neglectful

By many requests, I am blogging. Hurrah!

Life has been super crazy. I can't even believe it's mine. Honestly, two months ago I would have had no idea I'd be in this spot right now. I worked hard, and this is my reward.

Obviously as you all know I have a boy in my life. And he's pretty much the greatest ever. I'm crazy about him. We've been spending a lot of time together, which has been fantastic. I've gotten to know him really fast, and miraculously, after spending almost all of my free time with him, I haven't gotten sick of him at all. I'm actually really sad to say goodbye in the evenings. We've been friends for a while, and started hanging out more before Christmas break. We talked every day during break, and when we got back, decided to start dating. And I haven't been happier!


I have some new friends as well. All of John's roommates. They are the funnest guys ever! They all went to the same mission in Milwaukee. Since it was a Spanish speaking mission, they all are fluent in the language. It's so fun going over to their apartment. Both English and Spanish are thrown around constantly. At this rate, I'll be semi-fluent in Spanish in no time. And they are super musical. I watched them play this music improv game the other night. (I suck at improv and thinking quickly on my feet, so I just watched). One of the roommates, Nate, was at the piano playing some chords. Then, going around in a circle, each person would sing one line to a song. Then the next person has to rhyme with the previous line. If you can't make it rhyme, or can't get the line out in time, you're out of the game. It was so fun to watch! Those boys are super creative.

My dad came up last week to bring me my car. We had so much fun together! We went shopping a bit, walked through the mall, and got lunch together. Then, that night, Tyler, Tristan, and John joined us for dinner at Cafe Rio. It was delicious!

My classes are going well. I love my dance class. We started with the tango. It's so much fun! I can't quite get the steps down completely yet, but it's still just the first two weeks. I'm already psyched for Dancesport. But... I was ready for winter Dancesport the day fall Dancesport was over. I have a countdown on my computer, and it's only 53 days!

One day last week John and I made pancakes. And he made smily face ones :) He is such a good cook.

Amanda and I went on a secret mission on Saturday. Well, here's how the day started. John came over and we made breakfast. Then he had to leave for an all day choir practice. Wistie had sent me a text asking me if I could take her over to 7-11 to get change for the laundry machine. OH yeah, I have a car now! It's beautiful. But anyway... So I picked her up, and while we were at 7-11 I decided that I wanted donuts. NOW. So we started on our way to Krispy Kreme. As we were passing Wyview, we pulled in and decided to kidnap Amanda. So we raided her apartment, and made her come along with us. Four dozen donuts later, (don't worry. I didn't eat all of mine. I used most of them to feed boys), we started back to Provo. I dropped Wistie off at home, and took Amanda grocery shopping.

Then I had a stroke. Of GENIUS! Here was my thought process:
I should do something clever for John soon. I haven't really done anything yet. What can I do? Hmm... maybe write him a poem. No. Bigger. (The next few ideas have been edited out of this blog for secrecy purposes. They may be used in the future) Well, look at current circumstances. He's out of town today. Perfect. He's not getting back until 6. I have about three hours. They carpooled up to the retreat. His car is unattended on campus! Bingo! Time to lovingly trash it!

So I got lots of brightly colored paper, markers, streamers, and some candy in order to attack his car. Amanda and I went back to her apartment and cut out hearts, stars, polka dots, drew pictures, I wrote some song lyrics, and a poem. Then the hunt began. I knew Men's Chorus met somewhere on campus to carpool . I just had no idea where. So Amanda and I drove through most of the parking lots on campus looking for his car. We asked the "Nissan gods" to lead us to it, and did our best Hiro impression by yelling for the Versa. We were just basically being dorks. Then, after searching for over 30 minutes, I gave up and decided to ask. Here was the conversation:

Me: When are you getting back again?
John: I'll be back at 6:30ish
Me: Did you drive up there? Was it long?
John: We get done here at 6 and it takes like 30 mins. to get back
Me: Did you have to drive?
John: Yeah
Me: That stinks. Too bad you couldn't just bum a ride off someone else.
John: It was fine... What were you going to do to my car?
Me: Nothing. Why are you so paranoid? Just making conversation.
John: Ok. If you say so.

Busted! And even worse, no car! So we went for plan B. Traditional style. We just attacked his front door instead. And it probably worked out better that way. And it ended up being really cute and colorful.



Last night we shared dinner with some of John's friends, Sean and Jennie. They are so cute! They recently got engaged. I really like hanging out with them. We made chicken alfredo and spinach salad. Then they brought over veggies and garlic toast. It was a fun meal.


Well, today is a holiday! And it is glorious. I'm planning on spending the whole day just chillin' at home, reading books. I restarted The Catcher in the Rye the other day, and I want to finish that. Then John and I are going to read 1984 together. So I'll start that one today! One of my favorite things to do with him is read. So I'm excited for today!

Well, I hope that was sufficient for y'all. I'll try to keep up more in the future so I don't have to do a huge post. Ciao!

Random pictures



Quotes of the Day:

Me: "I missed my mouth... I missed my mouth again."
Amanda: "Are you having a stroke? Oh wait that's a brain tumor."

and

Amanda: "Where do you want to get married?"
Me: "Timponogus."
Amanda: "Reno?"
Me: "No... Timponogus. It doesn't even sound the same!"

the forgotten

I had forgotten a quote by Amanda and I. She reminded me of it, so I decided to dedicate a whole entry to it. Here's for you, Amanda.

Me: "I'm going to Kneader's for French toast."
Amanda: "Hooter's has French toast???"
Me: "What? No, Kneaders! Not Hooters! Do they even have a Hooters in Utah?"

and all that gushy stuff

I have changed a lot recently. For the better.

I owe that change to many people. And to myself. I like who I am now, and who I've become. I'm happier, more in tune with life, and closer to God.

It's almost weird to think that I'm more grown up. I've realized this the last week or two. I have new priorities, new desires, new goals, new motivation. I am a new person, and better prepared for future challenges and responsibilities.

I've been more grateful. I spend more time thanking the Lord for my blessings, and for being observant at what I've been given. I pause and look at my life to see how amazing it is, and how fortunate I am for so many things.

And because of that, I'm done being selfish. The best way to be happy is to help others. I want to use what I've been given to make others as happy as I am. I've been trying harder to look passed myself and focus on other people. And it works. Put others first and you will be blessed.

I love the Lord. I love how things just work out. I love doing something I'm prompted to do without knowing why, and then looking back and seeing what came from it. I can't wait to keep improving myself, and to keep working harder. If I was blessed with all I have by doing a few simple things, and making small changes in my life, how much more can I receive? I can't wait to keep going down this path to see what other things are in store for me. And I can't wait to bring that joy to other people around me. I have been feeling the spirit and God's love a lot more lately. I don't know how I ever lived without it this strongly all the time. I never want it to go away.

Thank you, friends. Thank you Amber, and John, and Amanda, and Jason. Thank you, Tyler, Tristan, Mom, Dad, Drew, Christina. And Thea, and Jacob. Thank you, Rachel, and Wistie. I love you all more than I can say. And I hope that I can repay you sometime. You all mean the absolute world to me. I love you.

And it's weird to be grateful for hardships and mistakes in life. But I truly am. We all go through hard times, and we must handle them and learn from them. While I made some big mistakes, I wouldn't trade it for anything. And I'm still almost happy it all happened. If I could go back I would've made different decisions. But since I can't, I'm just going to take it all in stride and learn from it. It's helped me grow more than anything has. I feel more prepared for the world, and more prepared to teach, and eventually raise a righteous family. I've been there. I can empathize with people. And really, honestly help them.

And I owe it all to my Lord and savior.

And now, I owe some apologies. I have been a bit selfish...

Amber, I'm sorry for making you feel abandoned. I do miss you. Don't you doubt that. You are my BFFFE and no one can replace you. I just have been out enjoying my newest blessing every waking moment. I hope you can understand that. It's time that I come back down to the ground and stop ignoring my friends. I can't wait for you to come over tomorrow! We will have a blast. And I want to hear what you've been up to since I've been gone.

Amanda, sorry I was stolen from you. But I love you SOOO much for introducing me to John. You are a true friend, and I appreciate you so much.

Tristan, sorry about the boxes in the corner. And for taking up the whole cupboard. I will get that cleaned up soon.

John, sorry for stealing your hat. And for eating all of your Nutella. It is absolutely delicious. Thank you for leaving it at my house.


Quotes of the Day:

Amanda: "When are they getting married?"
Me: "Why are they getting married???"
Amanda: "No, when!"

simply

I have never been happier! Period.

so...

I like boys. I actually like a boy. A lot. Really really a lot. And... that's the moral of the story.


Quotes of the Day:

Me: "The screen that doesn't exist is going up."

and

Me: "Maybe that's a clue to stop thinking about hitting on our geography professor."
Amanda: "And... well... in the bible it says you can't commit adultery... it never says anything about looking... and im not hitting. just admiring..."

break

I've loved just spending time with family this last week. It's been a great stress relief from classes and life in general. I've spent my time shopping, visiting, playing games, singing, watching movies, and messing around with my siblings. I haven't even had that much time to read, which is sad, because I checked out like 7 book from the library! But I can catch up this coming week. And if not, I'll just get them later.

My family and I took some family pictures this evening and I wanted to post my favorites.

Mom, Dad, Drew, Tyler, Me, Christina, Tristan


Quotes of the Day:

"It's a trap!!!"

and

Tristan: "What devil kids do you want?!"

christmas eve

Christmas break is wonderful. I've watched movies, ate my mommy's wonderful food, played the piano, went shopping, and even took a guilt free nap yesterday! I've been really intrigued with Alias. Amber let me borrow the first season over break. My mom and I have been watching it, and I absolutely love it!

I went to the library today with Christina and got a bunch of books. I'm super excited! Here is my reading list for the break:

1. Anthem by Ayn Rand
2. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
3. Carrie by Stephen King
4. Enchantment by Orson Scott Card
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry
6. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
7. Lost Boys by Orson Scott Card

I'm very, very excited for this :)

the last adventure

I'm moving! I have all my stuff packed, I'm sitting on just a mattress, staring at my empty closet and blank desk. Now I just have to carry it all to my new place around the corner.

Megan and I had our last little adventure before we both moved out. This morning our front door wouldn't close. The metal strip at the bottom popped up, and we couldn't screw it back in because it was stripped. So Megan called management who said that we needed to figure it out ourselves because they couldn't come until Monday. Really nice, guys. The front door wouldn't close! So Megan got out her handy tool kit, and was about to unscrew it from the floor completely, hoping to fix the problem.

Then I suggested, half jokingly, half seriously, that we just duct tape it down to the floor. We both looked at each other, laughed, and I ran into the kitchen to get the duct tape. I ran back, peeled a few strips off, and taped the metal frame down to the floor. I was laughing and said that finally our apartment can be considered ghetto. Megan still had her tool kit out, and instead of getting up to grab scissors, she just used the little saw to cut the strips of tape. A ghetto job done with ghetto means. I love this apartment.


Quotes of the Day:

Amber: "I think he's funny as crap. Well, not that crap is funny, but..."

and

Me: "I didn't even touch myself at all this morning. I mean... I didn't do anything to myself. I mean... you know what I mean!"

and

Amanda: "John, you can have the white cup... because you're racist."

thursday

Almost there! Two more! And moving! Then it's CHRISTMAS BREAK!!! Yahoo!!! I am so excited to move into my new apartment with Tristan. It's gorgeous! It's nice, it has a good sized living room with nice couches, and here is the best part. There is a spiral staircase up to mine and Tristan's bedroom!

Then our room is probably the size of the living room and kitchen combined, with a walk in closet, and a bathroom with a TON of counter space. I am SO excited!

I'm just happy. I can't stop smiling. Or thinking... :) It's about time!

Amber... :D

In other news, I tried to sneak a snowball into the library today. The sneaky security guard at the front door caught me. I just wanted to throw it at my friend's head. Note to self: Next time, hide the snowball in my back pack.


Quotes of the Day:

Me: "I'm going to get married soon, aren't I?"
Megan: "Yep."

and

Me: "I want to minor in ballroom."
Jason: "You want to minor in what??"
Me: "Ballroom?"
Jason: "Oh. I thought you said 'embalming.' That would've been really creepy."

and

Jason: "Sorry, I shouldn't tease you like that."
Me: "Well, that was exciting."
Jason: "I know you were. I could feel your heart speed up. It was like Jaws."

and

Me: "I'm late. I'm studying with a friend and I'm supposed to meet him at the library in like 20 minutes. There is no romantic fling with this guy at all, I promise!"
Megan: "Yet. You just wait. It will come. Guys flock to you."

insight from amanda

"There is a whore in all of us."