Beautiful Reasons

I Am A Nerd

2012-02-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

Today is February 10, 2012.

Or 2-10-2012

2 times 10 is equal to 20.

2 plus 10 is equal to 12.

Put those together.....

2012

Oh my goodness.

You realize this won't happen again until 3/10/3013.

Just kidding it probably will happen again. I just don't exactly have the time to compute the probabilities right this second.

That Feeling

2012-02-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

I just finished and turned in via e-mail another homework assignment for my actuarial class.

Ahhh.

This semester I've been placed in a group with three other students who are about as smart as I am. This is shocking, as I thought I was the only one struggling in the class. Last semester my group would have the homework already done before I showed up to the group meeting (where we were supposed to work on the homework together). They would let me know they already had it done and would answer questions later if I had any. We only turned in one piece of paper for the entire group, so my homework was already done for me.

So this semester I've had to actually do my homework. And now I understand it! I just finished an entire Excel file, with 30-some columns and 100-some rows with calculations in each cell, and turned it in as one problem of my homework assignment. It is so nice to work hard on something all day, get a few pointers from my group members, and be able to finish something, know it is complete and correct, and feel like you have completely earned the A you'll be given.

Ahhhh. Math class is finally making sense. :)

Less than three months until I walk up to get my diploma!

Wish List

2012-02-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

I've never really been a shoe person, but I would really like a pair of these:

They're even a socially responsible company!

Ok, now that you all feel warm and fuzzy inside and good about these shoes, someone can please go buy me a pair.

Or, you can buy the alternative:

Looks the same..........

What Happened to Polite?

2012-01-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Lately everything and everyone has been getting on my nerves; most of this is my own fault, I believe (I should learn to deal and ignore better). However, it does seem some certain common courtesies have been lost with my peers:

1. I got a text message last night, at one in the morning. I was exhausted from the week of school, so I was out (asleep) at midnight. I woke up with my phone in my hand, realizing I tried to half read the text while asleep. The message was about a church committee meeting the committee chair told me I needed to go to, in less than 12 hours from when he sent the text. First time I found out about the meeting. Hmmm.

2. My roommate and her boyfriend regularly stay at our apartment until 2-3 in the morning, in her bedroom. I wonder if her parents taught her anything at all about the general standards within the Church? Sometimes I just really want to go drop a For the Strength of Youth pamphlet on her bed or something. I don't think she has ever been taught what you should and should not do while dating.

3. Another roommate decided to make breakfast at a ridiculous hour this morning. This by itself is fine, but is it really necessary to talk loudly while banging pots and pans around and laughing hysterically? I think not. The same applies to 3 in the morning. If you decide to make pancakes and have a party with the neighbors in the middle of the night, please do so quietly.

4. Yeah I don't have anymore.

Just needed to vent. Where are these people's mothers?!

Second-Hand Celebrities

2012-01-25T17:37:00.001-07:00

You may or may not have heard about the recent "Logan River Rescue." A car spun off in Logan Canyon into the Logan River a couple weeks ago. Immediately multiple cars pulled over, passengers jumped out, and they flipped the car right side up and rescued the 4 inside the car. Everyone survived.

Ellen Degeneres invited all the rescuers, as well as those rescued, onto her show. Here's the clip:

The man sitting on the top row, 2nd from the right, in the blue shirt, is in my singles ward.

I walked up THE HILL this morning right next to him. We're not good enough friends that we hang out, just have said hi to each other a couple times in church.

This means I have practically met a real-life celebrity. Second-hand. He met Ellen, and I met him.

Good enough.

Figuring Out My Story

2012-01-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Do any of you remember those books called "Choose Your Own Adventure?" Where you read a few pages, and then when it comes to a key decision, as the reader you get to choose where the story will go. If you don't like where it's going, you can always back up and see where the other choices would have taken you. And you can always change your choice.

Wouldn't that be nice in real life?

I have no idea what to do with my life after I graduate in - yikes - less than 3 1/2 months.

Grad school? MBA? Master's of Education? Plain teaching certificate? Study for all the actuarial exams over the next year? Or just job search?

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I can't make any decisions; it's all stressing me out!

Friday the 13th

2012-01-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

My Friday the 13th was fabulous.

I got my promotion at work! Hello future career! ;)

So I'm kidding about the career part, but it is way nice to finally get the raise I've been working for, however small it may be.

Speaking of work, out of all the crazy customer stories I've posted on here, I've never lost control while at work. And I never realized that that was not generally normal.

I've covered for cashiers, service desk people, and fellow supervisors when they've lost it and had to go hide in a back office while they either cooled off or cried.

So I figure it was inevitable that after a year and a half of working at this place I would eventually have to have my moment too.

I had a line of customers, and a raging customer walked up in front of everyone, announced, "I am NOT standing in line for something as terrible as this!" and proceeded to slam her Lunchable down on the counter.

A Lunchable.

She screamed, "I'm trying to feed my child and this *(&(#@ you're selling to me is slimy and gross! I'm getting a new one!"

I said, "Oh, I'm sorry about that; that's completely fine. Feel free to go grab another one and I can take care of that for you."

"Do I have to come back here?"

I answered, "Yes, I have to give you a receipt and document it, but it won't take more than a couple seconds."

She huffed and puffed and ran off. I helped a few customers, and while I was with another customer she repeated her earlier ritual: run in front of everyone and slam her Lunchable on the counter. She stared and glared and huffed and puffed at me. I smiled and said I would be with her in just one moment.

After I finished with the current customer, I rang everything up and gave her the paper to sign. I asked what day she had purchased the food so I could write it down, and she screamed, "I just barely bought it! My child is hungry and crying in the car because of the #@($* you guys sell here!"

Feel free to add any other profanities; they were probably said. I asked her to calm down and told her I was trying to help her. She took her food and ran out of the store. Luckily there was no line at the service desk right then; the other ladies had finished helping everyone.

I turned to my coworker while I was finishing the paperwork I had to fill out for the defective food, and calmly said, "You know, I am getting kind of tired of people yelling at me." And then I lost it.

I stopped crying within 2 minutes, but it's funny what goes through your mind when that's happening. As I stood behind the wall where no one could see me, all sorts of things were going through my head:

This is not worth it; quit your job, you can find something else.

I am so tired of all this. I am done.

Then I quickly came back to reality and remembered that while this was definitely not the first time I had been yelled at, it was the first time I had cried, ever, at work. And that means I can keep going.

I'm also going to try to keep this in mind in the future; I pray that I never let my emotions or frustrations get the better of me and cause me to think it's ok to treat others like I get treated every day at work. I pray I never yell at someone over a Lunchable. It's ok to feed your kids while you're in the store, as long as you can pay for the item at the register. Really.

Side note: Just don't give them bananas - those have to be weighed (you'd be surprised how many people tell me to ring them up for one banana, that they ate one while they were shopping).

After work I got to see my awesome boyfriend and get all sorts of caught up on school work.

So even though I had that incident, it was still a fabulous Friday the 13th. Did anyone else have any experiences that day they'd like to share? :)

College Dream Fulfilled

2012-01-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right, people, I am now a TRUE AGGIE.

The tradition here at USU is that on a full moon, at the stroke of midnight, you can become a True Aggie if you are kissed by one who is already a True Aggie, standing on top of the "A" next to Old Main Hill.

So the night of the first day of my last semester I went out and became a True Aggie.

I have proof, but it is rather graphic and may cause viewers to hurl.

So just trust me on this one.

On Why We Shouldn't Worry What Others Think

2012-01-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well, to a point at least. I think a little bit of caring what others think of us is healthy.

Back to the original story:

I was at work two days ago (been there all week, actually). Immediately upon my arrival at 11 AM, I was informed that one of my co-supervisors had just had a shouting match in a back locked room with a cashier (both against policy - yelling should never occur in that sort of a situation, and no cashier is ever allowed in the cash office; this can result in a coaching and/or losing your job). I was informed so that I could help keep the two separated and understand where the tension was coming from.

This co-supervisor, Jenna we'll call her, is not well-known for being kind. She has a quick tongue, and a power problem. She is quick to tell cashiers what to do, slow to work hard, and quick to correct any and every one. Luckily, while I tend to be swimming in the middle of the drama, I am generally neither the cause nor the spread-er of drama and/or gossip. At least I try to keep out of all of it. So while Jenna was upset at the cashier, she was not angry at me or any other co-supervisors or cashiers, and wanted to tell us all the story.

Yay.

The real point of this story is to say that an hour or so into my shift, I walked past the service desk into the cash office to put some lost item in a locked area. I passed Jenna on my way in. After leaving, a cashier at the service desk wanted to inform me that she had just 'defended' me. I looked quizzically at her, and the other woman there confirmed, "Yes, she just stood up for you, I was here."

Okay.......

I told her thank you, and decided not to ask what it was about. I assumed it was Jenna saying unkind things about me. When my co-supervisor Candace came back from her lunch hour, I asked her about it, asking if she knew if Jenna had a problem with me I didn't know of. I didn't want to cause any problems, but was scared to have Jenna mad at me, because Jenna usually gets her way; that can be bad for me if things were to ever go to management. A few hours later Candace told me she had decided to just go ask the service desk gals what had happened, and they told her.

It was nothing more than an over-exaggerated case of old women needing something to talk about. Jenna had never said anything ruder than normal (for her) about me, and I was able to brush it off once I found out there were no hard feelings going on.

And I wasted most of my shift worrying that Jenna might think less of me!

So this is why we shouldn't worry about petty little girl problems like this.

The end.

A Serious Dilemma

2012-01-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever experienced the feeling when you go to leave for the day, not being able to remember if you already put deodorant on? What do you do?

If you end up putting deodorant on twice, you risk having wayyyyy too much deodorant, having little nasty white stuff on your clothes, and perhaps smelling toooo nice and fragrant.

If you choose not to put on deodorant at this time, you run the risk of not having deodorant on at all. Then you'd be stinky.

I personally think I will choose to have it on twice. Nice and fragrant over stinky.

Am I the only one who occasionally has this problem?

Watch What You Watch

2012-01-03T16:21:00.001-07:00

Love this:

A New Year

2012-01-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been a bit MIA the last few weeks. I just didn't have much to write about, I guess, and didn't feel like typing just to type.

I went to the Dominican Republic last week for Christmas, and had a blast! I'll post pictures soon, if not today.

Looking back at my goals that I typed out last year, I had 28. Of those, I accomplished 10. Not very impressive, but it is what it is. Some goals are going back up for this year, such as finishing my Spanish Book of Mormon, and getting my last semester on the honor roll.

I'd like to figure out what to do with my life this year. I really have no idea what to do after the first week of May. Who knows? Hopefully someone will soon.

Here's to the next 366 days...yeah we get one extra day this year! What will you do with the time?

Occupy Wally's

2011-12-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday some of the occupy protesters made more news in Utah as they blocked the entrances to three Walmarts along the Wasatch Front, so that no trucks could get in and dock. They also held protests inside the buldings.

Can someone please explain this to me? I am all sorts of confused on what the actual goal of the Occupy movement is. One day it's standing in front of the universities complaining about tuition, the next they just won't leave the big city park, some people are driving up and down State Street in SLC all day just to cause traffic, and now they're preventing Walmart from doing business.

You want to know what happened after the trucks were finally able to get in? No, this wasn't in any news story, but I guarantee it happened. Whoever was in charge of unloading those trucks probably stayed late (at least half of them) to unload the truck anyway, or a bunch of managers would have stayed late who work 12 hour shifts each day already. I'm not trying to say "Oh, poor Walmart workers," just simply that they still stayed and got the work done. Why? Because some of them actually need the money (since that is what the protesters are protesting - they say Walmart doesn't pay enough), and you know what? Some people actually like their jobs there. They don't mind, and they make things work. Yes, a fair portion of those workers are on welfare and such, but I also personally know these people - the workers who intend on staying there forever are (in general) literally not capable of holding a different job. And the ones who don't plan on staying there - they're just trying to get through school, or find a better job, or anything as a means to an end.

I'm also not sure if the protesters have considered the economic consequences of what they're suggesting. If Walmart has to pay their employees more, as the occupiers demand, prices are going to go up on the products. How else are prices kept lower, on average, than other stores? (And if you don't believe me, that's fine. That is just my experience in this valley - 9.5 times out of ten, if I look at the same item in another store, it is less expensive at Walmart.) I can hardly imagine they'd be happy once all the prices increased.

Maybe I'm missing something - I seriously don't understand the purpose of a lot of this 'movement.'

Care to enlighten me?

If the Shoe Fits

2011-12-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

My final English paper:

If the Shoe Fits: When it Doesn’t, and What to Do

It’s no secret that we Whitings have large feet. My grandpa wears a men’s size 15 in shoes. Consequently, all of his 10 children have larger-than-average feet. All seven of his daughters struggle to find shoes that are cute, reasonably priced, and fitting all at the same time. Many of his granddaughters also have this same problem. I am one of them. I wear a size 10 ½ in women’s shoes. Contrary to the belief of many, not all department stores have this shoe size in stock. My purpose here is to show you how important it is to wear properly-sized shoes, as well as where to find those properly-sized shoes.

How many of us have worn the wrong size shoe in order to have that really cute pair of shoes we wanted, to get a good deal, or simply so that we had a pair to wear rather than nothing at all? When I was 15, I needed a pair of black ballet flats to take on my high school orchestra trip in order to match the required uniform. This seems like a simple request, right? I remember searching store after store, trying to find just one pair that didn’t either pinch or fall off my feet. I finally gave up and purchased a 20-dollar pair of flats in size 11 at Target. The entire week my feet fell out of those flats, and they continued to slip around in that pair of shoes for 6 years, until this past summer, when I finally found a pair to replace them. I’m sure there are many similar stories out there; whether the decision was to purchase a pair too big, too small, or nothing at all, we’ve all experienced the frustration of an improperly-fitting shoe. In fact, you may be wearing that pair of shoes right now.

According to a study performed last year on the relationship between wrong shoe sizes and foot pain, more than 48% of women are wearing the wrong size shoe (de Castro et al, 218). Another similarly-performed study showed 72% of people (both male and female) were wearing either too large or too small of shoes (Burns, 345). Both studies show that a significant amount of people in both the United States and the United Kingdom are wearing the wrong size of shoes! Wearing men’s larger shoes is not going to cut it either. When compared against each other, men’s and women’s lasts (a last is what is used to mold the inner shell of a shoe) are not similar enough in what should be comparable sizes (i.e. women’s 10 vs. men’s 8-8.5) (Grau, 151-154). Just because a man’s shoe and a woman’s shoe both have the same length does not mean they will both properly fit the same woman’s foot.

There are consequences to wearing incorrectly-sized shoes. I am sure most every woman who has worn poor shoes has had at some point in time foot pain of some kind. One study performed in 2009 found that for women specifically, past shoewear was a good predictor for whether or not they would have foot pain years down the road. The authors even go so far as to say outright, “Young women should make careful choices regarding their shoe type in order to potentially avoid hindfoot pain later in life…” (Dufour et al, 1357)

Poorly-fitted shoes can cause foot deformities as well. Bunions or hammer toe, anyone? Painful, as well as potentially long-lasting, it is no secret these are unpleasant. Not only can wearing the wrong size shoes cause painful foot problems, but it can change the shape of your feet. A previously mentioned study found that there were differences in foot measurements. This study measured 16 different spots on each participant’s foot. For those wearing an incorrectly sized shoe, 14 categories of measurement had higher average values than those of the participants wearing correctly sized shoes (de Castro et al, 220). So wearing too big or too small of shoes can actually cause your feet to be bigger! I prefer to think of buying well-fitting shoes as a prevention method. If you were told you could help prevent a common disease with medication, you would likely take it. Likewise, when you wear the right shoes, you are helping to prevent foot problems and pain later in life. If you want to know more about foot deformities, do not do a Google image search unless you have a particularly strong stomach. Really.

Now that it is clear why it is so important to wear well-fitting shoes, the question has likely already risen: “But we can’t find any shoes that fit in the first place! Where can we find them?” It’s no secret that fewer women have large feet: it’s a basic normal statistical truth that if a value is larger than the average, it is less likely to occur. Department stores don’t have as much financial incentive to stock larger shoes when there are not as many women purchasing them as there are the smaller and more average sizes. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly purchased shoe sizes in America. It should be noted this is from 1998. Many sources suggest that the average woman’s shoe size is growing from 7-8 to 8-9 (Baghdjian, “Bigger Feet a Growing Shoe Problem for UK Women”).

A breakdown of women’s shoe sales by shoe size, taken from 525,375,000 sales through April 1998

From Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery, and Examination by William J. Bodziak.

In a recent interview I had with my aunt, Jennifer Wood (a Whiting by birth), she expressed her frustration with the lack of shoes available for larger feet. One day a few years ago, after many unsuccessful shopping-for-shoes trips, she said, “I went into a store, and I was determined that I was going to find some shoes. At about the third store I went into, I asked, ‘Do you have any pair of size 12 shoes?’ Their answer was no, and I had tears start running down my face, right in the store…Then I decided, this is reality. Are you going to cry about it?”

Armed with the hard truth that finding good shoes in a size 12 was going to be rough, Jenn decided that she would have to be willing to search in less usual places, and perhaps be willing to spend a bit more money. My aunt has found success shopping for size 12 shoes at Payless Shoe Source, which, according to their website Payless.com, carries women’s sizes through 13, with half-sizes stopping at 9.5. However, due to quality issues, more recently she has taken to shopping at Zappos.com, an online company which supplies just about anything you might reasonably want. Jenn purchased a few pairs of shoes from them recently and needed to return one she didn’t like as well. She said of the experience,

Zappos is really great because if you do have to return something, it’s free shipping I believe. When I called and said I wanted a different pair, I found the pair I wanted first; they said, ‘Ok, we’ll send you that one out right away and we’ll send you a packing slip so you can send that pair back.’ I didn’t have to wait to get my new pair of shoes. They’ll mail them to you within usually a day.

Zappos’ website confirms that they offer free shipping on returns, and at the time this was written, they are offering free returns for 365 days (likely as a Christmas incentive). Their shoes are offered in multiple widths, and range from size 2 to size 15 in women’s. When compared with Payless, their prices are higher; however, as my aunt puts it, “I’ll wait for a year and save up and buy a pair of shoes that I really like rather than buy a cheap pair at Payless that will fall apart within a few months and not fit me as well.” Oftentimes better quality comes with a higher price.

Both Kmart and Walmart often carry shoes up to size 12, though most shoes run only to size 11. My experience in department stores has been that most of them carry through size 10, some up to 11, and there is a very occasional 12. If you are willing to pay the price (their “starting” price online is $25), Nordstrom’s online store carries through women’s size 14, and carries half sizes through 11.5. Nordstrom even tends to have most of these sizes in stock in their store as well. I found similar results with the department store Macys.

Other online sources for specialty shoe shopping include (but are not limited to): 6pm.com, eccousa.com, drewshoe.com, sanitaclogs.com, aetrex.com, dsw.com, famousfootwear.com, footsmart.com, and shoesofyourdreams.com. These are just the tip of the iceberg. So many other sources are there, waiting to be discovered.

When it comes to finding the right shoe, if you have large feet, you have to be willing to possibly pay a larger sum, take extra time to research out all your options, and deal with the (in)convenience of online shopping. When you shop online for something like shoes, the opportunity is missed to try on the actual shoe. However, at minimum, return shipping is paid in many cases, so if the shoe doesn’t fit when you receive it, you can return the shoe for free to the company and choose either another size or go with another option/company. These are all drawbacks to the art of large-shoe-shopping, but in order to have healthy, pain free feet, you must be willing to make this sacrifice. After all, this is “reality,” as my Aunt Jennifer states, and your feet are not going to magically get smaller.

Shoe size is one of our unchangeable features as human beings, and we all need shoes. The foot-health benefits far outweigh the cost and inconvenience of finding the right shoe to wear when you have large feet. There is no shortage of shops out there with the right shoes; the key is finding them, whether in person or online. Once you find your store, an entire world of shoe options can be opened up. Sometimes it takes time to find the one shop or shoe that will be your best fit. However, the sacrifice is still worth it; I would prefer to wear shoes that are comfortable because they fit, don’t hurt, and look at least mildly attractive. Wouldn’t you?

Works Cited

Baghdjian, Alice. “Bigger Feet a Growing Shoe Problem for UK Women.” Reuters. 4 Aug. 2011. Web. 22 Nov. 2011.

Burns, S.L., Leese, G.P., McMurdo, M.E.T. “Older People and Ill Fitting Shoes.” Postgrad Med J. (2002): 78: 344-346. Web. 18 Nov. 2011.

de Castro, Alessandra Paiva, José Rubens Rebelatto, and Thaís Rabiatti Aurichio. “The Relationship Between Wearing Incorrectly Sized Shoes and Foot Dimensions, Foot Pain, and Diabetes.” Journal of Sport Rehabilitation 19.2 (2010):214-225. Academic Search Premier. Web. 16 Nov. 2011.

Dufour, A. B., Broe, K. E., Nguyen, U.-S. D. T., Gagnon, D. R., Hillstrom, H. J., Walker, A. H., Kivell, E. and Hannan, M. T. (2009), “Foot Pain: Is Current or Past Shoewear a Factor?” Arthritis Care & Research, 61: 1352–1358. doi: 10.1002/art.24733.

Grau, Stefan et al. “Comparison Of Female Foot Morphology And Last Design In Athletic Footwear—Are Men’s Lasts Appropriate For Women?.” Research In Sports Medicine 18.2 (2010): 140-156. Academic Search Premier. Web. 5 Dec 2011.

Nordstrom. www.nordstrom.com 3 Dec 2011.

Payless Shoe Source. www.payless.com 3 Dec 2011.

Wood, Jennifer. Personal Interview. 29 Nov 2011.

Zappos. www.zappos.com 3 Dec 2011.

The Long and Slow Death Called Finals Week

2011-12-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hey - if one of my ancestors died from a blister, I could die from finals, right?

This has been one of the best semesters of my life. It may have to do with a boy, but I'm not so sure.

I started out the semester right, with just the right amount of hours at work that I thought I could handle. I've been able to balance 20 hrs a week at work, 15 GPA credit hours (5 classes), one early-morning gym class, and a boyfriend. Well, at least my definition of balanced.

I have not had to pull any all-nighters this semester (a first), and I've only had a few weeks where I've had nights getting 3 hours of sleep each night.

Seriously, it's been fabulous.

So here I sit on the night before finals start, with a terrible headache/beginning of a migraine.

I've always found it ironic that things like this tend to happen at the least convenient hour.

Or is it just that whenever a migraine happens I think of all the things I could be doing? And when a migraine doesn't happen I ignore those things? I'm more inclined to think I am a lazy bum who only complains about things like that when it is convenient.

Well, wish me luck! And good luck to everyone out there with finals in the coming couple of weeks!

Temple Square-ing It Up

2011-12-08T02:07:00.001-07:00

I went to the First Presidency Annual Christmas Devotional this past Sunday with my sister, friends, and boyfriend.

Here are the pictures:

Please also listen to my new favorite version of "Feliz Navidad", as performed by Michael Buble:

This is the end of the post.

Es lo que Está Pasando

2011-12-01T10:46:00.001-07:00

Yup, if you speak fluent Spanish, don't check the title. It's probably all wrong.

However, I am getting quite good (I think) at my Spanish skills. I help customers nearly every day in Spanish; some days I'm more helpful than others, but hey - at least I try, right?

I have been busy with work and school and spending time with Caleb (don't barf).

Classes are done next week, and then one week of finals.

After that, one more semester until I graduate!

I leave for the Dominican Republic in 3 weeks!

Kaitlin, Caleb, Kendra, Clayton, Megan and I are attending the Christmas First Presidency devotional on Sunday. Look for us in the nosebleed section.

Caleb, Kendra and I are attending the Music and the Spoken Word/Christmas Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert on Dec 18. Also look in the nosebleed section for us. I can't believe I was lucky enough to get tickets to both!

I still haven't gotten the promotion at work, but I'm working on it. I guess they want to work me as much as possible, for as little as possible, for as long as possible. Which financially makes sense. However, ethically it does not. According to corporate policy, they are allowed to work me up to 12 weeks in a position without extra compensation for the higher-paying work. If I work more than half my shifts in a higher-paying position consistently for more than 12 weeks, then they will give me the higher-paying position, as well as give me back pay for the 12 weeks. I don't know that that would hold up with the law, but whatever. Oh well, at least I have a job.

The snow is mostly nonexistent here so far, thank goodness. I don't plan on it staying that way much longer, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts. I will never complain about heat again in my life. Probably.

Well, I'm off to get my snow tires put on. Just in case, you know, it SNOWS.

Also, wish my mom a happy birthday today! She's years old!

(Blogger must have censored the age there.)

Grateful Post

2011-11-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

I didn't have a chance to get online yesterday, so here is my belated thankful post:

I am thankful for my family, who made an effort to call me yesterday, even on an international line.

I am grateful for my mom's cooking knowledge, so that I could make my own pie for Thanksgiving (and boy is it GOOD).

I am thankful for my sweet boyfriend and his family who invited me over for Thanksgiving.

I am grateful to have had the 'luck' to not be schedule an early Black Friday either year I've worked at Walmart (I say luck, because, well, someone has to work early Black Friday and I would hate to think that Heavenly Father only blesses me to not work early but punishes the rest...).

I am thankful that the snow has mostly melted away and there was no terrible weather this week, at least in Utah.

I am grateful I have always had a place to go on Thanksgiving. Not always have I been able to take advantage of that due to work obligations (last 2 years), but I have always known that someone wanted me at their table.

I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him I would have had a completely different life.

I am thankful that I can live in this country, that I am allowed to go to school as a girl where so many cannot, and that I can sleep safe at night and drink the tap water.

I am thankful for easily accessed medication we have here in the USA. Seriously, can you imagine what kind of trouble I'd be in if I couldn't just buy ibuprofen at the grocery store like so many can't?

I am grateful for nights like last night. I had a terrible migraine most of the day, but tried to conceal it. When I got home at 7:30 my house was empty, so I was able to sleep for nearly 12 hours. Now I feel fantastic! Not often do you get the chance to sleep that long.

I am thankful for having a job. It may not be the best job in the world, but I don't have to worry about getting laid off (they are the largest retailer in the world), nor do I have to worry about constantly outperforming everyone in the store in order to keep my job. As long as I am honest, show up to work on time, and do what is asked, I am not going to lost my job. I hope.

I am grateful for so many other things, but this post is starting to get lengthy.

Last of all, I'm thankful for all of YOU. My family, mostly, and a few friends here and there. I know you all love me, and I want you all to know that I love you all.

Unless you're some creeper that just showed up on my blog. Leave. You are FREAKING me out!

Playing in the Snow

2011-11-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here are two pictures from playing out in the snow last Friday, where I hit my head. Yep, these are the first (and only) pictures I have of Caleb and me. And I look special, which is super awesome. So here ya go:

And from when I got to see my mom a week and a half ago, in Layton:

A Game of Roulette and Trust Issues

2011-11-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Picture this if you will:

You're walking through a beautifully wooded campus, on a wonderful November day. Snow blankets the ground all around you. Students frolic down the sidewalks together, laughing and chatting as they go to and from class.

A huge puff of snow falls off a higher branch onto people in front of you. They are engulfed in the white powder and soaked. Wait - this isn't a pleasant Thanksgiving-week-day. It's a sick game of roulette as you try to get from warm building to building because it's so dang cold outside.

Ice also covers the ground - your pants are wet because there's snow everywhere. You almost fell down the hill going to class because you haven't waterproofed your wickedly awesome boots you finally purchased over the weekend. You're just wearing your normal shoes, the ones you've been fine with being wet in the last 3 years, and so you keep slipping around. You forgot your gloves, so your fingers are freezing and there's no cute boy to be seen to keep them warm for you.

You remember the current situation at hand - you're trying to get to the student center to get lunch, but there are trees everywhere, covered in snow. You strategically dart under branch to branch, trying to play your chances right and not choose a branch that gives way, dumping all the contents of the snow on top of you. Thankfully, you make it to the next building, free of snowfall on you.

And it's only November. It's only going to get worse, and will stay until March at least, and who knows how much longer you're going to live here!

Also on my mind - trust issues.

No, I'm not reliving horrific childhood experiences or anything like that. It snowed on Friday - around 6-8 inches I believe. Caleb and Kendra and I went outside after I got off work to play in the snow in a field next to our apartment. I decided to make a snow angel.

I thought that snow was supposed to be light and fluffy. Like, really fluffy. Like, if you wanted to make a snow angel and just decided to play a game of trust with the snow and fall straight back onto your back to make the snow angel, that the snow would be so fluffy that it would decide to catch you and let you nicely down to the ground.

The snow did not pull through for me this time in fluffiness content.

I woke up on Friday with the worst sore neck of my life, unable to get up without rolling myself over and pushing myself up. After two days of a migraine and unable to move my neck, I finally got some sleep last night and now it just feels like a regular stiff neck. Hoping I didn't damage anything or put out of place my spinal cord. Because it sure feels like I did.

Moral of both stories: snow is sneaky and cannot be trusted.

Moving to the Caribbean.

Dilemma

2011-11-18T00:45:00.000-07:00

What would you do? I seem to have to ask this a lot.

My 2 new roommates this year are quite the drama. I love them, they're cute fun girls, just dramatic.

One roommate started dating a neighbor living in the same complex. I've known him more than two years, a long time by college neighbor standards. Said roommate is only 19 years old, and is on the third person she's dated this school year (different stories entirely). One of those guys is roommates/best friends with the guy she's dating currently. Or at least, was best friends. I don't know what it is now.

My problem is this: a friend of mine directed me to one of those neighborhood watch websites or something or other, and I found out that this neighbor of mine is a registered sex offender shortly after moving in. I have known him for more than two years and have never said anything. I don't know what his offense was. I don't know how old he was, what happened, nada. I do know that the neighbor I have gotten to know and consider a friend with a loose definition of the word friend is a nice guy. From what I can initially see. He goes to church every week, goes to school, helps people out, etc. It appears that whatever happened he has dealt with it.

But I don't know that for sure. Now, do I mind my own business and not tell my roommate any of this? It is very likely that it is all in the past; if I were a betting lady, I would bet it is. Or, do I risk upsetting both my roommate and her boyfriend and sharing a possible concern?

So far, I'm leaning towards not saying anything. Why hurt/ruin something that is good? She is an "adult." My only reason for wanting to say something is the "what if" factor. "What if" something bad does happen and I could have prevented it by giving her some forewarning?

What would you do in a situation like this? Would you even consider it a situation, or just a hyper-active imagination?

So Yeah, I Haven't Posted In a Bit

2011-11-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

And I can't think of anything to post. All day stuff happens that I think, "Man, that would be a really good posting on blogger, and then people would come and comment and think my blog was super interesting."

Then I get to my computer late at night and by that time I can't remember any of it.

I filed the first request for graduation late last night. Now I just have to wait for 2 weeks or more for them to get me my packet. Yee-haw.

I will hopefully have a promotion at work within the next three weeks. Everyone's rooting for me, and due to some recent forced changes of a supervisor, I think for once everyone will follow through and I will get to move up as promised.

The semester ends in a month. Yeah!

Next semester is looking to be pretty chill. I'll have classes on Mon, Wed, and Fri straight from 8:30AM to 12:30 PM. On Tues-Thurs, I will have my regular spin class at 7:30 in the morning, and that will be it. THAT WILL BE IT! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!

(I'm a little excited about next semester's schedule.)

Everything else is going well.

K, see yall later when I actually remember one of my creative postings. :)

While It's Still October

2011-10-31T23:59:00.000-06:00

Halloween this year:

Pretty dang close, dontcha think?

My coworkers and I: Hiccup, Rockstar, and Minnie!

I was commissioned to perform the Thriller at work, but failed miserably! Here's my coworker Candace doing great though - I jumped in at the last 5 seconds or so.

My neighbors and roommates came to see me at work - I felt like a celebrity!

(No, not my boyfriend in the picture - he doesn't have a car, so couldn't come see me.)

While we're on the subject of boyfriend and Halloween - go check out this awesome romantic song by Stephanie Mabey - you'll love it! It's a free download, but don't know how long that is going to last.....

Here's to November!

End of the Week

2011-10-29T00:45:00.000-06:00

It is a comfort knowing I did not fail any of my exams the last two weeks.

I did not get scores worth bragging about, but I did not fail.

And now I leave you with this:

There were three medieval kingdoms on the shores of a lake. There was an island in the middle of the lake, over which the kingdoms had been fighting for years. Finally, the three kings decided that they would send their knights out to do battle, and the winner would take the island.

The night before the battle, the knights and their squires pitched camp and readied themselves for the fight. The first kingdom had 12 knights, and each knight had five squires, all of whom were busily polishing armor, brushing horses, and cooking food. The second kingdom had twenty knights and each knight had 10 squires. Everyone at that camp was also busy preparing for battle. At the camp of the third kingdom, there was only one knight, with his squire. This squire took a large pot and hung it from a looped rope in a tall tree. He busied himself preparing the meal, while the knight polished his own armor.

When the hour of the battle came, the three kingdoms sent their squires out to fight (this was too trivial a matter for the knights to join in). The battle raged, and when the dust had cleared, the only person left was the lone squire from the third kingdom, having defeated the squires from the other two kingdoms, thus proving that the squire of the high pot and noose is equal to the sum of the squires of the other two sides.

Don't think about it too much. This joke made me laugh out loud when I read it the first time.

So Things Are Crazy

2011-10-27T00:12:00.000-06:00

Hey there!

I've been kind of MIA for a bit I guess.

Here's what I've been up to:

1. Hanging with Caleb.

2. Doing homework.

3. Going to class.

4. Working.

5. Sleeping.

Ok, that was very enlightening, wasn't it?!

I've been studying a lot; I had an exam in one of my classes this week. Other than the final, it was the only exam of the semester, so here's crossing my fingers that I did all right!

I've been sleeping a LOT, but still not getting enough sleep. I've been sleeping to the point of missing many classes, halfway through the day, and still not feeling up to doing anything or concentrating on anything. I finally went to the doctor and he confirmed my thought that I was really low on iron. Hoorah for vitamins!

I've been working. Not too much, just a normal amount. My max right now is about 20 hours a week. In the next few weeks I can retake the 'leadership test' at work and, assuming I pass it, I will get the next promotion as promised me 6 months ago. Woohoo!

I've been doing a lot with Caleb in the little free time between work, classes, and sleep. Mostly we have study parties. No one raise your eyebrows at my last comment. I might die of embarrassment. Seriously, we're so hard core that we really just work on homework.

Ok, chau until next time! :)

Blog About My Mom Coming Soon

2011-10-19T00:16:00.000-06:00

Well, my mom's coming soon, the first week of November.

Some surgery or other on her foot. It will be painful.

My mom's mom is also coming, to take care of my mom. Haven't seen my grandma in more than a year. I am SOOOOOOO excited!

They will be here (North Salt Lake/Davis area) for more than 2 weeks, I believe.

That is all I had to blog about, though I'm sure I left out details other people want to know about. :)

Blog About Guy I'm Dating

2011-10-16T22:12:00.001-06:00

So I'm dating someone. Like legit-ly. And that isn't even a word. And I feel like I'm 13.

Anyway. He is a friend from my freshman year of college, who actually went to high school with me as well. We e-mailed back and forth during his mission, just friends, and he got home this last summer. We've been doing a lot together, hiking, comedy shows, playing games with roommates and his brothers, and have been dating since school started. And he definitely got bonus points for the rose, and bonus points with my roommates for bringing them chocolate. Everyone likes him, including me. He's a sweet guy.

**********Update**********

Okay, Caleb is 21, and went to Portugal on his mission. Now you may all Facebook stalk him out from my page. J/k. He's a sophomore at USU majoring in Biochem, and then plans to go on to U of U or ISU for Pharmacy school. He likes long walks on the beach and........ok that was a little much. We good?

What to Blog About

2011-10-16T15:34:00.000-06:00

I'm drawing a blank on what to write about here.

Blog about my school work? Lots of math and writing?

Blog about the guy I'm dating?

Blog about the corn maze last night?

Blog about work?

Blog about my singing roommate?

Blog about my roommates' drama?

Blog about the Halloween candy my mom sent?

Blog about the book signing I went to?

Blog about my friend whose mom died suddenly this week, just as he made the decision to be baptized?

Blog about hearing Sister Shari Dew and Sister Nelson speak?

Blog about lack of sleep?

Blog about my mom coming in a few weeks?

Hmm....

Feeling Super

2011-10-08T14:22:00.000-06:00

'Skinny' Jeans are back on! AND I had pizza last night. What could be a better combination?

Did I mention pizza last night was on a DATE? With an actual boy?

This may be a super hard semester school-wise and sleep-wise and (no)friend-wise, but I'm loving it.

I don't think I've ever felt more focused on what I should be doing - less procrastinating, more scripture-reading, more talking-to-boys, more bike-riding (indoor).

And while I'm on the whole no-procrastinating subject, I better get back to my actuarial exam I'm working on.

Chau!

Practicing Problems

2011-10-06T00:36:00.000-06:00

I have a dilemma.

I have a piano student who won't practice.

GASP.

"How could it be?!" you say. "Why would any young student of yours not want to practice the piano religiously?!"

I know. It is hard to believe, but I have a 10-year-old student who just won't practice. Hasn't practiced more than ONE time in the last 2-3 months.

I am looking for ideas of incentives. The parent is not helping at all. The family just moved to their other house, which does not house their piano yet. My student still goes back to her old house every few days to do chores and such (her sister and sister's family lives there currently), where the piano currently resides.

This student is not a bad person - she just doesn't have any encouragement at home, but has so much potential.

Lessons are getting to be a huge frustration on all parts.

Help!

News of the Week

2011-10-04T23:28:00.000-06:00

This week's newsflash:

I got a rose from a boy yesterday!! :)

I feel the need to document this first-time event:

Picture's kind of blurry, but eh that's ok. Also it is late at night and I just got off work from a full shift. Don't judge.

Also, last week I went down to Provo to go to the BYU v. USU game.

That's all I have to say. But it was fun hanging out with Kaitlin - we went to In N Out, and went to a cupcake store Kaitlin had been wanting to try - it was pretty darn good.

That is all.

Cultivating My Talents

2011-09-26T11:40:00.000-06:00

Sunday activity:

What scares me is that I think I look more like my mother in this picture than I ever have before.

And my roommate owns this. Yes, the same one who is causing me medical problems. ;)

New Strain of Bacteria

2011-09-25T13:26:00.000-06:00

There is a new strain of talkingyourearoffitis running rampant in my apartment.

It appears to be a close cousin, and is called singingyourearoffitis.

This new strain does not have any known fast cure. The best thing that can be done is be patient and hope it goes away.

Symptoms do get a titch better if you remove yourself from the situation, but this is a minuscule difference.

Again, you just have to wait it out until it's over.

Or, insanity is another option.

The End of the World

2011-09-23T11:20:00.002-06:00

I saw this on Facebook this morning and thought it was hilarious. Couldn't help myself, had to re-post it here.

Ninjormons

2011-09-20T01:21:00.002-06:00

I came across this treasure today during a homework break.

It's hilarious!

If you liked this, there are 2 more episodes made, available on YouTube.

Death by Math: R.I.P.

2011-09-19T11:30:00.000-06:00

I'm a little scared of my Inroduction to Analysis class right now. Proofs are not my thing. In fact, math in general is no longer my thing. But heck - I'm this close to graduation, so I should just keep plugging along.

I'm so scared of my math class, in fact, that I just might die.

That could be an interesting epitaph.

Kikigirl

1990-2011

Death by Math

Kikigirl

1990-2011

Prove she's really dead.

Kikigirl

1990-2011

If 1+1=2 but 3+5=2, how old was she?

Got any others?

Too Many, Not Enough

2011-09-17T10:34:00.000-06:00

Too many girls, not enough bathrooms.

I severely dislike sharing a bathroom with 3 other girls - especially when you have a guest staying with you, so it's 4 other girls you're sharing your bathroom with.

I especially dislike getting up before class at the appropriate time and having to wait another half hour to get to use the restroom.

And I REALLY dislike having to go to class/campus nasty and gross because my roommates decided to take almost an hour showering in the bathroom.

You wouldn't think sharing with 3 people would be that big of a deal; it shouldn't be. But apparently it is just too hard to communicate with people before you get in the shower, and near impossible to shower in less than 30 minutes.

I now blame my lack of dating opportunities on my roommates.

Aggie Football, Road Trip

2011-09-14T21:42:00.000-06:00

Yeah! This weekend was awesome. I started out the weekend going to a party at my friend's house, playing Kinect (previous post), and having fun.

Saturday I picked up my sister Kaitlin at the Frontrunner station in Ogden. We went to Costco for lunch and went to the USU vs. WSU game that night. USU won 54-17. It was my first winning game I went to, woohoo!

On Sunday, Kaitlin and left bright and early for Idaho Falls to go to my cousin's homecoming.

Ben's home!

I got to see lots of family on the Whiting side. I left by myself shortly after church was over, and got home in time to work on homework all night.

Yeah!

Mormon Hollywood Part 2

2011-09-13T00:54:00.001-06:00

Today while walking towards the SciTech computer lab in the basement of the library (to do statistics homework), I ran into something interesting.

In the middle of the library's main entry way, there stood a beautiful black Steinway.

Drool.

And on my way in to see the aforementioned Steinway grand piano, I almost literally ran into Craig Jessop.

Remember this guy??

He was walking into the library with his wife. I was so in awe I couldn't believe it. I guess there was a sort of exhibit going on for a Cache Valley musical prodigy who had recently passed away. A student had put together an event to celebrate her life and her music she composed.

After I got over the fact that Craig Jessop was within feet of me, I came to my senses enough to realize that the school president, Stan Albrecht, was actually standing closer, almost touching elbows with me.

I felt incredibly out of place. Everyone who knew about the program had come dressed to impress.

I stood around in my shorts and sandals, with a heavy backpack weighing me down.

My friends and I wanted to stay for the program. About 7 minutes in, though, we had had enough with the opera singing already, and walked downstairs, only to be horribly confused by mathematical/statistical computer programming.

Oh joy.

P.S. Might I mention Dr. Jessop is incredibly shorter than I imagined? Not that I sit and imagine things like this all the time, that would be weird.

Uh, anyway. He was short. Like 5'6", give or take an inch.

Ok, end of story.

Kinect Review

2011-09-10T10:44:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, this is not a paid review from BlogHer, or from XBOX Kinect, or anything.

Someday.

I went to a friend's house last night for a party they were having. Since I am an anti-social wacko, I felt extremely uncomfortable walking up to a house with a wicked sweet dance party going on outside, complete with car headlights synced up with the beat of the music. Luckily my friend who invited me was also feeling like this, so he invited Kendra and me downstairs to play his XBOX. I could only hope that when the cops came to break up the party, they left us alone, since we were inside the house and couldn't possibly have anything to do with the outside.

Probably not the best logic.

Fortunately, police never showed up for noise control at this party, so that is not how this posting ends.

My friend Landon had a Kinect that he thought would be fun for all of us to play.

After he turned it on, he started directing the console through the different buttons to get to the game he had put in, Kinect Sports.

I said, "Hey, where's your controller?"

Everyone started laughing, and I looked in disbelief as this guy controlled the console simply moving his hands, no controllers involved. He could also speak aloud to it, to tell it what game to open, and the thing responded!

I felt like I was in Back to the Future Part II. It was crazy wicked.

Funnest thing I've played in a while! We played bowling, table tennis, beach volleyball, and a game called Hole in the Wall. I've never seen something so intricate - your entire character moved with your body. If I jumped up and started dancing (what no that did NOT happen....), then the character did that as well.

I may just have to go back and play this game some more. It was pretty sweet.

So, am I the only one who did not know that a Kinect involved no controllers whatsoever?

It reminded me of this:

Ready

2011-09-08T18:46:00.000-06:00

I came across a picture of a wedding cake in my aunt's wedding photo blog.

Don't worry this picture is not stolen from my aunt's blog; I stole it from somewhere else.

It's perfect! I'm in love with it!

So I looked up how to make it, and it looks not tooooooooo difficult.

Which means I could probably hire someone to make it for my own wedding for less than an arm or a leg. Maybe just an ear.

So it's settled. I'm ready to get married now that I know what to do for a cake.

Oh, and I forgot.

I just need to go find a guy to go along with the idea too.

Hmmm....

Tony's Grove

2011-09-06T22:09:00.001-06:00

Yesterday being Labor Day, I wanted to do one last fun outdoor-sy thing before winter sets in here, in what feels like approximately 3 days.

So I headed up Logan Canyon with my friend Caleb and we hiked around Tony's Grove. Go almost 20 miles up Logan Canyon, take a left at a marker labeled "Tony's Grove" and then go 7 more miles until you reach the lake there.

I had never really heard about this lake, so I was surprised when I found half of Cache County hanging out up there as well. Oh, well. We parked about 1/4 mile away from the parking lot, paid the entry fee, and explored a little bit. We hiked around the lake, which was just short of one mile.

Then we decided to be ambitious, and made the hike to White Pine Lake, 3.8 miles away. It was well worth the trip. There's something about hiking to a spot you can't reach by car, or by anything other than your own feet, really (or a horse).

A portion of White Pine Lake

Hiking back.

Not very clear, but I still like it, sort of.

Coming back down into Tony's Grove.

The lake is much bigger than this picture describes it.

After I dropped Caleb off at his apartment, having hiked about 8 1/2 miles, I went home and promptly fell asleep. Yay for actually using a holiday to do something!

You Know You're a Nerd When....

2011-09-02T12:03:00.000-06:00

You have only 3 'friends' on Skype.

And your Analysis professor is one of them.

You know your analysis professor is a nerd when....

He is online nearly 24/7, and as proof, he confirmed us 'friends' within 5 seconds after the request was sent.

At least I'll be getting near instantaneous help with my homework this semester!

Recent Medical Condition

2011-09-01T20:12:00.000-06:00

I think it is actually possible to physically talk someone's ear off.

Seriously.

Sweet/nice/friendly new roommate, but seriously.

STOP TALKING!

I'm not sure if the doctor will have a prescription for this condition quite yet.

Unfortunate.

Summer in Summary

2011-08-28T21:56:00.000-06:00

I am in mourning, as this is the last day of summer for me. But, even so, we should celebrate this summer, rather than only focus on the loss.

Happenings:

I dated a cute boy.

I went to Boise for my birthday!

I hiked the wind caves on a full moon.

I went to the Boise temple, the Logan temple, and the Oquirrh Mountain temple to do baptisms.

I saw Captain America, Rango, HP 7, Kung Fu Panda 2, Pirates of the Caribbean, Super 8, Thor, and Unknown (yeah, it was a pretty good summer of movies for me).

I sent off two good friends on missions, one to Guatemala, and one to Panama.

I ate at Red Lobster for the first time.

I went to Disney World!

I went rock climbing in the great outdoors.

I went to Bear Lake.

I rode all the rides at Lagoon.

I hiked in Twin Falls.

I hiked in Logan Canyon, and did a good chunk of the Crimson Trail.

I hiked the Jardine Juniper trail (10.4 miles!).

I went to Temple Square with my mom and sister and Kendra.

I went to This Is the Place monument/pioneer park with my family.

I had many friends get married, only one of which I actually went to.

I bought my first webcam. And got an iPod. Yeah, I'm pretty high tech now.

I found Tillamook ice cream in my city.

I saw the last of the three witnesses' grave.

I (almost) finished the Book of Mormon in Spanish.

I went country swing dancing!

I worked my fanny off at Wally's, and got 2 better positions (the last of which will be finalized come November).

I studied to no avail with my math material.

Phew! I definitely need a break now after all that!

What's that you say? School starts tomorrow?!!!!!!

Well shoot...

You Know You're a College Student When.......

2011-08-20T23:14:00.000-06:00

....You buy a new package of undies rather than do your laundry. Sometimes there's not time to do it! Or money!

....You feel like a hitchhiker mooching your way around the state, from high school friends you haven't talked to in more than a year to the Frontrunner, to Trax, and then begging a friend to pick you up at the station....even if it didn't take much persuasion. Clarification - I didn't mooch a ride on the Frontrunner or Trax...I paid my ticket in full.

....Your room decorations consist of posters that cost you a dollar at the Distribution center....Though pictures of temples are probably a much better choice than a steamy picture of Zac Efron...right.......?....shudder...

....Your textbooks for the semester cost about the same amount as you'd normally spend on food in the same allotted time.

....You can fit your life into a car.

Have any to add?

Days of Summer

2011-08-18T22:58:00.004-06:00

I love days like this one, 2 weeks ago, when I went to Bear Lake with 2 of my best friendlies, and played all day, boating, swimming, sunning, and chocolate-raspberry shaking.

Even if I'm still peeling over my entire body from the severe sunburn.

I'm excited to finish school in May, but so bummed summer has to end.

P.S. I have an air vent working in my room now, and it's quite entertaining to see my turtles from the Dominican Republic bobbling their heads like they're supposed to. Just thought I'd let y'all know that little tidbit. It's like you're right in the room with me now!

Giving Thanks

2011-08-17T20:17:00.001-06:00

I read this thought posted on Facebook this morning by a friend of a friend:

"What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked the Lord for yesterday?"

Something to think about.

iHurt

2011-08-14T11:52:00.001-06:00

My friend/roommate came up to Logan on Tuesday of this past week to visit and endure some torture from me! How fun!

We left as early as our bodies would let us on Wednesday and drove up Logan Canyon to Wood Camp Campground, where the trail head lies for Jardine Juniper.

I was pretty excited to be in legitimate 'wilderness'.

5.2 miles later, we arrived at our destination: this old (try about 1,500 years) tree.

Pretty dang spectacular, huh?

Since I don't really see myself doing this again in this life, I figured I'd better document that I was there.

We got to the trailhead just before 9:30 in the morning (after getting water, lunch, backpack, driving, etc). Almost 6 hours later, 10.4 miles, 2000 feet up and 2000 feet down, blisters on both feet, and 2 very tired ladies, we made it back to the car.

This completes my goal of at least 4 hikes this summer. Yeehaw!

NEWS OF THE YEAR

2011-08-13T22:21:00.001-06:00

TILLAMOOK ICE CREAM 1 MILE FROM MY APARTMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can die happy.

In other news, I am having a semi-mid-life crisis. My life goal to move to Oregon is now obsolete. I guess I could stay in Utah...........

Last Days with the Fam

2011-07-31T21:24:00.001-06:00

My parents and sisters got on an airplane early this morning to head to Chicago, Miami, then home.

Last Sunday they came up to visit me again in Logan; we drove out to Clarkston, about a half an hour away from here, to see David Whitmer's grave. Now, we can all say we've been to the grave sites of each of the three witnesses.

On Thursday, I had the day off, so I drove down to see them in Salt Lake County. We went out to This Is the Place, to their pioneer village area.

Here we are on the 'train' ride around the town.

We stopped and did some searching for gold near the Indian village.

There were some fun games and stilts and other things to try out at some of the pioneer houses.

Waiting for the gun showdown to start.

We made some crafts in the social hall.

Ow-ow! Hot mamas.

Kambrielle's favorite parts were the pony rides and petting zoo pasture.

My mom and Kaitlin will be back in 3 weeks. Kaitlin will be staying here in Utah; she's going to attend BYU in Provo. The next semester is going to be great, and I can't wait to see everyone again in December!

Random Thoughts

2011-07-24T23:17:00.001-06:00

I couldn't think of anything to blog about tonight, so I went to a website that will take you to a new random thought any time you want.

Someone obviously had way too much time on their hands to create that website*****even though I used it*****.

The random thought I found on the site that I liked is:

The scars remind me that the past is real.

Hmm. I kind of like this. I have multiple scars on my body, not too many, just a couple here and there.

The scar on my knee from crashing on my bike on the way to a friend's house.

The scar on my other knee from the first time I tried to climb a tree.

The scar on my forearm from when my mom chased me around the house with raw chicken, pinned me down, then slathered it all over my arms and then a bone accidentally sliced me.......**********did I just say that out loud?! Sorry, Mom, the secret is now out********............that's always a fun story.

A random scar on my leg; I can't figure out where it came from.

My chicken pox scars on my stomach and forehead. I'm sure there are others.

Some have emotional scars, things you can't see. Actually, I'd say every person has an emotional scar in some form; some have more than others, some have more severe ones than others, and some have more visible ones than others.

Then there are the scars on groups of people; on a country, a culture, a religion, a race, anything you might think of.

These are what create history. It never seems worth writing about in a book unless there is a scar somewhere, does it?

What do you think? Or was this just entirely too random and off-the-wall? After all, I did get the thought from a random generator.

Courtesy Cones

2011-07-21T18:50:00.001-06:00

I got to go spend some time with my family down in Sandy this week, just for a day or so. I drove down on Tuesday; it took an extra half hour or more to get there due to a sudden torrential downpour, a sudden flashflood on the freeway, and me exiting the freeway and sitting in a parking lot to wait it out.

Aunt AJ made some delicious tacos for dinner, and Kaitlin and my parents headed out with me to JC Penney and Walmart for some college shopping for Kait.

Wednesday started out with delicious breakfast (also by Aunt AJ), and my parents took Kambrielle to Riverton Hospital for surgery on her eyeball. Aunt AJ, the 6 chilluns, my 3 middle sisters, and I all headed out to Valley Fair Mall for some shopping. Kaitlin found some much needed pants (hers were falling off), and Kayli found some sweet hoops for her ears.

After everyone enjoyed a chocolate lollipop from See's for National Lollipop Day, we split up. Aunt AJ and the kidlets headed home for lunch while Kait, Kari, Kayli, and I headed in search of lunch. We decided on Arctic Circle, and sat down with some delicious fries and burgers. The nice ladies working there were wonderful - coming by every few minutes to offer us more fry sauce, take our trays, and even to offer us courtesy cones. Deliciousness!

After the girlies and I had been sitting in our booth for about 45 minutes, we decided it was time to split. We headed next door to Savers (the girls had no interest in it; however, I was able to prod them in), looked around, and found the treasure of the day: Selena Gomez' CD, A Year Without Rain, brand new in the case, for 2 buckaroonies.

We headed to the Sandy Movies 9 after that, and decided to see Thor. It was so good! Unfortunately, I fell asleep for about 20 minutes, but it was only a dollar to get in, so I don't feel too bad about it. Kaitlin bought a popcorn, which we all shared.

By the time we got back to AJ and Jon's house, at 6, dinner was waiting in the form of pizza. I had a slice or two and called it good. I think we all gained 10 pounds that day. Kambrielle was home and feeling pretty fabulous for just having had surgery.

I headed 'home' to Logan soon after dinner.

What Would You Do?

2011-07-17T15:50:00.001-06:00

I have a sticky situation.

One of my friends from work is in a situation with another coworker who has gone crazy on him, because he doesn't want to be involved romantically with her.

A week or so ago, I got a friend request from my friend, on Facebook, only to find out that this is not my friend. It is the coworker, impersonating my friend, and making up lies that he is gay, and trying to deceive everyone into thinking he's someone he's not.

I know these are lies because I went and spoke personally to my friend.

Now I'm stuck with wondering if I should just block this profile on Facebook and be done with it, or if I should message the other people this coworker has lied to, and encourage them to personally talk to my friend, that these are lies. Because as far as I can see, most of the people that have been added to the page are believing the lies.

It's also unnerving knowing that this coworker is capable of all this hate, and all the while she can view my personal information. I work with her; sometimes I am her supervisor.

What would you do?

The End of Harry

2011-07-15T22:56:00.002-06:00

Just got back a few hours ago from watching Harry Potter 7 Part 2!

It was GREAT!

Loved it, hope you will too.

And here is the lovely BYU Divine Comedy, with a parody on Katy Perry's "Firework", called "Firebolt".

Enjoy.

A Quick Note

2011-07-14T21:37:00.001-06:00

Mmmm. I just wrote a really nice letter to all customers after today's shift, and after reading it over, decided I better not post it here, even without company names or anyone else's name for that matter, for fear of anyone ever reading this blog who shouldn't. You know. I've seen all types of stories of people getting fired for stuff like that.

It felt nice to type it out though.

Ahh.

Maybe I'll start writing more, as therapy.

Mmmmm.

Pondering

2011-07-11T00:35:00.001-06:00

Why is it so hard to find someone who you like a lot, and who likes you a lot back?

It's a complicated thing.

I liked a guy a lot. More than I thought. And for a while I was under the impression he liked me back. Turned out I was wrong. Very wrong. Why did he lead me on for 2 months? I don't think I'll ever know, and I probably won't get up the guts to ask. Trust me, I'm done liking him, but it still bothers me what he did to me.

Now I'm trying to get a guy to leave me alone who likes me, but I don't like back. And I'm trying to remember the experience with this last guy, to make sure I don't lead him on at all. I would hate for any guy to ever be hurt when I could help it, and I don't want any person to ever think I'm a player.

I know this is all normal dating stuff, but it's draining and tiring! And emotional!

Can I be done yet? Please?

Blah.

Picture Catch-up Part 4: Rock Climbing

2011-07-10T12:31:00.003-06:00

These are the MOST flattering pictures I've EVER seen!

So I'm sharing them with you now.

I went rock climbing in Logan Canyon last Wednesday with Megan and her husband Clayton's work buddies. He works for a company called Camp Saver, and they get all sorts of free stuff from the companies trying to get their company to sell their products. So we were all set with shoes, harnesses, rope, etc.

It was my first time ever rock climbing - I haven't even successfully rock climbed indoors. I think I've tried somewhere down the line, but probably wimped out or gave up. I'm pretty rad like that.

I was determined to make it to the top this time. After failing the first wall, and only the 'pros' trying the second wall, I made another go at the 3rd climb.

Clayton's coworker was extremely patient with me, thank goodness, and after a while, I made it to the top!

My roommates Debbie, Melanie, and me.

It should be noted that Melanie and I have the exact same hair color. But we have different skin tones, so it doesn't look like it's the same. It is sooooo cool!

Waiting while the guys lead the climb.

Debbie belaying Clayton.

Clayton, on his way to the top. I couldn't make it up this one; it was way too slippery. I didn't feel as bad when a couple of others had a hard time too or couldn't make it all the way either. :)

Melanie: "Please stop taking pictures!"

Getting ready.

I don't think this is a good idea!

Me getting up to the rocks on my second climb.

Getting there.....

Still climbing....

Right after I kissed the top.

Rappelling back down to the ground!!

Can't wait to try it again! Hopefully next time I'll be more pro at it! :)

Picture Catch-up Part 3: Lagoon!

2011-07-10T12:15:00.001-06:00

I went to Lagoon June 30 with my friend Megan, her husband Clayton, and my former roommate and future roommate Kendra (she moved home for the summer).

The sun was out, but it wasn't too hot. I wore sunscreen, and still got some sweet tan lines!!

We rode every single ride there at least once, some twice. Except I said no to the Cliffhanger. Everyone always gets completely soaked on that ride! Then later we went on the water slides by the Samurai, and I got soaked anyway. Figures.

Perfect day!

Picture Catch-up Part 2: Disney World Scenery

2011-07-10T12:07:00.001-06:00

You all know I like flower pictures. So just deal. :)

Picture Catch-up Part 1: Disney World!

2011-07-10T12:01:00.001-06:00

I am finally going to post all those pictures I've been holding onto for a month.

Outside the hotel, Pop Century Resort.

Chowing down on the family pizza!

Waiting outside to get into Epcot!

Epcot, Day 1.

Outside the Finding Nemo ride.

Canada!

Japan!

Norway!

Mexico!

Also in Norway - this picture's for Grandpa Pierce.

On the bus, headed to Magic Kingdom Day 2.

Me and Stitch!

Everyone riding "It's a Small World."

Seriously.

Bad picture - we forgot to get one during the day time!

Pictures with the princesses at 2 AM!

Hollywood Studios, Day 3.

The Whitings, in the wild.

Boo? Are you in there?

Mike Wazowski!

In the big city.

Creeper pictures, courtesy of Kari.

Bubs with her Beaker hat.

Animal Kingdom, Day 4!

We were all soaked after the first ride on Kali River Rapids!! Rode it 2 more times that day.

The "Tree of Life".

Waiting in line to get back to the resort.

Kari's most attractive picture. Ever.

Kiki the Prude

2011-07-05T00:17:00.002-06:00

I went on a second date tonight with someone, and the guy tried to kiss me.

I only met him on the first date last week - it was a blind date.

Call me old fashioned, but I turned my head.

I feel like a meanie, especially because it was his birthday.

Thoughts/opinions?

I honestly want to know what others think about this. I've always thought that a second-date first kiss was too quick, especially if you don't even know the person. However, I know a lot of people who don't feel the same.

Then again, he did introduce me to most of his family tonight, including the grandparents, too....

Are there no normal guys in this LDS world?

Heavy Lifting

2011-06-29T14:57:00.003-06:00

I just did one of the strangest things in my life.

My roommate Melanie came and asked me a favor while I was eating lunch.

"Hey, Kierstin, can you help me with something?"

"Sure thing, Mel, what can I do for ya?"

"Well, for my workout this week I'm supposed to push my car around. Will you steer it while I do that?"

"Um, sure."

My roommate is on the track team, and throws. She does shot put, and other things.

So I sat in her big SUV and kept it going straight while she pushed the car from one side of the parking lot to the other, 5 times.

It's kind of frightening knowing I live with someone who could totally take me out if she wanted to.

Life Lessons at the Dentist

2011-06-27T09:28:00.001-06:00

Today I learned you should speak up as quickly as possible if you find that the anesthetic for your jaw was not strong enough.

Don't try to be a hero.

Because after the initial drilling comes the bigger drill.

And that one hurts a lot more than the first.

If you wait too long to tell the dentist that you are not numb (where 'telling the dentist' involves throwing your hands in the air, trying not to cry, and tears falling out of your eyeballs anyway), he'll apologize profusely and stop. However, he'll just fix your tooth enough so that you can survive until the next time, because he won't continue with that filling at that appointment. He'll just finish polishing the first filling.

Which means I get to go do it again in 2 days.

Zip a dee doo dah.

Where's Matt?!

2011-06-26T00:11:00.004-06:00

I'm too shy to post the real title here, but one of my friends posted this on her blog, and it reminded me of how much I love this video!

I just can't help smiling through the whole thing. :)

Enjoy!

I'm Baaa-aaack!

2011-06-23T10:00:00.001-06:00

You've gotta love it when a roommate leaves the freezer open just long enough to ruin your ice cream bars.

Will post Disney World stuff and pictures soon.

Gotta run - I have an apartment to clean.

On Dreams

2011-06-12T08:58:00.001-06:00

Everyone has weird dreams, but I think I inherited something from my mom, her extremely wacky and vivid dreams. I know it has got to have something to do with what you eat or what you do that day/week, because the dreams will come in spurts, maybe one every night for a week, and then no remarkable dreams for a month or at least a day.

Like this week.

Earlier this week, I had a dream that I killed all these people I know. I wasn't angry at a single person; for some reason, I just killed everyone. In my dream, I felt remorseful afterward, but it of course didn't change anything.

I woke up sweating and it was terrible. Trust me, it freaked me out just as much as it freaks you out now. Probably.

Then last night I had this dream that my family and I were in some midwestern state, in a house. Some weird stuff, supernatural-ly stuff, happened earlier, then I had to work under extremely demanding conditions at Wally World, and then the next morning, on Christmas morning or something similar, all of a sudden we were shaken by some burst of energy on the ground. We looked up, and this wave of massive tornadoes was coming from everywhere.

Talk about stressful.

I started screaming at everyone to get in the basement, because everyone seemed frozen with fear and confused. After I screamed for a while, everyone started moving. I had to go back and forth, back and forth up the stairs, finally getting my mom, who didn't seem concerned at all, to come downstairs to the basement. It was only then that I discovered the house we were in was more like a multi-split-level house, so the basement was only really half a basement. I was terrified for our lives, but then nothing really happened.

I woke up feeling stressed out, and glad to be awake.

I hate these dreams! But they sure do make a good story to tell after.

More Than a Little Sad...

2011-06-10T16:52:00.002-06:00

My day started at 5:30 when my alarm went off. I got up and got to work at 7, then worked by myself until 9 when another coworker came in.

I spent half my shift looking for another coworker who fixes bikes, trying to help a customer get a question answered, only to find out that after I went to all the trouble of getting an answer and called her back to answer her question, she had already come in the store, talked to the employee herself, and gotten an answer. I felt really dumb at that point.

Then another customer called to tell me she left her bag of groceries at the register, started in on the cashier who had 'not given' her her bag, then proceeded to tell me I was "f*@#$(*#(*ng retarded" when I told her all she needed to do was bring her receipt in any time and I'd be more than happy to fix that for her. She hung up on me after telling me that she didn't have her receipt, before I had the chance to tell her that that would be ok this time, that I trusted her (not really). Now she lost that chance to get her groceries back. Too bad.

In the last ten minutes of my shift, I had a girl come to return a bunch of crock pots from her wedding, just in time for me to not be able to speak, have a fit of coughing, stop breathing, and have my coworker have to take over my register for me while I ran to another area to try to regain control of my lungs. I've been sick for more than a week. Bleh.

Now I'm home and trying to figure out math. It's overwhelming me, and my test is on Wednesday.

To top it all off, my gorgeous sister is graduating high school tonight, and I'm so bummed for her that no extended family can be there. My grandparents drove all the way from Portland, Oregon for my graduation, and I as her sister can't even be there tonight.

I'm hoping that going out to pizza with friends and going to a dance tonight hopefully with friends as well will change the direction of this day.

Thief

2011-06-09T19:57:00.001-06:00

One of my roommates ate most of the last piece of fudgy birthday chocolate cake.

Some things cannot be tolerated.

If you hear about something on the news, it wasn't me.................

Free Advertising

2011-06-07T19:53:00.002-06:00

Okay, I am really liking these two artists. No, I don't know much about either. But all of a sudden I just love their music!

Sooo....you should probably check out their music if you find yourself interested as well! I think you all would like it too, otherwise I probably wouldn't suggest it on this here blog.

First:

Bianca Merkley

This is the sister of one of Kaitlin's friends from the Dominican who goes to school with me, but who is not really my friend, more of an acquaintance, sort of.

That was an awkward explanation.

Anyway. Check out this link and there is a free download of her song "I Never Knew" available. She's trying to earn money for the recording of an album, so if you like it, maybe download the rest! I love the song, but no, I have not purchased the whole album, Promise, yet.

Second:

Christina Perri

She sings the song, "Jar of Hearts", which you may or may not have heard on the radio recently. I don't know how popular it is yet.

I checked out the rest of her music on that album, called lovestrong, and it all sounds pretty good. And clean, as far as I can tell. I like it, and she's really talented. Amazon's got a pretty good deal on her album.

Wait! I just listened to one song and it has one little teensy tiny swear word! So don't listen to that one okay? And if you accidentally do listen to it, I'm sorry!

Um, yeah. So this commercial is now over.

Graduation

2011-06-01T15:53:00.001-06:00

Today I thought of something, and wanted to text my sister Kaitlin.

Then I remembered:

A. I don't have her phone number anyway.

B. If I had her phone number, I couldn't text her or even call her anyway.

Hmm. This will change in a few months when she moves to Utah again.

SWEET.

One of Those

2011-05-30T22:06:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have those nights?

It started out with me trying to help others, when they were having a hard time.

It ended with me still helping those people, but wanting to go cry in my closet.

It's been a fabulous week and a half.

Really, it has been. But it's also been really rough emotionally.

All I can really do is laugh at all the situations going on everywhere in my life.

Harty-har. har.

I'm leaving for Boise on Wednesday after work, and good news (!) I found a girl in my ward who is going to share the trip with me. Woohoo for not driving by myself again! :)

Any thoughts anyone feels like sharing? I'm plum out.

Summer Bucket List

2011-05-26T11:52:00.000-06:00

Because I am still what I like to call 'youthful', I have been asked by some relatives what sorts of fun things I have planned for the summer. And I would like to inform you that I do have some fun plans for the summer.

DISNEYWORLD baby!

That's pretty much my only plan for the summer. But I'm still pretty stoked.

Actually, when I was thinking about this, I got on my computer and found a document that I started a few months ago, called "Summer Bucket List" that I already started filling out for this summer. Included in that list are:

Oregon
Boise
Idaho Falls
Oquirrh or Draper temple (baptisms)
Lagoon
Church History Museum
At least 4 hikes
Hogle Zoo
Bear Lake
Attending the temple once a month

Looking at this list, I've already finished half of it! I went to Idaho Falls on Sunday, to the Oquirrh temple last Friday, have hiked around twice already, and now 4 hikes seems like such a tiny number. I've already got plans to see Boise next week, and once it warms up in, say, August, I'll make it out to Bear Lake. The only thing I don't think I'll accomplish this summer, unfortunately, is getting out to Oregon. :( Gas is too expensive, and I can't take that much time off work consecutively right now.

I'd like to add to this list, though:

Shoshone Falls
Finish the Book of Mormon in Spanish (I'm almost halfway through Alma!)
Smooth out my country dancing skills
Figure out the guitar
Learn the pedals on the organ
Pass 2 Actuarial exams (taking Financial Math on June 15!)
Earn the 'promotion' to the service desk at work
Make lasagna on my own (thanks Aunt Wendy)
Get caught up on my scrapbooking (never-ending project)
Visit Jackson Hole, and explore out there

That's all I can think of right now.

What else do you want to add? I'm open to all suggestions! :)

Mother Had A Secret

2011-05-23T23:05:00.000-06:00

My mom secretly has tea parties still with her stuffed animals.

Just kidding.

It's the title of a book you can get at Deseret Book.

I saw it on the shelf at my library randomly, and decided to grab it last week. It was a really quick read.

No sappy LDS romance stuff; it's a story from the author's life about growing up with her mom who had dissociative identity disorder, or DID. Her mom had 15 alternate personalities, and it was the family secret that no one wanted to/was allowed to admit to.

I definitely recommend this book - it was not too wordy, got to the point, and I learned a lot.

This book left me wanting to go help others in need. It made me want to go help any mom with kids, help her out with her dishes, or let her have a night off and watch her kids for her.

So for all of you with libraries with access to LDS literature, check out Mother Had a Secret, by Tiffany Fletcher.

You Decide

2011-05-22T23:09:00.000-06:00

So this evening, my Aunt Wendy, Uncle Jeff, and their three lovely at-home children were kind enough to let me come for dinner. We made lasagna (mmm yummy), played Have You Ever, watched the old Saturday's Warrior with Uncles Jeff and Curtis, and they sent me home with 2 delicious cinnamon rolls (both were gone before I made it to my apartment).

On the way home, as I was coming over the hill from Tremonton area into Cache Valley, and while jamming out to Michael McLean, all of a sudden I heard a noise like what I imagine it would sound like if your check engine light went off. Not that mine ever has, so I don't actually know what that sound is.

It was around 10:15 at night, so it was pretty darn dark. Also, there was zero traffic for at least a mile. I quickly slowed down, trying to figure out what that 'dinging' noise was. I turned down the music, and was going really slow. I came around a bend, and right in front of me were 2 deer, right in front of my car.

I was going slow enough to completely stop and let the deer move off the road.

I have no idea what the noise was that caused me to slow down and check everything. I couldn't find anything.

But, I do know that because I slowed down, I didn't hit the deer, possibly damaging or totaling my car and/or injuring myself and/or the animals.

So, that's my cool story of the night. At least, I thought it was cool.

I should probably still make sure nothing's wrong with my car though.....

Experiences

2011-05-22T03:12:00.000-06:00

It's only 2 weeks into summer, and I already started and ended my first 'fling'. Well it started before the summer. And I didn't really start or end it. I just participated, and it was nice. It was a good experience. And since I'm not all torn up, it's probably a good thing it ended. I think he feels the same way.

Ok, I'm a little sad. Who wouldn't be?

But after talking with said guy, I came back to my apartment where a coworker was waiting, watching a show, after work. She didn't want to be with her roommates, and I was tired of being alone at my apartment (my roommates never come home).

After the movie was over, I got to listen to her talk about all her life problems. Though I definitely won't go into detail, the topics varied from childhood abuse to current family crises to potentially terminal illnesses she's currently dealing with.

What I learned is I have nothing to complain about.

And my family rocks.

The End.

Classics

2011-05-16T23:46:00.000-06:00

Okay, help!

I'm playing my violin at my great-grandmother's care facility on Thursday (THIS WEEK) and I'm playing for EVERYONE who wants to come there.

I'm terrified out of my mind.

My first solo stunt! And I haven't practiced/played in years!

Grandma called me tonight while I was out with friends, to tell me that all the ladies she lives with have requested any Lawrence Welk tunes to be played.

This might have been helpful had I ever watched Lawrence Welk in my life.

Please help!

Anyone have any suggestions for quick and easy tunes to pick out that will be recognizable to all these old folks?

Non-Sharing Time

2011-05-14T09:24:00.000-06:00

I have a story that I will not completely share here for a while. Maybe a year. Maybe less. Maybe more.

Just picture the most awkward thing of your life happening (and it's your fault), then driving home with the lyrics,

"Bring back that loving feeling...Now it's gone, gone gone"

playing in the car, and silence.

Multiply the awkward/sad/stupid feeling you just had by a thousand.

Yep.

I am such an idiot sometimes.

How You Know You're Comfortable with Your Neighbors

2011-05-13T13:49:00.002-06:00

I walked past a guy's apartment this morning, on my way to the storage closet to put something away.

As I walked past the window of my friend Chase, I heard an extremely loud burp let go.

I yelled, "Nice!"

The window opened, and Chase yelled back, "Just for you!"

Special.

Good Start

2011-05-10T00:59:00.000-06:00

I think I've had a fabulous start to summer.

Since my last class/final finished on Friday:

1. I have had Cafe Rio twice (both times I've been treated, can't complain there!).

2. I got a super clean apartment. Carpets got cleaned too!

3. I worked a shift at Wally's.

4. I got to see my cousin baptized.

5. I got to see my paternal grandparents, and great-grandma as well.

6. I got some delicious food with my family.

7. I got to read the BoM for an extended amount of time, more than normal when I'm stressed with school.

8. I had a wonderful time at church.

9. I took a Sunday nap.

10. Lemon bars!

11. I played games until 11 at night with a bunch of people in my ward on Sunday. I laughed more than I have in months. Didn't hurt that I went with a cute boy either.

12. In the first real morning of summer I worked out, showered, got my hair cut, and did laundry all before noon. Great feeling.

13. I got to spend time with friends and a great guy I like.

And summer break's only been in for 3 days!

I have a fabulous feeling. :)

Firsts

2011-05-02T21:39:00.000-06:00

Today was...

My first sunburn of the season.

My first two finals of finals week.

My first time getting up at 3 in the morning to study.

My first time (in years) going to bed before 9 o'clock. (Yesterday)

My first time taking someone else to Olive Garden. (No, not a boy. Roommate birthday dinner!)

The school year is just about done. The summer is coming...more free time and more sunshine.

Here's hoping to a lot more firsts in the next few months!

:)

Happy Dance!

2011-04-29T13:36:00.000-06:00

I just finished my last class of the semester.

HAPPY DANCE!

Just need to survive finals.

Please pray for me to pass all of my classes, if you have time and wouldn't mind!

I'm sure you'll all get blessings for it, or something! Or a nice card or brownies.

Maybe.

And then, after finals,

EXAM FM AND P.

In other words, the first 2 exams toward being a real life, grown up, actuary.

Thank you.

Sticky Notes

2011-04-27T23:46:00.002-06:00

What a cute idea!

I was on campus at the library tonight, and had to use the restroom.

Upon entering the restroom, I found a few sticky Post-It notes on the mirrors, that said,

"You're going to rock those finals!"

"You are beautiful! Believe in yourself!"

"You rock, you are beautiful, and everything will work out!"

It made me smile.

Shyness

2011-04-26T14:51:00.000-06:00

I've always known that I can be pretty shy in groups of people, especially groups of my peers, but I thought I had gotten over that the last few years.

Now that I've spent a little more time with a friend who is NOT shy at all, I'm realizing again how shy I am in groups.

I have no problem being fun and wacky around him by myself, but once we get in a group of people, I'm quiet as can be, and am generally too scared to do much in front of the group.

How many of you are like this?

What do you do/do you try to do anything about it?

Cross That One Off My List!

2011-04-23T22:47:00.000-06:00

Last night there was a ward party at a high councilman's cabin up Logan Canyon, just past the turnoff for Beaver Ski Resort.

I took the turnoff for the huge cabin available for Beaver Resort, and my friend Cam met me in the parking lot to give me a ride in to the cabin.

On snowmobiles!

It was my first time ever riding a snowmobile, and we rode the snowmobiles in maybe 1/3 mile to get to the cabin. There was 6 feet of snow everywhere. It was awesome.

He took me on a ride for a bit out in the 100 acres the high councilman owns as well. That, too, was awesome.

It didn't hurt that I liked the guy I was riding with either.

:)

Fridge Etiquette

2011-04-21T13:42:00.000-06:00

Some observations I've found:

(Roommates now and in the past, this is all in good fun)

Leftovers should be disposed of within the week.

Each shelf should have a go-over once a week to insure that there is no stinky food or unknown food laying around.

Mexican food leftovers have a 2-day limit in the fridge.

No uncovered food should be left in the fridge - it may make other food taste bad, or your own uncovered food may end up tasting like the tuna next door.

Rotten milk is a no-go.

Engagement pictures on the fridge shall be taken down following the wedding - we no longer need any reminder that those people have moved on to that next step.

If there is a spill in the fridge, clean it up!

When in doubt, throw it out!

Whether you label your food as yours or not, keep track of where and what it is.

Raw meat should either be frozen, or used within the week, or before it starts stinking up the fridge.

You know there's a problem when the apartment smells bad because the fridge smells bad.

Open cups with liquid in them don't really belong in the fridge.

If you intend to share your food, don't put your name/initials on it. No one will ever feel comfortable using it.

Please only use your share of the fridge.

Magnets are cool - but don't over-do it.

Thank you, that is all.

Finals

2011-04-20T19:19:00.001-06:00

I think I got a mini idea of what a panic attack would feel like in class today. Lightheaded, not enough oxygen. Blah blah blah.

Lots of homework and more got piled on today.

I have been having a bunch of mini almost-panic attacks today thinking about everything I have to do in the next 2 weeks.

Checking out for a bit (or not).

Perseverance

2011-04-19T12:56:00.000-06:00

Nope, I'm not talking about schoolwork here. Though, that would definitely be applicable.

Not talking boys or dating crap either. Definitely applicable too.

I'm talking about the air quality study I participated in January of 2010. I was supposed to be compensated by the end of April (really, before). I was never compensated, and kept asking what was going wrong only to often be ignored.

It's been an off and on thing, me contacting one person, them contacting the next down, that person contacting me and conversing until they decide to ignore me again, and then repeat again maybe a month later. All the while, still waiting for just one check in the mail.

I was ready to give up, and was getting really upset, but decided to try one more time. I went to the head of the study, talked to him, and he had it solved in about a week's time.

I just checked the mail, and now I've got to go to the bank. :)

Still think I should've earned interest on it or something.........

Sure do 'Preciaytcha!

2011-04-14T21:30:00.000-06:00

Last night I had the worst migraine I've had all year. I generally get them around 1-2 times a month. After staring at my homework and trying not to throw up for 4 hours, I e-mailed my professor and told him what I'd been doing, and asked him if I could turn it in the next day instead.

Thank heavens for professors who are attached to their laptop as much as I sometimes am!

Within 45 minutes he responded and said it would be fine, not a problem at all.

I also e-mailed another professor, asking him when he would like me to turn some assignments in. I missed a few assignments in the stress of the first half of my semester, then went in and confessed to him. He was kind, understanding, and didn't treat me like I was a failure. He asked me to turn in those assignments I had missed, but only as long as it didn't interfere with my current assignments getting done. If that were to happen, he offered to work something else out homework-wise to be able to pass the class.

In his e-mail back to me, he told there was no due date, just as soon as I finished each assignment. He added good luck, and told me he was glad to see me making a come back.

I really appreciate some of these professors not treating me like a failure just because I'm not the top student, and don't raise my hand and ask questions or go to their office hours every day. I appreciate that they see that I didn't just slack off from school.

Then there are other professors.................

Let's not go there.

Headaches

2011-04-13T21:03:00.000-06:00

I detest them.

I have had a headache every day so far this week, starting on Sunday, and I'm ending the day today with a full-blown migraine. And I have 3 assignments due in the morning for the same math class. Blah.

What usually causes your migraines/headaches?

How do you usually get rid of them? Different things work for me each time, as each headache tends to be different, but then there are times like this migraine where I know nothing is going to help.

Help!

Jokester

2011-04-09T17:31:00.000-06:00

Three days straight of nonstop snow, and it's not stopping still.........

Okay, haha, funny joke!

Silly!

You can stop now, I get it, it's a funny joke!

Yeah, snow can stop anytime now.............

Seriously, stop.

STOP NOW!

{going crazy}

Pay Phones

2011-04-07T20:03:00.000-06:00

Today, I answered the pay phone in the customer service area. Twice.

The first time it rang, I had no idea what was going on. I just heard this incredibly loud ring, coming from one of the walls. By the time I figured out that someone was calling to the pay phone, it was done ringing. I asked my coworkers about it, and they said, "Oh, that's normal; it happens every once in a while."

I don't know what they're talking about - I've worked there nearly a year, and have NEVER heard the pay phone ring!

Then it rang again, maybe a half hour later. I motioned to my friend and supervisor to make sure I was fine to answer the pay phone (after all, it did say "Ringing. Please answer me." on the read-out screen), I picked up.

"Hello?"

"Hey, is Jimmy there? I need to talk to him."

"Um, nope. He's not here that I know of. This is a pay phone inside a WalMart."

"Nice try lady. Pay phones can't be called. I need to talk to him."

"Um, really, it's a pay phone."

"Uh-huh. Well, when you see him, tell him I've left my apartment and he can just figure out how to pick me up {insert expletives wherever}."

"Oooooooooookay, but seriously. This is the pay phone inside the North Logan Walmart."

"K bye hon."

What in the world?

Then the phone rang another hour later. I answered again, and a different voice was on the other end.

"Hi, did someone just call me from this number?"

"I don't think so - well, actually I don't know. Maybe. This is a pay phone in Walmart."

After apologizing profusely and being embarrassed, she hung up the phone.

And that was the interesting highlight of my day.

Oh, and also, it's been snowing for 5 hours and my shoes are soaked through as well as my socks and my pants, and all of Logan.

Too-da-loo!

Bringing out the Best

2011-04-05T20:06:00.000-06:00

I've discovered for myself that roommates are a great way to discover what your true pet peeves in life are.

Case 1:

Taking out the trash.

Now, I have absolutely no problem taking the trash out; I really don't mind. What I DO mind is a roommate who never ever takes out the trash, period. In fact, when the trash gets too full, said roommate simply ties it off and plucks it somewhere on the ground as if to say, "Hey guys, please take this trash out. It's far too stinky for me." Also, when said roommate's own personal trash can gets full or any of the bathroom trashes are full, roommate simply ties off those small grocery-size bags and puts them inside the main trash can in the kitchen, again, for me or any other roommate to take out.

Interestingly enough, I have had 2 or 3 roommates do this that I remember. I never realized so many had a phobia of taking out the trash.

Case 2:

Loud music.

The main thing that bothered me from this was last school year, when I had a roommate, not of our faith, wait to get ready for her own church services until the early afternoon on the Sabbath, and put loud rock and country music blasting through her ipod speakers in the bathroom(apparently this roommate never heard of ear phones....ever....). Also, other loud music in general bothered me.

Case 3:

Unmentionables overflowing in the trash can in the bathroom.

Not much to say on this one, just: seriously; that's disgusting. Just take the trash out for crying out loud!

Case 4:

Shutting off the entire bathroom any time a roommate needs to use the toilet.

I think this is a shyness characteristic, but it gets annoying that the entire bathroom becomes unusable whenever a certain roommate needs to use the bathroom. I was under the impression that this was the reason that the toilet room in our apartment was separate from the rest of the bathroom, so that you could still use teh sink and anything else you might need in there. Maybe I was misinformed.

Case 5:

Actually, I'm running out of cases.

I think that through having roommates, all different people, that while I've discovered pet peeves I didn't realize I had, I've also learned to deal with them. I've taught myself not to internally grumble when I notice the garbage bag has been filled up with lots of smaller plastic bags, and to just take it out to the dumpster. I've learned to tune out music, and it honestly rarely bothers me anymore. In fact, I've not only learned to fall asleep quickly, I can fall asleep with loud music blaring right outside my door. I've learned to not need the bathroom and go next door if I need to use the restroom and a roommate won't get out of the bathroom. I'm learning to let things slide and just take care of them myself.

Then again, a lot of these things still seem a little ridiculous, don't they? ;)

Yummies

2011-04-03T10:35:00.001-06:00

Kendra wanted to make cookies last night, and I suggested we look up a recipe online for something new we hadn't tried before.

So we ended up with German Chocolate Cookies.

Soooooo good!

The recipe can be found here, from All Recipes.

This was really easy, as in, I can't fathom cookies being any easier than this EVER. Sure, I'm sure someone has a really great recipe for actually making your own German chocolate cake mix instead of using the store-bought mix, but for college students who are poor and with limited cupboard space and time, this was GREAT!

1 pkg. German chocolate cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. raisins (DON'T put these in your cookies)

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients but the chocolate chips, and DEFINITELY not the raisins. Seriously, DON'T PUT THOSE IN YOUR COOKIES! Then stir in the chocolate chips.

2. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. You may want to make these bigger than normal, because the cookies don't spread out very much at all. They pretty much stay as big as you make them on the cookie sheet.

3. Before you bake them, please make sure you didn't put the raisins in the mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and move to wire racks.

4. Eat these while they're still warm - they're not quite as good once they cool off, but they're still pretty good.

Terrified

2011-03-31T10:54:00.001-06:00

While looking through job announcements for mathematicians and statisticians and actuaries and the like, I realized something.

I'm going to have to actually use what I learn in class in real life.

That's frightening, both for me and for you.

Too late to switch to a sewing degree or something in culinary arts?

Monstrous

2011-03-29T13:30:00.000-06:00

I'm glad someone else feels the same way about the hill:

What's really cool is I texted this picture to my e-mail, and it worked! So sweet!

For all of you who already knew phones could do this, please just pretend that I figured something really cool out....please.

So Effective

2011-03-26T20:16:00.000-06:00

This made me giggle. But.............................what if it's true?

CIA's 'Facebook' Program Dramatically Cut Agency's Costs

Who knows?

Selling Myself Short?

2011-03-23T21:25:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking a lot lately on different things.

No wonder my grades are suffering. {insert hilarious laughter here}

I sometimes wonder what things I could be doing instead of what I am doing.

Why didn't I apply to a super-smart school? Like Harvard? I'm sure I was smart enough in high school; I probably wouldn't have been accepted, but I would at least have applied. BYU is seen as the 'elite' school in our religion and especially this family, and I didn't even apply. Did I sell myself short by going to the 'easy' school to get into? I never had a desire to go to any school in particular; I just chose USU on a whim, and because it offered the cheapest way to go to school short of community college or Weber and staying at home.

Everything has worked out, anyway; I have no doubt that Heavenly Father's hand was in my coming to USU. I do not think I would have handled my family moving as well had I not had the friends I had, and if I had been going to Weber, living at home, life would have changed a lot more; I would have had to move out all at once and things would have been a lot more stressful.

Why didn't I go into music? I don't think I made the wrong decision in going into math; I've always said I didn't want to go into music because I didn't want to be graded on my hobby. I didn't want to quit enjoying music; I still think this was a good decision (for me), but sometimes I wonder if I hadn't practiced harder, I could have become a really good pianist. Not saying I still can't, it's just a little bit harder now, and I'm sure it only gets harder from here on out.

It's still my dream to play the organ in the Tabernacle, or the one in the Conference Center.

And not just by myself - I want to play with someone really cool there. I don't pretend to ever dream of having the opportunity to play for the Choir.

How about a mission? I've never felt a specific desire to go on a mission myself; not saying it's not something I wouldn't do if asked, I just have never really felt like it's what I'm supposed to do right now. However, I have a handful of girlfriends going on missions now - a few people I know just tonight got their calls in the mail. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing the 'train'. Yep I just came up with that metaphor. I think.

I'm not going on a mission, I don't have a sweet internship or job lined up, I'm not married or dating anyone, heck I've never dated anyone in my life. I know, I know, I'm young, only 20, but it doesn't change the fact that here in the northern heart of Utah, I feel like I'm missing out on something, falling behind everyone for some reason.

Anyway, those are my thoughts of the night.

I should clarify: I'm not feeling down or anything like I was the last while, I just have been thinking on these things.

Buenas noches!

Informational

2011-03-22T11:55:00.000-06:00

I would just like to inform you all that I just finished my math assignment that I started at 9:00 PM last night. I took a 4 hour break to sleep and then got up and went to the gym for an hour (it's another spin class through the University), talked to my mom on the phone, and then finished the assignment.

This seems to be the theme lately for homework. For example, last Wednesday I started an assignment around 3 PM, took a break for piano lessons, then worked for 4 hours at Wally's, then came home and worked on the homework until 4 in the morning. Slept for three hours and then went to the gym and to class.

And I had only finished half of it.

Thankfully, I'm only going to be working 2 days a week from now until the rest of the semester, because I can't keep doing this.

So, I'd also like to let everyone know that I'm not working nearly so much anymore and life is much more happy! So you don't have to worry about when to call me now (I know you were all really worried about that). And I don't have to always work every day of the week or every single Friday and Saturday.

It's kind of exciting getting a smidgen of life back, isn't it?

Family Day

2011-03-21T20:52:00.000-06:00

{200th Post}

A.K.A. "Let's prove to our parents that we really are grown-ups in this cool singles ward we go to" Day.

I have not had the opportunity for my parents to come to a family day in my ward in this college experience.

Excuses I've come up with for people who ask where my parents are:

Gas was a little pricey this year.
The jet lag wasn't worth it.
I invite them every year, and they just won't come! They always have some sketchy excuse.
It would be in violation of their parole.
Recently they were incarcerated in El Salvador for drug lording.
Secret Service.
They died in a bull stampede last year! (burst into tears for effect)

I've thought about family day, and how it is somewhat absurd. Imagine 'family day' in any other setting or type of ward.

College class (Look what your kids are learning in remedial math!)
Family wards (Oh wait, I think this is called Primary program)
Regular single adult wards (I think this would just be awkward)

As you can see, family day is a weird invention created so college students can prove to their parents that they're really grown up now, giving big girl talks and teaching lessons and praying in Sacrament meeting.

But that's just my opinion.