Way Overdue

Yes, it's true, I didn't go to the library to drop off my 3 checked out books before I left for my dad's because the weather was so bad. They are due today. And I can't get logged onto my account on the internet because I think my card is expired or something dumb. So basically I won't be able to return them until like January 3rd. Sand news I know...Ok, I meant sad, but I had to keep sand because it is funnier.

But onto other things...like the crazy amount of snow that fell upon us this day. That was madness. There was like two feet of snow on the street! Jared came to pick me up from my dad's and after we walked out of the house, he literally ran back to his car while I tried to slowly step in this long strided footsteps, but mostly I just laughed so hard from watching him run that I almost fell so many times.

Um, not having anything to do is really weird. No work. No school. Today I slept until like 11, but then I stayed in bed until like 2. ok, I got up a couple times, but still. It's so nice to sleep in, but also kind of boring.

I can't believe Christmas is on Thursday. So crazy. It doesn't seem like it's time yet. But I'm so excited for my family to be together! And Christmas is just so much fun I can't wait. I pretty much love any holiday when my family gets together and eats and plays games. Presents are good, but I'm terrible with them, and really what I care about is just being with the people I love.

um, NIKKI IS MARRIED!!! I still can't believe it, and I'm so happy for her and Monte! So cute.

So, my roommate painted my nails a very dark purple (not black like some may tell you) on Thursday and I have gotten quite a lot of grief about it from pretty much everyone. I didn't choose the color, but I do like it. Maybe not the darkness so much, but the fact that I can even paint my fingernails now that I'm not working with food. I do fell kind of emo though, which I could never pull off, so I probably look like a poser, but too bad. The bad part is that I don't have any remover, but I do have more of the nail polish, so...unless I go shopping tomorrow, I'm retouching them.

Song-o-the-Week: I Believe by R. Kelly...I got this song free on iTunes. What do you think about it? It was recent, so I assume it is apart of the Christmas musicness. I don't know if I necessarily like it, but it does send a good message. I'm mostly just confused. Isn't R. Kelly some hot manly sex symbol or something? I don't actually know, because I don't keep up on all those R&B/rap singers. But, you know, I'm all for those tough guy showing their soft side, so more power to him I guess.

BABOOM

*I realize that Deb and I have the same blog title, but mine is for realsies.

and p.s. I should be studying for my Italian final, but, well, I'm not.

So, Saturday night whilst I was driving home from a fun day and night at Jared's house I happened upon some black ice down the hill on University Parkway going towards my apartment. First I started fishtailing, so I tried to correct it, but I couldn't get control and I swung one way, then the other, and the next second I remember being flung around. It wasn't until this moment that I realized I was going to hit something. I think the only thing I said out loud was something like, Heavenly Father Help Me. Then the back/side of my car hit the median.

I look up and I'm facing traffic - even though there really wasn't any because it was like 1 in the morning. And it took me a while to realize that I actually wasn't in a lane, rather I was past the line, but it still scared me to death. I see a car coming down the hill and my adrenaline kicks in full gear. Of course I think that car is going to do the same thing I did and is going to slam into my car, thus probably killing me. So I jump into the passenger seat, and then realize that really won't help me. So I get out of the car as fast as possible (the other car is long gone by this point). I know this probably wasn't the best choice, but I seriously thought another car was going to hit me. And going through multiple possibilities of how another car could crush and kill me, I jump over the median so I am on the side where cars are driving up the hill. When I was still in my car I dialed 911 and had been on the phone with them I guess the whole time, even though I only remember dialing the number, I don't remember being on the phone during this whole time.

Anyway, after thinking maybe i should have just stayed in my car, I jump back over the median and start going to my car. But then I look up and these two guys had parked there car on the right side of the road and were coming to help me. They were driving up the hill and saw me crash so they turned around to help me. They ask if I'm ok and one of the guys offered to get me a blanket from his car, but I honestly wasn't cold. At this point the lady on the phone was asking me exactly where I was on the hill, because it borders Orem and Provo, and heaven forbid she should call the wrong police.

Ok, so up until this point I hadn't cried at all. And, my car was gushing some sort of fluid. Anyway, then the guys said that maybe the fluid coming out was gas, so we started stepping away from the car. But then one of the guys went and checked and said it was just blue fluid. These guys were so nice; even though I was on the phone pretty much the whole time they were there, I don't know what I would have done without them there. I kept thanking them but I don't think they realize how much I appreciated them stopping.

Then the police came and made me turn my car around and park on the right side of the road. Which means that I had to start my car and then drive it. But the policeman pulled his car so he was blocking traffic so I could do this. I must admit, despite the terrible situation and my state, it was pretty cool. So then the policeman - who was really nice - asked my license and such. Then I remembered that I still had my old license (my new one hadn't come yet) and so I freaked out even more and started mumbling stuff to him about how it was old, but I had renewed it and it was just in the mail. But he didn't understand anything I was saying. I must have sounded ridiculous. Anyway, I thought he was going to give me a ticket for having an expired license, but he didn't.

So, while I was waiting in my car I called my dad. And, the moment I heard his voice, I started bawling. Somehow I told him what happened, and you guys I don't know how I have been so lucky in the parent department, but he was seriously the best dad I could have asked for during those moments. He told me I needed to relax and that it was all going to be ok. I kept saying how sorry I was for crashing my car and he just said that it would all be ok and I needed to stop worrying about it. He was so comforting. And it was so sweet. Every time I talked to him he kept saying, do you want me to come get you, I'll leave right now and come get you and take you home, I want you to be somewhere where you can just relax, I'm already up, I'll just come get you, I'm going to come pick you up, you need to just be able to relax, I can leave right now. I talked to him so many times that night, and every time he just kept saying this. It was just, I don't know how to describe it, it was so comforting, it was exactly what I needed. I told him he didn't have to though because I didn't want him to have to drive all the way down here and then all the way back. Even though I really did want to go out to his house. It was easier for my mom to just get me.

Oh my mother. She was freaking out more than I was, which drove me even more crazy. But she's my mom and she just loves me. But it's really hard for me when I'm trying to stay calm and other people are freaking out, which is what was happening, and so I got really frustrated. But I tried to just stay calm because I know it was just because she was worried about me. I was so grateful that she came to get me. I knew that she would take good care of me, because she always does.

Anyway, so the tow truck came and took my baby away and my mom took me home and I spent the night at her house.

Also, during this whole thing I kept thinking that I should call Jared and tell him what had happened because I was just with him and if something had happened to him, I would want to know. But I was not stable, so I wasn't sure if I should. But I finally decided to just call him. So I called his home phone (since he doesn't have a cell phone), but I forgot that their network had been down so their phone and internet wasn't working. So I left some sort of crazed message. Then I called his mom's cell phone, but she didn't answer, so I left another crazed message. (I really want to know what I said and how I sounded, because I don't remember any of it). So Sunday morning Debbie (Jared's mom) called me to make sure I was ok. Then she woke Jared up and told him so he called me. It was cute because he had just woken up and was all groggy. But he made sure I was ok. I was still in shock from it so I was pretty awkward. But this is all a side note.

I don't know what the state of my car is, hopefully we'll find out today. And I'm pretty sure I'll cry when I find out, because every time I think about it I get all teared up. But my dad let me borrow his old man car for now. But after Christmas break I'll have to figure out what to do if I don't get my car back. But that is for another post and at a later date. I'll try to get pictures. Sorry for this incredible longness. But thanks for the concerns.

Longest Week of My Life

So, this week seems like it's been the longest week of my life. I don't know why, but it has been maddening. Ok, maybe I might know a little reason why, but it's so ridiculous that I'm not going to tell you.

Finals are finally here though. And I'm very excited and also scared for my life. I am greatly looking forward for them all to be over, and so I'm ok with taking them. But I'm real scared because, well, that means a lot of studying, and we all know how I am with that - especially finals. I don't think I ever really studied for finals until last semester. I don't know how I have survived thus far, but I wish it would come back to me now. Mostly I'm just worried about my Contemporary Art test because it requires a lot of analyzing and thinking about things that I just don't fully grasp. But I think it will be ok. I am planning on studying for most of the day tomorrow and then the craziness begins with two finals on Monday, one on Tuesday, and then the last one isn't until Friday.

Um, my little step sister Julie had her baby yesterday morning at 7am! I still haven't seen her because she was having breathing problems because of fluid in her lungs. But she was doing a lot better today and hopefully she'll come home tomorrow. Her name is Kira and she looks real cute. I'll try to get some pictures so I can show you.

My job is pretty awesome. My boss, Mike, is hilarious and totally laid back. It's really fun. I work with all girls and we are quite the exciting bunch. I'll have to tell more stories about that later.

Speaking of jobs, Lisa from Shirley's called me today and asked if I would work tomorrow and all next week. I said yeah right, sucka!...ok, I didn't really say that. I was nice and told her I could only work Tuesday and Wednesday for a few hours. It will be real weird, but whatever.

Have I mentioned lately that I have the best friends in the world? Seriously, words cannot express the feelings of amazingness I feel towards all of you. The times that I have the most fun are pretty much always with you girls. I could get all mushy, but I'll save that for another time. Basically, I love you all terribly. And I miss you.

I must leave now to Becca's super cool Christmas Party, for which I made my 40/50 cookies. That's right, I am also super cool.

Song-O-the-Week: Don't You Dare by Namaskar. So, I came upon this song whilst listening to acoustic music on iLike music playlist on facebook. Random, I know. But I really like this song and I think you should listen to it.

pretty girl

Deb wrote a blog like this in September I believe and I started writing one of my own then, but forgot about it until I started writing my last blog, in which I mentioned finding this one...I hope you followed that, because I did. I also modified the rules because I am super.

My Age: In case you are saying to yourself, isn't Ali 21?, then clearly you have forgotten that September comes before November.

Places I've Travelled:

Places I want to travel to:

Favorite Places:

...i would also take on the couch cuddling
...watching of course

this is a museum...

Favorite Object:

Favorite Food:

Favorite Animal:

Favorite Colors:

Place I was Born:

well, really it was in Orem, but this picture is pretty

Place I live Now:

don't you wish you lived in this steamy vat of mystery?

Pet:
a.k.a.

Past Love:

Best Friend's Nickname: yes Debbie, I actually found this picture on a google search. you are now famous.

My Screen Name:

First Name:

Middle Name:

Last Name:

why did this guy pose with a We Buy Houses sign? He is ruining the Gardner integrity.

that's right. we are cool enough to have our own island. next, the world.

Bad Habit:

First Job:

Grandmother's Name:

College Degree:

What I'm Doing Right Now:

Honorable mention for best picture that wouldn't fit in a category:

Song of the Week: Pretty Girl by Sugarcult. I figured since this is the title of the post it should actually be apart of the post for real. I bought this song recently because I'm getting sick of all of my music. This one also gets stuck in my head and I've decided I like it. A lot.

In the Works

So, I started working on a blog several months ago and then forgot about it and I just recently remembered that I have it but haven't posted it yet. So I will get on that soon. Because it's a good one. I think.

Hmm...thinking of any updates. Well, as far as boys go, I have no idea what I'm doing. Which always seems to be the case. I think I'm just too picky, but I don't mean to be. But if I'm honestly not attracted or interested in someone, then why should I pretend? Then we just both get hurt in the end. But how can I say I want a boyfriend and then shoo them away when they're not what I want? I'm not saying that they are flocking to me, because that is so not the case. I'm just saying in general. I don't think any of that came out the way I intended it to....I like boys and I want one for myself. That's all.

Um....so Thanksgiving is this week and I'm so excited to hang with the families. both of them. very much. Like a lot. And for pie-making too. And because I don't have to work!!! that is the very best of all. I can actually be conscious during the holidays for the first time in two years. I am awesome.

I am officially done with papers for this semester! I turned my last one in on Friday. Now I just have one Italian test and then finals. So pretty much these next couple weeks are going to be very relaxing. I don't know what I'm going to do with my free time. Maybe I should study for finals.

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for being my friend. You are all so amazing and I love you dearly. I don't know where I would be without all of your advise and help. Anyway, don't mean to go all sappy on you, but I really do mean it.

And I know you all thought I had forgotten about the song-of-the-week, but I didn't, I was just....waiting to see if anyone missed it. Which clearly no one did. But I'm starting it again because I like it and I'm pretty much just writing this blog for myself it seems.

Al-dog's Song-O-The-Week: Grand Theft Autumn by Fallout Boy. I always get this song stuck in my head. So I finally looked it up and bought it. I am very happy with my purchase. So, score for me.

New Post = ! ! !

So, I know I need to write a new blog, but I don't know what to say necessarily. Other than MY FRIENDS ARE AMAZING, and by friends I mean all of you and by amazing I mean the super duper best ever. Ok, I guess then the sentence doesn't really make sense, but you get what i'm atalking about. Thank you all so much for helping with, planning, participating in anything that was my birthday. I had so much fun and it was all because of you amazing girls! So thank you all a lot again and again. I don't know if I deserved such a fantastic time, but I sure did have one.

I'm so excited that the worst part of my semester is pretty much over! I just have one more paper to write that is due on Friday and then I am free from crazy stressful weeks until finals.

So, how do you all feel about exclamation points? I almost used one after "finals", but then I didn't because I felt it wasn't really something I would exclaim! even though I am really excited about it. And I used one in the sentence before and I didn't want to seem like an exclamation point whore (is that too strong of a word?). Sometimes I feel that when I use one I'm a 15 year old talking about how hot some boy is, or just how much she loves lip gloss or something. But I suppose they are there for my use, so I shouldn't shun them, but I think maybe they have been abused. I can't help but think of the Seinfeld episode about this exact subject. Anyway, that was a long paragraph about nothing. I mean amazing incites. You feel enlightened now don't you?

Um, I guess I could say a lot more about life and such, but I don't know if really want to at this time....whatever that means.

Here's a picture from my birthday/early Thanksgiving:

I know, I'm adorable

Late for Class

Ok, I have to leave for class in like 5 minutes. But, um, lots of stuff has been going on. I started my job on Monday and so far it has been pretty good, a little boring, but good.

I've been listening to Conference on my iPod while I walk to school and yesterday I heard the most amazing talk. I don't remember who it was or what the talk was called but it was all about Christ and how we can choose to follow him and be saved or not follow him and not be saved. Well, he used better words that me, but it was such a great talk. Maybe I'll look up who it was; all I know is that it was in the Saturday afternoon session.

Anyway, I think one of my roommates has an eating disorder and we're really worried about her but don't really know what to do.

It snowed today and it was real cold. I did not like it. But it was nice getting to work and not being sweaty.

These next few weeks are going to be crazy with research papers and tests. So I'll be at the library pretty much almost every night this week. party party. But then it's my birthday and then I don't really have any big things due until finals. yay!

Oh, dang I really need to go to class, but first. I was thinking about maybe having a birthday party for myself on either Friday or Saturday night (of my birthday). Just like some food and music and maybe games and such. I would invite a whole bunch of people, but maybe they wouldn't come. So...What do you think?

Guess What?!

Chicken Butt

Oh wait, wrong answer...

I Quit My Job Today!

Yes, it's true. I've talked about it for ages but today I actually did it. I'm sure my boss will be calling me at any moment asking for my reasons, which honestly scares me to death and is the worst part of this whole thing. But, it's something I need to do and I'm hopeful and excited to find an awesome new job.

Speaking of, I have a job interview on Friday, of which I don't think I'm at all qualified for, but who knows, maybe I'll surprise myself.

I know a song-of-the-week (and a blog for that matter) is long overdue, but these past couple weeks have pretty intense and emotional, but very good things have come from the experiences. I might write a bit about some of them, but that is for another time.

Just wanted to express the excitement and scariness of changes. both good and bad, and sometimes both.

John Hale Gardner, our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, surrounded by his loving family, passed away on September 26, 2008 after succumbing to complications due to advanced age.

John Hale was born August 24, 1922, in Logan, Utah, to Willard and Rebecca Viola Hale Gardner. He was the second youngest of seven children and their father was a professor of soil physics at Utah State Agricultural College near his home in Logan.

John Hale studied physics at Utah State University, graduating in three years as the valedictorian of his class. Then he attended MIT and helped develop radar during World War II. He also attended Harvard University where he got his PhD in Physics. His graduate work contributed to three different Nobel prizes in physics.

He married his high school sweetheart, Olga Hellen Dotson, in the Boston Mission Home on July 23, 1943, and they were sealed the next year in the Logan Temple. He was devoted to Olga his whole life and was her greatest fan, as she had a beautiful soprano voice and shared her talent in many ways. They had eight wonderful children, as he would always say, who brought him great joy.

In 1949 he came to Provo to teach physics, mathematics, and astronomy at a much smaller Brigham Young University. He loved his students and colleagues, and he was instrumental in the growth and development of BYU. He particularly enjoyed teaching the Honor's Colloquium, and he was beloved and influential in the lives of his students.

John Hale had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, and he served in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including bishop, high councilman, and gospel doctrine teacher.

He is survived by his wife, Olga, of 65 years; 8 children: Helen Elizabeth (Tracy Hall), John Willard (Kathryn), Kristin (Ron Spears), Rebecca, Robert Dotson (Deborah), Eric William (Connie), Ann, Margaret Irene (John Naegle); 37 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Relda (Frank Bringhurst), and 1 brother Willard (DeAnn).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Oak Hills 1st Ward, 1038 North 1200 East, Provo. Friends may call at the Ward Chapel on Thursday evening 6-8 p.m. or on Friday one hour prior to services. Interment Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Info@BergMortuary.com.

"thumb knuckle" thoughtfully brought to you by a random guy by the hot tub

wow, it seems like so much has been going on. I really need to go to bed because I have work in the morning, but I need to be researching for a paper proposal that's due on Thursday, but the library website won't let me log in. Weird. So, here I am, writing this blog.

I got a calling today. I won't be sustained until Sunday, so I'm not telling you. ha.

For the first time in a long time I had absolutely no milk this morning for breakfast. So, I had a banana with peanut butter. It was good, but not satisfying.

Nikki got engaged! which I'm sure you all know. But HOLY COWABUNGA! that is super exciting and I'm so glad that she is happy. even though that brings me one step closer to being the last one to get married, but it's ok, I've almost accepted it.

I talked to my roommate Laura today about boys. We both told each other about our past relationships. It was the usual discussions, but I must say, it was a really good talk. She is just so sweet. I really needed to have such a talk. She is just amazing. I can only say good things about that dear girl. And it was really nice talking about stuff because it made me realize how much I have learned and grown from being in relationships. I think so much better of myself than I did two years ago, even a few months ago. And I know that I deserve the best and by golly I will get it.

My mom. she is just the best. We were so close before she got married, but since then it seems that we have really become the best of friends. I just love her so much! I can't even describe it. All I can say is that I can't wait to have that kind of love with my family in the future - forever.

um, I think that is a good coverage of things going on.

Al's Song of the Week: Imagine by John Lennon. Ok, so, I love love this song. And I'm almost king of learning it on the guitar, which is pretty awesome I think. Plus he's a Beatle, and that explains itself.

The Week of Births

My roommate, Laura, turned 19 today. Our dear friend Jake turned 22 today. I don't know how old Teri is going to be, but her birthday is on Thursday. And my amazing friend and roommate Larke turns the big two three on Thursday. I'm terrible with presents and sentimental things. I'm good at thinking of those things, but not at actually going through with them. But I'm trying to do better, so hopefully I will do something great and fun.

And speaking of birth, I had a dream yesterday night that I was pregnant (and by the way, I make a pretty cute pregnant lady). Anyway, my water broke. And I could actually feel it happening. Oh, and the baby wasn't mine, I was having it for someone else, a surrogate even. My mom wouldn't come with me to the hospital because she was taking a nap, but she said she would come later. I was real mad but I went to go tell my dad and step mom. They were excited and told me what I needed to do. So after realizing I was going to be totally alone in this and that I needed to get to a hospital asap, I woke up. But really, I was in the midst of gaining consciousness. As in, I actually thought I was pregnant and I knew that my water broke (I thought that I had dreamt it happening, but that it did actually happen) and I needed to get up and go. After a few minutes, and feeling my stomach, I finally realized that it was all really a dream and that I was not at all pregnant.

Song-O-the-Week: Time After Time by Quietdrive. I also like the Cindy Lauper version, of course, but this one is very good too. And I choose this one because, um, time makes us have birthdays.

I'm christening my new apartment with cookies tomorrow

Al-dogs Song of the Week: Do You Believe Me Now by Jimmy Wayne. I really like this song. I think it's his voice. Country really is raising status in my music library.

Sorry, this is all you get this week. I'll try harder next week...maybe.

Alright fine I'll give you picture. Izzy's birthday is tomorrow and she's turning one! I can't believe it.

Art History is super duper fun

Well, first of all, Larke's car had some major radiator problems today on our way to dinner, so after we bought some coolant at the gas station, I got to put it in her car because she had no idea what to do. The best part is that I was in heels. I don't know why but I've always wanted to be all dressed up and have to work on a car. And even though it wasn't anything big, it was still satisfying. Weird, I know. Unfortunately her it turns out her car has a major leak and we're going to take it in tomorrow to get fixed, but the evening still worked out fun.

I'm pretty dang excited for school to start tomorrow, but I have neglected to get notebooks or pencils or text books yet. So pretty much I have a laptop and a backpack. I really don't want to buy books, they are going to be so much this semester! And I've started planning my schedule for winter semester and it has been driving me crazy. I can't take all the classes I want to because there are time clashes. But I guess I can put that off for a few weeks and just focus on this semester. I just want everything to work out perfectly for me to graduate next December. Well, I have the faith.

My roommates seem really cool and I'm excited for some fun at the Glenwood, but only if I can actually be somewhat social. Which I have some major issues with, but I'm honestly going to try and put the whole shy, insecure, scared out of my mind bit behind me and put myself out there as best I can. If I am going to be comfortable at all these next two semesters I'm afraid I'm going to have to not be afraid of making new friends, especially after my dear Larke abandons me.

Remember how a couple posts ago I said that I wanted to stop stressing and just live my life? Well, I think I'm finally getting somewhere. I'm really trying to not let things stress me out as much and just let things happen. If I am doing what's right and I really want something to happen, then I have to have faith that it actually will happen and stop stressing so much about it. For example, I wanted to find a new job. I decided this time I wasn't going to go crazy over it. I would just relax and do what I could do and if I was meant to get a new job, then I would. So far it has been good.

Al-dog's Song of the Week: Should've Said No by Taylor Swift. I just really like this song. It's a fun one. And Taylor Swift for that matter. I didn't think it would happen, but it has and I even bought her cd.

Breaking Dawn

A few weeks ago, I somehow convinced my mom to buy Breaking Dawn for me. And then she wouldn't let me pay her back. She is a sneaky one that mother of mine. She also bought me this little cupcake with vampire fangs on them just because she "couldn't resist". Somehow I let Debbie have them and let's just say she had quite the 10 minutes of fun. I wish I had a picture; it was scary, but not as bad as her shark face - that is right below seeing an actual shark.

I really liked the book. I didn't know what to expect and I was worried the whole time that I wouldn't like it. The end wasn't what I thought it would be, but I still loved it. It was all so much more than I expected. I don't think it is my favorite book ever, but I was definitely satisfied. I'm going to have to read it again in a few months because so much happened and, well, I just want to.

So, it's only Tuesday and already I don't like this week. Even though fun things are happening, like going to the U of U museum tomorrow with my dad and mom, and going to the storytelling festival on friday. I guess mostly it's just job stuff that is getting me down. I really want to get a new job that has better hours so I can actually have a social life again. And I thought that I had a job lined up that I was really excited about, but that has fallen through and now I don't know if I'll be able to find another one. I was just getting excited about not having to work there anymore and now I just want to quit, even if it means no job, which would be completely irresponsible, but at this point I don't know if I care. Even though I need to be saving money now more than ever. Maybe it's about time I be selfish and do what I want to do. It probably won't happen because, but it's nice to think about.

On a better note, so far glenwood apartment life has been good. Larke and I have had quite the fun times together taking out garbage and going through the kitchen getting rid of old stuff and making delicious brownies.

Song of the Week: Billie Jean by David Cook. this is the only michael jackson song that I actually like. and david cook's version is probably my favorite. I figured since last week was david archuleta, a david cook song was in order. I hope this one's on his new album, because it's a keeper.

um, slacker?

so, due to lack of internet connection at my dear new apartment, i'm afraid this is all you get this week.

Song-O-the-Week: Crush by David Archuleta. Yes, it's true, I have recently purchased his new single. I couldn't help it. His voice gets me every time. With that said, I am still an avid David Cook fan and I can't wait until his album comes out. But can't I like both at the same time? Well my friends, I can, and I will.

Packing Up

Larke and I are moving into Glenwood today. Mostly because my mom forced us too. We were going to stay at her town house, but my grandparents are going to be staying there next week. Anyway, there are people in it now and I'm kind of scared that there isn't going to be an empty room and we'll have to ask someone to move into a different room. But hopefully that won't have to happen. I'm so excited to live with Larke (but of course I will miss living with Debbie terribly) and to finally settle into a pattern again. It feels like summer is always so crazy - a lot of fun, but still crazy. It's not as routine as when I'm in school.

Oh! and, funny story. The amazing people who work for Glenwood didn't look at our gender and put us in a guys apartment in the north building. I wanted to tell them that that was a-okay with me, but I didn't think they would like that so much. Anyway, we went back today and now we're in the first building, closest to campus, in number 15, with girls.

In other news, I'm almost done with Breaking Dawn. I really like it so far and I can't wait to see how it ends!


Izzy is going to one next month! I can't believe she's so big. Here is one of her 11 months pictures. So adorable

Song of the Week: Be Here Now by Ray LaMontagne. I tend to focus a lot on the future and how I want things to be, instead of focusing on what I have to do now in order to get where I want to be. I've been doing that a lot lately. And then I get really stressed because things aren't working out how I want them to, and if you didn't know already, I am not a big fan of plans being changed (although I think I'm getting a little better). I get so wrapped up in what I want my future to be that that's all I think about. I think I need to focus more on the present, because things aren't going to happen if I just imagine them in the future, I actually have to do it myself. I just need to relax, get things done, and have faith that everything will work out.

I got to go eat Tacos

Larke and I finally have a place to live! Alright, it's at the Glenwood, but at least it's somewhere. It should be interesting, but it's close to the JKB, which is where all my classes are, and it's closer to Larke's work, and it's not the Riv.

Missy and I made the wedding cake on Saturday. It was quite the adventure. I put it all on facebook. But here's another picture anyway.
















Song O' the Week: The Moment I Said It by Imogen Heap. I think enough said about this one. She is amazing and this song is one of my favorites.

Sleepy Head

I've been trying to "repress" a lot of stuffs this past week so I won't get too stressed, but to no avail. It has all come back this week and now I'm stressed for reals. I have no where to live in the fall, which also means that Larke has no where to live, which means two girls, no home. Missy, a girl I work with, and I are making a wedding cake for our other coworker, Kasey. Which is this Saturday. I've been getting really stressed out with having the mono because I've been working more than I should so I get really tired and my body gets achy and it just doesn't like me.

Anyway, don't get the wrong idea, everything else is going well. I'm still happy and such, it's only when I think of those other things that I get all tense and freaked out. Another girl I work with, Ang even, and I took a completely spontanious trip to Park City on Friday before I went on a date with Jake. Both were very fun. I bought some new jeans that I finally decided to keep and from what I've been told, they are quite the hot ones.

Song of the Week: Shut Your Mouth by Automatic Loveletter. I have really come to love this band. They only have one EP album out, but it's a good one. This song has gotten stuck in my head many a time this week. I wish you could actually hear it because that is really the best part. I tried to get music on my blog so you could all hear it, but I don't know how, but I will look into it more later.

Si-ng-al-on-g

I have decided that I am going to have a weekly posting of my song of the week. Hopefully it will accompany other topics, but sometimes I am lazy. The tradition starts now!

So, I went to Wyoming this weekend with my friend from work, Angela (aka Ang). She and I are the only singles left at work. So we have decided we must band together to form an friendship of awesomeness. To begin work on said friendship I went with her to her hometown, Lovell, Wyoming. It's in the northern part and is literally in the middle of no where. The town has 3,000 people I think, but we passed some that we 100-300. It was awesome, but also very baren. Her best friend from high school just got back from his mission and she wanted to see him and well, basically, see if there were still feelings there - because there were before he left. So myself and her roommate Sharee accompanied her for support. It was about an eight hour drive of desert and snacks and some pretty hoppin' music - oh and exciting conversations about guys and life and such.

She lives on a farm with horses and silos and such. It's the house her dad grew up in even. Her parents were amazing and so nice. I mean, like, the perfect couple. You can tell they still love each other and joke around with each other. And they are so open and Ang talks to them about everything - well, a lot of things. And they love their kids so much. Her dad was the kind of dad I want my husband to be to our children, basically most of what my dad wasn't (I still love me dad to death, by the way). Needless to say, I had a lot of fun and I'm probably going to travel up to Salt Lake maybe on occasion (which is where she lives). She is crazy and fun and pretty open about everything and for some reason she thinks I'm fun and funny.

Especially because I just found out my brother, Josh, Amber and Izzy are moving to Salt Lake! I'm so sad, but also happy because they get to live on their own.

Al-dog's song of the week: Dance Like There's No Tomorrow by Paula Abdul
I just want to "forget about all my problems" and "stay right here on the floor, Get lost in the night And dance like there's no tomorrow". The lyrics pretty much typify exactly what I'm thinking right now.

I want my waterbed back

When I was a child - a baby even - until I left home, I slept on a wonderful waterbed that my dad built with his own two hands. I wish I had a picture of the real thing, but this will have to do. I miss it terribly. It was so comfortable. You could just wiggle a little bit and the whole thing would move like the ocean - but not in the ocean because that would be the scariest thing ever. It was like being gently rocked to sleep. I know, you want one now don't you? I do. These little apartment beds just don't cut it. Plus I had these awesome monster letter sheets. All the letters of the alphabet were monsters and they had names that started with the letter. When I was little they actually gave me nightmares, but as I got older I grew to love those little monsters.

Las Vegas continued...or for the first time

Here are some pictures I stole from Deb from our Las Vegas trip. I think they are awesome.

I've got me some mono

Yes it's true, I have mono. And no, it is not fun at all. I'm not entirely sure where I got it from, but I'm going to blame our roommate Stephanie who moved out a couple weeks ago because she thought she had it. I guess technically the timing was good enough that I could blame Bryan - and trust me, this is my choice, at least it's somewhat of a good story - but if he had it then I would have gotten it way sooner.

My mom has been amazing and has taken care of me the past few days. I forgot how much I missed staying at her house and seeing her all the time. When I'm sick, there's nothing better than having my mom take care of me. It's somewhat of a comfort food, if you will.

But anyway, it's been pretty miserable the past week. So, when you have mono your spleen swells, making it somewhat painful and uncomfortable to breathe deeply. Also, I've had a fever off and on every day. Probably the main thing right now is the sore throat - severe sore throat. My glands and tonsils are really swollen and it hurts every time I swallow. every time. The worst part is that all of this gets worse when I try to sleep - especially in the throat area - and sleeping is how you're supposed to help get rid of the mono. So I'm up pretty much all night not being able to swallow because it hurts so bad and then I try to relax by taking some deep breaths, but then my side starts hurting so i stop that and then start getting really frustrated because my body is so exhausted from waking up every half hour and it hurts all over and not even the lidocaine they gave me helps my throat stop hurting. Fortunately last night I slept somewhat better and I'm feeling a little better overall, but that's with no work since Saturday and basically laying around all day. So we'll see how it goes after work the rest of this week. I'm really sorry if I've been kind of out of it recently or if I am for the next several weeks. Hopefully I will be back to normal before school starts.

On a better note, I finished The Host last week and I liked it a lot. It took a while for me to get into it, but after that happened I was hooked. There were a few things that I had issues with, but I mostly ignored them. It was really interesting, but kind of weird at the same time. Anyway, I recommend it.


Now I'm reading Eclipse again because the fourth book comes out in August. Alright, now I'm hungry, so I'm going to go make some soup.

Midol is my friend

I know I need to write a new post, but I don't know what to write about. Then I thought maybe I would write about some of my thoughts. But they are mostly all depressing and frustrating, and I don't want to dampen anyone else's mood. So maybe I'll write about my roommates, since those are good things.

First there's the Debbie. I think she's pretty much amazing. It has been so nice sharing a room with someone who is actually pleasant and willing to talk about things instead of just making things more awkward by not. And she doesn't mind my messiness and early sleeping habits. She is always very careful not to wake me, which I appreciate so much. She is the best friend I could ask for. And she's hilarious, so really it's win win...win.

Second is Larke. She is definitely amazing and has become one of my best friends. She lived with me in the Riv and basically got me through those two semesters. I think the best part is that she says exactly what she's thinking, whether it's how you look or why she's mad. Of course I don't always want to hear the truth, but it's good in the end. Plus, she makes me buy clothes that actually look good on me, which is a pretty hard thing to do.

Third is Rose. She just moved in like a couple days ago. So I don't really know her. But she seems really nice and hasn't been too offended by our crazy ways. I don't know how I feel about calling her Rose, I still can't say it seriously. But it is pretty. Anyway.

So those are the roomies. With all the other things going on in my life, I love being able to come home and hang out with them, even though sometimes I am lame and no fun. They are still supportive and like being around me for some reason. Basically, friends are the best and I'm glad I live with some pretty great ones.

Fun Fun

Ok, I've got nothing....except this awesome new template! isn't it exciting?

um...here's a picture of my niece Isabella. i just think she is so adorable. she's 9 months and she already has 6 teeth! which is craziness. and she's saying little words like mom. and she's crawling. anyway, cute.

The New Family

So, I thought I would post some pictures of my mom's new family, which also means that it is my new family. Anyway, these are from before the wedding; we still have yet to develop or find any other pictures - but I am trying to get on it. So, here they are...

Jason, 23 (still hasn't said a word to me)
Sarah, 20 (we're kind of friends now)
ME, 20 (in case you forgot.....debbie)
Julie, 18 and Russell (Julie's husband. They are the only ones who don't live at home)
Chris, 16
James, 12 or 13
Matthew, 10
Jacob, 7 (he is so cute)
a funny one

So, there you go. They are quite the bunch.