A Certified Runner

Guys!  I did it!  I ran a 5K!  I am very, very excited by this.  Also, it was a way fun 5K--it was the Color Run in Sandy.  And this week I'm running another 5K!  I know--look at me go, right?

I do have pictures of the aftermath of the Color Run.  Now if only I can find my cord so I can upload them...

Goblin Market

One of the only good thing to come out of my poetry class this summer? Finally reading all of Christina Rosetti's poem "Goblin Market." It's one of my new favorite poems. You need to go read it. Right now. It's pretty long, but it is SO worth it.

Pinterest

I saw this on Pinterest today:

 I thought the original picture was funny.  But then I read the comment.

Does anyone else think the fact that Mrs/Ms/Miss Kaziechko didn't protest the picture based on the seemingly impossible amounts of snow piled  to the side of the road but because of which lane the cars were driving in is completely hilarious?

Day 30

My friends, it has taken far more than 30 days, but it's the last challenge post!  Woohoo!

List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

1. My writing.  One day I will have my own fan base that can't wait until my next book comes out.  It's true.
2. My mad motherhood skills (my kids are going to be awesome and we are going to have so much fun together!)
3. My delicious baking.  
4. Being a hard-worker.  I want people to stop and think, "Man, she got the job done!"
5. My big heart.  I really do love people.
6. My wicked awesome sense of humor.
7. My ability to try anything at least once.
8. My great fashion sense.
9. My fantastic memory.  Seriously, I have the mind of an elephant.  But the body of a gazelle.  Ha ha! See how funny I am?
10. My sweet, loyal, sometimes crazy, but purely awesome personality.

Day 29

What do you think people misunderstand most about you?

I think that most people think I'm really quiet, and maybe a little bit timid.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Ask any of my family or my really close friends and they'll tell you that I have no problem being loud and crazy.  Plus, I'm freakin' hilarious, but no one except my family seems to know this so I have to laugh at all my own jokes. So that adds to the overall crazy that I am composed of.  Most of the time, the reason that I'm quiet with a group of people is because I'm a people-observer (again, far less creepy than people-watching).  I find that people are far more interesting than I can ever be, so I tend to stand back and let the entertainment simply happen.  I'll throw in my two cents every now and then, but that's mostly just to keep the show going.

As for being timid...granted, I do care about what people think about me--far more than I should, if I'm to be completely honest.  It usually takes me a long time to work up the courage to actually speak my mind with anyone other than my close friends and family because I'm absolutely terrified that I will be shot done.  But there are lots of times when I can just step right up and say whatever I think.  It's weird.  So I guess I'm kind of timid but also kind of not timid.  Yeah, I'm really weird.

Day 28

What is your love language?

I took this test a long time ago.  So I don't remember what that answer was.  The answer to this quandary?  Take the test again!

My primary love language is "Quality Time."  That means that "In Quality Time, nothing says 'I love you' like full, undivided attention.  Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there--with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby--makes you feel truly special and loved.  Distractions, postponed activities, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful."

Day 27

What is your favorite part of your body and why?

My favorite part of my body would have to be my lips, and I'll explain by telling you a story.  Once upon a time, when I was a young girl of 14, I went to my first Stake Dance for Church.  Because it was my first Stake Dance, which made me feel super old and mature and important, I begged my oldest sister and her roommates to help me get ready.  My sister's roommate, Robyn, helped put my make-up on.  While she was putting on my lipstick, she stepped back for a minute, shook her head, and said, "Those lips are so big she could suck a boys face right off."

I've always chosen to take that comment as a compliment.

Day 26

What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

People think that if their video goes viral on YouTube then that automatically makes them talented.  No.  Just, no.

Day 25

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

This is a difficult question because there are a lot of people from history that I would like to have dinner with--most of them being authors that I like.  I would choose to have dinner with J.R.R Tolkien because he's is one of the most genius writers ever.  Another person I would want to eat with would be Lucille Ball.  She is hilarious!  Even when I was little I loved her.  I think we would have a lot of fun together.  Either way, we would have a BBQ, and I would pull out all the stops.  I'd smoke brisket and pulled pork and brats.  I'd also make our delicious baked beans and potato salad.  We'd eat corn-on-the-cob, buttery rolls, and chips.  I think Lucille Ball would appreciate a good BBQ, and I would want to introduce Mr. Tolkien to some really good, flavorful food (I love everything about England except their bland food).

Day 24

Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.

Other than the fact that our family has more than doubled in size, our family dynamic is pretty much the same that it always has been.  The girls still out-number the guys in our family (we used to have five girls to one guy, and now we have nine girls to five guys).  The sisters still talk to mom every day (almost every hour, in fact).  Dad is still the big scary dad that he always was (at least to the boys--although not many of those come sniffing around anymore).  Mom is still the most incredibly busy, yet incredibly compassionate, person she always was.  The sisters are still so completely different, and yet we are so close.  My brothers-in-law are both amazing, and they fit in so well with our family that it feels like they were always meant to be there.  My nieces and nephews have blessed our lives in so many ways.  They are seriously the most beautiful/handsome, smartest, kindest, most lovable kids on the planet, and I just love them to pieces.

I don't know what I would do without my family.  They are my support system in every way.  I'm going to miss them terribly when I eventually leave the nest, but it'll be ok because I know that I'll still call each one of them practically every day, and I know that they'll still pick up the phone.

They better pick up the phone.

Day 23

List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

I have to preface this by saying that I am extremely boring.  Most of the time I'm really quite content to just sit around, chatting with my family or people-observing (which is far less creepy than people-watching).  So, I'll try to come up with 5 hobbies, but I just warn you that it may not happen.

1. Reading: I LOVE reading.  Reading is the best way to escape from the day-to-day humdrum. If you're ever alone, or waiting on someone, or whatever, just pick a book.  It's like talking to someone awesome, but you can tell them to shut up whenever you need a break from the conversation.  And they'll still be willing to talk to you again when you want to pick that conversation back up!  I mean, really, when do you ever get that kind of control with real people.  Plus, you always sound way cooler when you can say "Oh yeah, I've totally read that completely obscure book by that one Russian writer."
2.  Writing: Writing is another escape for me.  Not only do I get to escape to another reality, but I get to create that reality.  How cool is that?!  I feel like every author should have just a little bit of a god complex.  But just a little one.  It makes for great writing.
3. Arithmetic.  HA HA!  Just kidding.  I hate arithmetic.  Cooking: I've said this about a bajillion times already, but cooking is AWESOME!  It's another way for me to express my creativity.  Speaking of cooking, I will be attempting a Harry Potter cake for Kiera's birthday in the next week or so.  Maybe I'll post pictures?
4. Horse-back riding: Like I said, I don't get to ride very often anymore, so I don't know if this really counts as a hobby.  But I do it whenever I can...so maybe it does?  Anyway, I love the feeling of freedom you get when you go horse-back riding.  Plus, horses are just overall amazing.  So you're always in good company, even if you go riding alone.
5. CrossFit: I have recently started doing CrossFit, and I am slowly becoming addicted. (To learn more about what CrossFit is, check this out.  It's a really brief rundown of what the program is all about.  Also, type it into Google, and you'll find out everything you wished to know)  I go to a CrossFit gym in Draper, and I really love it there.  Everyone is so friendly, and they try to make it feel like a family atmosphere.  The trainers are great, and even though it can get competitive, your group is always so supportive.  Everyone cheers each other on, which is what I really need when I'm working out.  Some days it's so hard to go, and I'll admit I haven't had perfect attendance.  But every time I do make it and do the WOD (workout of the day), I feel SO good about myself.  More so than I have when I just go for a run.

Day 22

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  10 years?  15 years?

This is a really hard set of questions to answer because I'm not the kind of person to make a huge long life plan.  I like to have goals and stuff, but I also like to see immediate results.  I have a few ideas of where I want to be, though, so I'll give it a go.

5 years: In five years I definitely hope to be working for the U.S. Embassy.  I hope that I'll be on my second post, in some way cool place.  I don't even care where I go, as long as I get into the Embassy and they send me somewhere.  I know that freaks my mom out, but I would go literally anywhere in the world.  Also, I would hope to be married by that time, but if not, I would be ok with just having a steady boyfriend.  If I can't even have a boyfriend in five years, then you can be danged sure I'm going to have at least one dog.  Kiera will be fifteen, almost sixteen by that time (that is so weird to think about!), and I've told Mom and Dad that Kiera should come live with me overseas while she's in high school.  That way she'll have a higher chance of getting into BYU because they love foreign students here at BYU.  I'm pretty sure the only reason I got into the university was because I was graduating from high school in India.
10 years: I definitely see myself married by this time.  Hopefully, I'll have at least one child.  Again, I see myself in a way cool country--by this time it should be my fourth post (fingers crossed).  I'll still have a dog.  Kiera will be in college, and my oldest niece, Katie, will be sixteen (which is an even weirder thought than Kiera being sixteen).  I want to have a least one book written, or one collection of poetry written by this point in my life.  I don't mind if it's not published, I just want to have one written.
15 years: If I'm not married by this point, I think I'll have pretty much given up.  

Day 21

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

Believe it or not, I've had this discussion multiple times with multiple people.  And my answer alternates between two or three different superpowers (cue the nerd applause).  At this moment, however, if I had to choose just one superpower it would be the ability to read other people's minds, and I'll tell you why.  I am really self-conscious, and I really, really care about what other people think about me.  So this seems like a logical superpower for me to have.

I think the first place I would use my superpower would be on a date.  How useful would that power be on a date?!  It would be like my own personal review card.  I would get immediate feedback on what to do again, and what never to do ever again in my life.  My dates would become infinitely more awesome.  And maybe I'd finally get a second date.

I wouldn't be a creeper, though.  I wouldn't listen in on every single thought my date was having.  'Cause that could get real weird real fast.  I think I would just check in every once in a while.  Just to make sure everything was going ok, you know?

Day 20

Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

1. One of my first memories happened when we lived in a tiny little apartment in Oklahoma.  And when I say tiny, I really mean absolutely tiny.  The all-three-of-us-girls-slept-in-one-bed kind of tiny.  I remember the carpet was a bluish color, and we had one couch.  But my strongest memory from that apartment was when we had a surprise birthday for my dad.  Heather and Chelsey hid by the couch, and Mom and I hid behind the tiny wrap-around counter in our tiny kitchen.  I remember Mom was holding the cake, and I remember that it was covered with coconut flakes; now, every time I smell coconut I think of that night.  All the lights were off, and the candles seemed so bright.  Dad came in, and we all jumped out and starting singing "Happy Birthday."  For a long time, no one believed me that this memory actually happened, but it did.  Dad said so.
2. Horseback riding is a huge part of my life.  I don't get to go riding very often any more--partly because of school and partly because I'm poor.  Mom would say that I should probably add that I don't ride because I'm pretty allergic to the horse hair and the hay and stuff in the stables, but that never kept me away from a good ride.  Anyways, the point it that I don't get to ride very often, and I really, really miss it.  A lot.  I feel the most confident, the most happy, the most like me when I'm on a horse.  I started riding when we moved to England, so a lot of my memories of England involve the stables I rode at and the horses that I rode.  Peter was my first pony, and even though the instructors assured me that he would bite and kick at every opportunity, he never did either to me.  He tried it the first day I rode him, but I remember standing by his head, holding his bridle tightly in my hand, stroking his nose, and speaking softly but very firmly to him.  I explained to him that I was going to be riding him for a while, and he was not to kick or bite me.  I told him I would love him and be kind to him, but he must not to try and bite me again.  Every time I rode him after that, I always stroked and petted him, gave him kisses, hugged him, etc.  I know that he didn't understand the words I said to him that first day, but I know that he understood what I meant.  And he knew I loved him, so he never tried to hurt me again.
3. While we lived overseas, we always traveled a lot.  I feel like we traveled more when we were overseas than when we were in Utah.  Anyways, while we were in England, France--and specifically Paris--was a very popular vacation destination because it's just like a four hour train ride between Paris and London.  The first time I ever went to France was a disaster--or at least that's how it felt.  First of all, it rained every day.  And not just little sun-showers that last for 5, 10 minutes.  No, it poured.  The worst day was when we went to Disneyland though.  Don't get me wrong, Disneyland was fun, and I still had a good time, but it rained--yet again--and Mom and I got stuck under Sleeping Beauty's castle for FOREVER.  Then we lost the rest of the family.  And I'm pretty sure it rained again after that.  I think that my eight-year-old brain may have been exaggerating the extremely disappointing nature of that trip, but I'm afraid that I never really liked Paris after that.  I still don't understand all the hype that Paris gets.  Yes, it is a cool city, and there are some awesome things to see (the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre), but I'm not enamored with it; I would much rather go somewhere other than France.  And it's all because we went to France during the rainy season.

Day 19

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

IF I could live anywhere in the world I would in the country side of England, to the north of London.  Why?  Because the weather there is for me.  Because I love the rain, and I could handle it if it rained every day of my love.  Because they have Cadbury chocolate and Magnum ice cream bars.  Because you can skip over the channel for a weekend trip to Paris.  Because that's where all my favorite authors came from.  Because who can resist that accent?  Because my heart and soul belongs in England.

Day 18

What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

As I've said before, I am fiercely loyal to the ones that I love.  And I can hold a grudge like none other.  It's a problem that I have, and I'm trying to fix it.  But, in the words of Mr. Darcy, "My good opinion once lost is lost forever."  I guess I'm not that harsh (neither is Mr. Darcy, for that matter, except with Wickham, and Wickham totally deserved it), but still.  The hardest thing I ever had to forgive was an incident between our choir director and my sister.  The choir director was mean and insensitive and said something that made my sister cry.  I'm still struggling to completely forgive the choir director, even though this happened years ago.

I may fight with my sisters--tooth and nail sometimes--but I love them completely.  Seriously, don't mess with my family.

Day 17

What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

Without a doubt, I wish I were great at dancing.  I had a chance to dance when I was little--my mom signed me up for Jazz dance classes while we were in England--but I totally blew it.  That is one of my biggest regrets in life.  If I could, I would go back in time and beg my mom to make me stay in those dance classes.

Day 16

What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

These are not in order of greatness.  I think they are all equally great.

1. Passing my IB Math course.  Not only did I pass the course, my math exam was my highest exam grade out of all my IB courses.  Since I am terrible at math, I was really proud of that exam score.
2. Bungee jumping.  Bungee jumping when I was 10 was a big deal.  It scared me, but I did it anyways.  And that's what launched me into my more adventurous side.  I don't know if most would call bungee jumping an accomplishment, but I think it is.
3. Living in Mexico for two months.  Part of this accomplishment was knowing enough Spanish to take my family around Guadalajara by myself for a week when they came to pick me up from my study abroad.  It was a really good feeling to know that my years and years of studying the language had paid off.
4. Teaching Kiera about good music, books, TV, movies, etc.  She's an awesome ten-year-old because she's had an awesome teacher.  That's what big sister's are here for.
5. Signing up and going to CrossFit.  I was so sore after that first workout, but I went and did it again.  That is a great achievement for me. 

Day 15

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I were an animal, I would probably be a dog.  Most likely a golden retriever. I am really playful (ask my nieces and nephews), but I am also pretty calm.  Plus, I am fiercely loyal to the ones I love.  Don't mess with them, or I will come at you...with snide, sarcastic, passive-aggressive comments.  Hey, golden retrievers aren't really offensive fighters either.

Although, I might be a cat.  Cats are the unsociable social animals ever.  Like me.

Day 14

Describe 5 strengths you have.

1. I am an awesome listener.  I actually like it when people come to me with complaints or concerns or happy news.  I want to hear it all.  I feel like people know they can rely on me, and that I'll hear them out no matter what.  I might not always tell them what they want to hear once they're done talking (I learned that trick from my mama), but I will always try to help them out as best I can.
2. I am an awesome cook.  While I'm trying to solve my problems with food, I come up with some pretty awesome recipes.  I love cooking, and I love trying out new things.  One of the best feelings in the world is when my family devours one of my meals and tells me that it was delicious.
3. When I set my mind to it, I get stuff done.  Even though I procrastinate, I can get projects done, and I do it well (or as best I can).  You have to admit, I'm a determined little thing.
4. I am a really fast reader.  This may sound a dumb strength to be proud, but you would be surprised by how often it comes in handy.  I would not have survived my English classes if I couldn't read fast.  How English professors expect you to read a 350 page book cover-to-cover in a four day period is beyond me.  Plus, I get to read a lot more books than other people, so it makes me sound really cool when someone brings up a book that they're sure no one else has heard of, and I'm all like, "Oh yeah, that's a really great book.  I especially like the part when..."
5. I have an excellent memory.  I have vivid memories from when I was like three years old and we were living in this crazy apartment in Oklahoma.  I remember pretty much every book I've read, and even if I don't remember it very well, once I start reading it, my mind plays catch-up pretty quickly.  Sometimes I feel kind of awkward that I remember stuff like movies and TV shows so vividly, especially when other people are talking about it and they don't remember anything, but I do.  When that happens, I usually pretend that I don't remember too, but I do.  I do.

Day 13

Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

1. I have so little patience.  This is why I can never teach.  I can't just sit there and run through the same thing over and over again.  I get really frustrated and just give up.  Also, I have no patience for whiners. I can only take it for so long before I get angry.
2. I bottle up my feelings.  I don't like confrontation, so when I get angry or sad or frustrated I would rather not talk about it.  This is bad because everything just stacks up on top of one another until finally I explode over the smallest thing.  That moment is never a pretty sight.
3. I procrastinate.  Especially if I'm not looking forward to a certain project.  I put it off until the last possible minute and then usually stay up all night to finish said unwanted project.  I always get it done, though!
4. I am extremely critical of myself.  It's hard for me to accept compliments.  It makes me really happen to get compliments, but I tend to think that the compliment-giver is just being nice.  It takes a little while for me to get used to the idea.
5. I use food to solve a lot of my problems.  Even though it doesn't solve any of my problems.  And that is why I'm not a size four and will probably never be a size four.

Day 12

Describe a typical day in your current life.

For this post, I will be describing my busiest days.  Just so you know, my days aren't always this crazy.

5:25--My first alarm goes off.  I groan, roll over, and contemplate getting up.  I hit snooze three more times.
5:40--I finally force myself to get up.  If I'm lucky, I'll have enough time to get all my stuff for school and grab my breakfast.  If I'm really lucky, I'll be able to put on some make-up.
6:50--Thank the Lord that I made it to work alive.
6:58--I've clocked in, and now I'm just waiting for my computer to boot up.  Adjusting my comfy swivel chair takes top priority right now.
7:05--The computer has finally booted up, and I've just finished logging into the bajillion windows that are absolutely necessary to perform my job.  I take a deep breath, and brace myself for the 15 angry moms that are going to yell at me in the next half-hour or so.
7:45--Calls finally calm down.  I can turn on Pandora and open Pinterest.
7:47--Of course, as soon as Pandora starts playing my favorite song, I get another call.  What do you know, this angry mom tops every other call I've had that morning.  The call proceeds to last for half an hour.
8:20--I finally slam the phone down because of this frustrating mom and her stupid student who waited until the last day to complete their course.  Just kidding, I never do that.  Slam the phone, I mean.  I always end professionally.  Anyways, by this time I'm emotionally drained and I can't face the phone queue, so I take a super short break.
8:22-9:30--Alternate between browsing Pinterest, rockin' out to Pandora, and helping moms/students/counselors request exams.
9:40--Come back from my ten minute break with a delicious, albeit small, plate of biscuits and gravy from the Creamery Outlet, conveniently located next door.
10:52--I'm just about to go on "Not Ready" so I can actually clock out on time.  My phone rings before I can hit the "Not Ready" button.  Call lasts for 15 minutes.
11:07--Finally finish the call.  Log out of the bajillion windows that I have open, clock out, and walk to my car. Sit in the car for a couple of minutes, trying to decide whether or not to eat out or just go to the Wilk (the main student building on BYU campus).  Decide to go to the Wilk because it's closer to class, and it has internet.
11:20-11:41--Watch an episode of "Saved by the Bell," "Modern Family," "Malcom in the Middle," or some other way awesome show.
11:42-11:55--Eat lunch as fast as I can.  Book it to class.
12:00-1:45--Endure Spanish class.  Repeat the mantra "This is my last Spanish class.  You can do it.  Pay attention.  If you fail this class, I will smack you upside the head so hard..."
1:45-2:00--Chill out, waiting for my way awesome English class to start.
2:00-4:30--Watch movies, read books, and talk about crazy awesome psychology theories.  And yes, this is what my English class is like every Monday/Wednesday.
5:20--Finally get home.  Run to change into my workout clothes.
6:00--Go get my butt kicked in a super intense workout at CrossFit*.
7:10--Crawl out of my car, into the house, and onto a couch.  Complain that I should do homework, but then I don't do any homework.
9:00--Start to complain that I'm tired.  Every 15 minutes or so, I vow that I really am going to go to bed, but I keep talking to Mom, Kiera, Rachel...whoever's still up and willing to listen to me,
10:15--Finally giving up, I actually go to bed.

*CrossFit is a new thing for me.  It is one of the hardest, best workouts I've ever done.  When I say that I have to crawl back into the house after my workout, it's because I'm exhausted and I'm so sore that I can barely move.  But it's awesome.

Day 11

Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

1. People being rude to me on the phone: I work in the customer service department for BYU Independent Study (we provide online school courses for middle school, high school, and university students), so we get a lot of calls from frustrated students, parents, and school counselors.  Frustrated students, parents, and school counselors become angry.  I know this happens quite a lot with any customer service stuff, but I am here to speak for all the customer service reps out there--when customers are mean to customer service reps, it really gets to us.  I cannot tell you how emotionally draining it is to have call after call after call of people just taking out their frustrations on you.  So just remember that we are people too.  I've been in the game long enough that I can distance myself so that it doesn't make me so emotional, but it is still SO annoying when I say "Thank you, have a great day!" and the customer just hangs up, without saying anything to me.  Really?  Could you be anymore rude?
2. Crazy drivers: The worst is when some guy drives right up to my bumper and then whips around me at the first opportunity.  I would understand that a tiny bit better if I was an eighty year old grandma and going 50 in a 65 zone (and yes, we do get those old drivers), but I always go the speed limit.  I may not be going 85 in a 65 zone, but, hello!  We are on an American freeway, not the Autobahn; and just because you are a maniac pretending to be a race car driver on the last lap does not give you the right to put my life in danger by whipping around me.
3. People talking over me (as in over my head, not louder than me)/ignoring me: I don't mind when people have conversations without me while I'm still around.  That's fine.  I don't have to be part of every little thing that happens.  But when you take the time to actually talk around me, that's not ok.  If you're conversation is that important, go find a spot where you can chat together.  Also, if the conversation is about general stuff, and I am literally sitting in the middle of it, I feel like it's ok to put my two cents in.  Don't stare at me with one of those weird stares that says "Who are you?  And why are you talking?" and then ignore my two cents completely while continuing on with your conversation.  It makes me feel stupid and insignificant.  And it's really rude.
4. Commercials that play twice in a row: Or just when a commercial plays again really soon after it played for the first time.  I don't know if that made any sense, so I will demonstrate.  Let's say a car commercial played.  Then a restaurant commercial played, and right after that the same car commercial played again.  It's just really annoying to view the same commercial over and over again.  I think, "Ok, ok, I get the message.  I'll go buy your car!  Stop harassing me about it."
5. Not answering the phone, even though you just called me two seconds ago: I am not perfect.  I do not always get to my phone before it stops ringing.  But when that does happen, I always call that person back.  I drives me nuts when I call someone back literally two seconds after they called me, and they don't pick up the phone.  What, did you throw the phone and run away when I didn't pick up?  What is happening?!
6. Cutting in line: There's a line for a reason.  I'm sorry you didn't stay with your friends when they got in the line, but you can live without being next to them for a just a little while.
7. Asking a question and then moving on to a different question before I've answered the first question: If you ask me a question, I assume you want to know the answer.  If you don't care about the answer, don't ask the question.  If you think of a different question while I'm answering the first question, that's great!  Ask me after I'm done talking.  Also, don't ask me a question, interrupt me with a different question, and then ask the first question again five minutes later.
8. Bad parking: I do this too, so I get really annoyed with myself a lot.  It's just so annoying when you find the perfect parking spot, but you can't use it but the guy to your left thought his giant SUV needed one and a half parking spaces.  It's also annoying when people park diagonally.  Then you're forced to maneuver around the guy-who-can't-see-straight while at the same time trying not to hit the car on your other side.
9. Never returning my letters: I like hand-written letters.  I like hand writing letters.  I think they're awesome.  Yes, they don't get to the recipient as fast as an email, text, or phone, but isn't that feeling when you open the mailbox and find a letter for you just the greatest in the world?  It makes me sad that I've taken the time to write someone a beautiful letter, and they just won't take the time to respond.
10. Complaining about how fat you are:  Stop it.  Just stop.

Day 10

Describe your most embarrassing moment.

Ok, I have to put a disclaimer on this post: I am extremely self-conscious.  So I get embarrassed a lot.  A LOT!  Because of that, there are a lot of little moments that I could choose from for this particular post.  But I think the best embarrassing moments--or at least the ones that create the best stories--come from first dates.  First dates are automatically awkward; you're going out with someone for the first time, and both of you are trying to figure out how you feel about the other person, and you're both trying to figure out if you want to go out again, and you don't want to say anything stupid or wrong.  The worst part of it, though, is that both of you are trying to remember the innumerable rules that go along with a first date--most of which conflict with one another.  For example, guys are told that, above all else, they MUST BE CHIVALROUS! They must be gentlemanly and do things like open doors, seat the lady first, pay for the meal/activity, etc.  These are awesome rules, and I am by no means condemning them or saying that guys should not be chivalrous.  The problem is that in this day and age girls are taught that allowing men to be chivalrous towards them somehow makes them less of a person, and that they must resist any chivalrous act and prove that they are independent and just as equal as a man.  Can you see how this can lead to problems?

Also, I don't get asked on dates...ever.  I ask guys out on dates, and somehow they are only ever first dates.  Weird, right?  So I don't get a lot of practice at either allowing guys to be chivalrous or pretending to spurn their chivalrous acts.

So...on to the embarrassing moment.  I went on a first date with a guy whose name I unfortunately don't remember--he did have gorgeous blue eyes though (seriously, is there anything hotter than a guy with blue eyes?  I think not).  Anyways, it was a double date with one of my old roommates, Cassandra Clive, and her now-husband.  We had finished the activity part of the date (we went bowling), and we were walking out to the car so we could go to Cassandra's apartment to play games and maybe have treats.  I walked to one side of the car, and I noticed the Gorgeous-Blue-Eyes had followed me.  Stupidly thinking that he had planned on getting in on that side of the car, too, I considerately walked around to the other door.  Gorgeous-Blue-Eyes followed me again.  Slightly annoyed, but thinking that maybe he had had the exact same thought as I had just had, I again walked to the other side of the car.  Gorgeous-Blue-Eyes started to follow me, yet again, but then he's nice shoulders slumped in sort-of despair, and he simply got in the car.  I got in after him.  As Cassandra's then-fiancee-but-now-husband started the car, Gorgeous-Blue-Eyes leaned over and said, "I was just going to open the door for you."  Gorgeous-Blue-Eyes, you have gorgeous blue eyes, but what the heck, man?!  What do I say to that?  Of course, I had realized that almost as soon as I sank into soft, old seats of Cassandra's-then-fiancee's ancient car, but we had both ignored it for long enough that it would have been possible to gloss over my stupidity if Gorgeous-Blue-Eyes had kept his stupid, chivalrous mouth shut.  Anyways, I think I giggled nervously and said sorry--as if that was going to help the situation.  I couldn't look at his gorgeous blue eyes for the rest of the night.

Sometime, if we ever have like an hour to kill, and you happen to remember it, ask me to tell you about the time my first date told me that the date we were on was contending for "Worst Date Ever" in his book.

Day 9

List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

1. Mom: My mom literally an angel.  She's one of the most compassionate people I know, and I'm always trying to learn from her excellent example.
2. Dad:  My dad is so focused, and smart, and intense, and fun, and awesome.  I wish I could be more dedicated like he is.
3. Chelsey: Chelsey is the only person I know who took an economics major and actually like it.  She has the greatest fashion sense, and she is super creative and crafty.  I hope that one day I can be just as crafty as she is.
4. Heather: I think that Heather has the most dedication out of all us girls.  When she puts her to mind to something, there is nothing that can get in her way.  I would love to be so intense about my goals.
5. Kiera: Kiera does not care what anyone thinks about her--she dances to the beat of her own drum, and that's just how she likes it.  I hope that one day I can be that brave and confident.
6. Aaron and Danny: My brothers-in-law are some of the coolest guy I've ever met.  They teach me kindness, ingenuity, and, most of all, patience.  Plus they each have an awesome sense of humor!
7. My best friends: My best friends are the most awesome girls ever!  I wouldn't have made it through middle school, high school, and freshman year of college without them.  They bring me out of my shell, and I love them for that.
8. The Prophets: The latter-day Prophets are such an important part of my life.  I don't know any of them personally, but every time I hear them speak I can feel their love.  Thomas S. Monson is such a wonderful man, and I know that he is a true Prophet of a true church, and that he really does act as the mouthpiece for the Lord.
9. Ms. Dodd, Ms. Strevens, Mrs. Watts, Ms. Proud, and Professor Tuttle: Each of these teachers made a huge impact on my school years.  Ms. Dodd and Ms. Strevens were the best teachers in my elementary school (Farlington School for Girls A.K.A the greatest school ever).  Ms. Dodd was like my second mom, and Ms. Strevens and I were bosom friends from the very beginning.  Mrs. Watts was my eighth grade English teacher, and she truly let me shine in her class. Ms. Proud was my high school English teacher, and I honestly couldn't have made it through the two years of IB courses without her.  Professor Tuttle was my creative writing teacher (are you seeing a pattern here?) during my Junior year of college, and he was the one teacher who told me that I could actually be an author.  Each of these teachers has a special place in my heart.
10. Great authors that I love:  Jane Austen, L.M. Montgomery, Lemony Snicket, Ernest Hemingway, Robert Jordan, and Brandon Sanderson are all great authors that I love, and I strive to make my writing something like theirs.  I know I probably won't ever be counted as one of the greats, but I like to have lofty goals.

Day 8

What are 5 passions you have?

1. My first-and-foremost, now-and-forever, ultimate passion is reading.  When I get a book, I completely block out the world around me.  I become oblivious to what's going on.  I'm the worst person to do a road trip with because I literally pack a bag of books, and then just read for basically the entire trip.  Ask my family.  They will tell you how bad I am at road trips because of my books.  But books have been such a huge part of my life since I was tiny that really, this is not that surprising.  When we were little, my mom's answer to everything was: "Read a book."  See, watch:

"Mom, I'm bored."

"Read a book."

"What should I do today, Mom?"

"Read a book."

"Mom, Heather's being mean to me!"

"You two, go to opposite sides of the room, and read a book."

"Hey, Mom!  Hey, Mom!  Pay attention to me!  RIGHT NOW!"

"I'm going to go read a book.  You should too."

"Mom, I'm hungry."

"Read a book while I make dinner."

"Mom, I'm not tired."

"Let's read a book together."

Well, you get the idea.  Thanks, Mom, for always making me read a book!

1. This is supposed to be number 2, but Blogger doesn't like it when you do cool things like I just did, A.K.A centering a dialogue so that it makes more sense.  Anyways, my second passion is cooking.  I've mentioned before that I find cooking very therapeutic.  I love being surround by good smells, digging my hands into my creations (don't worry, I always wash before) and mixing everything together, and seeing and tasting the finished product.  Mostly I love making stuff that isn't typical.  I love trying out a new, weird recipe, or trying to put a new spin on an old favorite.  Sometimes my recipes are duds--especially when it comes to cooking with a crockpot; for some reason, I can never make it come out right--but I'm extremely competitive by nature, so when my recipes come out all wrong it just makes me determined to try harder next time.
2. Ok, I'm gonna toot my own horn for a second (it's my blog, I'm allowed): I am super creative.  Seriously, I can think of stories in a heartbeat.  And I do, frequently.  I am not, however, crafty.  Do not get those two things mixed up.  There is a huge difference between being creative and being crafty.  With that being said, I love being creative.  I love making up new stories, and writing poems, and making up songs (that I sing really loudly when I'm all by myself).  My creative writing classes at school have always been my favorite classes, ever.  This summer, I get to take a poetry class, and I cannot tell you how excited I am for it.  Also, I'm poor, so it's awesome when I can use my skills as presents.  Because it's free.  Hopefully, one day, I will be crafty as well as creative, and I'm working on that, but for right now I'm content with being ultra creative and only slightly crafty sometimes.
3. Travel is another huge passion of mine.  Travelling is really important to me, and not just because that's how I grew.  Living overseas for most of my life taught how big and how incredible the world truly is.  Now that I've had a taste of it, it's hard to be satisfied with just staying in my own little bubble for very long. I want to travel as much as possible, and see as much of the world as I can.  Unfortunately, right now there are these two stupid things getting in my way: money and education.  (Just kidding!  Education's not stupid!  Go to school)
4. Now, this last one is going to sound super cheesy, but bear with me.  I am really passionate about animals.  Being around animals is kind of my thing.  I make friends with animals so much faster than I do with people.  And I realize just how sad that is.  But seriously, animals are the best.  They are not judgmental, they are fiercely loyal (except cats; cats just do their own thing), they are playful and fun, and they will love you unconditionally.  I cannot wait until I can get my own pet.  As soon as I get my own place, that dog is mine!  Ok, I'm going to get off my soapbox about how awesome animals are.

Day 7

What is your dream job, and why?

My dream job would be working for the US Embassy in their Consular track (I'm going to describe what the Consular track is in just a minute, but if you want the official version, check this out).  As a "Consular Officer" I would be able to give out visas to cool people who want to hang out in the States for a period of time, make sure no one dies in crazy life-threatening situations (of the natural and/or not natural variety), and help cute young couples fulfill their dreams of having an adorable baby without getting fat (I guess I'll help older couples too).  I think that's pretty awesome.  But seriously, I really think that the things consulars do in the Embassy are really important.  I've always loved helping people, but I don't have the patience to be something like a teacher.  PLUS: I have to travel for my job.  I get to go see an new place every three to four years, if I want to, or I can ask to extend my stay at that particular embassy.  I'm taking the first part of the application test in October (again), so please wish me good luck!

Also, another dream job would be to work as a animal trainer.  Why?  Because animals are awesome.  And I like animals.  And animals love me.  Too bad I would probably make less money as an animal trainer than I make now.

Day 6

What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

The hardest thing I have ever experienced was moving to and living in India.  The culture there is a complete 180 from everything that I have been used to, and it was so hard to try and adjust to that.  Also, my mom was not able to move there right away, so it was just my dad and me for two and a half months.  Now, this has happened before--when we moved to England, my mom had to wait for about six months before she could come over because she was trying to oversee the building of our house here in South Jordan, UT.  But I was only 7 at the time, and while I missed my mom, it didn't really have a profound effect on me.  Being without my mom for two and a half months in India was extremely hard.  My dad is the greatest, but he does not know how to handle the emotional side of having a daughter.  Also, I was really lonely for the first year we were in India.  There were a lot of interesting, weird, hard things that happened in India that's really hard to explain in a short amount of time--I could talk to you for hours about what it was like living there.  However, it was also one of the most important experiences of my life.  I needed that move to India.  It taught me who I was as a person; it taught me how to stand up for what is right; it taught me to be independent.  I grew so much during those two and a half years, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  Because of India, I now understand why trials are so important.

Day 5

What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

1. Seeing one of my best friends who I haven't seen since her wedding in December.
2. The family townhouse in Park City. Hawksridge is amazing and I love going up there almost every weekend.
3. Boyfriend brownies.
4. My family. They're the best.
5. My books and my Kindle. I ADORE reading--I literally can't get enough of it--and I love, love, love my kindle because I can have so many books all in the same place. You would not believe how convenient that can be.

Day 4

List 10 things you would tell your 16 year old self, if you could

1. One day, although it may seem impossible right now, you will appreciate and even be grateful for your time in India.  This sounds crazy, I know, but trust me on this.  You wanna hear something even crazier? Some days--although these days will be few and far between--you will actually miss India.
2. Sign up for those salsa classes right now!  And keep going!  You are a great dancer, and you will have some of the best stories because of salsa class.
3. Don't waste your time pining for him; he's not worth it.
4. Whatever you do, DO NOT ENROLL IN IB MATH SL!! Just go straight for IB Math Studies.  You may feel stupid because this feels like the remedial math class for IB students (which means it's normal math for normal high schoolers).  Believe me, doing this will save you a lot of sleepless nights, heartache, and tears.  Remember, you are not stupid.  But let's be real: you are not good at math.
5. Trust your gut.  
6. When you go to Thailand, beg dad to see if he'll pay for the all-day tiger experience.
7. When you get to college, just start on the English major right away.  We all know that's what you're going to end up doing anyway, so there's no point in pretending that you want to start a major like Biology.
8. Don't be afraid to talk about religion--specifically, what you believe in.  I know it's intimidating, especially at that school, but you will help people understand your faith and it will help you grow closer to the Gospel.  I know I probably sound like a seminary video right now, but seriously.  People want to know, and teaching something really does help you understand it better.
9. Driving--real driving, I mean, on roads and stuff--is vastly different than driving around in circles on a cricket field while Surrender controls the shift stick.  But don't wait too long after you get back from India to get your driver's licence.  Don't worry, you won't die in a fiery car crash.  Yet.
10. And for heaven's sake, stop eating so much food! Contrary to all your beliefs, it will not make you feel better, it will not make your problems go away, and you do not need as much as you think you do.

Day 3

Describe your relationship with your parents

First off, let me just say, once again, that my parents are the coolest!  Because of them, I have had the most amazing experiences in my life.  I've been able to travel the world, explore new countries and cultures, and do things most people only dream of doing (like bungee jumping and playing with tigers).  Both of them have taught me so much: my parents taught me to be open-minded, compassionate yet firm, mindful and respectful of others, and always willing to give help when it is needed.  They taught me to love learning, and they taught me the immense joy of reading.  And before I go on, I just wanted to tell them thank you.

My mom is my best friend.  I know I can go to her with anything, whether it be complaints, sorrows, happy tidings, questions, or worries. I was once in a family studies class where the professor talked about a "fused family." A fused family is a family that is really inter-dependent.  They consult each other on everything, and family always come first.  They spend a ton of time together, and it is viewed as a betrayal if a family member pulls away from the family.  I tell you this because my mom and I always half-joke that we are fused.  We call each other every day, and I know that she's ready to talk for as long as I need to.  She makes the best sandwiches and smoothies in the world.  My mom is an angel, and I am always trying to learn from her example.

My dad is my rock.  Well, he's really the rock for the whole family.  I think that without him, the majority of our family would be kind of lost.  He is so level-headed and focused--sometimes it can be a little frustrating because he has a vision, and expects everyone else to have that same vision, whether they like it or not.  But my dad is so adventurous.  I inherited my adrenaline-junkie tendencies from him.  He is the kind of person who will take off at a moment's notice to find the next great adventure--and I love jumping in the front seat and taking off with him.  He may appear rough and tough when you first meet him--and don't get me wrong, he's still tough on you after you get to know him--but he's really just a big soft, cuddly teddy bear.  My favorite memories are those of my dad and me cuddling together in front of the TV, not saying anything, but just hanging out.

I really can't say this enough:  I love my parents, and I don't know what I would do without them in my life.

Day 2

Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

1. Fear number 1: As I mentioned previously (see yesterday's post, number 2), I am deathly afraid of stairs.  And yes, that is a legitimate fear!  Stairs are scary.  Seriously, what's the scariest part of a house?  Stairs that either go down to a dark basement, or go up to a creaky attic.  In horror movies, stairs inevitably lead to bad things.  In real life, I am super clumsy, and I have hurt myself way too many times on stairs to feel remotely comfortable climbing them.  Also, oddly enough, I'm more scared going down stairs than I am going up stairs.  When I climb stairs--especially if the stairs are really narrow, or they're metal, or they're hanging above open spaces (and yes, I have been on stairs that hang over open spaces)--my heart starts racing, my stomach turns into an Olympic gymnast, and sometimes I even start to shake a little.  It's weird.  Just go with it.
2. Fear number 2: Rats.  There's not much more to say about that.  I remember the first time I saw a rat.  It was in Germany.  We were wondering around at night, just seeing the city (I think we were in Munich), when all of a sudden we stumbled across a fat, white, rat.  Luckily, it was dead, but I think that first experience kind of scarred me.  The next experience I had with rats was in India, and let me just tell you that the rats in India are absolutely huge and disgusting and scary.  Having one run across your semi-bare feet (I was wearing flip-flops) is an awful, awful experience.  Having one live in your house, slowly decaying under your mother's bathroom because it ate ALL of the rat poison is an even worse experience.  I was literally terrified to sleep for days after we found the rat in our house.  Now, even mice scare me a little bit.  I'm ok with pet mice and rats (although I think it's creepy), as long as they don't come near me.
3. Fear number 3: My third fear is that I will someday die in a fiery car crash.  I have no idea where this fear came from, but I panic just a little any time a car come near me too fast on the freeway.  I'm more comfortable in my little car now than I was when I first started driving (my parents had to beg me to get my driver's licence), but it still makes me nervous.

Day 1

List 20 random facts about yourself

1. I have recently discovered that my favorite comfort food is guacamole.  I could sit down and eat practically an entire carton of guacamole--it's so good!
2. I am terribly, deathly afraid of stairs (more on that later)
3. I find cooking therapeutic
4. I also find that when you are having a bad day, the best way for you to feel better is to change into some over-sized sweats and a t-shirt, crawl into bed, and read your favorite book.  It is just as therapeutic as cooking, but in a different way
5. Sometimes I think that being a therapist or a psychologist would be really cool
6. Psych is the coolest, funniest show ever.  But New Girl is a pretty close second
7. I am extremely competitive, although I try not to let that raging beast out if I can help it
8. My favorite book in the entire world is Pride & Prejudice.  I have three copies of the book and all the film versions on DVD
9. My two dearest wishes in all the world are: I wish I could draw and I wish I could dance (properly, I mean; I wish I was trained and all that jazz)
10. I am a total people-pleaser.  One Thanksgiving, three different families asked me over for Thanksgiving dinner: my mom and dad, my sister, Heather, and my sister, Chelsey (although I don't think that Chelsey's invitation was very serious--it is quite difficult to go down to New Mexico and back in three days).  I was so distraught about where to go for Thanksgiving dinner that I actually broke down and cried miserably over the situation because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
11. I want a horse so badly!
12. I also want an Irish Wolfhound named Thor and a Goldendoodle (or Yellow Lab or Golden Retriever) named Isis
13. No, I am not a huge fan of Norse and Egyptian gods.  I just think that an Irish Wolfhound needs to be named Thor (if you don't believe me, go take a look at the Irish Wolfhound), and I took the name for my Goldendoodle/Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever from the show Downton Abbey.  If you've seen the show, you'll understand
14. I have a not-so-secret goal of visiting every country in the world
15. My parents built a townhome in Park City, UT, and we had a pseudo-competition within the family to name the house.  My sister, Chelsey, came up with the names Hawksridge and Ambleside.  The house was dubbed Hawksridge. And right here, right now, with all ya'll as my witnesses, I am claiming the name Ambleside for my own house.  I might even get creative and make a little sign.  Well, I guess a trip to Pinterest is in order!
16. Oh yeah, I'm obsessed with Pinterest
17. I love, love, love music
18. I am a night owl
19. I love my curly hair.  Curly hair is the best
20. If I were a filthy rich, multi-billionaire, I would either live on a big, sprawling ranch in somewhere like Montana, or a beach house with a small acreage in somewhere like Hawaii, or in the countryside of England 

30 Posts in 30 Days

Ok, let's face it: I am not the best of bloggers.  There are far too many gaps between the dates of my posts, and when I do post, my posts tend to run long.  This, I imagine, must be very irksome to the very few readers that visit my blog.  So, I have determined to put an end to this--at least for a little while.  I completely and unabashedly stole this idea from a friend's blog, so for her sake I hope you enjoy it.  Here is the list of what I will be posting for the next 30 days.

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

3. Describe your relationship with your parents.

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

7. What is your dream job, and why?

8. What are 5 passions you have?

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.

11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

12. Describe a typical day in your current life.

13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

14. Describe 5 strengths you have.

15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.

25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?

28. What is your love language?

29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?

30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Well this should be fun!

Nephew

My nephew sleeps like a boss.

Love

It's like a bruised twilight
It's like the first star in the sky
It's like a thick, goose-down duvet
It's like the faint shimmer of the nightlight

It's like the sun peeping through the storm
It's like rolling down hills
It's like baking cookies
It's like diving off the high board
It's like making pictures in clouds

It's like holding a snowflake in the palm of your hand
It's like the sizzling air in a lightning storm
It's like the first breath of spring
It's like the tang of a summer night

It's like nothing

And yet, it is Everything.

Parents

I love these guys. They're the best. I dont know where I would be if I didn't have them in my life.

Mom, Dad--you guys are awesome!

Wildflowers

Last summer, our family went on a hiking kick. I am not a big fan of hiking. My friends are always talking about how awesome it is when their boyfriends/husbands take them out on a hike, and to be honest, I think I would cry if my boyfriend asked me to go on a hike (I would try to put it off for as long as possible, but I would probably go if he kept asking me about it for long enough). That being said, I really did have a good time hiking with my family last summer. You get such a feeling of accomplishment when you finish a hike. Who knows, maybe one day I'll actually enjoy going on a hike--stranger things have happened.

Anyway, my point is that there were enjoyable moments on our hikes. One of those moments was getting to see all the wildflowers in bloom along the mountain trails. You would turn a corner and all of a sudden there would be a field just covered in wildflowers. So pretty! It was a writer's dream. So guess what...I have another poem for you guys! This one is for my dad.

Wildflowers

As I walked along

The mountain trail,

The rocks seeming an

Insurmountable barrier,

I stumbled around a

Corner, and before me lay

A glorious field of wildflowers.

They were flowers for which

I had no name, and I

Loved them all the better

For it. They were happy,

Unpretentious little flowers.

The juice of the sun had

Stained them a deep

Golden yellow, and they

Swayed and danced to the

Silent song of the gentle breeze.

Lured by their simple beauty,

I left the troublesome path

And walked among them.

As I wove a path

Through my golden little friends,

Something new caught my eye.

Stout stalks, precariously

Topped with a pine-cone of flower buds,

Stood stolid among the weaving,

Rippling meadow of gold.

These little clusters of blossoming flowers

Were blue, deep blue, the

Blue of the sea where men drown.

As the wind convinced my little gold friends

To sigh and dance merrily,

These little wonders oversaw the

Merriment as steadfastly as

Wise old widows.

My weariness from the long climb

Gone, I stooped to gather wildflowers.

Once the deed was done, I

Looked at my treasures,

Breathed in their heady, earthy scent,

And thought "This is Life."

We Shall Overcome

Ok, I just had to share this video. I don't follow GloZell (although I do think she's funny sometimes), but I saw this video on a friend's Facebook, and I thought it was great. Here's the description for the video:

I live in California. But I am doing a show named Dr. Fubalous in UTAH. I have been talking about the mask I have to wear for the show and the places I have been in Utah.(Just type in Dr. Fubalous to see all the videos)

However I have been getting some messages on how bad Utah is and this letter I just had to read. I have had nothing but fun and good time in Utah. With some wonderful people who happen to be Mormon.Thanks
I am getting so many letters about Utah and the people there. I can only go by what I feel and how I am treated. I had a great time with some wonderful people.

Now, GloZell does not know ANYTHING about the LDS church--this is very clear throughout the video. But I do appreciate how, even though she doesn't know or understand all of our beliefs, she still thinks we are cool people. Which we are so...

Audio books

I use my car a lot. I remember, once upon a time, when I was terrified to get my driver's licence because that surely I was destined to die in a fiery crash in the middle of the freeway. But now, I cannot imagine life without my little car. Most of the time, I'm driving in the wee hours of the morning (at least that's what it feels like), and I do not do well in the mornings. Sometimes, it's truly a miracle that I'm awake enough to make it to work.

So now I have a problem: I have to work in the mornings because of my school schedule, but I would also prefer not to die in a fiery crash on the freeway because I fell asleep at the wheel. I tried for a while to just blast my "party music," but that wasn't cutting it. Then I started listening to the news on the radio. Aha! Stimulating and informative. But unless there was a gripping news emergency, it just couldn't keep me from yawning more and more. Then, randomly, I decided to start listening to audio books.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. Let me just say that audio books are totally awesome--if you have a good reader. It's entertaining, and it's a great way to experience books, especially if you're like me and you drive a lot, but don't have a lot of time to just sit and read. Funny story: today I went and picked up two audio books that I have been for for a while. I was so unbelievably excited to get back in the car! I am such a nerd.

So anyway, audio books are awesome! You should try them sometime.

21

I'm 21 today! That's so exciting. Well, I'm excited about it.

So far it's been a good day, good week actually. On Saturday, we went to see War Horse (one of the most incredible movies I've seen in a long time. I love, love, love this story--I've seen the play, read the book, and seen the movie, and I cried all three times. If you haven't seen this movie, go see it ASAP) and then we ate at Red Robin. Yesterday, one of my best friends--Maddie--took me to see We Bought a Zoo (another fantastic movie) and then we went to IHOP. Today, I got a wonderful card that was signed by everyone in the office, which made me very happy, and I'm going to Benihana's tonight. This coming Saturday, we'll go up to Hawksridge (our new town-home in Park City) and maybe go sledding (at least that idea was bandied about). Then, the week after that, Heather and I are going to another movie. That's right, I am stretching this birthday out for as long as I can.

Birthdays make me happy. It feels really good to know that people love you.

Hopeless

Why is it that I am such a hopeless romantic? Why is it that I'm so drawn to the Love Story? Why is that--even though I know the couple will be together, no matter how impossible it might seem for them to be together, or how much they might hate each other at first--my heart clenches when the final obstacle in the story just seems to big to be overcome? Why do I--an English Major, for Heaven's sake!--incessantly read about the out-of-place, nerdy, high school senior who falls for the tall, dark haired, deliciously handsome guy with just a hint of a dark side who is so out of her league that it's laughable? Why do I always get chills when he finally whispers "I love you" to her?

There is, of course, an overly-simple and somewhat superficial answer to this: I want to have a Love Story myself. But doesn't everyone want a Love Story? Doesn't everyone wish to find their soul mate, no matter the cost? Surely I can't be alone in this. But there is something else going on. I look at my sisters, and they enjoy a good piece of chick-lit (they ate up the Twilight Saga just as much as practically every other woman in the western world) every once in a while, but they don't devour them like I do.

I once told someone that love stories are my bread and butter. Oh, I love every kind of book--mysteries, the classics, thrillers, historical fiction, and even non-fiction if it's well written. But nothing calls to me like the utterly predictable Love Story. No, I feel like there's a small hole deep inside of me, and I am constantly trying to fill it with these sickly sweet, wispy, fluffy story-lines. I can see you there, as you read this post. You are just sitting there, shaking your head at me and thinking "Well, that's a bit overly dramatic, Ashley." It probably is, but that's how I feel. It's an unsolvable question, a part of me that will just have to be accepted.

On a slightly different, but still related, note: I've found a new song that I'm in love with. Enjoy.

P.S. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! Sorry I didn't wish everyone happy holidays before now.

P.P.S. As I re-read this post, it sounds kind of depressing. I didn't mean it to be depressing. It's just something I've been musing on lately. I think strangely. Don't worry about it. :)