A Mystery Boy

There is a boy that catches the bus to school when I do. On one occasion, a few months ago, I noticed that when we got off the bus and as we were walking into the school he was keeping stride with me. Because we weren't actually saying anything to each other, but we were walking like we should have been, I felt pretty awkward. Thinking that I could avoid making small talk and maybe get to class a few minutes earlier, I took longer steps. He took longer steps. Hmmm...so I shortened AND slowed my stride. So did he. We were both still walking in silence, and the whole time that I was trying to shake him off, I was thinking about how completely ridiculous my walking pattern looks. This happened a few times over the past few months.

 I don't even know his name...and yes, I should just take initiative and talk to him, but in the morning and on the way to school, I really just don't feel like it. So I walk somewhat regularly into the school and to the student center with a complete stranger, only exchanging a 'thank you' and 'you're welcome' if he catches the door for me.

Today was different.

I went through the same uncomfortable motions of trying to walk independently into the school, thanked him for opening the door, and caught a slight lead from that as I entered the building. He caught up to me, of course...and then he spoke. I wasn't surprised by the conversation topic he chose...weather. My favorite thing to talk about. As we continued to have a nearly-pointless conversation, I learned that Mystery Boy is from St. George, and then he was off to the science department and I said goodbye. As I made my way to  my class I reviewed the humor of experience, and chuckled a little bit.

I can't wait to see what I will learn next time.

Confessions of a Blogger

I have a confession to make. It's not something that I am particularly proud of, but I have become obsessed with blogs. It's like a drug for me. I am constantly looking for new blogs to follow with creative ideas for home decor, a new, simple pattern for a fun skirt, a healthy recipe...the list goes on. I can't get enough! My teachers can even vouch for it...they catch me in class reading blogs almost daily...and all I can do is blush, giggle, and continue reading (despite what my teacher's 'subtle' reminders to pay attention). Now, I am a good student...I just enjoy a little multi-tasking. That is normal, right? I am a woman, after all...
The good thing about this new fascination is that it has inspired me to be more thrifty. I want to make things for myself and have a greater desire to do that than to go and buy what I want off the rack or the shelf. I am beginning to realize that I can make exactly what I want, exactly how I want it, for a fraction of the cost:) It's marvelous! The downside to the ever-flowing ideas I have had, is that I don't have the time that I need to actually go through with them! I am patiently awaiting the arrival of summer, when I will hopefully have more time to develop my new, thrifty self:)

The weather is lovely today. The air is warm, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining. Oh, What glorious spring weather!
However, I can't help but be slightly suspicious of this marvelous day. This week has been full of somewhat unfortunate, unexpected events and today is April Fool's Day. I am just waiting for mother nature to say, 'ha! You thought you could catch a break today!? Not so!' and bring another springtime snowstorm. I will keep my fingers crossed.
Oh, and I have class until two, so if anyone wants to avoid the storm and enjoy the sun, you will at least have until then:)

A Little Bird Holds My Heart

Today is my twenty-first birthday. I was lucky enough to do most of the celebrating a day early. My mom made the classic chicken and rice casserole and my favorite jello-cake, we sang the family's extremely long, traditional birthday song, and I had leisure time to spend with my family and friends. It was a relatively 'normal' family birthday dinner. However, I did have an exciting and out-of-the-ordinary experience prior to the family dinner. My sweetheart planned a surprise for me:) and it was a very pleasant surprise! After church, Robbie planned to take me to meet his friend, Dan Barney. I had heard a lot about Dan and his home (which is marvelous), and his sweet girls. When we arrived at the Barney's home I was amazed by the beautiful art that was displayed so tastefully throughout the rooms, and Dan himself was very friendly and excited to meet me, but the experience only improved:) I knew that Dan had married the daughter of James Christensen, the creator of many pieces of art that I have admired since childhood, and I had recently become acquainted with some of her artwork...which I fell in love with upon first-sight. I had the pleasure of meeting Cassandra Barney, the thrill of seeing her beautiful studio, and to top it all off I received a gift:) Robbie knew that I loved Cassandra's work and was able to get me an original lithograph. It was wrapped in beautiful paper (I almost felt guilty opening it) and the litho was carefully matted and framed. I was and have been so excited about the piece of art ever since...all of my family and classmates have seen a picture of it:) I am grateful for such talent, and for the amazing man that made it possible for me to display such talent in my home. I couldn't ask for anyone better, and the surprise was a success in my book:) Now I just need to hang it!

Funny, Fat Felines

All-around American culture.

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead

I have a unique job. I am a 'Community Ambassador' for the apartment complex that I live at. In an attempt to be more 'student-friendly', thirteen people have been hired to offer residents someone they can go to with roommate problems and to plan activities to help unite the community. I am one of the thirteen. That is not what makes my job unique. The group of thirteen is what makes my job unique. We joined together seven months ago, and immediately felt that we needed to have a strong bond together. As CAs we needed to be a family. As part of this decision, we decided that we would have a sleepover together each month.  Our sleepovers are crazy. We are up all night dancing, playing games, watching trippy videos, eating, talking about religion, talking about sex, or sometimes crying our eyes out to each other. Every sleepover has something that the last was missing. As much as I admittedly have complained about the sleepovers, they have brought a unity to our staff, to our family. I would like to dedicate this blog to that family.

Allison
This girl is amazing. She is one of the sweetest, most humble, and kind girls I have ever met. She has her priorities set. She knows her values and sticks to them, like super-glue. She sets an incredible example for me. She inspires my desire to serve others. She is spunky and fun to be around, and knows how to do that without any compromise to her moral standards. She loves the gospel with all her heart, and is constantly sharing it with everyone she knows, as well as the world that she doesn't know. I love Allison for her devotion.

Allina
Powerhouse. Allina is strong. Strong-willed, strong-minded, and most definitely strong-bodied.  Allina is opinionated, not overwhelmingly, but opinionated still. She is honest. She is passionate. Allina and I have a lot in common, and although we haven't had many opportunities to share our interests together, I have always admired Allina, and she has really been an influence on the way I view myself. Allina works hard for her relationships, for her individual goals, and for her beliefs. I love Allina for her drive.

Alex
I have written about Alex before. He is still his quirky self, but since I last blogged about him, I have come to know him even better. Alex is still one of my very best friends. He is like the same person I am. He understands the way that I relate to people, the strange way that I connect with people. On multiple occasions we have realized that we are having experiences that are eerily similar at the same time. I can tell Alex my feelings without feeling judged. He may not agree with everything that I say, but he actually listens and tries to really understand. Beside that, I laugh with Alex. Oh boy, do I laugh...yes, the things that we may laugh about may be slightly controversial, but some of the most funny things I have ever heard have come from his mouth. Ha...just this morning, I laughed so hard with him that I got a stomach ache (it didn't help that I was swallowing massive amounts of air...haha). I love that we can laugh at things that nobody else catches. It's like a secret...and who doesn't like a secret? I love Alex for being me.

Bryanna
I have only good things to say about Bryanna. She is just a fun girl to be around. She promotes such a lively atmosphere no matter where she is. She knows how to make people smile. Something that I have always admired in her, is her desire to do what is right. To make good decisions. She gets things done, and when she is done, she has done the best she is capable of doing. The activities that she plans always turn out to be big hits. I love Bryanna for her commitment.

Chase
I can say this with confidence. Chase has the most beautiful hair I have ever seen on a man. Chase is one of the most easy-going, friendly people I know. His attitude about life is incredible. He knows the importance of being kind to everyone, no matter the circumstances. He is all about a good time. He loves his music, and is constantly surrounded by uplifting tunes and heavy lyrics. He plays amazingly, and sings just as well. Chase has a genuine love for mankind that I have rarely seen in anyone. He wants everyone to be happy. I love Chase because he loves EVERYONE.

Benjamin
Benji is the Godfather. He directs our uncoordinated group when we need it the most. Ben is stern, but kind. Ben is incredible. He juggles a million things at a time and is always wearing a smile. If I were in his shoes...I would be dead. Ben is responsible. Ben is outgoing. Ben is giving. I don't think anyone in our group works as hard as Ben has to hold us together. Through our tiffs he is our glue. I love Ben for his faith.

Bridget
I can imagine that yesterday was probably one of the longest days Bridget has ever experienced. She drove to St. George to run a half-marathon. While running, her tendinitis returned, but she finished what she set out to do. She didn't give up on the months of training that she had pushed and pushed to be ready for that run. Then she drove back to Orem

Jorden
This woman is GORGEOUS. Jorden is fun...on a new level of fun. Jorden is always laughing. She makes everything she does fun. A simple game can be the most fun thing you've ever done, if Jorden is there. I see a lot of myself in Jorden. She has been through quite a few rough patches in the past year and she has been able to pull through every one of them with an attitude that things will be okay. Even though I don't know her whole story, Jorden gives me hope that everything will be okay for me too. I love Jorden for her hope.

Jordan
This boy can make ANYTHING look good. He could make a port-a-potty pretty if it needed to be. Jordan sticks to his friends. He will do anything to help his friends be happy. Jordan has smarts that I could never amount to. Jordan knows how to appeal to people, he knows how to make others happy. Jordan dresses well...and I always appreciate a guy with a good sense of fashion. He creates. He is constantly building beautiful things and making the world more aesthetically pleasing. I love Jordan for his appeal.

Jenner
What a goof:) Jenner rubs off on people. He definitely has a positive influence in his encounters. Jenner can take sarcasm...which, in my case, is very important. He doesn't take offense. Jenner is lively. At six in the morning, he is still making people laugh. Still being silly and fun. I love Jenner for his youthfulness.

John
Hahaha....oh, John. He was the silent one when we first started working together.  Everyone thought he was going to stay that way too...the shy introvert. John is not the shy introvert. John is constantly cracking jokes...usually really cheesy jokes, but that is what makes him so funny. John tries to include everyone. He is a peacemaker. He pulls people together...sometimes literally...haha. I love John for his endurance.

Kami
In two weeks, Kami will be married. Technically, she no longer works with us, but she will remain a part of our group as far as I am concerned. Kami is constantly smiling. She knows everyone...and she makes everyone feel like a best friend. Kami is a best friend to everyone. She shows genuine interest. I love Kami because she is real.

We are definitely far from perfect...especially me, but together we work. We build trust together and become stronger with every encounter. So much sleep is lost at our sleepovers, but I don't miss it. This family is worth it. I'll sleep when I'm dead.

Bloggers Make the Perfect Housewives

It seems like the trendiest blogs right now are all 'written' by your typical housewife. The best housewives have something good to say every day about their kids, their husbands, their cooking, or their most recent crafty project. Their blogs are splayed with little ballerina's, soccer studs, chocolate-chip cookies, and inspiring decorative tiles.

'This morning I woke up and Sadie was sick, I brewed up this awesome home remedy and her tummy ache is already calming down! Yay for my grandma's secret recipe!'

'Tanner had his very first soccer game today! He almost scored a goal! Next week I am responsible for the after-the-game treats! Time to break out the recipe box again! I'm thinking...cinnamon buns and wassail...it's supposed to be a little chilly next week!'

'My husband is the BEST! He surprised me this morning with the most beautiful bouquet of pink roses!  I love him so much and couldn't ask for anyone better!'

'My latest pillow! I hand-stitched every bead, and cut out the hearts myself! I can't wait to place it perfectly on the couch for a lovely touch for Valentine's Day<3...oh, and my sweet neighbor brought us the most delicious, heart-shaped sugar cookies, that the kids will absolutely love when they get home from school! Thanks, Nancy!'

Ha...any of those sound familiar? Well, lets face the facts. In Utah, the typical wife...is the typical housewife. Wake up, make breakfast, wake up the kids, pack the kids lunches, clean the house, read a little, choose a font for the new wall-stickers, pick up the kids, make snacks for the kids, take the kids to dance and soccer practice, pick the kids up, take them to piano lessons, make dinner for the family, pick up the kids, set the table, welcome home the husband, eat a quiet family dinner around the kitchen table, clear the table, wash the dishes, help the kids with their homework, get the kids in their pajamas, get the kids to brush their teeth, get the kids to climb  into bed, read a bedtime story, tuck the kids in, finish off the day with a little pillow-talk, lights out.

If a blogger isn't a housewife yet, their blog is their resume. A prospective male may stumble upon their blog and be impressed...potential husbands are always looking for the perfect woman online. Haha...Oh, the comedy.

I will be serious here for a moment. I kinda like reading a few, select housewife blogs. They paint a pretty picture in my head of what my future holds...but, I am going to make an effort not to turn my family into blog material. My life wont be an e-scrapbook.