Isle of Palms, South Carolina

I drove to South Carolina from Alamogordo, New Mexico with Shaylee, Shawn, and Ian. This was the fun part of the 9 day trip.

Debbie and I went on a fabulous trip to San Diego and the surrounding area at the end of last month. Man, was it a blast. I highly recommend the weather, relaxation, and many fun activities that the area has to offer. We went to the San Diego Zoo, which was utterly amazing. Here is a photo of Daniel, me, Sam, and Alex trying to imitate some creature (possible a meerkat).

Here is a picture of me jumping in the air at the beach. Debbie, the master photographer that she is, captured this after many failed attempts that were probably because I can't jump very high. But look at my face. So choice.

And here is a picture of me and Debbie at the San Diego temple. So gargeous. We got to go do baptisms. Sam's friend was married here the day we went (which was, essentially, the whole point of the trip).

We also had the amazing adventure of going to Tijuana, Mexico. It was my first time out of the country and I was pretty paranoid that I wouldn't be able to get back into the U.S. because I didn't have a passport. Luckily, they haven't really started enforcing that new law in that ghetto, marvelous area yet. Let me tell you, that place was crazy. Very crowded and interesting. Also quite strange to hear Spanish everywhere, instead of English. I think it was a good experience for me. Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this portion of the trip because no one dared to bring a camera to Tijuana.

Another fun thing (at least for me) that we did was go visit and stay with my cousins Mark and Paige and their 4 children. It really was fun to get to know them better and actually stay in a house again after living in a motel for 4 days. Good times.

I'm sort of glad to be back in Utah, especially because there are a lot less skanky girls, but the weather here is horrible compared to there. It is just so unbearably hot here! I'm still adjusting. I'm not taking any classes, just working a lot. It's kind of boring. I need to get a crush on a boy, or something- anything that will make my life more exciting. Any suggestions?

Finger Painting

Yes, I'm still alive, but I just don't have the energy to write insignificant things on this here blog when I am so engulfed in Facebook. That's right, I joined a few weeks ago and it is quite overpowering. Plus, I'm always on the computer at work, which makes me never want to look at a screen again, if I can help it. That is the reason for the lack of posts. I'll try to do better. All I have to say is that it is a great joy to be living with Debbie again. What a fantastic roommate. She even tries to not hit the snooze button as much because she is so kind (Ali, as well). I think we might stay at The Court for Fall/Winter. Big decisions, my friends, big decisions. More updates soon, maybe, if I ever actually decide anything.

I am a server of women.

That's right, folks. I work at Women's Services and Resources in the Wilk on campus. The office is always full of estrogen because only females work there. It's pretty fantastic. I love my new job so much that I'm starting to hate my old job, which I am still doing (BYU Bookstore). Also, I am taking D&C 325 from a crazy Bro. Richardson who embarrasses himself in front of us all the time- on purpose. I swear it's his goal in life to make us all think he's gone mad. With every class period being 2 hours long, however, it's a relief that he keeps us awake so efficiently. I am learning some great stuff about the early history of the church and the doctrines and commandments that the saints were educated on. Basically, this term is going to be pretty fantastic. Whoa, the most important news of all: I moved to a different apartment complex, Bountiful Court, with Ali and Micquel. I have seen Micquel awake in our apartment twice. I certainly hope she decides that she has time to be friends with us still. I feel pretty lucky that I get to go on a double date with her, Jeff, and Jeff's friend tonight. Blind date for me! We'll see how that goes. I certainly hope he isn't anything like Uncle Pennybags.

Just to Appease You

I totally switched this blog over to the new Google Blogger, but it doesn't think I did anymore. This whole switch over thing was supposed to be easy, I think, but I must just be retarded. I have battled it for quite some time and will continue to do so until I am satisfied.

So, General Conference was pretty amazing, wouldn't you agree? All of those talks on repentance really got me thinking. At least I don't feel complacent anymore, right? I guess that's what Conference is supposed to do for you though: make you feel uneasy so you can change to make yourself better. I am very excited to start.

I got to GO to conference for the very first time today. It was dang awesome, in the Conference Center with the prophet and everything. I think it was definitely worth all of the traffic and parking fiascos we had to deal with. Also, I got to drive my brother's Impala there- what a smooth ride! I love driving in cars that are nicer than mine.

I resolve to not be such a slacker in the blogging department, even IF no one decides to comment (that can put a damper on sharing things).

happy happy

I was going to say why I chose these images, how I felt about them, what I liked about them, etc. but I think you should view them with your own eyes and interpret them for yourselves.

Where did that come from?

I've been spending a lot of time with my family during this Christmas break. Some of the fantastic things we've done together: shopping, eating out, playing Silent Football and other games, having a How to Host a Murder party (including dress ups), rock climbing at The Quarry, etc. It's been pretty great, I must say. Yesterday I bought my textbooks. You know what that means: school's going to start real soon. Ah man. To brighten our spirits, though, I have posted some treasures below of my 60's-ish costume. What the heck?

How did we get to be so cool?

Debbie and I did something fantastic today: we played racquetball. What a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday. We had a great time in our BYU Issue shirts, laughing hysterically about pretty much everything that happened. Here are some of the terrific moves we pulled:

Yes, we can do moves that are broadcast on ESPN. Oh, and here is what the balls looked like when they hit the wall--we have a lot of swing power.

Now for the best part:

1. Try your best to appear ballerina-like

2. Tell cat stories to bond with fellow players

3. Laugh as hard as you can the whole time while, of course, still playing like a pro

4. Listen carefully to the sounds the ball makes as it collides with other matter- this will aid you in completing the first part of #3

5. Don't walk to or from the RB because you will freeze your patootie off- just drive next time

Why can't I just make decisions?

So, now Kim is moving out of Micquel and Ali's apartment and there will officially be an open space for me. No one would have to switch apartments and it would work out perfectly. Also, I wouldn't have to pay a deposit or the last month's rent because I would just be taking over Kim's contract. It is so freaking tempting, and seems like the perfect situation, but I don't know what to do. I don't work very much and I don't make very much money. I made some big purchases (big to me, at least) within the past few months, i.e. iPod, new boots, new clothes at the Old Navy, etc. Also, Christmas is coming up. I guess I could just ask for money for Christmas and even for my birthday in March, which woud help a lot. Sounds like a plan. Now I just have to try and figure out if this really IS what I'm supposed to do--if this is what is going to make me most happy in the end. Here is a picture of a skydiver to help you in your... I mean MY decision making.

bummer

I was seriously considering moving out for Winter semester and going back to the crazy life of Miller apartments. It is really hard being home with no social life, so I tend to be down there quite a bit as it is--I figured I might as well save on gas and just live there. Upon a closer look at my finances, however, I have come to the conclusion that my greedy/selfish self couldn't survive on such a small budget. I would be miserable if I was that close to having no money. It might be the death of me (or just my sanity), but it looks like I'll be staying at home until Spring. Oh, help me.

there is beauty all around

I just love the fall. The autumn leaves are so pretty. Yes, everything seems to start looking quite dead, but look at all of these things to enjoy.

These leaves are all from one bush, which I thought was pretty cool.

I don't know what these are called, but it's nice to know there are certain flowers that bloom only in the fall.

The last of the living 6' tall sunflowers.

And, finally, the last of the grapes still clinging to dying vines. Absolutely gargeous in a morbid way. Time to start wearing sweaters!

that's right, I am one of THEM now

For the past couple of weeks I have been sick and haven't been able to go running. But BEFORE that heinous occurence happened I was thinking to myself Man, this would be a whole lot better if I had some music to listen to. Thus, I was sucked into the crowd of iPod owners. I have purchased the one in the middle, the newest version of the Nano. I am very excited. Hopefully it won't distract me from doing homework too much, although I'm sure I'd rather listen to music on campus in between classes than do homework. Huh. Oh well. At least I'll get my money's worth.

bride-to-be

Our dear friend Trisha is getting married in less than a month and I volunteered to throw her a bridal shower. Micquel, Debbie, and Ali quickly came to the rescue and offered to help, as well. I can't say much about it on here because Trisha will read it, but I will say this: it's going to be crazy...fun. You bet it is. So if you are lucky enough to be on Trisha's list of people who are invited (which you probably are, considering it is quite lengthy) be very excited. Hopefully we'll show you a good time. Ah, the scandal that bridal shower presents convey. I am very excited to buy something risque for the questionable Trisha.
Note to Trisha: Please don't have these flowers at your wedding. I might have to cry. The hideosity is overpowering.

Perhaps you could decipher some meaning from the nonsensical ramblings below?

It is just one of those times that I don't want to go to sleep because I know I'll have to get up and do homework (which, incidentally, is typing a paper). I got more homework done today than I thought I would, though, what with my crazy schedule. Relationships class was kind of weird. Everyone has such different opinions about relationships and, more specifically, dating. I almost got up out of my seat to smack Benjamin over the head with my scriptures many a time. That boy needs to keep his trap shut. I could compare my annoyance towards him with my feelings toward people who drive under the speed limit. Trisha has asked to copy my notes from Art History tomorrow because she won't be there. She will be at a "women's doctor" getting something very painful done. I am very sorry for her. But at least she has a bridal shower to look forward to, right? Uh, yes, I'm sure Micquel and I can put something together. We are tentatively planning it for the 7th of October, in less than two weeks. Maybe we should think more about this, eh? Nah. I will just buy her something scandalous the day before in a fit of insanity. Isn't it just sad that Utah State's offense hasn't put a single point on the scoreboard this season? I find that disheartening. Good thing I was smart enough to go to BYU, where we win a least SOME games. I'm not a loyal enough fan to put up with extreme failure. I know, pathetic. Here are my two new favorite lines from songs: "You're as close as it gets without touching me" (Imogen Heep, The Walk) and "When forever's over I won't remember how much I loved you anymore" (Alison Krauss, Forget About It). Don't read too much into those, though. You might get confused. I barely even understand why I like them.

Finally Ready For Fall

Debbie, Micquel, and I went on our biannual shopping trip to the Tanger Outlet stores in Park City yesterday. As always, we spent the drive there and back discussing the faults and redeeming qualities of boys, listening to music whilst "singing" along at the top of our lungs, and getting lost (even though we've taken this trip well over a few times). I look forward to these trips and look upon the memories of them fondly. The only thing that could have made this trip better is if every one of my friends could have come along for the good time.

As much as I love just being with these delightful girls, acquiring new and exciting clothing items makes these trips all the better. Debbie got exactly what she went for: a jacket, some jeans, and a few shirts. Micquel purchased what she needed, too: nothing. Good show, old chap. I was surprised to come away with some good finds as well, and things that I had planned on buying, too. I have included some pictures of my most recent purchases.

Roadtrip: Provo to Ann Arbor, Michigan

My first real roadtrip. I'm going with my sister, Tye, and her husband, their daughter Millie, and his parents. How will I survive? I don't know. I suppose I will listen to a lot of music, read some good books, and wear earplugs whilst enjoying the scenery. Woot.

After viewing this map, I have just realized what I am in for. Do you see how far away Michigan is from Utah? Holy carp. What have I done? I already bought my plane ticket home, so I guess I'm in for the long haul. I just looked it up and it is approximately 1,616 miles to Michigan from Provo. Wish me well. I may not be coming back fully intact.

The really exciting part about this trip, though, is that we're going to stop in Nauvoo for a few days. I've never been there and I think I'll even have time to do baptisms and look up some history on a few ancestors who lived there. I'm really quite excited.

a part of me wants to, but I just can't get the motivation

To blog, that is. It used to be the highlight of my dreary days. Now my life is so relaxed (except for the boy situation) that I don't look at it in the same way. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy it immensely. You are all hilarious and quite enjoyable to read. But I just don't have anything to say that I don't say to you everyday.

I had a tragedy with the 7's thing. Meaning I totally wrote the whole thing in all it's glory and my internet stopped working when I tried to publish it. Lost forever. It nearly broke my heart, and Debbie's, when I told her what happened. I hope you can all forgive me for not completing that important task, but every time I think about doing it again I get really discouraged and think, "but it could never be as good as the one I wrote before." I'm sincerely sorry for my long absence and hope this will cheer you up and make you at least tolerate me again.
Okay, just kidding. That is quite frightening and you're allowed to hate me for making you view it. But now look at this:
See? Don't you feel better. I sure do. What a delight.

i don't know them, but they're ever present

Ever since we've moved in we have met a lot of new people. We meet people who live in our apartment complex. We meet people who are in our ward. We meet people in our dinner groups. We meet people at stake dances. We meet people who look in our windows. Most of these people fall into the category of Ward Members, but some do not. It's quite interesting, though, to see how we all react to meeting so many crazies. I think we all expected it to be much worse and anxiety-ridden than it really is. I mean, it's still sometimes nerve racking, but definitely survivable. And what with all of these activities and meetings we have to go to we're going to be around them a lot. I wonder if we'll get to know who they all are, really. And will they get to know the real us's? Lets hope so.

one good thing from physical science

This is a picture of peridotite. I like it. I saw it in Physical Science and fell in love. I hope you do, too.

Ultimate Frisbee Magazine

Yes, it's true. There really is one. Who knew? Maybe you, but not me. What will they think of next?