all hallows eve

Happy Halloween! I had a blast yesterday night! I got all dressed up in my can can costume again, and Amber came to pick me up, and we went over to Quinn's house. We took some pictures there, and then went to get sushi for dinner. All dressed up! I was a can can dancer, Amber was a Zoobie, Quinn a cowboy, and Quinn's sister Rachel was a baby. That was a blast. I wanted to go up to a place that I went to with my brother and sister in law once called Yamoto, but we just went down to Damae on Center Street in Provo. Which was fine with me. It was still delicious!

Afterwards we went back to Quinn's house, and we all went around trick or treating. I must say, as an older teenager, you sure get funny reactions from people. Quinn, Amber, and I didn't go all the way up to the door since we weren't really trick or treating. Quinn's sister Rachel was and we were taking her around. We weren't carrying any bags, and weren't expecting candy. We know we're too old for it. But this one lady gave Rachel candy, looked right at us a few feet down from the door, said, "Have a good night" in a way that we knew meant, No candy for you! and closed the door on us. I was like, we weren't asking for candy so you don't have to be so obviously rude. I actually just thought it was really funny. A few people gave us candy anyway. One guy said that you're never too old to eat candy! And one of Quinn's neighbors had carved a huge letter Y in his lawn and painted it. It made me and Amber really happy!


We went up the hill by Amber's house where the really rich people live. One house actually gave out king-sized candy bars. That was awesome. We took one of those- we couldn't pass it up, no matter how old we are.

It was weird to me going around again. I hadn't been trick or treating in about four or five years. It made me think of the next time I'll be going. Probably with my own children! It made me feel older, because that could be happening in reasonable amount of time. Not soon, but in the far seeable future. But for now, I'm a kid enough myself. Hm, maybe if Drew and Christina get going here pretty soon I can go with them to take my neices and nephews around soon... *wink wink* You can tell I really want to be an aunt. Wow this was a total side track. Sorry...

After trick or treating we went back to Quinn's and played "Picksies," where we sprawl the candy out and each take a turn picking a piece of candy for ouselves. This was quite amusing and a lot of fun :) The night ended with me, Amber, and Quinn watching Sleepy Hollow. Not scary, but still mystrious, and weird. I loved it! My mom sent it to me last Halloween, and I still hadn't watched it.

This All Hallows Eve was a great one to remember :)


Quotes of the Day:

Me: "I like it when the kids pass out candy because I don't feel as bad when I take it from them."
Quinn: "Allison takes candy from babies!"

and

Amber: "When I'm rich, I will buy my friends."

and

Amber: "He's a night stocker."
Quinn: "Yeah, I stalk Barbies."
Me: "Can I be a Barbie?"
Amber: "She wants you to stalk her!"

and

Me: "I like that they didn't have to kill him again. He just went peacefully down to Hell."

and

Me: "Crap. Hey, what's my phone number? I don't have it memorized."

and

Bryant: "Let's get a cake and have Cosmo pop out of it in a dodgy outfit."

724

I WANT A LETTER!!!!!!! AHHH!!!!!!!!

:(

I had another one of those "I'm bored so I should call Ty Ty" moments today. Those are the hardest. I was in my room, cleaning up a bit. Those are the times I usually call people. I was thinking, I haven't talked to Tylor in a while. I'll give him a call. And then remembered that I can't. I gave out a small groan and my roommate asked what was wrong. I just told her that I wanted to call Tylor, that's all.

I sent him a package today with his favorite vitamin water, goldfish crackers, and Lindt truffles. I also included a four page letter talking about randomness; stats test, party on Saturday, dance, church, and lots of questions.

The count is Allison-2, Tylor-0.

I want a letter!!!

Quotes of the Day:
Bio TA Leilani: “You had a week and a half window where you had to pick the cherries off the tree. Anytime before that they were gross. Any time after and the Koreans wouldn’t buy them.”

and

Leilani: “Who here is allergic to peanuts? You? Alright! Do you eat peanuts? You don’t? Okay. I was going somewhere with that but I don’t remember. Oh yeah. Food allergies are bad.”

and

Leilani: “If people ate mice I would rather eat that mouse.”

abc it's easy as 123

Guess what I learned in church today!

Obama is not evil, and Hitler was a good leader.

Quote:
"I love reading the letters to the editor. People just usually don't back up their arguments. Like I was reading one the other day, and it was this guy who told a story about his uncle. He said, 'My uncle had a revelation that Hitler was bad before WWII happened. And he just had the same thing about Obama. So no one vote for Obama!' So what? This guy was so stupid. Because first of all, Obama isn't evil. His uncle can't receive revelation for everyone like that. Also, Hitler wasn't that bad. Like, besides the whole Holocaust and everything, he was actually a good leader. He pulled Germany out of a depression!"

Yeah... this was the opening to a girl's talk in Sacrament meeting. I thought that the Bishop's 2nd Counselor was going to jump out of his chair and pull her away from the podium. His face was priceless. I just looked at Megan and couldn't help but laugh. Wow, I love the single's ward.

all your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise

Elder Thatcher is gone. Today is his first full day in the big bad MTC! I'm sure he's doing just fine. Better than that, actually. I bet he's blowing everyone away. I was lucky enough to join him and his family for lunch at Brick Oven that afternoon before they headed off. Side note: Brick Oven pizza is incredible! The crust is sooo amazing. And it's actually a reasonable price. End side note. I felt so fortunate to be invited to lunch with them. It was so nice to see him in his suit and tie, looking all official and missionary-like (minus the name tag and greenie sticker). I told him that he has to keep his sticker and put it on the back of his name tag so he can keep it forever.

I have a secret... I'm a sinner. I stole a hug (with his dad's and his aunt's permission). We were outside Brick Oven, and I was about to walk up to campus, and he was about to get in the car. We stood there, and I knew that this was goodbye. This was it. The moment. We both just stood there for a few seconds not saying anything. Then I put my backpack down and flung my arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around my back tightly for just a second then pulled away quickly. It wasn't long enough. But then again, would any amount of time have been long enough? So he started backing up toward the car, and I put my bag back on and waved widly. I yelled out with a huge grin on my face, "You are going to do so amazing! And have so much fun! Good luck!" And he yelled back, "Do well in school! You'll have fun, too!" I continued a wave, still smiling, fighting the enormous lump in my throat and twinge behind my eyes, and finally turned away and started walking away.

I just want to say that I am so glad that I'm a good actress when I need to be. At least for a limited amount of time. The second I got to my classroom and saw Amanda sitting there, I burst out in tears and was sobbing for the first 15 minutes of class. Now that was embarrassing. But she prescribed the girl treatment that night: ice cream, brownies, waffles, and pizza.

I wrote my first letter to him last night, and his dad came to pick it up to add to a care package from his family. He'll be getting it tonight at dinner. That should be in just an hour or so. I am actually really excited to be writing him! I'll learn so much about him and be able to see him grow and change in the best ways. If you have any suggestions about letters, or things to do while the missionary is in the MTC, let me know! I get $1 same day delivery for the next two months, so I'm going to be taking full advantage of that. I don't want to always just send candy or cookies, though. Hmm I'll have to start getting creative here!

So I want to clear something up. I bet after reading the last two blog entries you're doubting my claim about my relationship status. I want this to be added officially to the record. I am not waiting. I am single, and I am dating. Yes, I dated Ty for a long time and I was in love with him. But I am not officially waiting. We both have discussed it a lot and have the understanding that there is a likelihood that I will be married by the time he gets home. So I am just here, living life, keeping my mind open to possibilities, and taking opportunities. Ty is my best friend, and he knows me better than anyone. I'm fortunate to have a friendship like that I want to keep it alive by writing him every week, lending my encouragement, and sharing my own spiritual experiences with him. And because of all that, I'm not going to forget him. It may turn out that no one can even come close to comparing with him. If that happens, so be it- I'll be here when he gets back. But, if a new Mr. Perfect comes along, hot dog! He must be incredible! I'm all for that. So currently, Ty is 100% dedicated to the gospel and his heart belongs to the Lord. I'm only having a hard time with it because this is a hard change and a very big adjustment. And yes, my heart is currently stuck in a shoe box under my bed. But I won't let it collect dust. I just need to become comfortable with my new circumstances before I bring it back out and start using it again. I'm grateful for old friends, and new friends, who I have to help me out :) I appreciate them all so much. So, I just wanted to make this very clear. I am not waiting. Ty does not expect me to wait. It's just hard to be here without my best friend. The end.


Quotes of the Day:

Amanda: "I was hoping to use your illness for my benefit."

and

Amanda: "You're speaking in riddles, Eugene. That's not actually a quote. I just added Eugene to make it funny."

and

Me: "We ate a whole pizza!"
Amanda: "No, we didn't. It's dispersed among the other pizzas. How pathetic. We can't even eat a whole medium pizza."
Me: "Well, you weren't hungry, and I'm sick. What do you expect?"
Amanda: "Sorry I failed as the chubby friend in this relationship."

and

Amanda reading Rachel Jane's blog: "I love my life because I work with austic preschoolers."

and

Amanda: "Go to bed."
Me: "In a second. I have to chew out my friend first."
Amanda: "Why don't you just tell him goodbye?"
Me: "You mean tonight or for forever?"
Amanda: "Pick one."

and

Me: "Oh, gosh. You know you're on your way to adulthood when you start getting emotional because your parents gave you money so you can buy groceries."

savor precious last moments

I can't sleep. You know why? I'm a flurry of feelings. You name it, I'm feelin it. Everything...

I got to see my Ty Ty, er, Elder Thatcher, today. He's off to the MTC tomorrow afternoon! I was so excited to see him! He called me this morning when he got to campus (I totally wasn't expecting him yet so I had wet hair and PJs on) and asked if he could come over and say hi. I got dressed and blow dried my hair as quickly as I could. It was all poofy, but that's okay because Ty loves poofy hair the best anyway. So he and his dad, Papa Kevin (long story on the nickname... Something about blue hands and the smurfs), came and got me and we walked up to campus. While we were walking something funny happened. I was just walking by his side, and all of a sudden I see him just reach out toward me, then quickly snatch his hand back and clench the two together. He just started laughing. I looked at him and quickly stuffed my hands in my pockets, realizing what had happened. Then he just turned to me and said, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" and I laughed out an answer of yes. I thought this was so funny because it is just second nature to reach out for my hand. It's been that way for so long. Especially when I'm walking a little bit behind him, he almost puts his hand out toward me as a call to come to him. And that's what he did. It was SO tempting to want to do that! It was so hard to just walk next to him. Ah!

So we went and got lunch at the Cougareat, then it was time for me to go to class. Class dragged on for forever today! Finally, 3:30 came, and I walked home thinking of things I could do to pass the time, hopefully making it go faster so I could see Ty again for dinner. But, coincidentally, as I was walking home, I ran into him and his sisters outside the Fieldhouse! I was SO excited! So they came over to see my apartment, and soon the rest of his family joined us. There, they relaxed after a really long day driving 14 hours from Spokane to Provo the night before and walking around campus all morning. They put on a movie and the little girls and I baked waffles together. Oh man. Those girls are so cute. And they love me. Seriously. They are adorable.

Soon they left to go back up to Ty's Aunt Melinda's house, and I finally had time to curl my hair and wait for my friends to come over for dinner- Amber, Wistie, Rachel, Rachel Jane, and Amanda. Papa Kevin came back about an hour later to pick us up, and we headed over to Alpine where a steak dinner was waiting. On the drive I talked with Kevin, which was really nice. I told him since Ty's gone and he doesn't have a college student anymore that he can call and bug, he can call and bug me. After getting there we had fun eating, playing the piano, and just laughing and joking. Ty honored me with one last performance of the song he learned on the piano for me for my birthday- well, as much of it as he could remember. Journey is one of my favorite bands, so he learned "Don't Stop Believin'." It was so much fun having everyone together! Just like old times!


At about 9:3o, the girls, Ty, his dad and I piled back in the van to come back to my apartment for dessert. We had brownies a la mode and spent the next hour and half visiting. Sarah joined us for dessert, and we joked around the whole time, having fun. Sarah and I entertained everyone by singing a few Wicked duets, and I broke the old broom, which was then used as some primitive communication device. Like a tin can telephone. Soon midnight came, and Ty and his dad left me and Rachel at my apartment. Rach stayed with me until about 2 AM, lending comfort, and making sure I was good to go.

It was hard seeing Ty again, and having him be Elder Thatcher and not my Ty Ty. Incredibly hard. Of course, I didn't show it and was extremely happy and cheerful the whole time, because let's face it. This is a happy, cheerful time! The best ever! I am so proud of that boy! But it was weird not having him gently put his arm around my waist when we're standing next to each other, not holding his hand while walking, not walking up behind him and running my nails down his back (okay, I cheated on that one a bit, but it's his favorite!), not hugging him, and not having him randomly pull me into dance moves and dips when I'm trying to cook or do dishes... I really missed that.

I did get the weirdest feeling, though. When I was at Melinda's house, I was chatting and having a good time, but still not feeling 100% happy, you know? There is still some sadness in there. It's sad to have someone you love so much leave, knowing you won't see them or hear their voice for two whole years, no matter how good of a cause it is. But you know I was still having a good time. I was standing in the kitchen, listening on to Rachel and Wistie's conversation when all of a sudden, I got this feeling. It wasn't triggered by anything, and I wasn't thinking about anything remotely close to this. It just came out of nowhere. My mood just lifted up so high, and I felt like this was a party for when he was coming home. And I was so happy. It was indescribable. Like I had actually lived those two years. And for those few moments, everything felt like it was all back in place, like life was just exactly how it should be. Like a big sigh of relief and comfort. After I was able to recognize all of this, and comprehend what I was feeling, and what it was for, the feeling left. But it still left me with an impression of how things could be. It was so weird. I don't know how to explain it.

Well, I get to see him one more time. After dance class he's going to be in the Wilk with his family and we're meeting for lunch. Then he'll be off to the MTC with his family around 12:30 ish and I'll be left there on campus, desperately trying to shove the image of the last time I saw him to my memory so I won't ever forget it...

There were so many good quotes from tonight! But I can't remember them all!!! If you remember, PLEASE let me know!

Quotes of the Day:

Wistie: "He's her ex-boyfriend fiance."

Ty: "This finger is the contract finger, and this one is the certificate finger."

and

Rachel Jane: "Hey! Missionaries can't flirt!"

and

Ty: "Holding hands is just like an extended hand shake, right?"

and

Rachel Jane: "You're brownie can't be touching my brownie in the microwave! It's a missionary brownie!"

and

Rachel Ann: "He's bread. He needs to go away and become toast."
Ty: "But I don't like toast."
Me: "Gasp toast with cinnamon? No, FRENCH toast?"
Ty: "I like French toast!"
Rachel Ann: "Yep. He's going to go away and get better and be French toast."
Me: "He can get BETTER? You mean, better than he is now? Is that possible?"
Rachel Ann: "Yep. And you are going to have to become syrup. That's why you're not locking yourself away. Because you can't put just plain sugar on French toast. You have to go and have fun, grow, and turn into syrup."

and

Me: "Do you think if I ride a motorcycle I'll hear his voice in my head?"
Rachel Ann: "No."
Me: "What if I jump off of a cliff?"
Rachel Ann: "No!"
Me: "How about if I go hiking?"
Rachel Ann: "No way!"
Me: "Don't worry. I'll take Jacob with me."

PICTURES!!!

changes in life

unexpectedly happen all the time.

Mother's Cookies is closing down. I could care less except that they sell little gingerbread men cookies at Christmastime. My mom has gotten bags of them every year for as long as I can remember, and I can't consider it Christmas unless we have gingerbread man cookies and milk every night during the break. Click here for the whole story. Mom, if they already have the gingerbread men for sale, get like 50 bags. Not even kidding. I will eat old, stale gingerbread men until July if it's the last time I'll ever get them for the rest of my life.

I changed my major. Well, I guess you could say decided on a bachelor's. I still want to do School Psychology, but I had no idea how to get there. But last week, there was a major fair in the ballroom on campus. I found the School Psychology grad program, and asked what undergrad they accept. They lady suggested Special Ed... to which I quickly decided no. But she also recommended Elementary Education. I looked into it, and I'm pretty sure that's what I want to do. I think it's a really good path. I have to be accepted into the major, but I should get in... I hope. They accept most applicants.

To piggy back the previous decision... I've changed summer plans. I was going to stay up in Utah all spring to take classes, and all summer to be an EFY counselor. But now I think I'm going to sell my sp/s contract and go home. I want to volunteer at the elementary school my mom works at to get lots of really good hours for my Elem. Ed. program application. Those hours are so incredibly important. You want to look serious and have some experience with kids. Also, I'll be saving a lot of money from rent/utilities/groceries by living at home. I want to get a job so I can save up for next year. I need that money.

And lastly, I don't want love. It's complicated, time consuming, distracting and stressful to worry about. Please, just leave me alone to my baking and school work. But the Lord knows I need friends! Let's all be friends.

food of the gods

Peanut butter. Is my favorite. It brings such joy to my life. The best things are made with peanut butter:

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Fast Break Bars

Peanut Butter M&Ms

Reese's Pieces

See's Candies peanut butter patties

Peanut Butter Patty Girl Scout cookies

Peanut butter milkshakes

English muffin with peanut butter

Peanut butter in celery

Chocolate chip pancakes topped with peanut butter

Peanut butter on waffles

Peanut butter cupcakes

Reese's Puff cereal

Peanut butter cracker sandwiches, like Ritz minis

Muddy Buddies

Although my mom has suggested to stay away from peanut butter pie... I bet I'd love it.

Peanut butter and pomegranate jelly sandwiches

Peanut butter, banana, and chocolate syrup sandwiches

or just peanut butter banana sandwiches

Peanut butter cup ice cream

Peanut butter ice cream with chocolate swirls

Just sucking on a spoonful of peanut butter

Peanut butter cookies...

which brings me to my next point. Try this recipe. I was skeptical at first but they are delicious and take literally 15 minutes from prep to finish.

EASY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 cup peanut butter
12 miniature Reese’s Peanut butter Cups

Combine sugar and egg with a hand mixer until well blended. This is important to get a non-grainy texture. Add peanut butter. This part is easy to do by hand. Grease cookie sheet and drop dough to make 12 cookies. I flattened them slightly, just so the middle wouldn't be too doughy. Bake 350 degrees for 10-11 minutes. When you take them out of the oven, press a peanut butter cup into the center. It crackles the cookie a little when you do this and looks much nicer.

Pretty simple, huh?

I didn't have peanut butter cups, so I just arranged 5 milk chocolate chips in the shape of a flower on the top. Also, they were really big, so I'd split the cookies in half and make 24 instead of 12 because they are really rich and sugary.

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!

Oh, so I better get back to studying, huh? Break's over.

fishiness

So, I like salmon. I've never really had it before because my family doesn't like it. But I think it's delicious. I like fish. Grilled fish. Did you know it's healthy for you? And hardly anything in it. Yum.


Quote of the Day:

Me: "I know you are drunk, but you can't tackle people in the middle of the store."

3 am ramblings

Do you sometimes wish that you could take back something you did because it makes you feel awful?

Or find a corner to sit in and be completely alone for a good space of time? Just to unwind?

Or just drop out of existence for a while?

I so can't get to sleep right now. I hate that. When your mind won't shut up and let you have some peace. So you just lay there, letting your mind reel, thinking of everything, ragging on yourself, worrying about everything, and planning every aspect and detail of the next day. Why can't you just tell it to shut up and leave you alone? Sometimes one's own self is the hardest person to run away from, don't you think?

Holy crow, it's cold.

So, sometimes you just need to have a blog to write out weird things that you're feeling... all of my blogs lately have been peppy happy, and I just wanted a real one to bring it back down to earth. Sorry if it was depressing... I sounded really emo lol.

I just got a strange desire to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show...


Quotes of the Day:

Wistie: "Do you want to be on top or bottom?"
*fits of giggles*
Me: "It doesn't matter to me. I like both ways."

and

Wistie: About TCU's mascot: "Ew. Who would want to be a Horny Frog?"
Me: "Just think of the double meaning of that word... buahaha!"

i had a very productive day

Did scripture reading and journal this morning.

Did my hair all curly gorgeous.

Went to my D&C class- very inspiring lesson.

Went to Statistics- very confusing lesson.

Called my mommy who has bought my plane ticket home for Christmas! She was thrilled when I told her I was for sure going home for Thanksgiving.

Set some personal goals.

Walked Rachel home from campus.

Had an hour long talk with Ty Ty! It made me so happy! PS his favorite cookies are chocolate chip. Note to self: must find delicious, easy, gooey chocolate chip cookie recipe. Any suggestions? I'm going to be sending cookies to him regularly while he's in the MTC. By the way, he'll be going in a week from tomorrow! I am so incredibly proud of that amazing boy.

Wistie stopped by and said hello on her way home from work.

Took my D&C midterm on Blackboard. It took me about an hour and a half to answer 34 questions. And I got a B!

Cleaned the bathroom

And now, at 9:30 PM, I think I will relax and take the rest on the night off and watch The Nightmare Before Christmas :)

Adieu.


Quotes of the Day:

Professor Reese: "So in Spain last week... Wait, where is my 'MEAT IS MURDER!' girl student? Oh, there you are. You'll love this story... I had the most delicious dish for dinner. I'm adventurous, so I just told them to bring me something good. And it was amazing! So I asked what it was, and it was baby lamb... Kind of sad. Sorry, but it was delicious!"
a few minutes later
"You want to do the wave in class again today? Wait, is Dr. Blades here? If she's here we can't do the wave. Oh, hi, Dr. Blades! So I am being evaluated today. Oh. *Laughs at himself hysterically* You know the best part of this whole thing? She's a vegetarian!!! Okay, here we go! Don't watch us, Dr.! We're doing the wave!"

and

Me: "Maybe the professor is really retarded?"
This one, by the way, was unrelated to the above quote...