different future if I need it. I am looking into either being a book editor (or something to do with publishing) and a librarian. I haven't decided yet, all I know is that I love books and want to do something with them.

...Goals. My goals in life is to live every moment to its fullest. I don't want to have any regrets. And I definitely do not want fear to dictate my decisions. I want to be brave. And confident. And happy with who I am and what I have done. Mostly, I want to put some good into the world, even in it's smallest amounts, and even if that means through my children. Also, I want to ride an elephant. (and do all of the other things on my bucket list, but thats number one haha)

Day Thirteen

2011-01-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

Someone I would like to switch lives with for one day and why.

I honestly don't know, because I know that the grass is NEVER greener on the other side. So really, I would like to switch lives with my future self. Just one day. I would love to be reassured that I am making the right decisions, that everything will work out in the end. I have been so stressed out about my future lately and what paths will lead me to the best places. There are so many questions I have about my future, so if I could just get a glimpse of it, well, that would just be freaking fantastic!

Day Twelve

2011-01-24T13:49:00.000-08:00

Today's post of the blog challenge is to put your ipod on shuffle and list the first ten songs that play. However, I can't exactly find my ipod at the moment, so these are the first ten songs that played in my itunes.

1. The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room from The Classic Disney Soundtrack
2. Love is Strange, Dirty Dancing Soundtrack
3. You Belong With Me, Taylor Swift
4. Giddy Up, N'Sync
5. Street Walkin', 27 Dresses Soundtrack
6. The Goonies R Good Enough, A New Found Glory
7. Waking Up In Vegas, Katy Perry
8. Stay, Alison Krauss
9. Some Kind of Wonderful, Michael Buble
10.Hold Me, Savage Garden

WOW! RANDOM! haha my itunes is pretty much the most random songs ever! Awesome!

Day Eleven

2011-01-23T11:51:00.001-08:00

A picture of you and your family....

Day Ten

2011-01-22T23:36:00.000-08:00

Day ten of the blog challenge is your favorite songs.

My ultimate, feel happy, make me happy when I'm down, dance to, sing along with at the top of my lungs is this song by Baha Men....

I was first introduced to this song at EFY, and it has been my happy song ever since.

That is by far my favorite song but here are some other amazing ones:
Driving to Bear Lake song: Swing Swing by All American Rejects
Angry that I still love him song: I Hate Everything About You by 3 Days Grace
Singing in my car in Sardine Canyon song: Love Me Dead by Ludo
My heart hurts because of him: Just a little too not over you by David Archuleta
I need some showtunes in my life song: The Phantom of the Opera
Don't mess with me song: Shut Up by Simple Plan
Driving in a convertible Song: Hey Driver by Lucky Boys Confusion
I want revenge: Gives You Hell by All American Rejects
Driving home to Fruit Heights song: Rooftops by Lost Prophets
I HATE LOVE! Song: Love Love Kiss Kiss by Alkaline Trio

There are so many more great songs out there, and so this list could go on forever, but it's late and that's all I can think of right now.

Day Nine

2011-01-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

Something you're proud of in the last few days...

I have been wracking my brains trying to think of something that I have done in the last few days that is pride worthy. Then I realized, that I am proud of ME. Does that sound weird? I just feel like I have come a long way in the last month. The last, I don't know, six months or so, I haven't been doing that great in certain aspects of my life. I was really depressed and down on myself. But now I feel so happy all of the time and am absolutely loving life. I am more able to see my blessings rather than trials and my attitude about the world is much more positive. I feel like I am a better friend, better sister, better student, better roommate, and better child of God. I hope I don't sound prideful when I say that, because heaven knows I still have a long way to go and a lot more to learn. I am just feeling really good with who I am at the moment.

Day Eight

2011-01-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

Todays blog challenge is your short term goals.

My obvious short term goals are to do well in school, get enough hours in at work to pay for rent and my car payment, and to eat right, get enough sleep, and exercise more. However, I came up with another goal yesterday. In my institute class we have been learning to not get defensive when someone attacks our religion. Sounds easy right? Well last night I found out that its not as easy as you would think. Yesterday someone came to our apartment and started talking casually, TOO casually, about something that is meant to be kept very sacred in the church. I was appalled that he felt no guilt at the things that he was being so nonchalant about. I quickly came to the conclusion that this guy has no self awareness whatsoever, but even worse, I jumped to the defensive. So my goal is to practice patience when facing confrontation. What that guy said last night was in no way appropriate. He needs to learn to keep sacred things sacred. Especially with things pertaining to the temple. But I was wrong too. I should have been patient with him and calmly explained to him why he was such an idiot. (Im kidding I'm kidding!) I just needed to not get so angry, because really, what did that accomplish? Absolutely positively NOTHING!

Day Seven

2011-01-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

A picture that has the biggest impact on you.

I could say a lot about The Church and how much I love and am grateful for it. But I don't know if words could truly express how it has changed me. Made me better. It is the underlying reason behind every action I take, every decision I make, and everything good in my life. To find out more please visit The Church's website here.

Day Six

2011-01-18T23:54:00.000-08:00

Your Favorite Super Hero:

I would say that my favorite super hero is Spider Man. Firstly because he by far has the coolest outfit. Secondly, I hate spiders with a fiery passion, so I like that in these comics/movies spiders are seen in a good light and not as the scary monsters that they really are. And lastly, I am completely in love with the fact that Spider Man was a total dweeb before he got bit by the spider. Don't you just LOVE hot nerds? I mean look at this....

H-O-T!!!

Day Five

2011-01-17T01:48:00.000-08:00

Day Five is a picture of somewhere you've been to. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures with me of my favorite place I've been to (they are all at my parents house) so you get this generic one from Google Images.

That's right. New York City. Probably my favorite vacation ever! I went when I was 16 with a huge group from school. Our hotel was in Times Square so we spent a lot of time there. We also went to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, sunset faerie ride on the Hudson, Ground Zero, toured the U.N., wax museum, Central Park, toured Radio City, lots of shopping, China Town, toured Carnegie Hall, Empire State Building, and SIX broadway shows, plus a TON more stuff I can't remember at the moment. New York is the city that never sleeps, and I sure didn't when I was there. I am dying to go back there. I LOVE LOVE LOVE NEW YORK CITY!!!

Day Four

2011-01-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Day four of the blog challenge is a habit that you wish you didn't have.

I have many bad habits. But the one I feel like I need to work on right now is my bad sleeping routine. I stay up late, wake up early, and take a nap in the afternoon. I love naps. But I am really going to try harder to cut them out of my life and get on a better sleeping schedule.

Day Three

2011-01-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

Day Three: A Picture of you and your friends. How could I choose just one though? Here are some of my besties.

Kenzi, Me, Leisha, Emily, Rachel

TaLisha and Amanda

Kelsey, Kylie, and Emily

Cami

Lorissa and Kelsey

Amber

Alejandra and Ryan

Day Two

2011-01-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Day Two of the blog challenge: The meaning behind your blog name.

My blog name isn't all that difficult to figure out. Unlike many of my fellow bloggers, I am not married and have a family of my own. My blog is all my own, all about me. I think the fact that it rhymes probably illustrates the fact that I am always rhyming! Like seriously. ALWAYS!

My blog address is the first four letters of my name, middle initial, and last initial. One of my best friends in high school used to call me 'Kris', so I guess maybe that's where that came from as well.

And there you have. Day Two of the blog challenge is complete!

I Stole Blog Ideas Again

2011-01-13T22:11:00.000-08:00

Maybe you guys have seen this circulating on other blogs, but this is known as the Blog Challenge. I am going to try really hard to do this, and I think you should too. (It would give me something else to read haha) (By the way, I changed some of them because some of the other ones didn't really apply or I just didn't want to do them. You can change it to fit you as well.)
Day 1-15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 2-The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 3-A picture of you and your friends
Day 4-A habit that you wish you didn't have
Day 5-A picture of somewhere you've been to
Day 6-Favorite super hero and why
Day 7-A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 8-Short term goals for this month and when you'll accomplish them
Day 9-Something you're proud of in the past few days
Day 10-Songs you listen to when you're bored, happy, sad, mad, hyped
Day 11-A picture of you and your family
Day 12- Put your ipod or shuffle on-first 10 songs that play
Day 13- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 14- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 15-Nicknames you have and why you have them
Day 16-Someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future
Day 17- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 18- Something you crave for a lot
Day 19-What I would find in your bag
Day 20- Your favorite song
Day 21- A funny childhood memory
Day 22- The places you have lived
Day 23- Your favorite author/writer/poet
Day 24- A dream you had in the last month
Day 25- Your dream vacation spot
Day 26- Something/ Someone that has inspired you to do better or make a change recently
Day 27- How do you spend your leisure time
Day 28- A picture of your pet if you have one, if not a pet you would like to own
Day 29- Something you would like to do before you die
Day 30- A Favorite Quote

Day ONE: 15 Interesting Facts About Yourself
1. I dream almost every night and almost always remember them. My dreams are usually insane!
2. I was 5 feet 11 inches tall by the sixth grade, when I finally stopped growing. I was the tallest in my grade every year of elementary school.
3. I broke my knee when I was 15 years old jumping hurdles in gym class. I had surgery and still have metal screws in my knee.
4. I have been bucked off of a horse four times.
5. When I was 10 years old I cut 21 inches off of my hair. Three months later, I cut seven more inches off, making a grand total of 28 inches of hair!
6. The day of my high school graduation I did not know if I had qualified to walk with my class until three hours before the ceremony started. Graduating high school was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
7. I cried like a baby when I got my acceptance letter to Utah State University. It was the only school I applied to.
8. I had high hopes of some day being a photographer. Those dreams were squashed after working in a portrait studio for over a year, making me realize that I did NOT want to do this for the rest of my life. My major quickly changed from art to English.
9. I have had 32 roommates in five apartments in the four and a half years that I have been living in Logan.
10. I have worked 10 different jobs since moving to Logan in 2006.
11. I have a HUGE pet peeve of people killing the English language. If you come to The U.S., SPEAK ENGLISH! If you are in the middle of a conversation DON'T TEXT TALK!
12. I have to ground myself from reading leisurely books during the school year. If I pick up a book I can't put it down. This leads to staying up way too late on a school night and neglecting my homework.
13. Like almost everything in this world, I have a dark side. I hate confrontation, so my revenge is usually sneaky. You don't want to get on my bad side. Trust me.
14. I cry for every emotion that I feel. Whether I am sad, mad, hurt, worried, frustrated, lonely, spiritual, excited, and yes, even happy, I cry. I am pretty much a human faucet.
15. I love the sun. The Beach. The Water. Summer. Tanning. The smell of tanning oil. Riding Wave-runners. Floating on a lake in a tube. Squishing my toes in the sand. I am a beach bum. I crave these things all winter, and feel like I never get enough of them in summer. I guess you could say I am kind of an addict. But hey, I'm alright with that.

I Needed This...

2011-01-04T01:37:00.000-08:00

Um. I needed this. I decided to post it in case any of you did too. (Thanks Amber!)

A New Year...

2011-01-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

This New Years Eve was a quiet, but fun affair. Logan is pretty much dead this time of year because all of the college kids go home, but fortunately there was one person left to celebrate with - My cousin Kylie. We had a lot of fun playing games, eating a lot of crap, and watching movies. We also watched every Friends episode that has a New Years in it. At midnight we watched the ball drop and then went outside and threw handfuls of confetti. We stayed up until 6:30 am so Kylie crashed on my couch instead of driving home. The next day we slept in, made breakfast, watched more movies, played more games, ate more crap, and went for a drive in Logan Canyon. It wasn't a wild and crazy party, but it sure was a lot of fun.

Kylie and I were talking about the year 2010 and how it had some extreme highs as well as some extreme lows for both of us. I definitely have a lot of good memories from last year, but I would be lying if I said I am not a little more than relieved to have that year over with. I am also excited for the possibilities that 2011 holds. The happiest of things about to happen are that my two best friends, Ale and Lorissa, will soon come home from their missions! We are also having our big Wright Reunion this year, a reunion that only happens every three years, and this year its being held in Illinois so that will be fun to go somewhere different. I look forward to continuing my education this year, and probably moving out of my apartment. And then there is always the challenge of making this summer better than the last one, a challenge which I am anxiously anticipating! This year I want to try new things, make new friends, work hard, and play harder. 2010 was a year I was waiting for, but it was somewhat of a disappointment. I am bound and determined to make this year a memorable one with no regrets!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T23:57:00.001-08:00

This was a great Christmas!

On Christmas Eve we went to my grandpa's house in Hooper. We followed our usual tradition with dinner, presents, singing, and reading from the bible.

Christmas morning came and there was the mad rush of opening presents. I am such a spoiled little girl! My big gift this year was a new camera! Oh Yeah! I am way excited that I don't have to steal all of my roommates, friends, and families pictures anymore. As you very well may know, I am a Facebook picture up-loader junkie! I also got some movies, tv seasons, books (happy reading to me!), money, and a whole lot of other stuff as well. I am thinking I might look into getting a new phone with my money, because now that my mom finally has a new phone, mine is the oldest in the family. (I've had it for four years now, which is an all time new record for me!)

This year for Christmas Day, instead of us all driving to Preston, we had the party at my house in Fruit Heights. It was super nice not to have to drive such a long ways Christmas Day. It was a lot of fun and the food was a little TOO good if you know what I mean! :)

After the party everyone took nice long naps. And then that night I watched my new movie - "Despicable Me"- with my mommy. Um.... if you have not seen that movie, there is something seriously missing in your life. I can't even handle how funny it is! PLEASE go watch it! You won't regret it I promise!

I hope you all had an amazing holiday! If you are reading this know that I love you and I am grateful for you! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

X-MAS PJ'S

2010-12-26T23:54:00.001-08:00