Lights.

On April 12th, 2010 I will have the grand privilege of attending the Lights and Owl City concert in Magna, Utah.

Thanks to my wonderful roommate Jenny I am OBSESSED with lights. I think if I was a rockstar I would want to be like her, not exactly the same because that becomes stalkerish, but she would be an influence for sure. The way she mixes the upbeat eletro-pop music with her folky voice is genius. Recently I learned Lions! on the guitar and plan on planning it at an open mic night eventually- we will see if I get brave anytime soon.

This concert is going to be Epic.


Life Lesson #10: Try not to talk in your sleep. Your roommate will write it down and blackmail you with it later.

"What happened to, umm... what happened to umm.... s-s-s... submarine?"

[Maybe it was a Beattles deam?]

Quotes.

Today was an absolutely beautiful day. The sun was shining. I finished up my visiting teaching and my home teachers came over. Jenny and I went on a walk around Provo. We had roommate bonding/prayer. I have officially been deemed the "Dalai Lama" of our apartment. I learned a brand new song on the guitar. Life is just fantastic.

Since my complete change of heart my roommates have noticed that I tend to spout off quotes much more frequently which made me decide that I needed to share some with you.

My favorite quote of all time is by Nelson Mandela at the Inaugural Address of 1994. It's  pretty long so here are the highlights that inspire me.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Another that I came across in my reading today is from President Howard W. Hunter:

True greatness... always requires regular, consistent, small, and sometimes ordinary and mundane steps over a long period of time. 

I hope that everyday I can strive to be better than I was yesterday. The more I focus my efforts on coming closer to my Heavenly Father I can feel everything falling into place. I hope you had a wonderful day too. :] 

Life Lesson #9: When the sun is shining GO OUTSIDE. I don't care if it is only for 5 seconds, but just do it. You will thank me later. Much love. 

pancakes.

Did you know that pancake formation is considered an art form?

Well it is. May I present you "A Day In the Sun" created by Jennifer Ansted. 

Upon viewing this magnificent piece of art that is now located in my belly I thought, "Are there others out there like Jenny that express their creativity through pancake batter?" Apparently there are. Let me share with you some of my favorites.

This is a link to a Flickr group where all of the pictures are of pancakes. Click here!
This is a fellow blogger that has a passion for all things pancakes. thepancakeproject.blogspot.com
I was extremely impressed by the "Leggo my Eggo" rendition created- pictured below. The rest of these pictures... well they are for your viewing enjoyment.

Life Lesson #8: If your going to eat pancakes it better not be with fat free syrup. That is just wrong on so many levels. 

miles.

Running is my new hobby and I am loving it. I feel invincible. I love pushing my body and making it do things that I haven't done in an extremely long time. I am bringing back those cross country skills that I thought I left back in High School. 


Today= 6 miles. 


I
View Larger Map


I totally ran from where it says Joaquin to where S. Slate Canyon and S. State Street intersect. Holla.
I think I am going to train for a half marathon. 

life.

Life is just so good sometimes.

Yeah some stuff happens that isn't so great, but if that is what you dwell on then you forget how amazing the very fact that you are breathing today is.

My Thankful List:

1. My Family
2. The Gospel of Jesus Christ
3. My Friends
4. My Job
5. The ability to attend BYU
6. My Jeep
7. The Sunshine
8. Music
9. Kirkland Water Bottles
10. Running

activities.

This is a list of things I used to do in High school that I don't do anymore.
I just decided I miss them.

1. Playing basketball
2. Musical Theatre
3. Working at the YMCA
4. Jazz Choir
5. Eating home cooked meals
6. Driving my buick becky (R.I.P) ---->
7. Skipping class- school used to be easy!
8. Not paying rent
9. Midnight Applebee's runs
10. Seinfeld Parties

stalking.

When did stalking people become a socially accepted occurrence?

There have been multiple instances today when I have heard the term "facebook stalk" and I'll admit it mildly disturbs me. I mean I recognize that I do it sometimes, but come on. Can this really be normal? Before you even talk to someone or get to know them you "stalk" their profile to learn everything about them and then when you actually meet them in person you pretend that you never read all that stuff. 

I'm just trying to pinpoint when this became a socially accepted practice and how I have sat idly by for so long without speaking out. Gone are the days when stalking required some sort of police action- no restraining orders  required.

Technology corrupting the world example 5782739.

running.

There is absolutely nothing better than a run to clear your head and make you feel great. Thanks to Jillian Michaels I am in pretty darn great shape and running is just not hard. It allows me to run as long as I want, whenever I have time, wherever I want to do.

Running just totally clears my head and puts everything in perspective.

I had the opportunity while running tonight to think back to my junior high days. Random I know. When I was in 7th grade I ran cross country and Mrs. Monoghan was the coach. She would always push me and make me run up hills. I think she is the one that made me love running as much as I do. It is because of her that I still pursue it today.

There are two things I want to focus on in the coming weeks. I want to play basketball more and run. I used to do both of these things in high school and I miss them. I am going to start making time for the things that I enjoy. I just wanna go running all the time. Anyone looking for a running buddy? After I came home my roommate made me feel like the next time I went alone I was going to be abducted. I would prefer that didn't happen so let me know haha.

 

These are the running shoes that I want. When I save enough money... they are mine!

Asics are where its at.

Do what you love guys. Stop making excuses and get it done.

Life Lesson #8: If you do go running by yourself late at night don't tell your over protective roommates.

failure.

We caved. Both of us. Rachel and I. We both ate chocolate today. I feel ashamed of myself. I only lasted seven days. We went to Ikea and they just so happen so have some of the best swiss chocolate. What is a girl like me to do?

And so the Saga continues tomorrow I begin again. I will not let myself down. I pledge to hide my chocolate and refuse it when offered. That includes candy, cake, cookies, ice cream, pie, you catch my drift?

On the bright side I did get to go running today. I forgot how much I love doing it.

Life Lesson #7: No matter how strong you are you will not be able to resist chocolate if it surrounds you. Hide it far far away.

Family.

This is my family. I miss them terribly. Let me introduce you.

(See the photographer that took that picture here!)

As you can see there are seven of us. 

My mother's name is Christi. She is probably the most amazing person I know and her laugh kills at parties.

My dad's name is Ken. He works pretty dang hard and likes to save money. 

I have two brothers, Kendall and Cameron.

Kendall is 18, a senior in HS, single for all you younger ladies out there, and basically the coolest person on the planet. 

Cameron is the sweetest 15 year old boy that you will ever meet. And he loves cats.

I also have two sisters. Their names are Caitlyn and Kadence. 

Caitlyn is never mean. To anyone. She kicks trash at soccer and may take over the world. I wouldn't mind though because she would make everything perfect. 

Kadence is the most fashion conscious 7 year old that I know. When I was home last she told me that my shoes didn't match my outfit. She was right. 

When we were growing up we always though it would be hilarious if we were on a reality TV show. Sometimes things got crazy- Food fights, lego houses for our cat, jumping off the 2-story deck into our pool- but thats just how the Wahnschaffe's roll.

They are pretty much the best thing that has ever happened to me and I can't wait to go to Mexico with them in April! Only 41 days left. 

Life lesson #6: You know how when people always say they feel better going to bed early and waking up early? Well its true. I am actually quite enjoying it. 

Lists.

I have decided that I am going to start posting lists. Lists about my life. Todays list features my ten favorite things sitting on my desk- in no particular order:

1. Seinfeld Season 3 Volume 2
2. Scrabble Daily Calendar
3. Passport cover :]
4. iPod
5: Picture frame/Picture from Whitney
6. CINNAMON GOLDFISH! (If you have not tried these I highly recommend them)
7. The movie UP!
8. My Austria Tour Guide
9. Book of Mormon 
10. The Odd Couple Script


Life lesson #5: You should probably study for your tests instead of blogging. Just saying.

horses.

One of my favorite bands is called band of horses. Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. Look them up and enjoy.

"No Ones Gonna Love You"

It's looking like a limb torn off
Or altogether just taken apart
We're reeling through an endless fall
We are the ever-living ghost of what once was

But no one is ever gonna love you more than I do
No one's gonna love you more than I do

And anything to make you smile
It is my better side of you to admire
But they should never take so long
Just to be over then back to another one

But no one is ever gonna love you more than I do
No one's gonna love you more than I do

But someone,
They could have warned you
When things start splitting at the seams and now
The whole thing's tumbling down
Things start splitting at the seams and now
If things start splitting at the seams and now,
It's tumbling down
Hard.

Anything to make you smile
You are the ever-living ghost of what once was
I never want to hear you say
That you'd be better off
Or you liked it that way

But no one is ever gonna love you more than I do
No one's gonna love you more than I do

But someone
They should have warned you
When things start splitting at the seams and now
The whole thing's tumbling down
Things start splitting at the seams and now
If things start splitting at the seams and now,
It's tumbling down
Hard 

econ.

I told myself that tonight was the night. The night that I would tackle my economics in order to be prepared for the exam tomorrow. Well lets just say that it didn't happen. I came home from the library thinking, "Of course I'll be able to focus at home!" Instead I made tacos, worked out, watched Josie open her mission call, talked to Alan about a variety of bands including Weezer-Spencer Russell-Rocky Votolato-Imagine Dragons-Neon Trees the list goes on, ate mango sticky rice, talked about Whitney's bed, took some pictures of Betsey (my guitar), and now I am blogging. So you can see that while the night has been eventful no economics studying was accomplished. Its alright though. Ill study in the moring/after work until 7:30 when I must go take my test in the test center. Oh Econ how you ruin my life.

I have started this photo blog for class. We have to take one photo everyday and post it. Check it.

It's the weekend tomorrow! I see sushi in my immediate forecast.

chocolate.

Okay so Rachel, my roommate, and I have decided to swear off desserts for 30 days.

Why you may ask?

Because we were eating dessert all the time. You may think that this is an exaggeration, but rest assured it's not. Cookies, ice cream, ice cream on cookies, brownies, candy, cupcakes, and pretty much any other dessert type food we could get our hands on.

Then we decided. NO MORE. So for 30 days we are swearing off the sweets. The first 48 hours for me has been relatively easy. Rachel on the other hand texted me and asked if hot chocolate was allowed. I said no. I mean come on it has chocolate in the title! What the heck. Rachel is addicted to chocolate.
Anyway I am going to leave you today with my favorite dessert recipe... which really isn't a recipe... in honor of this event.

Homemade Pizookie- (You can find the real thing at BJ's restaurant, which unfortunately are not located in Utah)

Buy Nestle's Tollhouse cookie dough from the store in the plastic tub. That kind is the best. Scoop yourself out some cookie dough and make a cookie big enough to cover the entire bottom of a bowl. Bake the cookies and keep a close eye on them. They are larger than usual so you have to develop your own cook time. When the cookies look done pull them out of the over and let them sit for 2 mins. Then grab a spatuala and scoop the cookie into the bowl. Pile vanilla ice cream on top of the cookie, add hot fudge, camel, and nuts if you desire and enjoy.

That makes me hungry. This could be a long 30 days. Lucky for me only 28 days are left.

ADVERTISING.

The moment of truth came. I received an email from the Communications office telling me that I could come pick up my letter that would inform me of whether or not I made it into the Advertising program. I climbed all three flights of stairs up to the office in the Brimhall building in anticipation, not really sure what I wanted the outcome to be.

If I got in which track would I choose? Creative or Management? 

If I got in would advertising really be what I want to do for a career?

If I didn't get in would it bother me?

Would I be able to move on and pursue just a degree in Theatre Arts Studies?

I tried to tell myself that I didn't care. I just brushed the question when people would ask em questions about it. 

Well the moment of truth came. I showed the secretary my ID and she handed me a sealed envelope with my future inside. Not wanting to seem anxious I shoved the letter in my backpack and walked out of the office. I then proceeded to the bathroom where I locked myself in a stall so that no one would see my expression upon opening the letter. 

I opened the letter and it said...

Congratulations! You have been.... 

I had made it in. And you know what I felt? Honestly... I didn't really feel much of anything. There was no excitement. No overwhelming sense of YES! I have finally figured out what to do with my life. It was kinda just eh.

I start the program next fall. I'll try it out for a while and see where it takes me. Advertising could provide boundless opportunities to net work and ultimately allow me to end up doing something that I love. As to what that is... I'm not exactly sure. Who knows where my life is going to take me. I guess I'll just have to wait and find out. 

WAIT!

THE MAIL KEY HAS BEEN RETRIEVED!


My wonderful roommates Jenny and Sasha spent hours scratching at the dirt until out of the abyss came the infamous mail key. We are now able to get our mail again. Success!

key.

I have been attempting to study for school all day. It's not working out so well. I decided I would go grab the mail. Upon returning from my adventure I accidentally dropped the mail key.

It fell down a hole and I could not retrieve it.

The mail key is gone forever.

Lucky.

That is how I am feeling at this exact moment.

I have absolutely no idea what I am doing with my life or where I am going to end up, but I have the best family and friends in the whole world.

When life is just alright people are what make everything worth while. Technology sometimes gets in the way. Freaking sit down and have a face to face chat if at all possible. It sure clears things up.

The number of good friends you have are supposed to be few and far between. My mom always said that you could count your best friends on one hand. While I may be young I truly believe that the greatest friends I have in the world have successfully reached the two hand mark. I think that makes me pretty darn lucky.

At the end of the day it's not how much money you made, or how many mountains you climbed, but it is the people standing next to you. That would do anything for you. No. Everything isn't peachy 100% of the time, but that is what makes life so much more interesting. How would you appreciate the good without a little bit of the bad.

I decide a couple of weeks ago that I was going to be happy all of the time. Now this has not been easy, but I'll tell you that it has made a world of difference in that way that I interact with people.

Life is just so good stupid things don't matter anymore. Even when you get caught in a random snow storm on a wonderful spring day you still look around and thank God that you are alive and here to enjoy it.

I love life. I love the challenge. I love looking toward the future. I love people. Today is a good day.

love.

Today I am blogging on something important.

Love is a funny thing. Everyone has it but most people don't realize that they do.
I had a very wise man once tell me that love is choosing the higher good for the other person. I believe that. I think that there are times in my life when I thought I was in love. I think that is just boils down to the fact that I was in love with love.

There is no higher compliment than another human being telling you that they want to be with you forever.

It is just funny how life works out. I fully believe that everything happens for a reason and I am just waiting to see where life takes me. I feel like I have so much to offer I just have to figure out how to put it to good use.

I am having an internal debate as to whether I should come back to college in the fall or not. Normally I plan things in advance but I am just kind of letting this one come as it may. I can't make a decision right now so hopefully I am struck with inspiration sometime soon.

Only 54 days until Mexico :]
I have being really good working out. As for eating... lets just say that I like chocolate a little but too much.

Those are my thoughts on today.

europe.

In two hopefully very short months I will be traveling across the Atlantic to the country of Austria. I will spend the summer studying German (which I have never spoken before), English, and photography. Can I just say one thing about this? I AM SO EXCITED! Everyday is comes closer and I start freaking out more. Not only do I get to spend the summer traveling all over Europe but I also get to go to Mexico with my family right after finals! Do I have a great life or what? I think so.

Rach and I just finished the Jillian work out. We are both getting stronger. The 84 day Mexico plan is still alive and kickin. Currently I am listening to a CD titled "Let me in on this." My friend Sami created it for me as a Valentine's day present and lets just say its rocking!

Oh. My. How could I forget this. Taylor, Adam, and I are road tripping it to Boulder, Colorado March 20th. For what reason you may ask?

TO SEE THE TEMPER TRAP!


We have two more spots in the car so let know if you want in. Thats all for now. Keep living.