maiden I am

Read Nica's blog first so I don't feel like I'm stealing her thunder.

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Awesome. I hope you read it, BECAUSE....

I am now the only Castle girl who is Single! AND, I'm going to bask in this new found glory.

I am the only "maid in the Castle"

All the 'others' are matrons. (blah. blah. boring!)

Matrons..

maid...

in a foregin land

Here's a little taste of Minnesotan culture:

Language

so, what'cha know? (kinda like "hows it going")

Don't cha know? (translates: "you idiot, weren't you paying attention?!?")

yooouu betcha! ("totally!")

Food

mostly like here.

Except I had venison whenever meat was consumed. There are roughly 200,000 deers hunted in Minnesota during hunting season! see here for more info

But deer is yummy, and a bit gamey, and I can't think of what I'm eating while I chew (jerky is the hardest). Regardless, I feel like a modern cave-woman when I eat it (is that something to be desired?)

Weather

It actually felt warmer in Minnesota than at home. There was zero snow and no frost! When I drove into SLC, I was astounded at the white stuff on the roads.

People

My favorite part about the trip! Elias and I played a TON {eric told me that Elias and Honey both had a new best friend--ME!). Heidi and I talked a lot on our 18 hour drive back! and we also listened to the first part of "The Life of Pi", Heidi and I agreed the one good thing we got out of the book was the line "tom foolery" that was our road trip joke. Eric took me on a little bike ride to UMC where I attended one of his classes, and I was given an assignment!

also, (rachel is going to roll her eyes when I say this)

Heidi and I saw New Moon, the day it came out (without previous reservation), at 7 O'clock in the evening, AND

in the oldest running movie theater in the United States of America.

Here is a taste of the inside, with these booths were just chillin there, but the "Prepayers" (bunch a rich snobs!) got to sit up there.

Just kidding, there wasn't anybody in those booths.

AND i went shooting with Eric. I got to shoot his deer rifle and his Muzzle loader aka the "smoke pole"

Here is a video of the smoke pole

Me and Heidi saw this on the side of the interstate in North Dakota. It was cool

OH one last thing, Minnesotans know how to spell....

Thanksgiving events

Jessi came down from idaho to eat the turkey with the family. me and jess are really cultured and outdoorsie kind of people, as you can tell by the pictures below, so naturally we fit well together

I like ballet, classical music, not eating, and sleeping in the splits. You know, like all other ballerinas.

Jessi likes to surf, wear hardly anything, the sun, tanning, and likes to eat lots of tropical fruit. Like all the other surfers.

There was a travesty when Thanksgiving occured. I actually ate food, and Jessi purged on the delicious turkey. unfortunately friends, thanksgiving ruined our athletic bodies.This is what happened.

grATTITUDE

Mostly likely I won't be able to blog for until after thanksgiving, so here is my gratitude list. I know I don't think about what I am grateful for often enough, but I'm just like the rest of the world-always trying to improve myself.
the 'rents- M&D you are so awesome and are always willing to come help me. I am so grateful for you examples to me and you guys never hesitate to push me for the better.
My sibs- My siblings are probably my bestest of best friends. They are always looking out for me and helping me see what is best in my life, and also telling me what not to do. Which is awesome. We have lots of fun together, usually poking fun at the 'rents. Or laughing about Jake's goofiness {what does kama'aoekle mahana upa mean? "MOOOOM, they're teasing me!!!" jake, thats exactly rightt!} Or laughing about Chuck {my alter ego}, hes been with me since I was 12. But now he's shy thanks to their "teachings".
my Friends- Oh how lucky I am that I am smart enough to be around friends like mine. All of them have great personalities and have their own qualities that I wish to acquire.
this Gospel- It truly is the "good news". Nothing on earth like it, and sometimes I take advantage of it, but I am so grateful for it!
my education- Its such a great experience and opportunity that I get to attend a university, where the subjects of study are broad but the gospel is center.
my country- the freedoms that we have here. I am glad that I have the freedom of speech. I am glad that I can stand up for what I believe in, just as much as the men in Boston can. I am glad that I can choose who I would like to see run this Country. I am glad that I live here. I wish democracy were everywhere. Im glad that I, as a woman, have the chances to vote.

Anywho, gratefullness is more than just a list, its an ATTITUDE.

now.....
Im off to see E and H in Minnesota {this is what kyle said, "do you like to eat cheese? 'cause they got a lot of it--Oh wait, thats Wisconsin"}.



i know this is awful...

but tell me you didn't smile when you saw it?

aarrr, mateys

did you know that you could change the language on your Facebook page to PIRATE?!?!?!?!??!?!

do it right now, you will surely laugh

HP

I asked for this for Christmas.... I am a big fan.

Its probably the gift that I am most excited for. Hopefully it wont come in that nerdy chest. But I have been looking and can't find one that doesn't..... so Oh well.

When people asked me what my favorite book was, it was the Chronicle of Narnia series. In addition to that, its now going to be "Harry Potter series" And all thanks to Mr. Lewis, I have been lovin' on that genre of books, ever since.

and here's this to help prove my point...

'nough said

Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday! First of all, it is the doorway to the other "best Holidays" Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, its around the time that fall happening, so people get seasonal excitement as well as holiday excitement. Anywho, Halloween is all ghost and ghouly right up until the actually night.

Maybe its just the stage of life I'm in right now, or maybe I have no high-class social life of parties. Starting when I was like 14 when I was too old to go trick-or-treating, every halloween night usually is a let down (not because of the people I'm with). I think its because of all the built up anticipation and then when its finally here there is nothing to do but watch an spooky movie. EH, oh well its only one night, right?

The reason I was Leonardo. My coworker Alyssa made her April O'Neal costume, and I told her I would be a turtle.

Michal and I. Isn't she such a doll? Please note her costume. She's dressed up as the cow, of who's products she doesn't consume.

This was at Gardner Village, when they have their "Witches Night Out"

Here is me and a full body shot of my W.N.O costume

Best high yet

I love wicked. Like most of the people who've heard of it. But that doesn't matter. Have you seen it 3 times? didn't think so. I'm sort of a nerd. {I LOVE MUSICALS!} But I have saved every playbill/program that was ever held in my hands while I watched the show. Even the lame shows that were put on by high schools.

BUT sisters and mother, you would know more about this. This video is of Eden Espinosa {Elphaba} and Megan Hilty {Glinda} who we saw our first time all together in LA in 2005{?} at the Pantages Theater. I remember crying when I saw this. We were in the nose bleeds, and I had to force myself to stop crying because I wouldn't be able to see the tiny specks of the actors down on the stage. Seriously, best high I could get out of this life yet, without using illicit substances. Watch this version, because its even better than the Original Broadway Cast.

seriously. must. remember. to. breathe. while. watching.

SHCNOW!

It snowed today. Its at a time like this I wish I was Lorelai Gilmore and could smell the first snow coming before clouds start to fall. But I'm working on it. Snow is fun. Here are somethings you could do in it {for those who think badly about the cold-weather symptom}

Ice skate with really cool people.

Ski with the friend that you look so much a like your own mother gets confused.

Ok I know, theres only, like, 2 things that I've done. But the first snowfall is the best one. All the others after that blow. Literally.

Music

Ok, I love playing the piano. Its such an awesome way to let my feelings out. I took lessons for about 3 years, then quit {excuse= I was in the 9th grade and "so busy"}, something which I regreted for a long time, but I am glad that I learned as much as I did, because I can now pick it up again and teach myself the songs. Hayley lent me a couple of duet sheet music books, and I am learning Pachebel's Cannon (classic), Perfecting Fur Elise (yet another classic), and learning River Flows in You.

Chelsey told me about this song a year ago. Rumor went around saying that it was suppossed to be Bella's Lullaby from twilight, which would have been a much better song for the books, but they choose the right style of song for the movie. If you haven't heard it yet, click here. I would recommend you close your eyes and listen, since thats how music is enjoyed (mostly because the video is, well, lame.)

The Glee Cast version of "Don't Stop Believin'", and "River Flows in You" by Yiruma are songs that I don't think I could ever get sick of, so enjoy!

Don't Stop Believin', Click aqui

I plan on keeping my skills on the piano brushed up, but I am in need of a metronome. Because I can't count and play pretty at the same time when I'm learning.

Oh also, don't expect me to play good for you if you ask, becuase if I am knowingly playing for someone, I get all tense. I'm at my best when I can tell myself nobody is listening even though there are other people in the next room.

I am a moody penmanship-er

Not that I am into calligraphy {although that is on my bucket list-- to "be good at calligraphy someday"}. Here's what I mean by moody calligraphist: do you guys know somebody who seems to have good handwriting no matter what? whether they are in a hurry to get a check written, or writing an essay for an AP test, they seem to ALWAYS have good penmanship? I am jealous.

Take my journal for instance, its handwritten. But I'm usually writing at night, so my brain and muscles are tired, therefore: my version of sloppy-cursive-printed-bold-italicized-times-new-roman font.

Sometimes its a good journaling day, and my handwriting is usually bubbly!

Not to mention my first hand written essay of every school year seems to have good nice, neat and legible penmanship.

Don't forget that one time when I was sitting in American Foundations {equivalent to US history--college style} and was EXTREMELY tired, but I kept on taking notes with my eyes closed because I knew my professor would be writing the test with the power points that he shared, but towards the end of my notes, you could not read what was written. sad, because I would've received a better grade. shame.

and according to this website, bad penmanship can lead to medical errors. ship-shape mates!

Also, on a fun note, me and ambo are hanging out. yay! this chicka is so cute and fun. and she got me a calling. {yaaaa} kidding. Better move away from my computer before I get struck by lightning. But really, check out her blog, because shes one of my BFF's!

tonight.

GLEE IS PREMIERING TONIGHT. woot. I cannot say what my emotions are.....well actually, Im glee-ful.

oh dear, cheeeesy.

Im going to watch it with one of my best friends and she can predict a lot of things that happen on the big (or not-so-big) screen. Sure hope she doesn't use her talent tonight.

ALSO, I made some awesome headbands yesterday, and I just have to show them off.

Please excuse the awkwardness of these self-made portraits.

BUT don't excuse the shine in my hair. I'm a pantene model.

It could be Glee!

My life could be miserable, but instead, I am not at school, not studying, and now am anxiously awaiting GLEE!

I saw the pilot air in the spring, and have since been anxiously awaiting the season premiere! It airs September 9, 8PM. Be there.

Turtles

Someday I hope to own one of these..... Aren't they just so cute?

Although these guy {almost} have a reputation that lives up to thier namesakes, they're not as cute and helpless.

Besides that great ambition of mine, I had a really needed evening last night with my 6 best friends. Those girls are so great and are always pushing me to be my best. Love you girls!


**Although Michaelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo are some awesome turtles, they are far from the reputation of thier namesakes

Its offish.{official}

attention everyone who may or may not care. But I am officially a Sophomore, as of July 23, 2009. I finished my first year of college!!! Here are a few things that were accomplished these past 7 months.
*moved out
*learned how to grocery shop
*road trip to cali
*ate at Big Judd's hamburger joint
*skinny dipped in a river
*went muddin with some cowboys
*made like....a lot of new friends!
*lived with 4 engaged roomates at once
*Passed Anatomy and Physiology with a B+
*many dunes parties {as in sand}
*got some pretty dam sweet shirts
*rode my first century {new max speed of 42.3}

*help.....I need more ideas!

Oshun

SO I have decided to take a break from studying and packing...here are some pictures from my fourth of July weekend. It was fun! We went to Cali and were minutes away from lots of beaches... like Laguna, Huntington, and Newport. {not to mention In-n-Out, and yes, I finally have been able to stomach a hamburger. Thats it, I still can't stand their cheese or fries} Although, it may have been the fact that that's where Lindsay and Jessi wanted to eat a lot of the time. but I did have a the BEST breakfast burrito {under normal circumstances I would rather have cold pizza for breakfast}, but we ate them at a little restaurant, and now I have been craving them. I guess you could say it was a trip to expand my horizons more than anything. OH and I went swimming in the water where I couldn't touch, and there was TON of seaweed that was touching my legs. I broke my two rules for swimming in the ocean.

1. always be grounded to something
2. if something touches my leg, and it can't be seen, SWIM AWAY!

anyway, I am a little more experienced girl now.

a little more rounded. Socially, that is.

Lindsay, Me, and Jessi

at this place called crescent bay, we say some scuba divers there at night. I would never do that.....to afraid of sharks

The tan line from my bike shorts that was a necessary thing to get rid of. and I did!


on our way to da beach

This was @ Lindsay's grandparents house. We had been driving all night from Rexburg, and we got in at 4:30 am and then woke up at 8 to travel another hour to Lindsay's house

One Year Ago

Exactly one year ago I had the BEST time of my life! I have met so many people because of Heritage Tours and I would do almost anything to go back on it again! Here are some pictures of my favorite places..

Martins Cove

Adam-ondi-ahmen was my favorite place, hands down!

Washington D.C.

Boston Temple

And a picture of my HT family. Go family 5!

We also may have had a little fun.

Just kidding.

Prepare for cheese.......

21 days of spiritual fun times

Very few hours of sleep

2,000 hard-earned dollars spent for this

500 dollars for food and souvenirs

Lots of friends

5 Temples visited

3 Military sites

2 Pageants

1 niece born

7,000 miles traveled

Hearing about Cosmo and Mitch

3 awesome fun roommates! {we had some Wild times}

everyday of fast food meals

Getting nails done for the first time

At least 500 pictures

1 day in New York

5 purses

1 Broadway Show

Lots of ghetto hotels

but the memories.........

Priceless.

We got PUNK'D!!!!

So I woke up this morning, and look what happened to our apt!! Looks....kinda empty!

Here is what it looks like right outside our door...and here is our table, so nicely set with our dishes.....

We have a clear idea as to who did it, and our pranks will be posted later.....

....I got a visit from my mom a couple of weekends ago! It was nice to have her come up and go to IF and eat food and shop and craft and have fun!!!

What if......???

Today I was killing time waiting for my next class to start and I was in the bookstore looking at the funny books, and I saw this book called "If...(Questions for the Game of Life)" and I started to read it, and I was laughing and having an epiphany all in a few lines of reading that book {partly because the night before I was asking kelly what questions she asks people to get to know them more, because I feel like the questions like "Whats your major?" or "Where you from?" are vital questions to get to know someone, but are oober boring.} So this book has questions like "If you could be one article of clothing, what would you be, and who would you want to belong to?" Its kind of funny, AND doesn't have any generic questions. Anyway...to the point!

So Me, Kelly, and a bunch of her friends were all eating lunch in the Nordic. And I was reading from this book and we were all talking about our answers in between questions and stuff. We were mingling, basically. SO anyhow, this awkward boy comes up and just stands at our table and stares at us {Super awkward, right?} OH THANK HEAVENS I had my book, because I hate moments like that {the socially awkward boy making us all feel really weird}. So I quickly thought, "why don't I read another question and make the boy seem welcome at our table? Also, it would make us feel less uncomfortable if he wasn't lingering." So I asked a question he, mumbled an answer along with everone else. Then he walked away.


THE POINT people is that this book saved me and my friends from a really awkward moment and maybe some potential teasing all within short time frame from when I bought it to when awkward moment happened was an hour! woot!

Cinco de MAYO!

What a fun party! The night started out with me and kelly being the only ones dressed up {costumes were required :)} but we made panchos out of fabric that we got at DI!

Kelly was a woman wrestler {and you can't really see it--but she had fringe under her arms too!}

I was a salsa dancer!

We bought lots of margarita glasses and {kelly is an expert on alcohol} had tequila shots {which were sprite with gummy worms}

There was also a PIGata that chris made, and a mexi-stache contest. {the guys arms were behind thier back, and the girls had to draw a stache from behind}

Here are some pictures...

These were of the 'stache contest

I may have a new fettish....

....or it may be a new obsession. Ta-da!
Earrings~i have 38 pairs!

They are so versatile! They totally spruce up an outfit. Plus they are totally communal in sharing- you don't have to be a certain size to wear them! (unlike shoes or clothes) ahh......I don't think I have ever felt guilty for buying earrings. Nope, not ever! I recently just bought those two new pairs (in the pic.) and I love them! Also, all the things you see below are items that I got at a flea market. The necklace and flower clip are both HAND MADE!!! woot. She formed the rose out of clay, and the clip she buys her fabric, singes the egdes and put them together! ahh... I love shopping highs. =)

Domestic

I feel so very domestic today! Well first off, I passed my math test (wich was a relief) then I made Fajitas (I always have trouble thinking of stuff to buy at the grocery store...!) They were AMAZING!!! They may have even tasted better becuase I made them. {not to sound conceded- but you know what I mean if you have ever been in a cooking-rut like me =)} Then I felt so good about passing my test that I made some tapioca pudding {I get a big F for this one} It didn't turn out quiet right, it was frothly on top and pudding-like on bottom. So I went from being Domestic to Undomestic in just a few short hours.

Extra Credit

A couple of weeks ago my Book Of Mormon teacher sent out an email telling all of his students "due to a increase of the stress level at school, I am now having EXTRA CREDIT meditation sessions. Meditation is one of the best-stress relievers out there"
In my mind I was like, "whoa, this is sweet, getting EC for meditating?!?! This is waaaay cool" {not to mention very hippie, which is awesome! :)}
Going to these weekly 1-hour sessions have been soo good for me! They are a great way to stop, pause, and be still. You can think more clearly, be more forgiving, let go of grudges, and many more things to make your life more functional.
And right now, since it is my first semester at school, I have been having a little bit of stress being out on my own and turning a new page {grocery shopping, budgets, homework, social life, callings}. And since its my first semester I'm not the best at time management, so I feel like there is not enough time for me, because 90% of my waking hours are spent doing homework. But the 1-hour session is working wonders!! It seems like after I have gone to that I have more time to do things, which is REALLY amazing. And that is my meditation story

Yummy!

Ok, so I was making truffles (which are delicious!) and I had to roll them in my hands, and Kelly just happened to be there. :) You can see them on the table right behind Kelly's head, they aren't rolled in powdered sugar yet, so they look gross-ish.

New chapter in life!

Here is what has been happening in my life lately.... I LOVE it up here!! Even if it does get just a {little} cold sometimes, it totally adds to it {somehow..}

night skiing at Kelly Canyon, with my new BF Tracie it was schweet.

Here I am scraping the ice off from the inside of my friends car.... it was cold that night!