post-dancesport

Dancesport is over. WHEW! I didn't do as well as I had really wished... but I did okay. In the tango I made it to the second round, the round right before quarterfinals. Then for the waltz. Trevor and I got all the way up to semifinals, and got cut right before the last round! It killed me. It really did. As much as I tried to hide it. Especially since the finals are supposed to be 6 couples, and they only picked 5. This isn't the first time it's happened, either. It's the worst time to get cut. And the same thing happened to me twice. In a row (reminiscing about last semester's triple swing). Trevor looked up our results that afternoon and discovered that we tied with two other couples for the last spot in the final round. So at least I can say I tied for sixth... that sounds pretty decent. It was still fun to have my mom here to watch. And I'm so glad that John got to watch me dance! He loved it, and it made me feel so special to have him watch me and see his face light up after I would dance. That made it all worth it.

And I loved watching John dance! I really and truly did hit the jackpot with this one. I've said for years that I would only marry a guy who could dance. And people laughed at me. And many said, "When you find him and he doesn't dance, you'll change your mind."

"Nope," I would reply. "He will dance." And he does. Beautifully. I love dancing with him. Now just imagine... if he danced with me AND sang to me at the same time. I don't know what I would do with myself... probably forget my name... put on my huge, crooked grin and giggle uncontrollably and then try to pinch myself to wake up... and stare at him and wonder if he really is real... I imagine something like that.

Ah hem, out of dream world... So John and his beautiful dance partner, Hannah, made it right before quarterfinals with quickstep! I was very proud of them! They were in the top 41, and there were easily over 100 couples to begin with!

In other news, I picked out my wedding dress! I got one that I had tried on the first time I went to Allyse's. It's gorgeous! I can't wait to wear it! I just have to go back and pay for it, have it fitted, etc. But I have to find the shoes first. That's been the hardest part. Especially since my dress isn't pure white. It's a "diamond white," which is just fancy talk for a lighter cream color.

John got his tux! He looks soooooo... I can't even tell you. He could compete with all the James Bonds- Pierce Brosnin, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and Daniel Craig- and win without a doubt. He picked a stunning purple paisley vest and a plum tie to match. I absolutely love it!

One night while my mom was here, we went to John's Men's Chorus concert. It was amazing, as always. I love listening to those boys. And I especially love watching John sing. My mom was extremely impressed by all of their songs and loved it all.
And now I'm just back to school, getting through a pretty easy week, and trying to get over my post-Dancesport cold (it happens after every competition). I just found out that John and I need to pick out wedding announcements and order them like um, this weekend. And that we're going to need about 400. Yikes. I refuse to get any with bows, or little foldy thingies that you have to do yourself. I am not tieing 400 little bows. I want to stuff them in envelopes and move on.

And since we need to order them and get them to the printer, we also have to go register. I'm actually very, very excited for that part! But that also means we have to decide what colors and style we want to decorate in. You know, for towels, the bedspread, dishes... that shouldn't be hard at all since John and I have almost identical taste. We are going to have a very easy domestic life.

Goodness, I'm going to be busy, busy, busy!




Quotes of the Day:

Me: "If this is some kind of object lesson I think we get the point."
Amanda: "The object is that if you come to class every day, you're going to waste your time."

and

John: "He's got Wii on his shirt."

and

John: "He's my favorite fairy.. Fairy boy! Oh wait... he's an elf."

preparation

My mom is coming into town on Wednesday, and I dance Tango on Thursday, and again with the Waltz on Saturday! And John is dancing the Quickstep on Friday!

I'm super excited!

And super nervous.

If you're interested in coming to watch, here is my (and John's) schedule, assuming we make it to the finals:

Thursday (me)
8:00 AM block
First round 382 Gold Standard (T)
Second round of Tango
6:00 PM block
Quarter-final Tango
Semifinal Tango
Finals Tango
7:15
Awards presented

Friday (John)
8:00 AM block
First round 184 Bronze Standard (Q)
Second round of Quickstep
Third round of Quickstep
5:15 PM block
Quarter-final Quickstep
Semifinal Quickstep
Finals Quickstep
6:15 PM
Awards presented

Saturday (me)
8:00 AM Block
First round 284 Silver Standard (W)
Second round Waltz
Third round Waltz
Fourth round Waltz
3:55 PM Block
Quarter-final Waltz
Semifinal Waltz
Finals Waltz
5:05 PM
Awards Presented

So, there you have it! Go here to purchase tickets, or buy them at the ticket office in the Marriott Center! Unfortunately, you have to buy tickets for each different day. I know, it sucks. I have to buy a ticket to get in, too, even though I'm competing.

It will be a blast!!! COME!!! :D


PS- Being an engaged woman is FANTASTIC! I love finally being able to call John my fiance, my betrothed, mi prometido... :D

Quotes of the Day:

Me: "I made a comment in class today! Did you hear me?"
Amanda: "No."
Me: "What? You jerk! I talked about China!"
Amanda: "I'm glad you talked about China."
Me: "You disappoint me."

the perfect day

I'm engaged!!!!!

:D :D :D :D

John proposed today when we went to the Draper temple open house. We were walking through, admiring the beautiful rooms, and then we got to the Sealing room. That was the last stop of the tour, so we sat down and one of the Hosts there spoke to us for a few minutes about the temple and what happens in a sealing room. Then, when he was finished, he invited us to take our time leaving. There are two mirrors exactly on opposite walls (a symbolism for eternity, since the images in the mirrors reflect back on each other and never end), and I wanted to look in them. So John and I hung back for the group to filter out a bit.

Then he told me that he had to ask the Host a question. So I sat there while he whispered something to him. I didn't know at the time, but he asked, "Could we have a moment alone? I'm going to propose." So the guy smiled and motioned for his wife to follow him out. Then, we were alone in the room.

We were standing there, looking in the eternity mirrors when I said, "How amazing is it that next time we will be in this room, looking in these mirrors, we will be getting married?" To that, John replied, "Well, we have a few things to take care of first. Like a proposal." Then, he turned to me and got down on one knee to ask me to marry him. We were both crying by this point, and I was trying to hug him, and he was trying to put the ring on. We finally coordinated and got the ring on and had a huge hug. I think I sputtered out many things during the slight confusion, but I couldn't remember if I had actually said "Yes" or not. So I repeated it to him about 10 times in between kisses and tears.

When we came out, the Host's wife came up to me and gave me a big "Congratulations, Honey!" and a huge hug. Many women around were also sighing and "aw-ing."

Right after we got out of the temple

Not many girls can say that they were proposed to inside a temple, in and actual sealing room!

I was so surprised. John had been playing a game with me for a few weeks and actually had me firmly believing that he was going to propose sometime next weekend during Dancesport and while my mom was going to be here. So I had no idea!

It was a perfect day, and a perfect proposal.


I love you, my dearest. And I am so excited to be your wife!

waltz

My partner, Trevor, and I were filmed dancing our waltz routine on Monday. This is the routine we'll be dancing in the National Amateur DanceSport next week! I'm super excited, and already starting to get nervous!



In other news, I'm super cheerful today. And I don't know why. I just woke up right at 7:00 this morning when my alarm went off completely awake and happy to be. I guess I don't need a reason to be happy, do I?


Quotes of the Day:

Amanda on her quiz: "Pillage to Mecca" (instead of pilgrimage, as one of the five pillars of Islamic faith)
Me: "I wanna pillage Mecca."
Amanda: "The Islams would kill you."
Me: "But... but, the pillars say I'm supposed to..."
Amanda: "haha... well then let's go pillage! ALLAH!!!"
Me: "Man, we're gonna burn."
Amanda: "By who? Who's gonna burn us? Not Allah."
Me: "Not by Allah. By the offended Islams."
Amanda: "Ya, we're being sent straight to Islamic Hell."

and

Article read aloud in class:
"One's afraid to touch oneself." (That's what she said)
"Like a woman being ravished by her lover."

and

Mr. Geography Dude: "I entertained her with my touch" (That's what she said)

and

Amanda: "I hope the peacocks dance and gobble on his grave."
Me: "Peacocks don't gobble."
Amanda: "Well, whatever that annoying crap that comes out of their mouth is."

ratatoullie

Geography was such a waste of time today. We watched a video about rat infestations in India. I think it talked about Indian culture for like, 3 minutes. And the rest was about how they kill them.

Whacking
Poison
Smoke inhalation
Sling shots
Electric fence
The furnace
Lizards
Crocodiles
Snakes

It was very brutal, and cruel, and disturbing. I didn't like watching it. And then sometimes they ate them... ew.

I mean, they have to kill the rats, but I don't want to watch them do it.


Quotes of the Day:

Amanda: "She likes pet rats in cages that don't eat your face."

and

Me: "This whole movie is just about watching rats die!"
Amanda: "Yes. Yes, it is."
Me: "This has nothing to do with Geography!"
Amanda: "No, it does not."

and

Amanda: "COME TO MY RAT FURNAAAACE!"

before bed

I'm too impatient for my own good.

Finding housing sucks. It's expensive and ghetto for what you get. At least I found a roommate... :) And I know I'll love this one.

Now I must get some sleep. Only 7 hours until my dance class.

Ciao.

cravings

I have TOTALLY been craving doughnuts lately!!! It's crazy. It all started with Amanda getting one for me the other day. Then after I ate that one, I wanted more. I swear Sugar and Spice injects addictive substances into their baked goods.

So, after that, I bought some more... like, 5 more... I didn't eat the last one, promise. I gave it to John. But I did end up eating more than I ever have wanted or will want myself to eat again. And every day after then, I've walked by that cursed doughnut shop and been tempted to get some more. Maybe today will be the day...

Oh, and our Boise trip... SO much fun! I'll just say, they love me, and I love them! I wish I could've stayed longer! They were all so nice and generous. I felt really welcome all weekend. We had so much fun! And had wonderful food. His family is amazing.

And... I wish there was more free time in a day. I'm reading three books at once. Something I hate doing! It's too distracting! I'm in the middle of The Catcher in the Rye (still... although I've read it I-don't-know-how-many-times before), I'm a little over half-way in 1984 (which I love love love) and I'm currently enveloped in Ender's Game. How was I not introduced to these brilliant works of magnificence before?? They are incredible. I can't wait to read more of the series!

adventures begin

I'm so excited! I can't wait to get out of Provo and head over to Boise! John and I are going to visit his parents this weekend over the holiday. First, on Saturday, John and the rest of Men's Chorus have the honor of attending a master class with the King Singers in Salt Lake. I'm excited for them. This is an amazing opportunity. Then, right when the class is over, we're driving to Idaho!

I've only been to Idaho once, and it was up in Coeur d'Alene for like 2 hours to go swimming in the lake. So this will be the first time I've ever seen the rest of the state. I've heard it's just like Nevada... all desert. But I'm still excited anyway!

I can't wait to meet the rest of John's family. I met his brother a few weekends ago when he came here to visit. He was a funny, sweet boy. And I'm sure the rest of the family is just the same way. But I will admit, though, I'm still really nervous- like, super nervous! But I suppose that's normal. I'll just have to go and just be me... easier said than done! When I get nervous I get kind of shy and quiet. But they must be wonderful people. They would have to be in order to raise a wonderful gentleman like John. I can't wait to see!

A few days after the Boise trip John and I are flying to Reno and driving down to Gardnerville to see my family. I can't wait to see them again! I know it was just Christmas when I saw them last, but I've been saving a hug for my mom and dad for a while. So we're flying out devilishly early (okay, 7 am, but we'll have to get up really early), and arriving Saturday at 10. Then we'll have all day Saturday and Sunday, then fly back super super early again on Monday so we can attend some of our Monday classes.

I don't know if John is nervous to go to Nevada or not, but he shouldn't be. I can already tell he fits in no problem. My dad already met him when he came up a little bit ago and really likes him. And my mom, who's heard endless stories, already loves him, too. The hardest customer, though, is Grandpa! Once on the phone, he jokingly told John, "I love my little Allie more than anything. And if anything happens to her, I wouldn't mind going back to prison." Oh, Grandpa. He's such a jokester. John thought that was really funny, and actually got a conversation started with him after that. I have total faith in him and know that he'll have my whole family wooed in a matter of minutes!

Well, I have a lot of preparations to do today! Laundry, packing... I better get to it!

I can't wait!!!


Quotes of the Day:

Me: "I think I hit the car behind me. But that's okay. It's what my driving instructor taught me to do."

and

Amanda: "I though the TA was going to come over to tell us to stop cheating."
Me: "We weren't cheating. We were drawing snakes."
Amanda: "If I was going to cheat from anyone it would be Spencer. I wouldn't want to cheat off of you."

and

Amanda: "They said, *in creepy voice* 'Come to the fireside and bring a date!' I don't know why that was in a scary voice, but it was."

and

Geography Professor Dude: "What is the first thing you think of when you hear 'Africa'?"
Me: "Naked black people?"
Amanda: "I was going to say diseased naked black people. No, there are white people in South Africa."

and

Me: "Maybe I shouldn't post that quote. I don't want people to think I'm racist."
Amanda: "How is that racist?"
Me: "I said the word 'black people'."
Amanda: "That's what they are."
Me: "Oh."

25 random facts

I know I posted this on Facebook, but I wanted to post a new blog, so I just decided to post this. Besides, now my mom can see it.

1. I was born to dance. If I didn't have a future family to think about, I would change my major to ballroom this very second. But, you can't help support a family with that major. So it's my minor instead.

2. I'm majoring in English Teaching. I want to teach high school English. It's always been my best subject, and I love to read and write. My high school English teacher, Mr. Petite, really inspired me to want to do it. It just took me a few semesters of college to figure that out. Just think... I get to hang out with teenagers all day, reading, writing, and seeing them all grow! Plus, I LOVE editing papers... especially for grammar and spelling errors. And sentence structure, flow, voice and personality, and supported theses... and... so, everything. I'm a nerd, okay!

3. My hair is my favorite thing about myself after my smile.

4. I have completed 31 out of 100 things on my "Bucket List." I don't expect to finish everything in my lifetime, but it's nice to always have attainable goals. I've been working on it since July of 2006.

5. I love wearing dresses, skirts, and other nice clothing. It makes me feel more "put together" and like I can accomplish more throughout the day.

6. I love playing the piano and have always had a natural ability to do so. I sat down one day and taught myself to play songs from "The Phantom of the Opera" one summer during high school. Then my mom found a piano teacher for me. However, I can't sight read to save my life. I have to memorize the pieces. I'm a classical pianist, and have never been able to play rag or jazz.

7. I love to sing, and I'm working on it... I'm not the best (even though John tells me otherwise) but I love to do it! I'm in a university choir this semester, and think I might try out for Women's Chorus next semester... unless I make the ballroom team!

8. I love traveling and flying, but landing in a plane absolutely scares me to death. I really don't mind long car trips. It's easy to space out the window and let time fly by along with the scenery.

9. I have the best friends, family, and boyfriend anyone could possibly ever ask for. I love them all deeply with every part of me. They have all helped me through so much, and I am eternally grateful to them for that, and grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with them.

10. I love to have things clean and straightened. I don't like dirt, or mess, or anything of the like. I keep my living space clean.

11. I adore cooking. My mother is an excellent cook, and I learned from her! I love cooking for other people mostly. I love it more now that I have a boy I get to feed, too :)

12. I have arachnophobia. I'm not even kidding you. They scare me to death. They are angry, evil, sadistic little death traps that are all out to get me. I have never killed one. I can't get that close. I go into a panic attack- which, by the way, is not very fun during class. It's actually quite embarrassing.

13. My favorite color is purple.

14. I like shooting guns, riding 4-wheelers, and other boy-like activities. I guess that would make sense since I grew up with two older brothers. I adore girly things, but I also enjoy masculine activities.

15. I don't have a temper. I think they are only destructive and create negative feelings. They always make situations worse. I'd much rather sit down and talk it out.

16. My favorite animal is a llama. And I really want one someday. I already named him. He is Carl. And I want a cat that I can name Garbage, like the cat from The Office. I love animals in general, but I can pass on dogs... cats are cleaner. And generally take care of themselves.

17. I love to sew. I've been sewing since I was in 8th grade. I've made my own Halloween costumes every year since I was 15, and was the costumer for a show in high school. I did 13 costumes for the one show, and I had a blast!

18. I'm a drama queen. Not in that kind of way :) I can't even name all the shows in which I have performed.

19. I am really easy going, and probably too accommodating sometimes. I put others first. Sometimes it's dangerous to do that because I ignore myself, and my mom says I let people walk on me, but it makes me happy. I feel like it's what I'm here on this earth to do.

20. I'm generally a quiet person. I have my loud moments, but most of the time, I'm comfortable just keeping to myself. I don't like talking about myself too much. Granted, I do like talking about myself sometimes (like right now? Although this was mostly done out of boredom). But if I feel like I'm doing all of the talking, I feel like I'm being boring or selfish. I like listening and making others feel like I care about them. I would always do anything for anyone.

21. I don't like the cold much. I would prefer to live somewhere warm. Of course, I might not be able to control that, seeing as I will live where my husband can find work ( I can most likely find a job anywhere, but that might not be the case for him). But if I had a choice, I would choose a more temperate climate.

22. I like hats. My grandma has said for years that I would make a good hat model. I just don't own many hats.

23. I'm an extremely hopeless romantic. I love cheesy things, and like a gentleman. Manners speak more than one thinks. They show kindness, selflessness, and respect. I like living in a fairy tale. I've actually been compared to Giselle from "Enchanted" more times than I can count. I'm just glad a handsome, wonderful Prince Charming found me! (That's where the "aw"s come in)

24. I love looking out at city lights at night. They are absolutely breath-taking, and a very good place to have a private, intimate conversation, or to just stare out and ponder. I just love looking at beautiful things in general. I really try to appreciate the beauty of the world.

25. I have a testimony of Heavenly Father, and his son, Jesus Christ. I love going to church, and having that testimony strengthened by praying and reading the scriptures. I love how blessed I have been, especially recently. And I know He loves everyone, no matter what.

tango

TA DA!

Tango!

I learned how to tango! Okay, so this is just the critique video, so my teacher is talking in the background. But I'm very proud of my dance! Near the middle Trevor forgot our routine... so we had a bit of trouble there. Just ignore it :) I hope you enjoy the dance!


Quotes of the Day:

Me: "University Choral- We try."
John: "That should be the official motto!"

and

Choir director: "I promise to put energy in the song..."
Choir: "I promise to put energy in the song..."
Choir director: "...and sing at my best..."
Choir: "...and sing at my best..."
Choir director: "...and if Heavenly Father wills it, stay in tune!"
Choir: "...and if Heavenly Father wills it, stay in tune!!!"

and

Choir director: "That was great! How was that different? What did you have to do in order to stay in tune?"
A tenor: "Pray!"