It is days like this that make me miss my small town in the mountains.
The air here is terrible. Inversion has set in and my allergies are going crazy! I never realized that bad air quality was a thing when I was growing up. We always had blue skies and clean air. I miss being able to walk up a dirt road by myself, without worrying about crazy people.
I miss climbing the mountains, soaking in the view, and pondering life.
I miss being able to see all the stars. I miss sitting on my roof and looking at those stars.
I miss hearing nothing but the sound of the creek in my backyard.
I miss the smell of bonfires; watching the flames flicker was so soothing!
I can't complain too much. I live in a great place. But what I hear now are sirens and people and cars. The city is beautiful, and I am coming to appreciate the lights of the city at night. But sometimes I just miss the simple beauty of open space and silence.
When I would get upset in my teenage years, I could just hike one of the mountains near my home. I knew some of those hills so well. I'd been exploring them since I can remember. The calm serenity of the wind blowing through the trees, the almost imperceptible sound of my feet hitting the dirt was always soothing. Being above the town almost made me feel like I could tackle anything. Breathing in clean, crisp air and feeling my legs burn from the climb always made me feel alive. And I still miss that sometimes.
Good Song: "I'll Follow You" by Jon McLaughlin
Monday, December 16, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thanksgiving!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.
And I learned at work the other day that Abraham Lincoln was the one who officially designated Thanksgiving as a national holiday 150 years ago. So in honor of that, here is the transcript from his Thanksgiving Proclamation.
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; which that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-filed; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Promise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidable engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln
By the President
William H. Seward
Secretary of State
(Transcribed from the National Archives Website -http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2012/nr12-29.html)
So amid turkey and pie, let us all give thanks to the Lord for what He has done for us, whether in times of peace or in times of distress.
Have a good Thanksgiving everyone!
Good Song: The Legend of the Rebel Soldier by Le Ann Womack
And I learned at work the other day that Abraham Lincoln was the one who officially designated Thanksgiving as a national holiday 150 years ago. So in honor of that, here is the transcript from his Thanksgiving Proclamation.
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; which that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-filed; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Promise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidable engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln
By the President
William H. Seward
Secretary of State
(Transcribed from the National Archives Website -http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2012/nr12-29.html)
So amid turkey and pie, let us all give thanks to the Lord for what He has done for us, whether in times of peace or in times of distress.
Have a good Thanksgiving everyone!
Good Song: The Legend of the Rebel Soldier by Le Ann Womack
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Ice Skating
My sister Hollie's been up here the last couple of days because she had a job interview. We just hung out at my house yesterday, but decided to get out of the house tonight. So we decided to go ice skating!!
I really love ice skating! I took a figure skating class when I was a freshman at Utah State and I loved it! We learned spins and small jumps and all kinds of fun things! I was like the worst skater in the class, but it was fine because I loved it so much!
So Hollie and I went to an ice rink here in Salt Lake. We paid our fee and got our little rental skates. We walk into the ice rink and it looks like we've skated into a training session! No joke, there were like 10 girls ranging from like 5 to probably 16 and they all looked professional! They all had their nice skates, were wearing skating outfits, and were spinning and jumping like nobody's business! Even the five year old! (Okay I don't know if she was really 5, but she looked like it!)
I just stood there for a minute and I was like, "Are we sure that it's public skating time?!" About 5 other women were skating around with some of these girls coaching them and telling them how to be better. And I'm over there trying to remember how to stay balanced on my skates!
So we start skating around the outside, just getting our feet under us. And these girls are skating circles around us! They were awesome! When I was a little girl, I loved watching the figure skating during the Olympics. I would even go in our kitchen and pretend like I was a figure skater, doing little jumps and spins across the kitchen floor....
But what I'm really trying to say is that I love ice skating! I'm not very good at it and I'm sure I'll still get a few falls in there somewhere! But it's fun! And I'm glad that other little girls get to learn how to do it if they love it too! :)
Instead I get to look through old documents and write about them every day!! :) But that's pretty much my favorite! So I reckon it's okay that my figure skating dreams didn't come true!
*Good Band: Daughter
I really love ice skating! I took a figure skating class when I was a freshman at Utah State and I loved it! We learned spins and small jumps and all kinds of fun things! I was like the worst skater in the class, but it was fine because I loved it so much!
So Hollie and I went to an ice rink here in Salt Lake. We paid our fee and got our little rental skates. We walk into the ice rink and it looks like we've skated into a training session! No joke, there were like 10 girls ranging from like 5 to probably 16 and they all looked professional! They all had their nice skates, were wearing skating outfits, and were spinning and jumping like nobody's business! Even the five year old! (Okay I don't know if she was really 5, but she looked like it!)
I just stood there for a minute and I was like, "Are we sure that it's public skating time?!" About 5 other women were skating around with some of these girls coaching them and telling them how to be better. And I'm over there trying to remember how to stay balanced on my skates!
So we start skating around the outside, just getting our feet under us. And these girls are skating circles around us! They were awesome! When I was a little girl, I loved watching the figure skating during the Olympics. I would even go in our kitchen and pretend like I was a figure skater, doing little jumps and spins across the kitchen floor....
But what I'm really trying to say is that I love ice skating! I'm not very good at it and I'm sure I'll still get a few falls in there somewhere! But it's fun! And I'm glad that other little girls get to learn how to do it if they love it too! :)
Instead I get to look through old documents and write about them every day!! :) But that's pretty much my favorite! So I reckon it's okay that my figure skating dreams didn't come true!
*Good Band: Daughter
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Clumsiness...
I am clumsy.
Yes, I am.
So story time.
A little over a month ago, I was at Smith's in Farmington with my boyfriend Josh and our friend Doug. Josh was being super nice and buying me chocolate covered cinnamon bears. (I'm addicted...so if you haven't tried them before, you probably should!) We were getting ready to check out when I realized I hadn't written the bulk candy code for the cinnamon bears on the bag. So we trekked back over to the bin and got the code.
As we were walking back to check out, there was a clearance table full of these:
Do you know what those are made of?! GLASS! They were all stacked up all cute like. I accidentally bumped one of the little spigots and down came one of them. I swear it was like slow motion! And then CRASH! Shattered all over the floor...Josh was all nice about it and went and told somebody for me since I was horrified! Good thing they were on clearance I guess! :/
Story #2:
This last week Josh and I were again at Smiths, but this time in Salt Lake. We were just picking up some stuff for dinner. We walked down the aisle that had the gallon water jugs. Seriously, I was walking in the middle of the aisle when all of a sudden a water jug fell off the shelf and broke, spraying water everywhere!! Josh laughed and said something about not being able to take me anywhere. But I seriously did not even touch it! I'm so clumsy, I just have to walk by something to make it fall! Don't even have to touch it! Crazy!!
And then yesterday at work I got asked to go over to the Beehive House while some people were filming a couple of scenes for a church film to make sure that they didn't break anything...I don't think they know me very well!!
Good thing I didn't bump into one of those 19th century vases! :/
*Good Song: Broken Wings by Flyleaf
Yes, I am.
So story time.
A little over a month ago, I was at Smith's in Farmington with my boyfriend Josh and our friend Doug. Josh was being super nice and buying me chocolate covered cinnamon bears. (I'm addicted...so if you haven't tried them before, you probably should!) We were getting ready to check out when I realized I hadn't written the bulk candy code for the cinnamon bears on the bag. So we trekked back over to the bin and got the code.
As we were walking back to check out, there was a clearance table full of these:
Do you know what those are made of?! GLASS! They were all stacked up all cute like. I accidentally bumped one of the little spigots and down came one of them. I swear it was like slow motion! And then CRASH! Shattered all over the floor...Josh was all nice about it and went and told somebody for me since I was horrified! Good thing they were on clearance I guess! :/
Story #2:
This last week Josh and I were again at Smiths, but this time in Salt Lake. We were just picking up some stuff for dinner. We walked down the aisle that had the gallon water jugs. Seriously, I was walking in the middle of the aisle when all of a sudden a water jug fell off the shelf and broke, spraying water everywhere!! Josh laughed and said something about not being able to take me anywhere. But I seriously did not even touch it! I'm so clumsy, I just have to walk by something to make it fall! Don't even have to touch it! Crazy!!
And then yesterday at work I got asked to go over to the Beehive House while some people were filming a couple of scenes for a church film to make sure that they didn't break anything...I don't think they know me very well!!
Good thing I didn't bump into one of those 19th century vases! :/
*Good Song: Broken Wings by Flyleaf
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Peach Days!
Brittany invited me to go to Peach Days in Brigham City for today. And I've never been so I decided it might be a good idea! I went to bed dreaming of peaches - peach cobbler, peach ice cream, peach chapstick, peach candy, fresh peaches, peach pie, etc.
I woke up early this morning and drove to Brigham City for the parade. The parade was awesome!! We even got some candy! And loads of flyers that we promptly threw away. Oh, and we got some cereal...yep...cereal!
The parade ended and we decided to check out the booths and activities. Brittany and I ate chicken BBQ and peach sandwiches. I know it sounds weird, but it was actually pretty good. My peach dreams seemed to be coming true. But nope, I didn't see any other peaches! A booth was selling peach cobbler, but I didn't see any fresh peaches anywhere...what?! Where were all the peaches at Peach Days?!?!
There were so many people there that we didn't last very long. At one point a man kept bumping the backs of my legs with his stroller trying to get me to move, but I couldn't because there was a wall of people! He was kind of making me a little bit mad! But I survived it.
The next trip was to the Brigham City Library because they were having a book sale!! A bag of books for $1! What?! But like most library book sales, they ended up not having many books that I was interested in. But I did end up with one on the American Revolution and a diary from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II, so I reckon it was all worth it!! :)
Also there were two guys playing didgeridoos at Peach Days...awesome!
Even though Peach Days didn't have a plethora of peaches to meet my expectations, I reckon it still turned out to be pretty fun! Even if I had to get a peanut butter shake instead of a peach one... :)
*Good Song: Wasting All These Tears by Cassadee Pope
I woke up early this morning and drove to Brigham City for the parade. The parade was awesome!! We even got some candy! And loads of flyers that we promptly threw away. Oh, and we got some cereal...yep...cereal!
The parade ended and we decided to check out the booths and activities. Brittany and I ate chicken BBQ and peach sandwiches. I know it sounds weird, but it was actually pretty good. My peach dreams seemed to be coming true. But nope, I didn't see any other peaches! A booth was selling peach cobbler, but I didn't see any fresh peaches anywhere...what?! Where were all the peaches at Peach Days?!?!
There were so many people there that we didn't last very long. At one point a man kept bumping the backs of my legs with his stroller trying to get me to move, but I couldn't because there was a wall of people! He was kind of making me a little bit mad! But I survived it.
The next trip was to the Brigham City Library because they were having a book sale!! A bag of books for $1! What?! But like most library book sales, they ended up not having many books that I was interested in. But I did end up with one on the American Revolution and a diary from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II, so I reckon it was all worth it!! :)
Also there were two guys playing didgeridoos at Peach Days...awesome!
Even though Peach Days didn't have a plethora of peaches to meet my expectations, I reckon it still turned out to be pretty fun! Even if I had to get a peanut butter shake instead of a peach one... :)
*Good Song: Wasting All These Tears by Cassadee Pope
Friday, August 23, 2013
Country Swing Dancing
Okay, so you all know that I love country swing dancing! Well I have some wonderful stories from dancing last night! :)
So I haven't been dancing in the last couple of weeks due to a couple of reasons, but last night I wasn't doing anything so I went!
Experience #1: A tall lanky young-looking guy asked me to dance. Sure! So we go out and he doesn't really know how to do even the basic step...which is fine! We all have to start learning somewhere! He then told me it was his first time! So that's great! I am all for converting people to country swing! And then came the question that I always dread, "Can you teach me something?!" They always assume that I'm a teacher of country swing when I tell them I've been doing it for awhile. But here's the thing...I'm terrible at teaching...anything!! I can usually follow when a man is a good dancer and good at leading, but I don't know what the guy does!
So my teaching this guy last night went as it usually does...
Me: "Okay! So this is a simple one!" I guide him through a simple step. "Now try it!"
He spins me. Well, close...except that there was no spin at all in what I just taught him...
Me: "Okay, that was close! Let me show you a couple more times and then we'll try it again!"
He kind of does it, but not really. Then we go back to the awkward basic step...but it's fine! It's only his first time! I really need to get better at teaching men how to dance! :/
Experience #2: There's always the guy that wants to chat it up on the dance floor. This guy was definitely no exception. We start dancing and he immediately starts spilling out every detail of his day, including how much time he and his roommates had spent watching a certain TV show that I've never heard of.
"Do you watch that show?"
Me: "No, but it sounds good!" (That's what I always say...even though I have no idea if it's good!)
Him: "What TV shows do you watch?"
Me: "I don't really watch TV shows..." (I would if I really wanted to...or if I had TV...)
Him: "So what do you do?"
Me: "I'm an intern for the LDS Church History Department."
Him: "I think they sometimes turn people into drones, ya know? A lot of those people lack personality."
In my mind: "What?! Everybody I work with is awesome!"
Thank you, stranger man, for bashing on people I work with! But whatever, go back to spending hours watching lame TV shows while I work with educated people who are awesome!
Yeah...it's a good thing I really love country swing dancing...or the people that go there might have scared me away a long time ago...
*Good Song: Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran
So I haven't been dancing in the last couple of weeks due to a couple of reasons, but last night I wasn't doing anything so I went!
Experience #1: A tall lanky young-looking guy asked me to dance. Sure! So we go out and he doesn't really know how to do even the basic step...which is fine! We all have to start learning somewhere! He then told me it was his first time! So that's great! I am all for converting people to country swing! And then came the question that I always dread, "Can you teach me something?!" They always assume that I'm a teacher of country swing when I tell them I've been doing it for awhile. But here's the thing...I'm terrible at teaching...anything!! I can usually follow when a man is a good dancer and good at leading, but I don't know what the guy does!
So my teaching this guy last night went as it usually does...
Me: "Okay! So this is a simple one!" I guide him through a simple step. "Now try it!"
He spins me. Well, close...except that there was no spin at all in what I just taught him...
Me: "Okay, that was close! Let me show you a couple more times and then we'll try it again!"
He kind of does it, but not really. Then we go back to the awkward basic step...but it's fine! It's only his first time! I really need to get better at teaching men how to dance! :/
Experience #2: There's always the guy that wants to chat it up on the dance floor. This guy was definitely no exception. We start dancing and he immediately starts spilling out every detail of his day, including how much time he and his roommates had spent watching a certain TV show that I've never heard of.
"Do you watch that show?"
Me: "No, but it sounds good!" (That's what I always say...even though I have no idea if it's good!)
Him: "What TV shows do you watch?"
Me: "I don't really watch TV shows..." (I would if I really wanted to...or if I had TV...)
Him: "So what do you do?"
Me: "I'm an intern for the LDS Church History Department."
Him: "I think they sometimes turn people into drones, ya know? A lot of those people lack personality."
In my mind: "What?! Everybody I work with is awesome!"
Thank you, stranger man, for bashing on people I work with! But whatever, go back to spending hours watching lame TV shows while I work with educated people who are awesome!
Yeah...it's a good thing I really love country swing dancing...or the people that go there might have scared me away a long time ago...
*Good Song: Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran
Sunday, August 11, 2013
White Girl Probs and Appreciating First Responders!
Story time, friends! This one is about how I am an awkward white girl!
Okay, so last Monday I was cooking dinner for my ward dinner group. The doorbell rings and I went to answer the door. A young African American man was standing on my doorstep. He looked all snazzy in his slacks, vest, white shirt, and tie. Turns out he's from Virginia and he's out here selling books. He was telling me about this program that gets kids out of the hood and earning money for themselves, to get them off government aid. We talked for a few minutes and I offered him a drink of water. (It was hot outside okay?!)
He said no and he was telling me a little bit about Virginia and the Civil War sites. He then asked, "Have you ever been to the hood before?" I thought about it for a second, about times when I'd been in shady parts of New York City, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. I also thought of some of the ghetto places I'd lived while on my mission in Australia. So I answered, "Yeah, I've been to some hoods." (Seriously, that's what I said!) This kid starts laughing! And I was like, "Oh my gosh...I'm so white!" Which is fine, I reckon...sometimes I just say the dumbest things! But I'm good at laughing at myself, so it was fine! We became fast friends and I finally convinced him to come inside for a drink of water.
This next part actually has nothing to do with the above story.
I was driving back to Salt Lake last weekend from my family reunion in Arizona. As I was driving on the freeway, I spotted a highway patrol car. The officer was outside changing a tire for another vehicle. I thought about all the first responders I've known, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, etc. All the ones I've known are incredible, spending long hours in training, working, and helping others. They continually save lives, put their own on the line, and deal with incredibly stressful situations. I don't think they get as much appreciation as they deserve. So thank you first responders for all you do! I think you're awesome! :)
Okay, so last Monday I was cooking dinner for my ward dinner group. The doorbell rings and I went to answer the door. A young African American man was standing on my doorstep. He looked all snazzy in his slacks, vest, white shirt, and tie. Turns out he's from Virginia and he's out here selling books. He was telling me about this program that gets kids out of the hood and earning money for themselves, to get them off government aid. We talked for a few minutes and I offered him a drink of water. (It was hot outside okay?!)
He said no and he was telling me a little bit about Virginia and the Civil War sites. He then asked, "Have you ever been to the hood before?" I thought about it for a second, about times when I'd been in shady parts of New York City, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. I also thought of some of the ghetto places I'd lived while on my mission in Australia. So I answered, "Yeah, I've been to some hoods." (Seriously, that's what I said!) This kid starts laughing! And I was like, "Oh my gosh...I'm so white!" Which is fine, I reckon...sometimes I just say the dumbest things! But I'm good at laughing at myself, so it was fine! We became fast friends and I finally convinced him to come inside for a drink of water.
This next part actually has nothing to do with the above story.
I was driving back to Salt Lake last weekend from my family reunion in Arizona. As I was driving on the freeway, I spotted a highway patrol car. The officer was outside changing a tire for another vehicle. I thought about all the first responders I've known, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, etc. All the ones I've known are incredible, spending long hours in training, working, and helping others. They continually save lives, put their own on the line, and deal with incredibly stressful situations. I don't think they get as much appreciation as they deserve. So thank you first responders for all you do! I think you're awesome! :)
Thursday, July 25, 2013
I Hate to See Your Heart Break
For all the air that's in your lungs
For all the joy that is to come
For all the things that you're alive to feel
Just let the pain remind you hearts can heal
-I Hate to See Your Heart Break by Paramore
Isn't life great?! So this is one of my new favorite songs and I feel like this section is especially good! I love poetry and this is pretty good.
I've been thinking too much about life lately. (I know right?! Me?! Think too much?! Haha!) But I realize that I need to give life my 100%. Holding back only leads to regrets. Better to see what might happen instead of wondering what could have happened!
That's my little rant for today! :) Love y'all!
For all the joy that is to come
For all the things that you're alive to feel
Just let the pain remind you hearts can heal
-I Hate to See Your Heart Break by Paramore
Isn't life great?! So this is one of my new favorite songs and I feel like this section is especially good! I love poetry and this is pretty good.
I've been thinking too much about life lately. (I know right?! Me?! Think too much?! Haha!) But I realize that I need to give life my 100%. Holding back only leads to regrets. Better to see what might happen instead of wondering what could have happened!
That's my little rant for today! :) Love y'all!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Lemonade Stands and Nostalgia
I was walking home from work today when I came across some little girls and a lemonade stand.
They were set up by the sidewalk at the Capitol. So of course I had to get a cup of lemonade! I asked them how much they were selling their lemonade for. They said, "It's free, but we take tips!" I smiled and pulled out my wallet. I only had change so I gave them that. And being the awkward person I am, I ended up spilling half of my change on the sidewalk. One of the little girls helped me pick it all up and I put it in their little tip jewelry box.
They were so cute and had little signs up on trees along the sidewalk advertising their free lemonade. It brought me back to the good ol' days when I did the exact same thing.
My sisters and I would set up a little table outside my grandma's house. Sometimes we sold lemonade and sometimes we sold little bracelets we'd made. We would get so excited and sit outside for hours hoping that somebody would stop and buy something. Of course, there was always a sweet old man or one of our aunts that would stop and give us five dollars or something. We felt like the richest kids!
Those were some good times, my friends. Being outside, the sun shining, chatting and playing with my sisters while hopefully waiting for somebody to stop. Going to the store to buy a treat with our 5 dollars we'd earned.
It just made me happy to see other girls having those same experiences.
Life is so great!
*Good Book: Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
They were set up by the sidewalk at the Capitol. So of course I had to get a cup of lemonade! I asked them how much they were selling their lemonade for. They said, "It's free, but we take tips!" I smiled and pulled out my wallet. I only had change so I gave them that. And being the awkward person I am, I ended up spilling half of my change on the sidewalk. One of the little girls helped me pick it all up and I put it in their little tip jewelry box.
They were so cute and had little signs up on trees along the sidewalk advertising their free lemonade. It brought me back to the good ol' days when I did the exact same thing.
My sisters and I would set up a little table outside my grandma's house. Sometimes we sold lemonade and sometimes we sold little bracelets we'd made. We would get so excited and sit outside for hours hoping that somebody would stop and buy something. Of course, there was always a sweet old man or one of our aunts that would stop and give us five dollars or something. We felt like the richest kids!
Those were some good times, my friends. Being outside, the sun shining, chatting and playing with my sisters while hopefully waiting for somebody to stop. Going to the store to buy a treat with our 5 dollars we'd earned.
It just made me happy to see other girls having those same experiences.
Life is so great!
*Good Book: Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Is This Real Life?!
Okay...funny story!
Actually, I think it was a little scary...but it's a good story nonetheless!
Okay, so my friend Brittney (this is a different Brittney from my best friend Brittany FYI! Notice the spelling differences haha!! ;) moved to a new place and I went to her open house party. It was super fun! The house is the cutest little house I've ever seen, there were cookies, and tons of people! I went on the grand tour, grabbed a cookie, and sat on a couch. This skinny guy with glasses comes and sits by Brittney and I. He immediately starts cracking blonde jokes. You know the ones...the lame ones that we've all heard since we were like 5 that aren't even funny...nope, not even a little bit!
Well he is just cracking up like they're the funniest jokes he's ever heard. Brittney was able to escape, leaving me alone to listen to the guy. Then he starts telling me how much he loves Harry Potter. Now that I think of it...he kind of looked like a skinnier version of Harry Potter...or maybe it was just his glasses.
Him: "Do you like Harry Potter?"
Me: "I actually just saw the movies last year, because I'd never watched them before."
Him with mouth open: "What?! That means you probably haven't read the books."
Me: "I got to the 4th one and didn't finish it because I got bored."
Him with an incredulous look: "What?! You need to go read them! They're so good!"
At this point he starts quoting the movies. "I can quote every single Harry Potter movie because I love them so much!" I believe that he probably could. He was even using different voices for the different characters.
I was so fascinated by this guy, because I couldn't believe that he was real. I didn't know whether I was supposed to laugh or tell him how cool he was for having all the Harry Potter movies memorized!
Then he says, "I have a girlfriend and I'm going to propose to her in 6 months."
Cool story, bro. Me: "How long have you guys been dating?" Him: "2 months." Nice, friend, way to plan ahead!
At which point, he starts quoting Harry Potter again in his little voices. I just couldn't take it anymore so I had to go get some water. But I don't think it really mattered that I got up and left because I could still hear him quoting Harry Potter to himself across the room. I sure hope his girlfriend likes Harry Potter as much as he does!
I feel like that conversation was pretty much the highlight of my night. Some people are just so funny!
And I will probably never be able to watch Harry Potter again...just sayin...
*Good Song: C.S. Lewis Song by Brooke Fraser
Actually, I think it was a little scary...but it's a good story nonetheless!
Okay, so my friend Brittney (this is a different Brittney from my best friend Brittany FYI! Notice the spelling differences haha!! ;) moved to a new place and I went to her open house party. It was super fun! The house is the cutest little house I've ever seen, there were cookies, and tons of people! I went on the grand tour, grabbed a cookie, and sat on a couch. This skinny guy with glasses comes and sits by Brittney and I. He immediately starts cracking blonde jokes. You know the ones...the lame ones that we've all heard since we were like 5 that aren't even funny...nope, not even a little bit!
Well he is just cracking up like they're the funniest jokes he's ever heard. Brittney was able to escape, leaving me alone to listen to the guy. Then he starts telling me how much he loves Harry Potter. Now that I think of it...he kind of looked like a skinnier version of Harry Potter...or maybe it was just his glasses.
Him: "Do you like Harry Potter?"
Me: "I actually just saw the movies last year, because I'd never watched them before."
Him with mouth open: "What?! That means you probably haven't read the books."
Me: "I got to the 4th one and didn't finish it because I got bored."
Him with an incredulous look: "What?! You need to go read them! They're so good!"
At this point he starts quoting the movies. "I can quote every single Harry Potter movie because I love them so much!" I believe that he probably could. He was even using different voices for the different characters.
I was so fascinated by this guy, because I couldn't believe that he was real. I didn't know whether I was supposed to laugh or tell him how cool he was for having all the Harry Potter movies memorized!
Then he says, "I have a girlfriend and I'm going to propose to her in 6 months."
Cool story, bro. Me: "How long have you guys been dating?" Him: "2 months." Nice, friend, way to plan ahead!
At which point, he starts quoting Harry Potter again in his little voices. I just couldn't take it anymore so I had to go get some water. But I don't think it really mattered that I got up and left because I could still hear him quoting Harry Potter to himself across the room. I sure hope his girlfriend likes Harry Potter as much as he does!
I feel like that conversation was pretty much the highlight of my night. Some people are just so funny!
And I will probably never be able to watch Harry Potter again...just sayin...
*Good Song: C.S. Lewis Song by Brooke Fraser
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Gettysburg
In true nerd fashion, I can't let this day pass without posting about what happened on this day 150 years ago.
150 years ago today, the Battle of Gettysburg came to an end. After three bloody days, over 50,000 Americans lay dead, wounded, or were missing. That's pretty close to the same amount of Americans who were killed or missing in the entire American Revolution - in 3 days! It almost seems unfathomable!
But, my friends, it happened. Why?! It seems so senseless.
It happened because so many men and women had deep convictions about what freedom meant to them, so deep that they were willing to kill and die for those convictions. And many did just that for four bloody years. But the men lying on the battlefield weren't the only casualties. Many women and children, mothers and fathers sat at home, sometimes starving and destitute, waiting for their husbands, fathers, sons, friends to come home. And many of them never did.
So this 4th of July my friends, I want to remember those men who met on the fields of Gettysburg 150 years ago. I want to remember their families. But most of all, I want to remember what they fought for. And never ever forget it!
150 years ago today, the Battle of Gettysburg came to an end. After three bloody days, over 50,000 Americans lay dead, wounded, or were missing. That's pretty close to the same amount of Americans who were killed or missing in the entire American Revolution - in 3 days! It almost seems unfathomable!
But, my friends, it happened. Why?! It seems so senseless.
It happened because so many men and women had deep convictions about what freedom meant to them, so deep that they were willing to kill and die for those convictions. And many did just that for four bloody years. But the men lying on the battlefield weren't the only casualties. Many women and children, mothers and fathers sat at home, sometimes starving and destitute, waiting for their husbands, fathers, sons, friends to come home. And many of them never did.
So this 4th of July my friends, I want to remember those men who met on the fields of Gettysburg 150 years ago. I want to remember their families. But most of all, I want to remember what they fought for. And never ever forget it!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Loving the City!
My weekend was great!
Brittany and my friend Ashley came to visit me on Friday night. We went to Cheesecake Factory with our friend Matt and it was just glorious! Our waiter was clearing our dishes when a little container filled with some kind of sauce fell off a plate and landed on the ground. The sauce shot out of the container and landed on a man's arm at another table! What?! It was crazy! The man was at least 5 feet away. Haha! The waiter felt so bad!
So Brittany and I left him our numbers to make him feel better! :)
Saturday was just as great! Brittany and I went to a little deli called Toasters. And it was delicious! Such a cute little place! I finally got a baseball mitt and Brittany and I played catch on the Capitol Building lawn for a little while.
Then Brit decided she wanted some frozen yogurt. And I am always up for frozen yogurt my friend. So I googled frozen yogurt places on my phone and found a place called ConeUcopia. With a name like that, we knew we had to try it!
Well, as it turns out, ConeUcopia actually didn't have frozen yogurt. But it was awesome! The little shop was really small and the owner was the only one working. It turns out that this man makes his own ice cream by hand, complete with the rock salt and ice and everything! The only other customer and her child were talking to the owner and suggested we try the banana chocolate chip flavor. So I did! And it was amazing! Everybody should probably go try it, cuz it's good!
After we finished there we realized there was another little joint just two doors down. So Brittany and I decided to try that one too! We got a raspberry lemonade cupcake shake to share. It was also incredibly delicious! We've made a goal to try a new place every time we hang out.
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I really think that the best places are the small ones that not very many people know about. Sure, you can google things to do in Salt Lake, but I feel like you'll always get the big tourist-y things that everybody does. I think that the real heart of living in a place is getting to know the quirky little places. So my friends, I am on a quest - to love living in a city!
I know! This is a huge step for me! But if I'm going to be living in the big city, I might as well make the most of it! So if you know of any awesome little places around Salt Lake, whether they're food places, little museum places, small parks, or anything else awesome, let me know! Because I want to experience them all!!
*Good Song: Somewhere There's A Mountain from Nashville Tribute to the Trek
Brittany and my friend Ashley came to visit me on Friday night. We went to Cheesecake Factory with our friend Matt and it was just glorious! Our waiter was clearing our dishes when a little container filled with some kind of sauce fell off a plate and landed on the ground. The sauce shot out of the container and landed on a man's arm at another table! What?! It was crazy! The man was at least 5 feet away. Haha! The waiter felt so bad!
So Brittany and I left him our numbers to make him feel better! :)
Saturday was just as great! Brittany and I went to a little deli called Toasters. And it was delicious! Such a cute little place! I finally got a baseball mitt and Brittany and I played catch on the Capitol Building lawn for a little while.
Then Brit decided she wanted some frozen yogurt. And I am always up for frozen yogurt my friend. So I googled frozen yogurt places on my phone and found a place called ConeUcopia. With a name like that, we knew we had to try it!
Well, as it turns out, ConeUcopia actually didn't have frozen yogurt. But it was awesome! The little shop was really small and the owner was the only one working. It turns out that this man makes his own ice cream by hand, complete with the rock salt and ice and everything! The only other customer and her child were talking to the owner and suggested we try the banana chocolate chip flavor. So I did! And it was amazing! Everybody should probably go try it, cuz it's good!
After we finished there we realized there was another little joint just two doors down. So Brittany and I decided to try that one too! We got a raspberry lemonade cupcake shake to share. It was also incredibly delicious! We've made a goal to try a new place every time we hang out.
.JPG)
I really think that the best places are the small ones that not very many people know about. Sure, you can google things to do in Salt Lake, but I feel like you'll always get the big tourist-y things that everybody does. I think that the real heart of living in a place is getting to know the quirky little places. So my friends, I am on a quest - to love living in a city!
I know! This is a huge step for me! But if I'm going to be living in the big city, I might as well make the most of it! So if you know of any awesome little places around Salt Lake, whether they're food places, little museum places, small parks, or anything else awesome, let me know! Because I want to experience them all!!
*Good Song: Somewhere There's A Mountain from Nashville Tribute to the Trek
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Yes...I Do Have Blonde Hair
Okay, so I've had a couple of mishaps this week.
Yep, it's true. I know that doesn't come as a surprise to most of you (the few people that actually read my blog! You know who you are!)
So let's start with mishap number one.
The Table
I know I've had my table for like a month now, but I finally got around to actually putting it together. I went to the store twice, buying pliers both times to see if I could get the nuts off the bolts. Every time I tried, the whole bolt would spin with the nut and it wasn't coming off! My brother-in-law kindly gave me a ratchet set, claiming it would get the job done.
So enter my trusty best friend Brittany. She came to my house last weekend and kindly agreed to help me put together my table. Even with the ratchet the whole bolt was still moving. So Brittany used her strong muscles (and a pair of my pliers! Those trips to the store weren't useless after all!) to hold the bolt. And I used my strong muscles to use the ratchet and we finally got all the bolts and nuts unattached from each other. I was so excited to be putting my table together! I put the legs on and set the table up!
The next morning I awoke to an epiphany.
I had put the legs on wrong!
How did I do that?! I put the bolts facing outward instead of inward. I don't know why I thought it would be attractive to have the bolts all facing outward! In fact, that's probably dangerous! But yep! That's what I did...not only to one leg...but all four! Wow...just wow...it's like I've never put anything together before! That reminds me of the time I put a bookcase together when I was 20...but we won't talk about that!
So I tried desperately to fix it, but once again, I was alone! And not strong enough to get the nuts and bolts separated. Too bad I don't have a strong man to come help me! But then he'd know how dumb I am sometimes...I just can't win with this one! :)
Chapstick
So I'm pretty much addicted to Chapstick. I always have a tube or two in my purse or my pocket. Well last night I was in a hurry to get my laundry done because I had gone to the temple, it was like 9 and I needed to get ready for bed. So I threw my skirt that I'd been wearing in with my laundry. I was able to get it all in the dryer by the time I went to bed. I was so proud of myself for getting everything accomplished that I'd needed to!
I woke up this morning and went to get my laundry out of the dryer. I hear a small clatter. I looked down and to my horror, I saw my Chapstick...in the dryer! I pulled it out and took off the lid. No more Chapstick in the tube. I carefully started inspecting my clothes and found exactly where that Chapstick had ended up...all over half my clothes!
The tube was almost gone anyway! How did that little bit of Chapstick manage to get all over my clothes?! Bah! So I've been spending my time this afternoon trying to get stains out of my clothes.
I guess if all else fails, it just means I get to go on a shopping spree to replace all my ruined clothes!
So now I have Chapstick stained clothes and a table that is put together all wrong. Yep...it's been a good week! At least I get to go country swing dancing tonight!!
Sometimes I worry about myself! :)
*Good Song: Congratulations by Blue October
Yep, it's true. I know that doesn't come as a surprise to most of you (the few people that actually read my blog! You know who you are!)
So let's start with mishap number one.
The Table
I know I've had my table for like a month now, but I finally got around to actually putting it together. I went to the store twice, buying pliers both times to see if I could get the nuts off the bolts. Every time I tried, the whole bolt would spin with the nut and it wasn't coming off! My brother-in-law kindly gave me a ratchet set, claiming it would get the job done.
So enter my trusty best friend Brittany. She came to my house last weekend and kindly agreed to help me put together my table. Even with the ratchet the whole bolt was still moving. So Brittany used her strong muscles (and a pair of my pliers! Those trips to the store weren't useless after all!) to hold the bolt. And I used my strong muscles to use the ratchet and we finally got all the bolts and nuts unattached from each other. I was so excited to be putting my table together! I put the legs on and set the table up!
The next morning I awoke to an epiphany.
I had put the legs on wrong!
How did I do that?! I put the bolts facing outward instead of inward. I don't know why I thought it would be attractive to have the bolts all facing outward! In fact, that's probably dangerous! But yep! That's what I did...not only to one leg...but all four! Wow...just wow...it's like I've never put anything together before! That reminds me of the time I put a bookcase together when I was 20...but we won't talk about that!
So I tried desperately to fix it, but once again, I was alone! And not strong enough to get the nuts and bolts separated. Too bad I don't have a strong man to come help me! But then he'd know how dumb I am sometimes...I just can't win with this one! :)
Chapstick
So I'm pretty much addicted to Chapstick. I always have a tube or two in my purse or my pocket. Well last night I was in a hurry to get my laundry done because I had gone to the temple, it was like 9 and I needed to get ready for bed. So I threw my skirt that I'd been wearing in with my laundry. I was able to get it all in the dryer by the time I went to bed. I was so proud of myself for getting everything accomplished that I'd needed to!
I woke up this morning and went to get my laundry out of the dryer. I hear a small clatter. I looked down and to my horror, I saw my Chapstick...in the dryer! I pulled it out and took off the lid. No more Chapstick in the tube. I carefully started inspecting my clothes and found exactly where that Chapstick had ended up...all over half my clothes!
The tube was almost gone anyway! How did that little bit of Chapstick manage to get all over my clothes?! Bah! So I've been spending my time this afternoon trying to get stains out of my clothes.
I guess if all else fails, it just means I get to go on a shopping spree to replace all my ruined clothes!
So now I have Chapstick stained clothes and a table that is put together all wrong. Yep...it's been a good week! At least I get to go country swing dancing tonight!!
Sometimes I worry about myself! :)
*Good Song: Congratulations by Blue October
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Highlights!
I have now lived in Salt Lake City for a month. What?! That went by fast! In honor of this, here is a list of highlights!!
1. I bought a table. Yes...I did! It's wood with red trim and has mismatched chairs! But I think it's cute!
So here's the story. I bought it from a lady in Ogden. I didn't really think much about how I was going to get it back to my house, but I was sure I could figure it out! I get to the house, like the table, pay for it, and the lady asks me if I think it will fit in the back seat of my car....my little Toyota Corolla... "Maybe? We can try!" So we carry it out to my car and we move it around and adjust the seats...and the table hangs out the door a couple of inches. No way was that car door closing. Then the lady comes up with a genius idea! "If you don't mind, we can tie your door shut." Do I mind?! Of course I don't mind! I'm a country girl, mate! So we tie that door shut, I fit the four chairs in my car, and off I went.
So if you saw a little Toyota with a table hanging out the backseat driving down the freeway...I'm pretty sure that it was me! (I also realized later that I'd forgotten to get the legs...but no worries! They are now safely in my possession!)
2. I almost get run over by Asians when I walk to work.
Haha! Okay, so there is always a big tour bus full of Asians visiting the Capitol building...every single time I walk to and from work. I almost get run over by them sometimes. They're taking pictures and not really paying attention to anything. But I love those awkward little moments. "Oh sorry" as I'm sidestepping the collision. They say something in whichever Asian language they're speaking and keep taking pictures.
But I love that I can rely on my Asian tour bus friends to be there, every single day!
3. I finally went country swing dancing here!
So I don't know hardly anybody and I didn't know anybody going dancing. But I still wanted to go! So what did I do?! I went! By myself! And had an awesome time!
Two funny things happened: a) I was dancing with this attractive man who was really good. Then he dipped me...and flung me back up just hard enough for my face to meet his shoulder...haha! But don't worry! No serious injuries! b) I danced with this other guy and we had exchanged names at the beginning. At the end he asked, "It was Anna, right?" "Yes," I replied. "And you're Todd?!" He gave me a death look. "It's Tom." More death stares. Me: "Oh, I'm sorry! I was close though! Haha." More death stares with awkward silence. Okay...I'm just going to leave now. I mean come on! It's one letter difference! And the music was loud! So Tom...or Todd...or whatever is name was...will probably never ask me to dance again! But it's fine!
4. I finally went to Zupa's. My dear friends, you need to go try their sandwiches! They are soooo good! It's like sandwich heaven! Loved it!!
So there you have it...the highlights of my month! Also, Utah Highway Patrol always has some cops hanging out around the Capitol Building. I should probably bring them some cookies or something...I feel like just sitting in a patrol car watching the Capitol building wouldn't be very exciting. And it's never a bad idea to be on the good side of law enforcement, right?! :)
*Good Song: Just A Fool by Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton (I know right?! Who ever thought they would sing a song together?! Well it's true my friends! They sing it! Together!)
1. I bought a table. Yes...I did! It's wood with red trim and has mismatched chairs! But I think it's cute!
So here's the story. I bought it from a lady in Ogden. I didn't really think much about how I was going to get it back to my house, but I was sure I could figure it out! I get to the house, like the table, pay for it, and the lady asks me if I think it will fit in the back seat of my car....my little Toyota Corolla... "Maybe? We can try!" So we carry it out to my car and we move it around and adjust the seats...and the table hangs out the door a couple of inches. No way was that car door closing. Then the lady comes up with a genius idea! "If you don't mind, we can tie your door shut." Do I mind?! Of course I don't mind! I'm a country girl, mate! So we tie that door shut, I fit the four chairs in my car, and off I went.
So if you saw a little Toyota with a table hanging out the backseat driving down the freeway...I'm pretty sure that it was me! (I also realized later that I'd forgotten to get the legs...but no worries! They are now safely in my possession!)
2. I almost get run over by Asians when I walk to work.
Haha! Okay, so there is always a big tour bus full of Asians visiting the Capitol building...every single time I walk to and from work. I almost get run over by them sometimes. They're taking pictures and not really paying attention to anything. But I love those awkward little moments. "Oh sorry" as I'm sidestepping the collision. They say something in whichever Asian language they're speaking and keep taking pictures.
But I love that I can rely on my Asian tour bus friends to be there, every single day!
3. I finally went country swing dancing here!
So I don't know hardly anybody and I didn't know anybody going dancing. But I still wanted to go! So what did I do?! I went! By myself! And had an awesome time!
Two funny things happened: a) I was dancing with this attractive man who was really good. Then he dipped me...and flung me back up just hard enough for my face to meet his shoulder...haha! But don't worry! No serious injuries! b) I danced with this other guy and we had exchanged names at the beginning. At the end he asked, "It was Anna, right?" "Yes," I replied. "And you're Todd?!" He gave me a death look. "It's Tom." More death stares. Me: "Oh, I'm sorry! I was close though! Haha." More death stares with awkward silence. Okay...I'm just going to leave now. I mean come on! It's one letter difference! And the music was loud! So Tom...or Todd...or whatever is name was...will probably never ask me to dance again! But it's fine!
4. I finally went to Zupa's. My dear friends, you need to go try their sandwiches! They are soooo good! It's like sandwich heaven! Loved it!!
So there you have it...the highlights of my month! Also, Utah Highway Patrol always has some cops hanging out around the Capitol Building. I should probably bring them some cookies or something...I feel like just sitting in a patrol car watching the Capitol building wouldn't be very exciting. And it's never a bad idea to be on the good side of law enforcement, right?! :)
*Good Song: Just A Fool by Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton (I know right?! Who ever thought they would sing a song together?! Well it's true my friends! They sing it! Together!)
Saturday, May 18, 2013
A World To Believe In
So I discovered a song by Celine Dion on the plane ride home from my mission in Australia. It's called "A World to Believe In". At the time, I felt like it summed up my mission experience. As I listen to it again, I realize that it sums up my life!
So you should go listen to it, because it's good!
Life is full of hard things! Heartache, pain, suffering, broken trust, abuse, separation from loved ones, bad health, lost love, loneliness...the list goes on and on!
But amid all those terrible things are beautiful wonderful things! One of my roommates is blind. I was talking to her today about her condition. She told me that if she had the option, she would probably still choose to be blind. She said she would be too afraid of what she would see, that there are too many terrible things that she's glad that she doesn't have to see. But I think the beautiful things make up for the terrible things!
Sunsets, mountains, clouds, flowers, smiles, the way old married couples still in love look at each other, beautiful art, music notes on a sheet of paper, reading poetry, colors, eyes, city lights, stars, rivers, animals, etc.
Although life is full of pain, Heavenly Father has given me a world to believe in! No matter how hard life gets, His love helps me rise above all of it! Is it hard? Yes! Is it worth it?! YES!
I will take all the hard things because amidst those hard things are incredible experiences!
*Good Song: A World to Believe In by Celine Dion
So you should go listen to it, because it's good!
Life is full of hard things! Heartache, pain, suffering, broken trust, abuse, separation from loved ones, bad health, lost love, loneliness...the list goes on and on!
But amid all those terrible things are beautiful wonderful things! One of my roommates is blind. I was talking to her today about her condition. She told me that if she had the option, she would probably still choose to be blind. She said she would be too afraid of what she would see, that there are too many terrible things that she's glad that she doesn't have to see. But I think the beautiful things make up for the terrible things!
Sunsets, mountains, clouds, flowers, smiles, the way old married couples still in love look at each other, beautiful art, music notes on a sheet of paper, reading poetry, colors, eyes, city lights, stars, rivers, animals, etc.
Although life is full of pain, Heavenly Father has given me a world to believe in! No matter how hard life gets, His love helps me rise above all of it! Is it hard? Yes! Is it worth it?! YES!
I will take all the hard things because amidst those hard things are incredible experiences!
*Good Song: A World to Believe In by Celine Dion
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Single Girl Probs
Okay so this post is based on numerous experiences I've had over the years! So here goes!
Part One: Skank Girls
The beat of the country music makes me want to stomp my boots and be twirled around. I spot an attractive man across the room I've seen here before. I meet his eye and smile, hoping to encourage him to come ask me to dance. A few seconds later, he starts coming my way. Yes! Maybe it worked! But out of the corner of my eye, I see a girl in short shorts, a tank top, and cowgirl boots that are definitely not legit making her way across the floor. The attractive guy spots her as well and the next thing you know they're dancing around the room and I'm still standing on the side - by myself - and not dancing! Intercepted! By skank girl.
That's what my friends and I call the girls at country swing dance night that always get asked to dance. Men just like scantily clad, overly made up girls! Come on country boys! You know they're not going to work hard or do much for you other than look pretty! I mean, let's get real, girls like that are way too high maintenance!
These skank girls also get in our way every time we try to do line dances! They come stand right by us. There is definitely a certain amount of space you need to do some line dances and these girls just don't get that! Half the time they don't know what they're doing so they give what they think are sexy booty shakes. And they just look hilarious! They think they're so hot...well, I guess the men do too... but seriously, I just laugh every time!
But that's just coming from me - a country girl who would rather be out shooting guns or four wheeling than going to a movie or getting my nails done! And I don't know how to be super hot for the life of me! I have too many other things to worry about than to worry about catching a shallow man only looking for a hot girlfriend with no substance!
Part Two: Men Who Think They Can String You Along
Okay, so what is with men who think they can lead us on? One second they're all friendly and wanting to spend time with you. And then the next, they're completely ignoring you! Or flirting with other girls in front of you!
One week: Date, call, call, text, text, handholding, etc. Next week: Nothing. The next week: Call, call, text, date, hang out, etc. Next month: Nothing. Next week: Text, text, call, date, cuddling, etc. What?!
I mean, these guys drive me crazy! What the heck do you want mate?! You either want to date us or you don't! So make up your mind! Don't play around with my or my friends' emotions hey?! We're people too! Either pursue us or leave us alone! Are you interested or not?! Just when we start to get over you, you come back with something nice to give us hope that something might work out! It's like they think they can leave us on the back burner when they're checking out other girls. If that doesn't work out, they come back around!
But the dumb thing is that sometimes we let them put us on the back burner. Maybe we as girls think that nobody else will come along. But I have decided that I would much rather be alone than be somebody's second choice. Dating games are dumb! I am making a goal to be more straight up about what I'm thinking! Yep!
So there's my little rant for the week. But being single really isn't all that bad! A couple of my friends and I have just been talking about dating recently and so there are the thoughts that we've come up with! :)
*Good Song: Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men
Part One: Skank Girls
The beat of the country music makes me want to stomp my boots and be twirled around. I spot an attractive man across the room I've seen here before. I meet his eye and smile, hoping to encourage him to come ask me to dance. A few seconds later, he starts coming my way. Yes! Maybe it worked! But out of the corner of my eye, I see a girl in short shorts, a tank top, and cowgirl boots that are definitely not legit making her way across the floor. The attractive guy spots her as well and the next thing you know they're dancing around the room and I'm still standing on the side - by myself - and not dancing! Intercepted! By skank girl.
That's what my friends and I call the girls at country swing dance night that always get asked to dance. Men just like scantily clad, overly made up girls! Come on country boys! You know they're not going to work hard or do much for you other than look pretty! I mean, let's get real, girls like that are way too high maintenance!
These skank girls also get in our way every time we try to do line dances! They come stand right by us. There is definitely a certain amount of space you need to do some line dances and these girls just don't get that! Half the time they don't know what they're doing so they give what they think are sexy booty shakes. And they just look hilarious! They think they're so hot...well, I guess the men do too... but seriously, I just laugh every time!
But that's just coming from me - a country girl who would rather be out shooting guns or four wheeling than going to a movie or getting my nails done! And I don't know how to be super hot for the life of me! I have too many other things to worry about than to worry about catching a shallow man only looking for a hot girlfriend with no substance!
Part Two: Men Who Think They Can String You Along
Okay, so what is with men who think they can lead us on? One second they're all friendly and wanting to spend time with you. And then the next, they're completely ignoring you! Or flirting with other girls in front of you!
One week: Date, call, call, text, text, handholding, etc. Next week: Nothing. The next week: Call, call, text, date, hang out, etc. Next month: Nothing. Next week: Text, text, call, date, cuddling, etc. What?!
I mean, these guys drive me crazy! What the heck do you want mate?! You either want to date us or you don't! So make up your mind! Don't play around with my or my friends' emotions hey?! We're people too! Either pursue us or leave us alone! Are you interested or not?! Just when we start to get over you, you come back with something nice to give us hope that something might work out! It's like they think they can leave us on the back burner when they're checking out other girls. If that doesn't work out, they come back around!
But the dumb thing is that sometimes we let them put us on the back burner. Maybe we as girls think that nobody else will come along. But I have decided that I would much rather be alone than be somebody's second choice. Dating games are dumb! I am making a goal to be more straight up about what I'm thinking! Yep!
So there's my little rant for the week. But being single really isn't all that bad! A couple of my friends and I have just been talking about dating recently and so there are the thoughts that we've come up with! :)
*Good Song: Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Big City Living!
Hahaha, me in a big city...
This is great!
I find a strange comfort in seeing pickup trucks driving around Salt Lake. Maybe there are more country people than I realize.
Also I live near this really beautiful park that has dirt trails going up into a canyon. The trail is right along the river and just beautiful! I went exploring there yesterday. My mom went with me and we wanted to cross the river at one point. So what did we do?! We took off our shoes and waded across the river! After walking up the trail about 3 minutes, we realized there was a bridge! Haha! Oh well! Wading across the river is much more fun than walking across a bridge!
We got lost trying to find a store, but that's because my GPS took us to a random place in the middle of a residential area! :)
I smiled and said hello to a few strangers when we walked past. A couple of them seemed really friendly. Maybe the city won't be so bad after all!
The girl I replaced in the house I'm living in invited me to go get Thai food with her the other night too. So I've made a new friend! She's really great! And I love Thai food!
In all, I have determined that this whole city living isn't going to be so bad! I even know a place where I can go shooting! Give me a place to hike and a place to shoot and I'll be happy as can be! :)
*Good Song: Kiss Me in the Dark by Randy Rogers Band
This is great!
I find a strange comfort in seeing pickup trucks driving around Salt Lake. Maybe there are more country people than I realize.
Also I live near this really beautiful park that has dirt trails going up into a canyon. The trail is right along the river and just beautiful! I went exploring there yesterday. My mom went with me and we wanted to cross the river at one point. So what did we do?! We took off our shoes and waded across the river! After walking up the trail about 3 minutes, we realized there was a bridge! Haha! Oh well! Wading across the river is much more fun than walking across a bridge!
We got lost trying to find a store, but that's because my GPS took us to a random place in the middle of a residential area! :)
I smiled and said hello to a few strangers when we walked past. A couple of them seemed really friendly. Maybe the city won't be so bad after all!
The girl I replaced in the house I'm living in invited me to go get Thai food with her the other night too. So I've made a new friend! She's really great! And I love Thai food!
In all, I have determined that this whole city living isn't going to be so bad! I even know a place where I can go shooting! Give me a place to hike and a place to shoot and I'll be happy as can be! :)
*Good Song: Kiss Me in the Dark by Randy Rogers Band
Thursday, May 2, 2013
AAAHH!!
Almost six years ago I packed up my little Toyota Corolla with my clothes and my keyboard and made the six hour drive to Logan Utah by myself. The only person I knew here was my cousin Megan. I remember being absolutely terrified. I cried on the long drive, knowing that my life was never going to be the same. Friendships would change and I had no idea what it was like to live in the world outside of my beloved small town.
Haha! It still makes me smile when I think about how I didn't know how to find street addresses when I first came here to school. I'd never had to use them in my little town. I'm still pretty good at getting lost though. So I guess that hasn't changed much in the past six years...even though I've had a lot more practice! :)
Almost four years ago I packed the same Corolla and made the long drive back to my hometown. I was getting ready to go on a mission to Australia. I cried on the long drive knowing that everything was going to change. My friends would be graduated or married by the time I got back. I was scared, but those 18 months were some of the most incredible months of my life!
Almost two years ago I made the long drive back to Logan to finish up my education. I was so nervous then too. Would I make friends? Would people think I was weird after being on a mission? The only person I knew that was still here was my little brother Jason. He set me up with some pretty awesome roommates and I met my very best friend, Brittany.
Now I'm about to pack up my little Corolla again. (I've had the little guy for a long time!) The drive isn't as long as it is to my beautiful little town, but I'm just as nervous as I've been at other crossroads in my life. But I know that this is the start to something incredible! I've been nervous every time I've started something new. But every single adventure has turned out to be so fantastic!
So I think I'm ready for another one! Because this adventure is going to be just as or even more incredible than the other ones I've had!
*Good Song: Hearts on Fire by Passenger and Ed Sheeran
Haha! It still makes me smile when I think about how I didn't know how to find street addresses when I first came here to school. I'd never had to use them in my little town. I'm still pretty good at getting lost though. So I guess that hasn't changed much in the past six years...even though I've had a lot more practice! :)
Almost four years ago I packed the same Corolla and made the long drive back to my hometown. I was getting ready to go on a mission to Australia. I cried on the long drive knowing that everything was going to change. My friends would be graduated or married by the time I got back. I was scared, but those 18 months were some of the most incredible months of my life!
Almost two years ago I made the long drive back to Logan to finish up my education. I was so nervous then too. Would I make friends? Would people think I was weird after being on a mission? The only person I knew that was still here was my little brother Jason. He set me up with some pretty awesome roommates and I met my very best friend, Brittany.
Now I'm about to pack up my little Corolla again. (I've had the little guy for a long time!) The drive isn't as long as it is to my beautiful little town, but I'm just as nervous as I've been at other crossroads in my life. But I know that this is the start to something incredible! I've been nervous every time I've started something new. But every single adventure has turned out to be so fantastic!
So I think I'm ready for another one! Because this adventure is going to be just as or even more incredible than the other ones I've had!
*Good Song: Hearts on Fire by Passenger and Ed Sheeran
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Graduating, Moving, and What the heck am I going to do with my life?!
I am graduating!!
That's right...with a Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Music and Anthropology.
I have taken my nerdiness to the extreme by having two minors! And it added a couple of extra semesters onto my education! But it's fine! The day is finally (almost) here!!
I find myself having the occasional mental freakout. Am I ready for the adult world of real jobs and responsibilities?! What do I truly want to do with my life? What kind of person do I want to be? And how am I, a quirky, country, small-town girl, going to make any kind of difference in this world?
My four years at Utah State have been incredible! I've learned so much about myself, about the people around me, and about the world that I live in. So much more than the education I've received though are the people I've met along the way.
Goodbyes are always hard for me. And being here at Utah State has brought me a plethora of goodbyes - childhood friends and first loves, incredible professors, friends who graduate or get married and move, and even death has separated me from some incredible people. How are there so many incredible people in this world?! I've learned so much from so many people that I've met on this insane journey!
Soon there will be more goodbyes. To Logan, to my fantastic friends who are staying here, to the person I've been as an undergraduate, to professors who have helped shape my education.
But with those goodbyes will come so many more hellos!! What does the future hold?! Nothing but more incredible people, more joy, and more to learn! I can't wait to see what life has in store for me next!! :)
Stay tuned for more adventures of me living in the big city!! :/
*Good Song: Let Her Go by Passenger
That's right...with a Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Music and Anthropology.
I have taken my nerdiness to the extreme by having two minors! And it added a couple of extra semesters onto my education! But it's fine! The day is finally (almost) here!!
I find myself having the occasional mental freakout. Am I ready for the adult world of real jobs and responsibilities?! What do I truly want to do with my life? What kind of person do I want to be? And how am I, a quirky, country, small-town girl, going to make any kind of difference in this world?
My four years at Utah State have been incredible! I've learned so much about myself, about the people around me, and about the world that I live in. So much more than the education I've received though are the people I've met along the way.
Goodbyes are always hard for me. And being here at Utah State has brought me a plethora of goodbyes - childhood friends and first loves, incredible professors, friends who graduate or get married and move, and even death has separated me from some incredible people. How are there so many incredible people in this world?! I've learned so much from so many people that I've met on this insane journey!
Soon there will be more goodbyes. To Logan, to my fantastic friends who are staying here, to the person I've been as an undergraduate, to professors who have helped shape my education.
But with those goodbyes will come so many more hellos!! What does the future hold?! Nothing but more incredible people, more joy, and more to learn! I can't wait to see what life has in store for me next!! :)
Stay tuned for more adventures of me living in the big city!! :/
*Good Song: Let Her Go by Passenger
Friday, April 12, 2013
I Get to Be a Real Historian!!!
This is probably one of the greatest days of my life!!
Well...even if it isn't, it sure feels like it!
Because I get to work with the Church History Department for 6 months as a full-time intern!! What?! Awesome!!
I will be working with the Historic Sites Division researching Church history sites. We get to provide information for missionaries to use when they give tours. So not only do I get to do historical research, but I will also be helping in the missionary effort!! Awesome!!
And I get to live in Salt Lake City! Which could be interesting...me in a big city...so many opportunities to get lost!! Good thing I now have an iPhone that has a map on it!!
So here's to new beginnings and living the dream!!
*Good Song: Still Into You by Paramore
Well...even if it isn't, it sure feels like it!
Because I get to work with the Church History Department for 6 months as a full-time intern!! What?! Awesome!!
I will be working with the Historic Sites Division researching Church history sites. We get to provide information for missionaries to use when they give tours. So not only do I get to do historical research, but I will also be helping in the missionary effort!! Awesome!!
And I get to live in Salt Lake City! Which could be interesting...me in a big city...so many opportunities to get lost!! Good thing I now have an iPhone that has a map on it!!
So here's to new beginnings and living the dream!!
*Good Song: Still Into You by Paramore
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Ramblings on Dating
I am single.
Yes, it's true. I am 24, single, and living in Utah. I may be considered a social outcast to some, but single life is great!
I decided that in honor of my singleness I am going to blog about dating today! Because dating is so fun! Er...something like that!
I started going on dates when I was 16. My mind was filled with the idea of boyfriends, hand holding, and late night phone conversations! Did that actually happen?! Well no, I was a short, slightly chunky, history and music nerd! So what did my dating life consist of?!
Blind dates.
Yep...blind dates! I am the queen of blind dates!
Not only were boys not flocking to me, but I also lived in a small town where I was related to half of the dating pool! So being the one without a date usually led to good friends trying to set me up on blind dates. Some of them were fun and some of them...well, they just weren't!
I've been ditched by my date for another girl, spent a whole day with a boy that I discovered (within the first few minutes) completely annoyed me, ignored by dates, and been on dates with boys I had nothing in common with!
Post-high school wasn't much better! I fell in love with my best friend even though we lived far away from each other and he wasn't interested in me like that. I didn't go on a single date my freshman year!
Sophomore year of college was a little better. I almost dated a guy that was a few years older than me, but he turned out to be quite the jerk! Good thing I didn't go there... :)
Took a break and served a mission!!
Post-mission: I seem to attract unmotivated/overconfident men! Most of the men I've gone on dates with since I've been home have been really nice. But they're either 27 and living with their parents, or they think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread!
Then on the other hand, there are the men that I think are completely fantastic. But things just don't work out!
So what can I learn from my small range of dating experiences?!
Dating is great and sometimes it sucks! It's hard trying to find somebody that you want to spend time with...and then hoping that they want to spend time with you! But it's all a beautiful learning experience!
Have I had my heart broken? Yes
Have I cried over men I can't have? Yes, but who hasn't?!
But in the end, it's better to try new things than to regret it later. Might as well get to know as many people as you can and discover some things about yourself along the way! The more painful the experiences, the more beautiful it will be when love finally comes my way!! :)
Sure, most of my friends are married and having babies! But I get to flirt with a plethora of attractive young men! And I still have my history books and music! :)
And it's country swing dancing night!! Who knows what could happen?! :)
*Good Song: Defying Gravity from Wicked Soundtrack
Yes, it's true. I am 24, single, and living in Utah. I may be considered a social outcast to some, but single life is great!
I decided that in honor of my singleness I am going to blog about dating today! Because dating is so fun! Er...something like that!
I started going on dates when I was 16. My mind was filled with the idea of boyfriends, hand holding, and late night phone conversations! Did that actually happen?! Well no, I was a short, slightly chunky, history and music nerd! So what did my dating life consist of?!
Blind dates.
Yep...blind dates! I am the queen of blind dates!
Not only were boys not flocking to me, but I also lived in a small town where I was related to half of the dating pool! So being the one without a date usually led to good friends trying to set me up on blind dates. Some of them were fun and some of them...well, they just weren't!
I've been ditched by my date for another girl, spent a whole day with a boy that I discovered (within the first few minutes) completely annoyed me, ignored by dates, and been on dates with boys I had nothing in common with!
Post-high school wasn't much better! I fell in love with my best friend even though we lived far away from each other and he wasn't interested in me like that. I didn't go on a single date my freshman year!
Sophomore year of college was a little better. I almost dated a guy that was a few years older than me, but he turned out to be quite the jerk! Good thing I didn't go there... :)
Took a break and served a mission!!
Post-mission: I seem to attract unmotivated/overconfident men! Most of the men I've gone on dates with since I've been home have been really nice. But they're either 27 and living with their parents, or they think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread!
Then on the other hand, there are the men that I think are completely fantastic. But things just don't work out!
So what can I learn from my small range of dating experiences?!
Dating is great and sometimes it sucks! It's hard trying to find somebody that you want to spend time with...and then hoping that they want to spend time with you! But it's all a beautiful learning experience!
Have I had my heart broken? Yes
Have I cried over men I can't have? Yes, but who hasn't?!
But in the end, it's better to try new things than to regret it later. Might as well get to know as many people as you can and discover some things about yourself along the way! The more painful the experiences, the more beautiful it will be when love finally comes my way!! :)
Sure, most of my friends are married and having babies! But I get to flirt with a plethora of attractive young men! And I still have my history books and music! :)
And it's country swing dancing night!! Who knows what could happen?! :)
*Good Song: Defying Gravity from Wicked Soundtrack
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Thank You Logan Utah...
Thank you Logan Utah for making me look like the crazy nerd I really am!
Okay so this morning when I was going to class, it was snowing and there was ice everywhere! So what did I do?! I grabbed my umbrella, tucked my skinny jeans into my snow boots, and put on a jacket over my sweater! By the time I got out of my first class, the clouds were leaving and the sun was coming out.
Now the sun is in full shine with most of the snow melting away!
And I am still on campus...wearing snow boots...and carrying around an umbrella! Oh the strange looks I have been getting!! But that's what I get for having to be on campus like all day! The sun does come out after the storm, but hey, at least I was prepared for the storm this morning!! :)
And now I am in one of my favorite places on campus - the southwest corner of the library surrounded by history books galore! Also I have a 15 page paper to write that's due in a week...and I only have a 1/2 page written! But it's fine! I will survive! Just like I always do!
*Good Song: Just Give Me A Reason by P!nk and Nate Ruess
Okay so this morning when I was going to class, it was snowing and there was ice everywhere! So what did I do?! I grabbed my umbrella, tucked my skinny jeans into my snow boots, and put on a jacket over my sweater! By the time I got out of my first class, the clouds were leaving and the sun was coming out.
Now the sun is in full shine with most of the snow melting away!
And I am still on campus...wearing snow boots...and carrying around an umbrella! Oh the strange looks I have been getting!! But that's what I get for having to be on campus like all day! The sun does come out after the storm, but hey, at least I was prepared for the storm this morning!! :)
And now I am in one of my favorite places on campus - the southwest corner of the library surrounded by history books galore! Also I have a 15 page paper to write that's due in a week...and I only have a 1/2 page written! But it's fine! I will survive! Just like I always do!
*Good Song: Just Give Me A Reason by P!nk and Nate Ruess
Friday, April 5, 2013
Waiting waiting...
So here I am...
Waiting...
What am I waiting for?!
I am waiting to find out where I am going to be for the next little while.
I had an interview on Monday with the Church History Department for an internship researching Church historic sites. What?! How awesome would that be?! I was told I would find out by Thursday...but now it's Friday. Which is fine...I'm just freaking out a little bit!
If I get the internship:
1. I will get to move to Salt Lake right after graduation. Livin' in the big city!
2. I would get to do historical research for a year! With the Church History
Department!
3. I get to find an apartment and move all my stuff!!
If I don't get the internship:
1. I will stay in Logan and live with my best friend Brittany.
2. I will continue to work at the rec center until I can find another job.
3. I will get to enjoy Logan for one more summer.
But I know that whatever happens, it's for the best. The Lord has a plan for me and there are good and bad things about both options. So it's kind of a win-win situation either way. But I really do hope I get it! So here's to waiting in suspense for the rest of the day! Keepin' my fingers crossed!! :)
Waiting...
What am I waiting for?!
I am waiting to find out where I am going to be for the next little while.
I had an interview on Monday with the Church History Department for an internship researching Church historic sites. What?! How awesome would that be?! I was told I would find out by Thursday...but now it's Friday. Which is fine...I'm just freaking out a little bit!
If I get the internship:
1. I will get to move to Salt Lake right after graduation. Livin' in the big city!
2. I would get to do historical research for a year! With the Church History
Department!
3. I get to find an apartment and move all my stuff!!
If I don't get the internship:
1. I will stay in Logan and live with my best friend Brittany.
2. I will continue to work at the rec center until I can find another job.
3. I will get to enjoy Logan for one more summer.
But I know that whatever happens, it's for the best. The Lord has a plan for me and there are good and bad things about both options. So it's kind of a win-win situation either way. But I really do hope I get it! So here's to waiting in suspense for the rest of the day! Keepin' my fingers crossed!! :)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Trip to D.C., Gettysburg, and Philadelphia!
Warning: This is a complete nerd post! Proceed if you choose, but don't blame me if you get bored!
I got back from an American Heritage trip with my little brother last week. Was it awesome?! Yeah!
We flew in to Philadelphia, ate shoo fly pie in Amish country, went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and traveled to Washington D.C. We took pictures at the Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and visited the Smithsonian museums. Luckily for my mom and my little brother, I was so tired by the time we got to the museums that I didn't make them stay there all day!
But my most favorite part of all the trip...
GETTYSBURG!!!
So I do realize that I was not a normal child, but I must confess that I have wanted to go to Gettysburg since I was like 9 or 10 years old. I know, what kind of 10 year old gets it into their head to visit a battlefield?! Well, this kind of 10 year old!
I remember being a freshman in high school when my older sister Melinda went on their American Heritage trip. It was the first time the school was trying a different program and this program included a trip to Gettysburg. By the time I was a junior, I was ready! I was ready to walk on that battlefield, take pictures, explore the town, and buy souvenirs! But what happened?! My class decided to do the Close Up program that only included Washington D.C. What?! To say I was devastated is an understatement!
Last Monday, our tour bus was driving across the beautiful, hilly countryside of Pennsylvania when to my left, I spotted a large monument. I knew right then that my (almost) lifetime dream was coming true! I was in Gettysburg Pennsylvania! We ate lunch at a tavern that was built in 1776 and saw where previous owners had hidden runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. So awesome!
Next, we went on our tour. I got to see Cemetery Ridge, Big and Little Round Top, Devil's Den, the Peach Orchard, and the field where the famous Pickett's Charge took place!
Why was I so excited to be at Gettysburg?! Because I love America! And the Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War - the battle that turned the war in favor of the North, the United States of America. Two more years and tens of thousands of lives later, the war ended. And the United States was preserved! And freedom was given to all!
But that freedom was not free! It was fought for and many people died for it. And that is something that needs to be remembered!
I got back from an American Heritage trip with my little brother last week. Was it awesome?! Yeah!
We flew in to Philadelphia, ate shoo fly pie in Amish country, went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and traveled to Washington D.C. We took pictures at the Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and visited the Smithsonian museums. Luckily for my mom and my little brother, I was so tired by the time we got to the museums that I didn't make them stay there all day!
But my most favorite part of all the trip...
GETTYSBURG!!!
So I do realize that I was not a normal child, but I must confess that I have wanted to go to Gettysburg since I was like 9 or 10 years old. I know, what kind of 10 year old gets it into their head to visit a battlefield?! Well, this kind of 10 year old!
I remember being a freshman in high school when my older sister Melinda went on their American Heritage trip. It was the first time the school was trying a different program and this program included a trip to Gettysburg. By the time I was a junior, I was ready! I was ready to walk on that battlefield, take pictures, explore the town, and buy souvenirs! But what happened?! My class decided to do the Close Up program that only included Washington D.C. What?! To say I was devastated is an understatement!
Last Monday, our tour bus was driving across the beautiful, hilly countryside of Pennsylvania when to my left, I spotted a large monument. I knew right then that my (almost) lifetime dream was coming true! I was in Gettysburg Pennsylvania! We ate lunch at a tavern that was built in 1776 and saw where previous owners had hidden runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. So awesome!
Next, we went on our tour. I got to see Cemetery Ridge, Big and Little Round Top, Devil's Den, the Peach Orchard, and the field where the famous Pickett's Charge took place!
Why was I so excited to be at Gettysburg?! Because I love America! And the Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War - the battle that turned the war in favor of the North, the United States of America. Two more years and tens of thousands of lives later, the war ended. And the United States was preserved! And freedom was given to all!
But that freedom was not free! It was fought for and many people died for it. And that is something that needs to be remembered!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
iPhones and Technology!
Okay so I just got a new iPhone 4. I do realize that there have been updated versions of the iPhone, but it was a free upgrade!
So...me...with an iPhone...this could be interesting.
In case you don't know, I am the most technologically incompetent person I know! Well, other than my grandparents I guess. :) This is my second touch-screen device and it is going to be fun!
Getting it activated was crazy! But I finally did it! And all by myself too! It took me a little while to figure out how to use the text messaging and I'm still not quite sure how to call from my contact list (but I will figure it out, don't you worry!)
And what?! I can now read the scriptures on my phone!!! That is so awesome!! I do realize that people have been doing that for a long time now...but I get to be cool and do it too! :)
And I can play Fruit Ninja...which might not be a good idea, because I really like that game...
So...me...with an iPhone...this could be interesting.
In case you don't know, I am the most technologically incompetent person I know! Well, other than my grandparents I guess. :) This is my second touch-screen device and it is going to be fun!
Getting it activated was crazy! But I finally did it! And all by myself too! It took me a little while to figure out how to use the text messaging and I'm still not quite sure how to call from my contact list (but I will figure it out, don't you worry!)
And what?! I can now read the scriptures on my phone!!! That is so awesome!! I do realize that people have been doing that for a long time now...but I get to be cool and do it too! :)
And I can play Fruit Ninja...which might not be a good idea, because I really like that game...
Sunday, March 17, 2013
March Update!
Okay so it's been a little while since I've written on here and so much has been happening in this little life of mine! So here are a few highlights from this last month!
1. My older sister is having a baby! In July! I'm finally going to be an aunt!!
2. I didn't get the internship working for the Church History Department on the Joseph Smith Papers, but that's okay! I've been applying for all kinds of other jobs too!
3. I get to go to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg this next week and I'm really excited! Going to Gettysburg has been a dream of mine since I was like ten. (I know that says how incredibly nerdy I was even as a child, but it's true!) So I will probably just be lying on the battlefield sobbing because I will be so excited to be there. Or perhaps running down Little Round Top...just like the 20th Maine! I'm going with my little brother Clayton and his high school class. Those poor kids aren't even going to know what's going on when they see how excited I am about every place that we go!
4. Also I've also started dating someone. And he's really super great! I know what you're all thinking, but it's true! I, Anna Marie, like a man that likes me back! :)
5. I'm going to buy my graduation stuff tomorrow!! Bah!! Graduation is getting closer!! And I'm going to graduate with a degree in my favorite subject of all favorite subjects!! What am I going to do with a degree in history?! Well...maybe you should ask me in like a year and maybe I will have an answer for you.
6. My best friend Brittany went through the temple for the first time yesterday and it was super super wonderful!! Love her! And she's the greatest!
7. I got to go see the Mummies of the World Exhibit last week with my #1 guy and it was really cool! They had mummies from Egypt and from South America and even one from the Pacific Islands! So awesome!!
8. Also my roommate Val made monkey bread last week. And I stole a few bites. And it was good!
So there ya go! That's what's been happenin' in the last month! And life is great! :)
1. My older sister is having a baby! In July! I'm finally going to be an aunt!!
2. I didn't get the internship working for the Church History Department on the Joseph Smith Papers, but that's okay! I've been applying for all kinds of other jobs too!
3. I get to go to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg this next week and I'm really excited! Going to Gettysburg has been a dream of mine since I was like ten. (I know that says how incredibly nerdy I was even as a child, but it's true!) So I will probably just be lying on the battlefield sobbing because I will be so excited to be there. Or perhaps running down Little Round Top...just like the 20th Maine! I'm going with my little brother Clayton and his high school class. Those poor kids aren't even going to know what's going on when they see how excited I am about every place that we go!
4. Also I've also started dating someone. And he's really super great! I know what you're all thinking, but it's true! I, Anna Marie, like a man that likes me back! :)
5. I'm going to buy my graduation stuff tomorrow!! Bah!! Graduation is getting closer!! And I'm going to graduate with a degree in my favorite subject of all favorite subjects!! What am I going to do with a degree in history?! Well...maybe you should ask me in like a year and maybe I will have an answer for you.
6. My best friend Brittany went through the temple for the first time yesterday and it was super super wonderful!! Love her! And she's the greatest!
7. I got to go see the Mummies of the World Exhibit last week with my #1 guy and it was really cool! They had mummies from Egypt and from South America and even one from the Pacific Islands! So awesome!!
8. Also my roommate Val made monkey bread last week. And I stole a few bites. And it was good!
So there ya go! That's what's been happenin' in the last month! And life is great! :)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Highlights of Valentine's Day!
Valentine's Day. The day of love.
I actually really love Valentine's Day, even though I have been single for every V-Day in my 24 years of life. But it's fine! Making Valentine's Day boxes filled with candy and getting Power Ranger and Pocahontas Valentine cards were some of my best elementary school memories!
So here are the highlights of my Valentine's Day:
There I was, sitting in History of Christianity writing notes. The sound of my professor's voice filled the room as he explained veneration of saints and angels. "Is there a Bailey in here?" a male voice is coming from the doorway. I look over and what do I see? That's right, a half-naked man dressed up as Cupid, complete with wings and a quiver of arrows. Awkward silence as everyone stares toward the door. Nope, no Bailey in this class. "Really? There's no Bailey in this class?" Again awkward silence. My professor: "Well, we were just talking about angels so this is perfect timing." Awkward...good luck on finding Bailey, my friend! The things that some people will do...Glad I don't have a weird boyfriend to send half-naked men to deliver love notes to embarrass me in front of my entire class!
This morning, somebody left four roses in a jar full of Hershey's kisses at our doorstep with a little poem saying how great the girls in my apartment are. So nice!
And my Mom and Dad sent their annual Valentine's Day treat bag, so now I have far too many treats and far too much stress! Not a good combination, but it's fine!
So there you have it! Valentine's Day is great! And it's not even over yet!! So hopefully some more awkward or exciting things will happen!
I actually really love Valentine's Day, even though I have been single for every V-Day in my 24 years of life. But it's fine! Making Valentine's Day boxes filled with candy and getting Power Ranger and Pocahontas Valentine cards were some of my best elementary school memories!
So here are the highlights of my Valentine's Day:
There I was, sitting in History of Christianity writing notes. The sound of my professor's voice filled the room as he explained veneration of saints and angels. "Is there a Bailey in here?" a male voice is coming from the doorway. I look over and what do I see? That's right, a half-naked man dressed up as Cupid, complete with wings and a quiver of arrows. Awkward silence as everyone stares toward the door. Nope, no Bailey in this class. "Really? There's no Bailey in this class?" Again awkward silence. My professor: "Well, we were just talking about angels so this is perfect timing." Awkward...good luck on finding Bailey, my friend! The things that some people will do...Glad I don't have a weird boyfriend to send half-naked men to deliver love notes to embarrass me in front of my entire class!
This morning, somebody left four roses in a jar full of Hershey's kisses at our doorstep with a little poem saying how great the girls in my apartment are. So nice!
And my Mom and Dad sent their annual Valentine's Day treat bag, so now I have far too many treats and far too much stress! Not a good combination, but it's fine!
So there you have it! Valentine's Day is great! And it's not even over yet!! So hopefully some more awkward or exciting things will happen!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Realizations From This Week
A Few Things I've Learned This Week
1. Philosophy is so complicated that even when you don't think you understand it, you probably kind of do in a weird round about way. That doesn't make sense, I know! But that's how philosophy is! It doesn't make sense! ...but it does...?
2. Sometimes procrastinating is okay, because assignments are never as bad as you think they're going to be. :)
3. Overthinking is dumb. Yeah...it is! And I have this crazy talent for it! :)
4. Family is the greatest thing ever!!
5. Even when I'm lost or confused or feel like nobody knows what's going on in my life (heck, I don't even know what's going on in my life!), there's always somebody around that does something so nice! People are great!
6. Gelato is really really good!
7. I still miss Australia and all the wonderful people there.
8. Friends are so great!! Never underestimate a sincere compliment!
9. I really love getting to know new people. I always have, but I've just been reminded this week of how much I like it!
10. Even though I have no idea where I'm going to be in a few months, it's okay! The Lord has never let me down on what He would have me do and I know He won't now!
So there it is! I love the random reminders and soul searching that pops up every once in awhile!
1. Philosophy is so complicated that even when you don't think you understand it, you probably kind of do in a weird round about way. That doesn't make sense, I know! But that's how philosophy is! It doesn't make sense! ...but it does...?
2. Sometimes procrastinating is okay, because assignments are never as bad as you think they're going to be. :)
3. Overthinking is dumb. Yeah...it is! And I have this crazy talent for it! :)
4. Family is the greatest thing ever!!
5. Even when I'm lost or confused or feel like nobody knows what's going on in my life (heck, I don't even know what's going on in my life!), there's always somebody around that does something so nice! People are great!
6. Gelato is really really good!
7. I still miss Australia and all the wonderful people there.
8. Friends are so great!! Never underestimate a sincere compliment!
9. I really love getting to know new people. I always have, but I've just been reminded this week of how much I like it!
10. Even though I have no idea where I'm going to be in a few months, it's okay! The Lord has never let me down on what He would have me do and I know He won't now!
So there it is! I love the random reminders and soul searching that pops up every once in awhile!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Winter and School!
I, Anna Marie, have made it through 2 months of ice and snow without falling once!
Oh, there were plenty of close calls. But I have managed to stay on my feet - not always firmly - but on my feet nonetheless. The fog made me want to stay inside this morning, but I forged courageously ahead to attend my two classes for the day! I didn't think I would survive, but I did! Now only to survive until the snow stops falling...
School is going well. I always have mountains of reading and I fall behind more and more with each week that passes. But as long as I stay on top of my papers and assignments, that's all that matters!!
Classes for this semester:
History of Christianity: Love it! Informative and thought provoking, but it challenges me and I love being challenged in my historical thinking!
Archaeology of North America: It's archaeology! Who wouldn't love it?!
Native Peoples of the Southwest: Awesome! It's native culture of my area! I grew up exploring the mountains and visiting Indian sites, so learning more about their cultures is fun! Even though the professor spends the first half of the class telling us about his favorite books on the subject...(but that gives me a chance to either A) zone out or B) sleep!)
Perspectives on Race: This class gets me all kinds of riled up. I'm a pretty opinionated person, especially when it comes to race and such. I think that we are all people and the fact that people are either A) racist or B) throw the racist card around when race has nothing to do with it, just drives me crazy! And since we are a mixed class of liberals and conservatives and everything in between, I'm usually pretty upset by the end of it. But it's good for me - makes me think!
Deductive Logic: What?! Why do I have to write out symbolic sentences when I can write out real ones?! That's all I have to say about that!
And my favorite of all the game ------- History 2700: American History to 1877
I'm an undergraduate teaching fellow for this class, so I just help the professor out! And I love it! Those students are not even going to know what's going on when I have study sessions. Because I love history and they will probably never see anybody as excited as I am about it!
Now to just find a job or an internship for after graduation...so if anybody hears of anything good let me know!!
With all that's been happening, I've only been able to make it through Episode 1 of Ken Burns' The Civil War...sad day!
*Good Song: Autumn Leaves by Ed Sheeran
Oh, there were plenty of close calls. But I have managed to stay on my feet - not always firmly - but on my feet nonetheless. The fog made me want to stay inside this morning, but I forged courageously ahead to attend my two classes for the day! I didn't think I would survive, but I did! Now only to survive until the snow stops falling...
School is going well. I always have mountains of reading and I fall behind more and more with each week that passes. But as long as I stay on top of my papers and assignments, that's all that matters!!
Classes for this semester:
History of Christianity: Love it! Informative and thought provoking, but it challenges me and I love being challenged in my historical thinking!
Archaeology of North America: It's archaeology! Who wouldn't love it?!
Native Peoples of the Southwest: Awesome! It's native culture of my area! I grew up exploring the mountains and visiting Indian sites, so learning more about their cultures is fun! Even though the professor spends the first half of the class telling us about his favorite books on the subject...(but that gives me a chance to either A) zone out or B) sleep!)
Perspectives on Race: This class gets me all kinds of riled up. I'm a pretty opinionated person, especially when it comes to race and such. I think that we are all people and the fact that people are either A) racist or B) throw the racist card around when race has nothing to do with it, just drives me crazy! And since we are a mixed class of liberals and conservatives and everything in between, I'm usually pretty upset by the end of it. But it's good for me - makes me think!
Deductive Logic: What?! Why do I have to write out symbolic sentences when I can write out real ones?! That's all I have to say about that!
And my favorite of all the game ------- History 2700: American History to 1877
I'm an undergraduate teaching fellow for this class, so I just help the professor out! And I love it! Those students are not even going to know what's going on when I have study sessions. Because I love history and they will probably never see anybody as excited as I am about it!
Now to just find a job or an internship for after graduation...so if anybody hears of anything good let me know!!
With all that's been happening, I've only been able to make it through Episode 1 of Ken Burns' The Civil War...sad day!
*Good Song: Autumn Leaves by Ed Sheeran
Friday, January 11, 2013
Utah State is my Fave!
I've been really appreciating Utah State University lately. Maybe it's just me being nostalgic now that I'm getting super close to graduating and I have no idea where I will be in a few months or so. Here are a few of the great things I've been appreciating this week! (Here comes another one of my lists!)
1. Old Main. I love that building! Maybe because it's the oldest building on campus and I'm all about history and old things. I don't even mind that I've practically lived in that building the last couple of years. :)
2. Philosophy professors. Okay so here's the thing. I think that philosophy is crazy weird and super confusing. I feel like there's not really any use for it. Philosophy is for people who overthink way more than I do...which I've always thought would be hard to do! But I'm taking a philosophy class to fill a depth requirement and even though I still think it's weird and I feel bad for the professor, it's kind of growing on me. Maybe I just like to cheer for the underdogs and since not very many people like philosophy, I'm just going to have to like it! ...Even if I have no idea what it's talking about!
3. The crazy people I see on campus. So the other day there was this man...wearing snow boots...that went clear up over his knees. Now I know that's normal for girls, but I don't think I've ever seen a man wear snow boots up over his knees. It was weird...
4. The Family Life building. I haven't taken a class in that building since my freshman year, but now I have a class there. I felt like I was walking into a different century when I walked in there! At least a different decade - with the awesome tile floors, the stone walls, the awesome entry way of stairs, and the weird fetus development models in the cupboards of my classroom.
5. The massive hill that I've had to walk up for the last year and a half. Yeah...most of the time I hate it, but I've been kind of enjoying it lately. Even though that hill kicks my butt every day, whether it's me huffing and puffing from walking up it or me falling up or down the hill, it gets me every time. I've done surprisingly well walking on the snow though...there were a couple of close calls this morning where I thought I was going to show up to class with a wet bum, but I slipped and slid my way up that hill without losing my footing! Take that hill! (Okay, I better not say that because I will probably fall on it soon...it just won't stop snowing! I can only take so much snow and ice before disaster occurs!)
6. My favorite history professors. Maybe this is just me being selfish, but I love knowing that I'm not the only one crazy about history! :)
7. Digging my car out of the snow. Even though it's freezing and I can't feel my hands by the end, scraping snow and ice off my car is invigorating! The bitter cold wind, the snow all over my boots that ends up inside my car, the little patches of ice that just don't want to come off my windshield - I can't say that I love it, but I can't say that I hate it either.
8. Learning. I just love learning! And Utah State is such a great place to do that! Great professors, great programs, and great people! I just love it!! I'm so glad I didn't let my freshman year scare me away from this place.
(I had to end with an even number because...I hate odd numbers! Yep...I do...and I'm graduating in an odd numbered year...)
So there is my little list of Utah State loves.
1. Old Main. I love that building! Maybe because it's the oldest building on campus and I'm all about history and old things. I don't even mind that I've practically lived in that building the last couple of years. :)
2. Philosophy professors. Okay so here's the thing. I think that philosophy is crazy weird and super confusing. I feel like there's not really any use for it. Philosophy is for people who overthink way more than I do...which I've always thought would be hard to do! But I'm taking a philosophy class to fill a depth requirement and even though I still think it's weird and I feel bad for the professor, it's kind of growing on me. Maybe I just like to cheer for the underdogs and since not very many people like philosophy, I'm just going to have to like it! ...Even if I have no idea what it's talking about!
3. The crazy people I see on campus. So the other day there was this man...wearing snow boots...that went clear up over his knees. Now I know that's normal for girls, but I don't think I've ever seen a man wear snow boots up over his knees. It was weird...
4. The Family Life building. I haven't taken a class in that building since my freshman year, but now I have a class there. I felt like I was walking into a different century when I walked in there! At least a different decade - with the awesome tile floors, the stone walls, the awesome entry way of stairs, and the weird fetus development models in the cupboards of my classroom.
5. The massive hill that I've had to walk up for the last year and a half. Yeah...most of the time I hate it, but I've been kind of enjoying it lately. Even though that hill kicks my butt every day, whether it's me huffing and puffing from walking up it or me falling up or down the hill, it gets me every time. I've done surprisingly well walking on the snow though...there were a couple of close calls this morning where I thought I was going to show up to class with a wet bum, but I slipped and slid my way up that hill without losing my footing! Take that hill! (Okay, I better not say that because I will probably fall on it soon...it just won't stop snowing! I can only take so much snow and ice before disaster occurs!)
6. My favorite history professors. Maybe this is just me being selfish, but I love knowing that I'm not the only one crazy about history! :)
7. Digging my car out of the snow. Even though it's freezing and I can't feel my hands by the end, scraping snow and ice off my car is invigorating! The bitter cold wind, the snow all over my boots that ends up inside my car, the little patches of ice that just don't want to come off my windshield - I can't say that I love it, but I can't say that I hate it either.
8. Learning. I just love learning! And Utah State is such a great place to do that! Great professors, great programs, and great people! I just love it!! I'm so glad I didn't let my freshman year scare me away from this place.
(I had to end with an even number because...I hate odd numbers! Yep...I do...and I'm graduating in an odd numbered year...)
So there is my little list of Utah State loves.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Les Miserables!
Okay, so I'm kind of obsessed.
Yeah I am.
With Les Miserables!
I just finished the book and it was INCREDIBLE! Despite all the random tangents that dear Victor Hugo goes on, it was absolutely fantastic! And I've already seen the movie...twice! I just love it!
My best friend Brittany and I were talking about how Les Mis is so good because there's a character that anyone can connect with...whether it's Jean Valjean seeking forgiveness, Fantine whose life didn't go the way she'd imagined it would, Javert who can't let go of the past, Eponine who loves somebody that will never love her back, Marius who struggles to find out who he is and how to get what he wants, Enjolras who's completely filled with a passion that he's willing to fight for, or Gavroche who is seemingly fearless! The whole story is about love and redemption and forgiveness! And it's a beautiful one!
I think that we can connect with different characters at different times in our lives. Who hasn't made a mistake and wanted to feel peace from it? I think Jean Valjean is a great example of the struggle we have to forgive ourselves. Who hasn't been in love with somebody they couldn't have? Who hasn't struggled to find their place in the world? I think that's why Les Mis is such a classic story, because it's a universal one that we can all relate to in one aspect or another.
So there's my little rant on Les Mis and why I think it's so great.
Not to mention Marius (Eddie Redmayne) and Enjolras (Aaron Tveit) from the movie - incredibly attractive and incredibly good singers! And they're shooting muskets...I am an American! :)
Yeah I am.
With Les Miserables!
I just finished the book and it was INCREDIBLE! Despite all the random tangents that dear Victor Hugo goes on, it was absolutely fantastic! And I've already seen the movie...twice! I just love it!
My best friend Brittany and I were talking about how Les Mis is so good because there's a character that anyone can connect with...whether it's Jean Valjean seeking forgiveness, Fantine whose life didn't go the way she'd imagined it would, Javert who can't let go of the past, Eponine who loves somebody that will never love her back, Marius who struggles to find out who he is and how to get what he wants, Enjolras who's completely filled with a passion that he's willing to fight for, or Gavroche who is seemingly fearless! The whole story is about love and redemption and forgiveness! And it's a beautiful one!
I think that we can connect with different characters at different times in our lives. Who hasn't made a mistake and wanted to feel peace from it? I think Jean Valjean is a great example of the struggle we have to forgive ourselves. Who hasn't been in love with somebody they couldn't have? Who hasn't struggled to find their place in the world? I think that's why Les Mis is such a classic story, because it's a universal one that we can all relate to in one aspect or another.
So there's my little rant on Les Mis and why I think it's so great.
Not to mention Marius (Eddie Redmayne) and Enjolras (Aaron Tveit) from the movie - incredibly attractive and incredibly good singers! And they're shooting muskets...I am an American! :)
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