New Years Resolutions

Relevant and Funny... (Calvin and Hobbes is one of my Favorites!)

Except I'm gonna make some resolutions anyway...

Think of it as a "12 in 2012" (to go along with my 30 Before 30 ...which I need to go back and edit :p) and these aren't really in any particular order.

1. Learn/Improve Time Management Skills - Between my internship, classes, other resolutions, Institute publicity committee, and the hope of actually having a social life, I'm really going to need to manage my time wisely this semester!
2. Get in Shape - Because "blob" is not a shape. No, I don't intend to completely lose my curves (cause I actually really like em) but I do intend to tone up, lose some weight, and get healthier in general. 
3. Eat Better - (although I think technically, this one should really be more like "Get some willpower") I'm planning on cutting back on calories and trying to stick to a more paleo diet. (I already try to limit, if not avoid dairy because I'm lactose intolerant, but gluten intolerance runs in my family [actually, most people are gluten intolerant, they just don't know it] so I figure it couldn't hurt to see if cutting out gluten and grains maybe wouldn't help give me more energy. Although, it'll be difficult since I really love carbs).
4. Do more with my camera(s) - I have a P&S, a DSLR, and a camera on my phone but I feel like I haven't been doing a lot of photography. I'm planning on maybe doing a 365 project and hopefully trying to do more photography in general. Take portraits, go on photo adventures, etc. 
5. Be a Better Friend - The past few semesters have been super busy and I haven't had a lot of opportunities to spend time with my friends, especially those in Provo/Orem which makes me sad. Hopefully that can be remedied.
6. Increase Spirituality - Obviously one to always be working on. And naturally it includes getting better at scripture study, completing visiting teaching and callings, etc. etc. 
7. Graduate - I should add "...without burnout." I'll probably walk in May, but I won't officially be done with my degree until the end of summer. 
8. Date More - I can't really say that I particularly enjoy dating (if you think I'm awkward in a casual group settings, I promise - I'm worse in a one-on-one date setting...and probably even moreso, the more interested I am in the guy). However, in this past year I've been on a grand total of (maybe) 2 dates this whole year [assuming they counted as dates, cause 50% of the time, guys don't specifically say "date" so I can't always tell if it's a hang out or a date - so confusing and yet another way to make sure it's awkward]. This year, it would be nice if I could at the very, very least top out at 3. :p
9. Improve My Sleeping Habits - I don't think I've ever had good sleeping habits. But I do have more energy and am more active and productive when I get enough sleep, so it's probably a good goal to have.
10. Increase My Intelligence - One of my favorite parts of Academic team in high school was learning all the random bits of trivia, I knew a little bit about everything (a lot of which, I learned on my own through research and reading) and most of the stuff I learned, I still know - but part of the fun of it all was learning! (The second part of the fun was showing off my random trivia knowledge! :P) I'd like to get back into learning about a wide variety of things, various, random facts and anecdotes - stuff like that!
11. Decrease My Awkwardness - I'm not entirely sure how to accomplish this goal...but it is a goal! I'll never be a Grace Kelly or an Audrey Hepburn in terms of grace and class...but if I could get to a point where I can get through a simple conversation without saying something awkward or being too loud or anything, that would be awesome.
12. Be Awesome - Mostly because my mind blanked and I needed one more goal :p

So, yep - those are my goals for 2012! :)

What are yours?? 

Travel

This is the most recent event that's happened.

On the 14th, I flew from Salt Lake City, UT to El Paso, TX to spend the holidays with my family.
I flew on Southwest (cheapest tickets I could find - which is to be expected from a company who's number 1 goal is the be the cheapest airline possible) and had to fly from SLC International to Sky Harbor International (in Phoenix, AZ) - wait around for about 2 hours to get onto a flight to El Paso.
Much to my disappointment, there are no direct, nonstop flights from SLC to ELP - you can't avoid a layover.

The last time I flew, my layover was actually longer, but I was prepared - I downloaded a bunch of TV show episodes to my iPod and laptop to watch while I waited for my next flight. This time I wasn't quite as prepared. I arrived in Phoenix around 12:30ish, hungry and without entertainment. I figured I could just go to one of the little airport restaurants, grab something and people watch until my flight, but the nearby restaurants were all super crowded and there was no where to sit (well, except in the boarding areas). So I wandered into the CNBC store, picked up a book ("The Help" - thought I'd read the book before I see the movie), some pretzel/crackers and a soda (I was sleepy!) and then I headed over to the boarding area to read/snack. (Funnily enough, I wound up sitting across from a girl who was doing the same thing! - She was eating the same thing, and reading the same book as she sat next to her purple carry on case, wearing a cute purple/burgundy skirt, top, and cardigan outfit. In my mind, she was a much more fashionable, jet-setting version of me, probably on her way to see a fiancé or go to an interview for a fun and artsy new job).

Luckily, the time passed quickly enough and I was able to get onto my flight to Texas without any problems.

Last time I flew, I wound up in awkward and uncomfortable seats either between two talkative business people or squished up against the window while the guy sitting next to me shifted uneasily in his seat like he was gonna vomit the whole time - this time around I was able to sit by the window on both flights. The first next to a middle-aged couple that didn't say a word to me (which I was totally cool with). The second, next to two older ladies, who saw my book and then dove right into a conversation about civil rights during the 60s (after a while, I didn't really feel as though I was necessary or important to the conversation, so I just slouched down and quietly went back to reading my book).

Another difference between the last time I flew and this time around, was the fact that I took photos. Previously, I was so concerned about the plane's controls that I shut off my phone before I even got onto the plane (and didn't turn it on until I got off) - this time, I went ahead and left it on and took pictures until the pilot or flight attendant announced that all devices needed to be switched off.

Leaving UT I got an awesome view of the mountains, and over AZ, I was actually able to see some of the Grand Canyon! :)

I kept thinking about how awesome it would be to be a pilot or a stewardess; to get to travel every day as a job, and to get to see such amazing views of the sky! 

All in all, pretty okay trip (well, besides my ear and head aches, but they weren't quite as bad as they could have been, so I've got that to be thankful for).

Upcoming...

First of all - redesign! Well...sorta. As much redesign as you can do with a blogger layout without digging too far into the code (which I don't like doing on here, because I feel like it's kind of a pain the way that Blogger interprets stuff with it's pre-exisitng structure).

Second of all - Yay, I'm back to blogging. I feel like I keep getting interrupted in this particular endeavor by school (so, we'll see how long this burst of blogging lasts).

Some posts that will be coming soon:

• My work from my Video Production class this past semester
• Travel
• Internship/Career goals/developments
• My 30 Day Facebook Fast

So those are some things to look forward to! :)

Summer Haze, Summer Days, End of Summer Semester-itis

I don't wanna do ANYTHING!
Well...correction, I don't wanna do anything school related!
I can't focus. I tried to study today. It didn't work. I wound up eating (which is bad since I've been working so hard to not eat when I'm bored/upset/etc.) Todays Goals, SO not met!

The most I've done today was take down all the pictures from my walls and start packing a few things
See, orange bag all packed, and a few smaller boxes...I'm pretty sure this is the cleanest part of my dorm right now :p

I wasn't gonna blog again until finals were over...so much for that!

Tonight I was getting antsy and needed to get out.
I went for a drive - sometimes I'd rather be alone on these little outings, other times I want company (it'll be nice if one day I have a companion to join me on these little adventures - be it a roommate, best friend, boyfriend, husband...or even a dog :p).

It was sunset when I left so I drove to one of my favorite spots on campus - the big parking lot near the engineering building - you can see the skyline of SLC from there - it's pretty awesome.
I took a few self portraits:

(Narcissistic that I'm posting so many pics of me in one post? Maybe. But it IS my blog! So...Nyeh!)

Here are some pics of the skyline and the clouds that were hanging out over the engineering building:

I'm tempted to use this ^^^ one to create some kind of inspirational poster... so cliche right!?

You'll notice all these pictures have a vintage-y flair to em...yeah...I was messing with some new vintage presets in Lightroom. I really kind of love the faded/hazy/yellow/orangey look of vintage photos lately.

After a bit I decided to go drive around town a bit (I really love SLC, most people seem to complain, but I have to say, it's really got character and there's always something cool to look at! Especially at night, it's like a whole other place at night!)

As I usually do on these little outings, I wound up at the Temple.
The sky was really pretty when I got there. Unfortunately, the moment I got out of my car, the sun decided to just dive below the horizon, so I didn't have a whole lot of time, but I did manage to get a few shots:

Out on the street corner, there was a piper (wearing a full Scottish gettup, kilt and everything) playing for everyone. It was fantastic, but even more fantastic was when all the sister missionaries were walking home, he started to play "Called to Serve" - it was one of the most awesome things I've ever witnessed in my life! :)

I wasn't really able to get a shot of the piper (every time I moved to get a clear shot, the whole corner would fill up with people waiting to cross the street and the shot was blocked). I wound up crossing the street and just trying to see what I could get from there. This is what I wound up with (I probably would have gotten some better shots if I'd had my mini tripod with me, but of course, I didn't).

Side note: All of these photots were taken with my Sony point and shoot camera.

Anyway...I guess I should either try and get some sleep or try and accomplish something...

Quick Update Before Things Get Crazy...

So! I'm getting ready to really get into studying for finals and writing all those wonderful "last-minute, end-of-the-semester, oh-you-have-a-final?-let-me-stress-you-out-more-with-a-15pg-paper!" papers. So...busy!

I've been avoiding getting a head start chilling out a bit (just finished midterms, figured I was due for a lazy day or two) before all that happens.

I'm *SO* lucky that I get to move out of the dorms (which is gonna involve not just packing, but also cleaning [most of which, I'll wind up doing because my roommate never cleans and I don't wanna get stuck with any fees] - blegh!) during the SAME week as finals! X_x

I have two final exams on Friday (the 5th) and I have to sign out of the dorm by 2pm on Sat. (the 6th). So, that's gonna be fun...

It sucks that right when things get busy and I HAVE to be here...I suddenly REALLY wanna get out of UT (I could SO go for a weekend in CA right about now).

Anyway...in happier news...

I'm starting to love exercising (I particularly love it after exercising. Before exercising, I usually have to really psych myself up for it XP) and I'm definitely noting differences! My back is definitely stronger (it used to be sore all the time cause...who knows! Now it's sore all the time because I'm actually building up muscles! :P), I've got abs (okay...so they're nowhere near being visible - but they are there - I promise!), and my stamina has increased (I can get up all the stairs to my floor [3rd floor] without getting outta breath!). I've probably lost about 8lbs too...but more importantly, I'm toning up! :)

Side note: I still absolutely loathe sweating. I will NEVER enjoy that aspect of exercise. Even if (in the words of my friend) "Sweat is fat crying!" :p

Lately, I've had two songs on repeat (they'd be on repeat on my iPod, but it's kind of out of commission until I update my Apple developer program thing...cause I have a beta iOS installed on it and I can't seem to get it to downgrade to the current iOS so...it's refusing to function). But I'm on Spotify and Grooveshark so...as I was saying, on repeat:





This song because I'm in love...with life mostly...even though I don't really have one (since all I ever do is study or exercise :p)




This song because I'm *finally* getting over a guy (which I'm sure all my friends will rejoice about, cause I totally know they're all so freaking sick of hearing about it). Yay! - Seriously, it's so obnoxious how a guy can get to you even when he isn't around! It's just one of the many reasons I've come to really dislike dating...and the majority of the male gender. Whatever, I'm over it.

Last of all (and mostly cause I hate writing posts without a picture), I took this photo yesterday night (no, it wasn't that late at night, it was like 9:30 but I decided that I wanted to go for a drive). This is right across from President's Circle. (I honestly didn't realize that the underground "Pie Pizzeria" that everyone loves so much, was just over there! - Anyway, I'd like to go sometime, but generally dislike going to new places alone, so if anyone wants to go with me sometime - lemme know!)

Oh yeah...the reflection is because I didn't have my tripod with me (and my camera isn't particularly fond of trying to shoot in such a low-light situation while being hand-held) so I set my camera on top of my car to take the pic...thus the reflection in the car. :p

New Blah-g Post!

Oh look at that, I haven't blogged in almost a month...no, wait - it's only July 19th (my mind keeps trying to jump me ahead to August...probably cause that's when summer classes end, I move into my new apt., and Fall classes begin).

So, here's a quick update on the past 15 days...

• I uploaded the non-linear short story I wrote about Chernobyl for my Writing for New Media class, you can see/read it (HERE).
• This is where I'm at in terms of graduating (apparently the picture just HAD to have it's own bullet point...what a snob):
• After Fall semester, I'll only have about 8 classes left (about 2 semesters) - assuming I can get into the classes that are required for my major (if I can't, then it's gonna draw this out a little longer...which will definitely upset me...but the upside will be that I can push back loan repayment AND I can continue to avoid getting one of those "paying-your-dues-entry-level-blah" type jobs that you get between getting your degree and finding your career). I'm hoping to be done by the end of next summer though. -- Also...my GPA isn't really that high, by the end of the summer semester it'll be closer to a 3.1

• I thought I bombed a test for my Vis. Comm. class (turned out I managed to get an 83...not too shabby considering the fact that I only read about 1/2 the readings and missed the review) - I also got a 94 on a scrapbook project for the same class. If I'm lucky, I think I'll manage to get a B in this class (which I realize isn't exactly aiming high, but I'm trying to do well in all my classes while also keeping myself from getting overly stressed - if that means getting a B in order  to keep my sanity, then so be it)!

• I got through a paper (book report/analysis paper) and an all essay midterm (both due at the exact same time - I wound up pulling an all-nighter to finish reading the book and write the paper by 8am and then spent the hours between 9 and 11:50 working on the midterm. IF zombies could feel...I could seriously say that I know how they feel (although, if they're undead do they really feel tired and achey?)

• I started a new workout routine (well...not really "routine" I really just threw in a little more structure) by starting the Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred:

For the record: I am a total wuss! I've done level 1 multiple times over the past week and 1/2 (midterms threw me off, and finals probably will to so it's gonna wind up being more of a 30-ish Day Shred :p) and I STILL haven't gotten through Level 1 without wussing out one way or another. Today, I thought I'd go ahead and give Level 2 a try...I made it through 5 minutes and then switched back to Level 1. 

• I've started using Google+ and I love it. If you don't know what it is, it's basically Facebook (but greatly improved) with a bit of Twitter thrown in. You can read more about it (HERE). It's given me a way to interact and network MUCH more with Photographers, Designers, etc. without worrying about giving away too much personal information (or just being obnoxious in general - anyone who's friends with me on Facebook, knows what I'm talking about).
  Anyway - I have invites if you're interested.
  
• I've been trying to really make an effort when it comes to social networking because I really want to be able to confidently say that I know how to use social networking. The better I know how to use social networking, the better I think I can get an idea of how it can really be harnessed for marketing by businesses and how it can create more symbiotic relationships between customers and companies/professionals. Social networking is quickly becoming the main tool people use to interact with one another on a broader level (even globally), it's also becoming one of the main ways that we can interact with our world. I realize people complain about it all the time "Oh, it's the fall of Western Civilization all because of Myspace and Facebook blah blah blah..." but the thing is, if people don't stop complaining and start accepting it and using it to it's fullest potential, then we'll all miss out on an opportunity to make social networking a GOOD thing rather than a BAD thing. For example, if we set a standard now of insisting that companies are more responsive and transparent in their dealings with customers, think of how that would improve businesses in the long run? If we learn now how to really use and implement this technology, think of all the GOOD that can come of it. Things only get bad if you LET them!
  
  Okay, I'll get off the soap box now...but expect to see a blog post about this in the future!

• I've had "boy problems" - Let's just turn this into a quick analogy:
  *I used to have this favorite cookie Choco-Chip, but things got pretty bad between the Choco-chip cookie and I so we split, and I avoided the Choco-chip cookie.
  *A long while (and other cookies) later, I started to talk to with Sugar cookie, and then hung out with Sugar cookie for a bit (and realized that Sugar cookie's a LOT of fun to be around).
  *Shortly after this, I started to talk to Choco-Chip cookie again and realized that it was still my favorite (but I kind of felt like I shouldn't give into this realization because, as the saying goes, 'history repeats itself').
  *Decided not to give into realization and to try and move on (but it's really difficult). Meanwhile, Sugar cookie is busy, but still sweet on me. Although I think its interest in becoming a favorite has waned.
  *I realized that through ALL this, there are a couple of other cookies (we'll call em...'Boy Scout' cookies) that are around every now and then and are all very sweet on me, so I'm happy to spend time with them, but I kind of question their level of interest.
  *For now, I've decided to just let things happen, I've put forth too much effort in the past and things got crumbly. Besides, all the worry and thought I put into cookie selection and etc. usually just stresses me out WAY more than it needs to. If a cookie's interested in becoming my favorite, I'm sure it will figure out a way to make it happen (not like it's THAT difficult). 

I know what you're thinking! "Did she just compare guys to cookies?!" Yes, yes I did...but only because the category was the first thing I could think of that has no obvious hierarchy (beyond personal preferences) and contains a variety of different entities. 

....I never was all that good with analogies.  - So...yeah, that's my dating life - for now - but that was just the last 2 weeks...stuff happens quickly in my life! :p

• Oh, so speaking of food! - A while back, I reviewed a Bakery and Tea shop here in SLC on Yelp.com and today I received the Yelp - SLC Newsletter in my inbox and found that, MY review is one of the Picks of the Week! (Probably only because they did a search for "tea reviews" and mine was the most recent one posted)  - Apparently it's pretty easy to make me feel accomplished.

• Update on my goal of getting more sleep - It's not working out so well. Between the random all-nighters (which are my fault and I'm trying to prevent em) and all the noise of the dorms (at all hours of the day/night too - mostly loud people, loud parties, and loud music - there IS a sound curfew, but no one obeys it and and no one enforces it), I really haven't been getting very much sleep.  :\
  Thank goodness I move out at the end of the month.
  
• Update on my goal of eating better - Did I NOT just use an entire cookie analogy!? So...I'm not exactly eating better - the dining hall is ALWAYS crowded (EFY, conferences, and sports camps ensure this throughout the summer) and lately I've been avoiding it like the plague, and just eating granola bars or whatever cheap this or that I can get at the deli (usually sushi/CA rolls or a salad <- but with tons of dressing cause for some reason I've been completely averse to greens - no idea why!) Every now and then (but definitely more often than I should) I'll go out to get something (I'm addicted to the Cheddar Broccoli soup at Corner Bakery Cafe - I don't even like broccoli! - and I am in LOVE with L&L Hawaiian's Kalua Pork and Spam Musubi, so much so that I'm now determined to learn how to make it myself). The good news is that I'm eating less, the bad news is that it's either WAY less than I should (I'm certain my body is growing ever more concerned that there's a food shortage that it doesn't know about) or just stuff that's not particularly healthy.  This will all improve soon enough when I'm living with my cousin...I just hope she's cool with my taking over the kitchen now and then (don't worry, I'll do the dishes!) :p

Okay...well...I'm gonna call that good for now.

At this point,...I'm pretty sure that only my Mom, Aunt, and bestie, Jessica read my blog (<- I still read yours Jess...I've just been lame about commenting, sorry!)

Happy Independence Day

I'd really like to be one who can share something really deep about freedom and Independence (naturally, as an Army brat, I'm thankful for my Dad's - as well as every other soldier's - service in the military and I appreciate the freedom I have as a citizen of the United States), but honestly, I've never been one to come up with something like that at the right moment and according to my mind, there's no reason to start now.

So instead, I'll simply just share some random bits from this weekend. Proof that you don't necessarily have to do a traditional Bar-B-Que and Fireworks to celebrate the 4th.

Friday evening - I went to the SLC temple (rather late too, and was lectured for it. As a result, from now on, I'll be sure to have a buddy accompany me). I do have to say though that I really prefer the temple later at night, because it's all lit up so lovely, there are no crowds or creepy/crazy protesters, and it's actually nice and quiet. Very calming. - You do however have to ignore the random couples that like to hang out in the grass.

Anyway - I snapped this photo (and a bunch of other photos) of the temple with my cell phone (it's the most reliable camera I have since I almost ALWAYS have it with me, unlike my DSLR and point and shoot :p) Sunday, I got a random text message from my cousin Amanda inviting me to go with her to family dinner at my Aunt and Uncle's house. Which was super fun! We all had dinner (tasty as always, though my Aunt insisted that she just "threw it together," I definitely enjoyed it! :p)

After dinner, we hung out and chatted, my cousin Alex showed us his new iPad which he got for free from his job (I seriously need to get myself a job that has perks like THAT! :P). Then we went outside and my Uncle tightened the screws on my car battery (it had to be removed and charged after it died the other day - I had to have my car towed to an autoparts store) - he also checked the oil level, windshield wiper fluid, etc. which is why he's pretty much the coolest! :)

Once it got dark (which takes forever during the summer), my uncle set off some fireworks for us - which I LOVED! He had some scooters parked in the driveway and the fireworks were creating some pretty neat shadows on the garage door:Monday (today), SINCE It is the 4th of July today, everyone's been asking me what my plans were, but I haven't really had any (most of my friends are married and doing their own thing; out of town; etc.) and I don't come from a particularly celebratory family so, I didn't really have any plans.

Today, I've mostly decided to wing-it.

I'd planned to sleep in until at least noon (yes, yes, I know - "Early to bed, early to rise, blah blah blah...") but around 11 I was woken up by my cell phone making text-y noises. My friend Scott and (a few minutes later) Jessica texted me. After a short convo. with them, I promptly stuck my phone under my pillow and tried to go back to sleep...eventually I dragged (drug?) myself out of
bed and decided to exercise for a bit (for the record, lunges hurt just as much as planks and I'm going to be VERY sore tomorrow).

After showering, I decided to get a movie going to have on in the background while I did a little homework. Typically, for my family, a holiday is an excuse to eat a lot and spend the day off watching TV (which is actually quite nice once we all actually agree on what to watch :p) and since every year you can generally find "Independence Day" on TV - I usually wind up watching that. So, today, I watched Independence day - because nothing says 'patriotic' like watching Will Smith fight off an alien invasion!
After watching "Independence Day," I decided to run to the store real quick to take a break from homework and pick up some double-sided tape (I have a 'scrapbook' project to do for my vis. comm. class and while my cousin gave me some free scrapbook papers - I didn't realize I was lacking in any kind of adhesives for the project :p). - On a whim, I also picked up a set of gel pens (the 6th grader in me is absolutely giddy about this purchase and REALLY wants to write a variety of silly/fun notes/letters to friends right away! :p)

By the time I'd finished at the store, it was dinner time and I thought I'd get something 'patriotic' for dinner - a hot dog and I remembered that Five Guys has em...however, I couldn't bring myself to order a hotdog at a hamburger place (especially a place that has my favorite hamburgers!) So I got one of those instead and...FRIES! <3 (I'm certain that, that single meal alone completely negated any of today's exercise).

I've kind of gotten into the habit of photographing my food...I'm not sure why I've been doing it, but it definitely has become a bit of a habit... - Like I didn't have enough odd quirks before! :p

Anyway, once I got home, I sat down to do a little homework and realized that it was rather quiet...so now I've got "Sherlock" on in the background (you can stream it on Netflix) - This will be my 9th time watching the 3 episode season of the show...I am absolutely in love with it! - Though...I really have no idea how watching a British show is patriotic...mostly cause it makes me wish I were living in the UK! :p

Happy 4th of July! :)

Ch-Ch-Changing...

So, I'm pretty proud of myself.The past two months I've made some changes...
--I'm taking school a little more seriously (although it's kind of lame that I've only just decided to do that now when I'm hitting my final year before I get my degree).
--I'm managing my finances better (even though I was technically forced to do so since I didn't get any of my financial aid until JUST a week or 2 ago and had to make do with what I had *which was pretty much nothing* - turns out, I'm pretty good at managing with very little, so I guess one day should my family fall on hard times *crossing my fingers that we don't!*, I'll at least know what to do.)
--I've learned how to avoid emotional eating and I've begun to eat healthier and exercise regularly (and much more effectively) - I've actually lost some weight (though that wasn't really my goal - I'm not complainin')!
--I'm learnING (as in...I'm working on it) to be a little more level headed when it comes to making decisions (especially those that could potentially affect [or is it effect, I used to have a handle on this!] other people ...ah, maturity! I knew I would develop some sooner or later!) AND, since I know that I'll one day be married and have children (thank you, Heavenly Father, for that little doozy of a news flash) - I've started to try and think ahead about how my actions and habits might one day have an affect on them (don't get me wrong, I'm still doing what I can to enjoy being single and childless for now, but it can't hurt to become a better person along the way).
For the longest time I've pushed my life forward, ignoring every impression, instinct, and bit of advice that came at me, and forced things to happen (I've always thought this was good, like I'm a "go getter!") but considering how this usually ends...I've decided to let life happen a little more naturally/organically (I still have my ambitions and goals of course, but I've decided not to push as hard for them. Especially when it comes to dating -___-'') I need to learn to listen to good advice and to the promptings of the spirit so that I can do what I need to do not just what I WANT to do. Just cause I can make things happen, doesn't mean I should. Someone told me recently that sometimes I just need to let life act upon me so that when I do take action, it's a calm, accepting reaction rather than a forcing action.
--I'm trying to strengthen my testimony. I've decided to read the entire BoM all the way through (I keep saying that I'm going to, but never actually go through with it - this time, I'm determined). I read a little bit of it at various moments throughout the day (in the dining hall and on the shuttle to class) every day. And I've been very consistent with my prayers (I've NEVER been consistent with my prayers.) - Last semester, I was talking to my Mom every single day but never spoke to God. Now I pray EVERY day and ...Mom hears from much less often (which might sound sad, but I'm sure that for her, it's a welcome break :p). Last of all, I've made it a personal goal to get to the temple before the year is over (preferably more than one visit but I'm trying to keep my goals simple enough that I don't overwhelm myself...yes, I'm lame - let's just focus on the fact that I at least WANT to go, that's a REALLY good sign!)
--Last of all, I know it might not seem like it to a lot of my friends, but I am actually managing my stress a LITTLE bit better. (Getting SO stressed that I burned myself out and had to take a WHOLE semester off, was a really big deal for me. I never want to get that stressed again!) I don't think I've really found anything that really works for me just yet, but I'm still trying. I've been trying not to take on too much; getting more sleep; and when I feel "blah" and can't focus, I'm more comfortable taking a break (I usually wind up dancing around and singing along *loudly and off-key* to some fun music; doing some crunches; or watching an episode of a TV show :p)
HOWEVEREven with ALL of that...I still feel like I still need to change something... X_x It's kinda driving me crazy! :p

The Scottish Festival & Highland Games

So I'm trying to catch up a bit on this blog since I've been so busy with my Writing for New Media class (which finally ended, though I haven't gotten my final grade - I think I'll probably wind up with a B+ if not an A). Anyway - on the 10th and 11th of this month, I drove down to Lehi to go to the Scottish Festival and Highland Games!

I only had a little bit of time on the first day so I was really only there for about an hour, maybe two to take a few pictures, have some fish 'n chips (<3), and see the Tattoo.

While watching the games, I came to the conclusion that I really enjoy watching guys pick up heavy objects and throw em (even though I'd normally just roll my eyes and walk away, this was all about tradition)! :p
On day two - I was a volunteer (my cousin Amanda was the volunteer coordinator this year). Originally, I was just gonna hand out programs at the gate, but Amanda asked me to walk around and take photos of the volunteers instead, and I was super happy to do so! :p

Fun Times! - I'm looking forward to getting down to the Payson Scottish Festival in July.

My 30 Before 30 List!

These are 30 Things I'd Like to Do Before I Turn 30.

(I will be 30 on Sunday, May 2, 2021)

• Graduate from College with a Bachelor's Degree.
• Fall in love and marry in the temple <3 (Bonus - Family pictures, every year! ^^)
• Be absolutely worthy of the blessings mentioned in my patriarchal blessing.
• Find a home (by which I mean an apartment/house/whatever where I could potentially live for a minimum of 4 years without having to pack up and move!)
• Go abroad (and take like a million pictures while traveling!)
• Get into the best physical shape of my life. (Not necessarily "Skinny" but definitely "Healthy!")
• Love My Job! (Whether I'm working as a photographer, designer, housewife, and/or mother, etc. etc.)
• Be able to speak at least 1 foreign language, fluently.
• Buy a car (one that I paid for, and not actually belonging to my parents :P)
• Scrapbook (or at the very least, find some way to efficiently organize and journal all the events of my life so I can look back on everything one day).
• Create a body of work (photography/design/art) that I can be truly proud of.
• Pay off my Student Loans. (At the very least, pay off 1/2 of the total amount upon graduation).
• Own my own firearm (but pray every day that I will never actually have to use it for protection).
• Learn to get prepared for emergencies without letting fear get the better of me (actually have food storage, emergency kits, etc. and be able to put them together without having a breakdown, freak out, or nightmares).
• Find a healthy and effective way to manage my stress.
• Memorize all the scripture mastery scriptures. (Bonus points - in 2 languages!)
• Learn how to do at least 1 ballroom dance (preferably tango).
• Teach others about something I'm passionate about (photography, design, etc.)
• Live in a big city.
• Receive a love letter.
• Go on a road trip with at least 3 other friends - record videos and take lots of pictures along the way.
• Learn to write thank you cards (and always do so when good manners calls for it!)
• Win a game of Risk
• Go to DIsneyLand AND DisneyWorld
• Express to my friends/family how much I love them and how much they mean to me!
• Make a difference in someone's life.
• Learn to manage my allergies so well that they don't affect my days at all.
• Find and buy a pair of CUTE and COMFORTABLE high heels :p (Bonus - Learn to walk in said high heels!)
• Learn to be more patient.
• Live to age 30 (...maybe this should have been the first thing on the list! :P)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Solution Saturday...

I don't think this will be a weekly thing, but I like alliteration so I figured it'd be an acceptable post title! :P

So, first problem?
I've gotten a little *cough*a lot!*cough* outta shape since I left UT to visit family for 2 months. Prior to leaving UT, I had access to the community gym and was hitting the treadmills there about 5 days a week for 30-40 min.

The solution?

Once I return to UT, I will once again have access to treadmills and what-not since I'll be living on-campus and can get to the rec./fitness center *yay!*
Since I'm not so great about setting up fitness plans (generally I just wing it and then get upset when I'm not seeing any improvement) so...I've found a few simple ones that I think I could follow!

• The Starter's Exercise Plan
• Train for Long Distance Running (really I'd just like to eventually be able to run for a sustained amount of time)
• The 100 WorkOut
• 30 Minutes, No Equipment (just in case the gym is crowded!)

A Little Encouragement: (1) (2) (3)

Okay, Second problem?

I've never been much of a breakfast person. I don't know if it's because of hypoglycemia (my blood sugar drops so low while I sleep that I wake up feeling kinda sick pretty much every morning) or because I've never been particularly fond of breakfast foods at breakfast time (I'm very texture specific, and squishy eggs, mushy oatmeal, and soggy cereal just don't sound particularly pleasant to me - especially in the morning).

The Solution?

THIS amazing bowl. Isn't it brilliant!? I totally want one! :P

Third Problem?

Apparently there are lots of potholes in Paris. (There are lots of potholes in other places as well).

The Solution?

A Parisian Woman started to fill potholes with yarn! It's not a permanent or perfect solution, but it looks cool and maybe it'll lead to a more permanent solution by hinting to authorities that something needs to be done!

Last Problem?

Too much Facebook?

Solution?

Envision a world without Facebook (personally, I prefer a world WITH Facebook, it's easier to share things with friends).

Embracing the Transition

(I actually wrote this a few months ago, but seeing as how I haven't updated this blog in forever and need to start updating it a little more consistently, I figured I'd start by posting this :P )

Disclaimer: I tend to be pretty over dramatic, so when I say "all my friends" I generally just mean the 40% of them that are engaged/married/etc. - I DO have single friends too - but I was whining when I wrote this so I just HAD to be overdramatic and say "all" :P

My Food Recommendations...

I'm a total foodie and love to find new (really tasty) places to eat. I've decided to start documenting them all - so here's the list so far (it will keep growing as I remember/find new places!)

UTAH -

Sammy's Cafe

(Burgers, Amazing Sweet Potato Fries, and Pie Shakes!)

27 North 100 West

Provo, UT 84601

http://sammyscafe.blogspot.com/

(They also have a location in Rexburg, ID)

Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe

(Amazing cupcakes, tasty frappes made with cocoa beans instead of coffee beans, and hot chocolate!)

1774 North University Parkway

Provo, UT

http://thecocoabeancupcakecafe.blogspot.com/

(They also have locations in Idaho Falls and Rexburg, ID)

Roy's Burger Bar

(This place was featured on Diner's, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network - and for good reason!)

5291 S 1900 W

Roy, UT 84067

CALIFORNIA -

Little Italy Spaghetteria

(Fantastic Italian food - the Pizza, the Calamari, the Bread, Goat Cheese, and the Sausages are all great!)

1953 India St

San Diego, CA 92101

http://littleitalyspaghetti.com/

Pat & Oscar's

(Their breadsticks are famous as well as their House dressing. I can also recommend the Caesar Salad, the Pepperoni Pizza, and the the Pasta with Alfredo Sauce)

29375 Rancho California Rd.

Temecula CA 92590

http://www.breadstick.com/

(They have locations throughout San Diego, Orange County, Inland Empire, and one in LA!)

TEXAS -

Rudy's Bar-B-Q

(I've heard recommendations for just about everything there - but I can personally recommend the Smoked Turkey Sandwich and the Chocolate and Tres Leches Cake. Make sure you also try the Sauses <-NOT a mispelling! :p)

7970 Gateway East Blvd.

El Paso, TX 79907

http://rudys.com/

(They have locations all over TX, as well as one in Norman, OK; Albuquerque, NM; and Colorado Springs, CO)

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

This year, I decided to be my own valentine!

So I wrote a little letter of kind encouragement to myself!

(Image found on Pinterest.com)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Me,

Happy Valentine's Day, Beautiful!

Just some important things to keep in mind as you find new ways to accept and love yourself…

You've been clinging to a crappy past because you're scared of the future. You need to stop, it's affecting your friendships and relationships, and keeps you from being comfortable around people who care about you and who want to know you better. Just because bad things have happened, doesn't mean they will continue to happen. You need to let go, learn to trust people again, and stay positive - everything is going to be okay.

You've only recently learned that you're worth so much more than you thought before.

Don't let catty girls get to you, and unkind guys take advantage.

You're worth a healthy relationship, stop letting guys get away with stupid stuff and stop making excuses for them. You are worthy of a kind, smart, righteous guy who is willing to put forth the time and effort of getting to know you, and who makes you happy.

You're worth good friendships, ones in which your friends make you happy and comfortable with who you are. Avoid people who are manipulative, who turn you into a negative person, who upset and bother you, and who take advantage of you.

(Remember, there's a level of discomfort that's acceptable because you're stepping out of your comfort zone and learning something new. But there's also a level of discomfort that says that something is wrong. Know the difference and follow your instincts and intuition.)

You've become aware of how attractive you are, but you still sometimes struggle to keep it in mind.

Continue to come to terms with your natural and beautiful figure, your bright smile, and your pretty eyes. Learn to see God's mastery of creation in every part of you and learn to truly appreciate it.

Finally, don't forget your intelligence and your determination. You're smart, and you're always learning new things about the world and everything in it. Don't ignore your intelligence, remember to learn something new everyday and find ways of using your intelligence to help others. And don't allow your determination to become dormant, even if you're not entirely sure where you want to go in life, you know that you're bound to become something amazing so at the very least, maintain a determination to always be moving forward.

Stay Positive!

Love ALWAYS,

Me

Skipping a Few Chapters...

I know I haven't posted on here in forever but I figured I'd try to make a return to this blog...

So just a review of everything that's happened since my last post:

In 2010 I...

• Dated long distance, and naturally - it ended
• Dated a new guy for a while - he was super awesome (best guy so far), but that ended as well
• Dated a few others but they were really nothing special
• Did okay academically over Spring and Summer semesters, bombed fall semester due to burnout
• Moved in with my best friend and, sadly, shortly thereafter found out why people say that it's a bad idea to live with your best friend (although it still confuses me how that doesn't work out when you ultimately wind up living with your spouse, who's supposed to be your best friend!)
• Moved back in with my parents...and subsequently reverted back to my hermitic, high school self (I have to force myself to hang out with friends and be social - not because I don't like my friends but because living at home makes me pretty anti-social)
• Had a lot of friends get engaged/married (thus destroying my own personal Provo version of Sex and the City with all my single friends :p )
• Re-friended a former ex-friend
• Played a lot of video games
• Got an awesome work study job at the UVU Woodbury Art Museum and learned about how museums work (and as much as I enjoyed it...ruled out Museum studies as a potential major - I prefer making art vs. procuring and displaying it, but it was a fantastic learning opportunity and I enjoyed getting to know my co-workers!)

So far in 2011, I have/am...

• Taking spring semester off (by the end of Fall semester I'd decided that having gone to school non-stop for 2 years straight, I desperately needed a break)
• I went on a date with a good friend of mine, we went shooting - long story short, I shot his truck...and will forever feel bad for it (side note: the truck thing was an accident - I'd never used a scope before. I'm actually pretty good with a gun, I promise)
• Transferring schools and changing majors! I withdrew from UVU and transferred to UofU, now I'm trying to decide on a major
• Working on some photography/illustration/design projects and a professional website

...That's kind of it for now...more to come later!