Rascal Flatts Never Disappoint

Tonight I spent three delightful hours at the Energy Solutions Arena witnessing a brilliant concert full of my favorite country music: Rascal Flatts. Jay, Gary and Joe Don performed excellently and although none of them could be considered "head turners", I thoroughly enjoyed eying them for the full two hours they performed. Thanks to some generous friends, we were able to enjoy the concert from a suite full of delicious food and fun friends and family. I know that Rascal Flatts are well on their way to becoming a "has-been" but I think they will always be my favorite band. I have so many memories associated with almost every one of their songs. I don't think their music will ever get old to me. All in all, it was a night full of fun and excitement. A special thanks to the Clawson family and their generosity.

Me and my kid brother, Ethan, preparing for the concert. What a gem.

Jessica Simpson opened up for The Flatts and contrary to the latest media reports, she is NOT fat. Is she a complete idiot? Yes. Was she beyond painful to watch? Absolutely. But fat, she is not. I would still kill for her thighs.

Me and Pressey Boy just minutes before the big concert began.

And they finally played. And I jammed out to my favorite Rascal Flatts songs for a full two hours. Pure bliss.

Be sure to pick up Rascal Flatts new c.d. on April 7th. I got a small preview of it tonight, and I don't think it will disappoint.

Mission Call Mania

I feel like every freshman boy living in Helaman Halls is getting his mission call in the next few weeks, just today two of my best friends down here got their calls. It's so exciting meeting in the lobby with 40 friends, seeing the family two states over hooked up on skype, and watching the future missionary tremble in anticipation of where they will be serving the Lord for the next two years. Their whole life has been leading up to this one question and the answer has finally arrived in a single white envelope. It's weird how once they read the destination they can't stop smiling and laughing nervously and the location seems to fit them perfectly. It's hard to imagine them going anywhere else in the world. I love watching mission call openings almost more than anything. I'm looking forward to all my dear friends recieving their calls and give them all a sincere congratulations and know that they will all be amazing missionaries.

David Burbidge will be serving in Connecticut/Rhode Island. He will enter the MTC on May 13. Congrats David. Get Some.

Ryan Inkley was called to Houston, Texas Spanish Speaking. He will also enter the MTC on May 13. Congratulations Ryan, you're amazing.

Truly Madly Deeply

Well folks, the Savage Garden music video that was so brilliantly made and edited this weekend is now complete. I felt compelled to post it, whether or not it's blog worthy. Keep in mind it was filmed from the hours of 12:00-4:00 a.m. on Friday night...well technically Saturday morning. The cheesy-ness is completely intentional. Enjoy...and if you'd like to comment on the brilliance of it, feel free.

p.s. I will never be able to listen to this classic song without thinking of Anna, Emily, Michal, Brita and freshman year. Good, good times.

I'm Itching for Spring...

is anyone else completely loving the weather we're experiencing? it feels like it's mid-april outside, and i love it!
i only hope that it's here to stay this time and won't be overthrown by another snowstorm.
the past three days have been beyond wonderful; i can't get enough of this amazing weather. i've done a few things to celebrate:

1. i drove around Provo for a good hour with my windows rolled all the way down. my radio was blasting regina spektor, my shades were on, and my hair was blowing in every possible direction. it was so great!
   
   
2. i put faith hill's "sunshine and summertime" on repeat and danced to it until i ran out of breath and collapsed on my bed.


3. i went running outside instead of at the indoor track. it was so refreshing!


4. i finally pulled out all of my summer skirts and dresses. i can't wait to wear them!


5. i spent way too much time looking online at anthropologie's new spring collection. you too can check it out here.


6. i updated the quotes on my closet doors and wrote them on neon spring colored paper. it sure brightens the place up.

any minute now i'll be going outside to ride my bike around town and soak up more of the perfect weather. now, everyone cross your fingers that it stays like this until next fall.

P.S. i had quite an eventful night last night. it started out by going to the BYU men's volleyball game {which we dominated}, i then developed a slight crush on the ball boy, practiced my major creeping skills and snapped a polaroid of him {it's okay, he doesn't know who i am and i'll never see him again} we then made a super cheesy music video to none other than savage garden's "truly madly deeply". as soon it's all put together i might post it. maybe. until then, enjoy the slice of spring that we've been blessed with!

Technology Gone Too Far?

The other day I went into the Wilk, ordered a Jamba Juice and decided to visit the restrooms just west of Jamba. Last semester these bathrooms were somewhat ghetto and I would try to avoid going in them at all costs. This semester, however, they have been renovated and could now be qualified as state of the art restrooms. I walked in and saw the new granite counter tops, automatic sinks and soap dispensers and a new invention called the Dyson Airblade: the only hand dryer that literally scrapes water from hands. Very impressive. I was loving these new additions to the bathroom until I got in the stall and saw that the toilet paper dispenser was also automatic. Have we really become a society that is too lazy to obtain our own toilet paper? Have we gotten to the point that the only effort we are willing to put into the task is a small wave of the hand? Wow. What's next? To quote my roomie, "Before we know it there will be a machine that will put us on the toilet." Because heaven forbid we walk and squat. Don't get me wrong, technology is great, but there comes a point where I think we've gone to far. Automatic toilet paper dispensers is far past that point.

This single event has got me thinking, what is technology really doing to the world? Don't even get me started on the communication aspect of it. We are getting to the point that people don't even know how to carry on a conversation unless it's through a text or facebook chat. I'm guilty of participating in these conveniences, but come on, lets just pick up the phone and give the person a call. It's so much more personal and will actually let us practice communicating. What kills me the most is when two people are sitting side by side and rather than turning and speaking to each other, they converse through texts. I honestly think that facebook chat and texting will be the downfall of the world. I give it ten years before the majority of the population is unable to carry on a conversation in person, or even over the phone. It scares me. Real bad. Technology is incredibly convenient and I appreciate it, but I think it's a dangerous convenience. Just now I've decided I'm going to cut my time on facebook chat down immensely and texting is going to become more of a convenience rather than a necessity. If you'd like to talk to me, give me a call or come visit me face to face and we can have a real conversation. I'm boycotting unnecessary technology; for a few days at least. Let's be real though, if you text me, I'll probably text you back. I don't have enough self-control to eliminate it out of my life.

Learn to Park

Last night, I went over to my cousin's apartment to study a little Spanish, but let's be real, my main motive in going over there was to watch the latest episode of The Bachelor (it was excellent, if you didn't watch it, I highly recommend it). As I walked to my car and began to unlock the door, something caught my eye. Someone had posted a pale blue sticky note on the window of my door. I was very intrigued and proceeded to read it. My excitement quickly plummeted when I read the words: "LEARN TO PARK! xoxo Gossip Girl." Ouch.

I am very much aware of the fact that I'm a horrible driver. I'll be the first to admit that I'm even worse at parking. I'm actually quite perplexed at how I even passed drivers ed (on the first try I might add). But I have to say, this is the first time someone has taken the time to point out my weakness in writing. I found it comical at first, until I looked at my parking job and understood the necessity of the note. I'm still trying to convince myself that when I parked it must have been snowing, making it difficult to see the lines? I guess when I take up two parking spots with a small truck I deserve a note like that. I understand the message, but I'm a little confused at the Gossip Girl reference. If someone could explain I would greatly appreciate it. Now, I take full responsibility of my lousy parking job, but in my defense, have any of you ever driven a Toyota Tacoma? The turning radius is worse than...well I don't know anything to compare it to, but it is terrible. I'm telling myself that is part of the reason my parking was so ugly. Needless to say, when I parked my car again later that night I was very careful and precise in making sure I was perfectly centered in between the two white lines. I would appreciate it if someone could volunteer to periodically stick notes similar to this one on my car to remind me to focus on driving/parking safely and correctly. It was a memo that was much needed. So thank you "Gossip Girl".

100 Things About Me

Okay, first I have to admit that I stole this idea from someone. I thought it looked fun and decided to give it a shot. Here are 100 things about me:

1. I was born and raised in Centerville, Utah. Some people think it's unfortunate to be a Utah girl, but I think just the opposite. I wouldn't have changed it for anything in the world.
2. I am passionate about traveling the world. I think you can learn a lot more about history and culture traveling and seeing it first hand than you ever could in a text book.
3. I love to read. There's nothing like getting completely lost in a good book.
4. I'd rather spend time with my family than my friends. Is that weird? I figure that friends come and go but my family will always be here, it's a good thing I like them so much.
5. My mom is my very best friend and my twin soul. I'm lucky and proud to be able to say that.
6. I love hand written letters. They are much more personal and exciting than emails.
7. I try to have an open-mind and see other peoples points of view.
8. I love pictures. They are good reminders of memories.
9. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and 100% committed.
10. I was the typical kid that wanted to be everything, from a doctor to an interior designer to a detective.
11. I have now made up my mind that I want to teach Elementary School. I know the pay is bad, it's not very prestigious, and its a lot of hard work, but it's what I love, so I'm going for it.
12. I like to go tanning. I know its so bad for me, but it's oh so relaxing.
13. I'm a good listener.
14. I try to be friends with everyone and accept people for who they are.
15. I have a goal to visit every continent in the world throughout my life. 3 down, 4 to go.
16. I am 5'1" and I like being short. For the most part. I can wear high heels anytime I want and I'll never be too tall.
17. I love to play tennis.
18. I used to hate running, but I've started doing it out of necessity and it's really grown on me. I can honestly say I enjoy it now.
19. Sometimes I like to speak in acronyms.
20. It's such a satisfying feeling finding that perfect gift for someone.
21. Chocolate is my weakness. Scratch that, sweets in general are my weakness.
22. Listening to 1990's boy/girl bands is a guilty pleasure of mine.
23. I'm a planner. I have a much better day if I write everything down I want to accomplish that day.
24. I love Christmas lights. One of my favorite traditions is to drive around the neighborhood and give out fake awards for the best house lights.
25. When I eat an orange, every single one of the white stringy things have to be off completely before I eat it. Hence, it takes me a good hour to eat one orange.
26. I love the feeling when my scrapbooks are completely up to date.
27. And my journal.
28. I prefer feather pillows over cotton.
29. I hate sleeping with socks.
30. My dream house includes a white picket fence, a big wrap around porch, dormer windows with green shutters and a big tree in my front yard.
31. I want to raise my family in a small, quaint town.
32. I'm always up for a good chick-flick.
33. I don't like animals. At all.
34. Although strangely, I love horseback riding.
35. I'm beginning to collect nativity scenes. I've got 4 so far.
36. My favorite article of clothing is a cardigan.
37. My favorite accessory is a scarf.
38. I hate plucking my eyebrows. It's a tedious and painful task.
39. I have a huge goal of being able to speak Spanish fluently someday.
40. I love home decor.
41. I have a habit of always saying "bless you" after someone sneezes.
42. My favorite color is turquoise/teal.
43. Whenever I watch a movie, I always like to have a pillow on my lap.
44. I don't really like to floss my teeth.
45. I have never had a cavity.
46. I love painting my fingernails. Bright colors for spring and summer, dark colors for fall and winter.
47. I don't think I'd be able to survive without lotion.
48. I make New Years resolutions every year and every year they are more or less the exact same.
49. I appreciate the convenience of technology.
50. However, I firmly believe that technology is destroying the art of communication.
51. The way the world is spiraling downward so quickly scares me.
52. I worry about the people I love.
53. I come from a long line of over-analyzers. I over-analyze EVERYTHING.
54. My greatest fear in life is that someone I love will die from a tragic accident. I sometimes cry myself to sleep worrying about it.
55. My ultimate goal in life is to marry my best friend and the love of my life in the temple and together raise a loving family with children who are strong in the church.
56. I loved to play with my American Girl Dolls when I was little. My two best friends, Mikelle and Alyssa, and I would spend hours everyday playing with them. This occurred for a good four years of my life.
57. I like to carry a purse with me; I feel more secure and in control if I do.
58. When I make my mind up about something I go for it and hardly anything can stop me.
59. I am a very punctual person and it drives me crazy when other people are late for things.
60. When I am mad about something I use one of two tactics: Analyze it in my head and then get over it or openly confront the person about it.
61. I try to be understanding and respectful towards the feelings of others.
62. I love highlighters. I love to highlight everything: text books, scriptures, novels, documents, you name it and I probably highlight it.
63. I love to wear skirts.
64. I don't like journals that have lines on the pages. Blank pages allow room for creativity.
65. I've always wondered what my introductory character description would be if I were the main character in a novel.
66. I love q-tips. Clean ears are such a refreshing feeling. Also, it really grosses me out when I'm talking to someone and can see a clump of ear wax in their ears.
67. I hope for the day when everyone can get along and love each other.
68. I'm still a kid at heart.
69. I love to brush my teeth. I always feel better and ready to face the world when I have fresh breath.
70. I love nature.
71. I like to read home decorating magazines.
72. And fashion magazines.
73. I'm not a picky eater at all, but there are five foods that I absolutely hate: Fig Newtons, Pudding, Pie, Chicken Noodle Soup and Kidney Beans. I'll eat anything else.
74. I cherish and need my alone time.
75. I like to climb a tree every now and then. I think it's healthy to view the world from a different perspective sometimes.
76. I'm kind of a daddy's girl. I think he is the most brilliant, loving and perfect man I know. The man I marry is going to have a lot to live up to.
77. Sometimes I wish I lived in a simpler time when life was a little slower paced and there weren't as many things to worry about.
78. I have a long list of qualifications for the person I marry, some of which include: an unwavering testimony, a returned missionary, my best friend, honest, a sense of humor, ambitious, humble and kind.
79. My favorite season is fall. I love seeing my Utah mountains covered in a collage of red, yellow and orange.
80. I'm not really into the whole math and science scene. I'm more of an art, literature and English kind of girl.
81. I love board games and card games. I'm always on the lookout for a new one to try. Currently my favorite is a board game called, "Things". It never gets old.
82. I love to write.
83. I love a good bargain. I'm a master at finding a good sale. I learned that art from my mother.
84. I fill the role of the typical little sister. My big sister, Andrea, is my hero. I've always wanted to be just like her and I think I always will.
85. I have my heart set on going to the BYU Jerusalem Center for winter semester 2010. Keep your fingers crossed that I get in and they don't close the center down.
86. My parents have the closest thing to a perfect marriage and I would consider myself lucky if I have a marriage half as good as theirs.
87. Some of my biggest fears in life include: Heights, Cats, Rats, Snakes and Needles.
88. I get annoyed when boys don't ask on dates. I'm so over this 'hanging out' crap.
89. This past year has been a rough one for me. Because it hasn't been ideal, I think I've been refined, shaped and changed into a much better person.
90. I don't really care about sports that much. I go to football games purely for the social scene. The basketball season is half way over and I still haven't picked up my all-sports pass. That's how much I care.
91. I hate it when people are flaky. If you make a commitment, stick to it.
92. I love a good birthday party.
93. I hate group work. I would much rather do the project myself so that I don't have to rely on other people.
94. My favorite punctuation mark is the semi-colon. They hold a lot of power being able to combine sentences like they do.
95. My most embarrassing moment involves the first day of school junior year of high school, a Park Avenue Buick, bumper to bumper traffic, a blaring horn that was stuck, and a parking ticket. Maybe I'll give you more details in person if you ask nicely.
96. I have a solid testimony of the gospel.
97. I love sticky notes. I have them posted all over my room.
98. My favorite late night snack is a bowl of cold cereal.
99. My favorite t.v. shows are: Seinfeld, The Office, The Bachelor, and Gilmore Girls. I once watched all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls with my mom in the course of 2 months. It took over my life.
100. I love riding my pink beach cruiser bike.

Well, there you have it folks, 100 random facts about me. I hope you enjoyed it.

A Return to the Days of Field Trips

This morning, as I walked into my Physical Science lab, our attractive/semi-unqualified TA informed us that we would be taking a field trip during the 50 minutes of class. We would be observing places on campus that had been weathered or eroded and then applying the things we saw to various rocks and minerals we are learning about.

The minute he said the words "field trip" I was flooded with memories of my early childhood education, both bitter and sweet.

Field trips were always something I looked forward to in Elementary School, getting out of class was always a favorite pastime of mine. There was something about riding on those big, yellow school buses, singing "I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves" until the chaperones were seconds away from strangling us, and those white paper bags that the sweet lunch ladies would pack full of food for us to enjoy. And of course getting back to school with only 20 minutes left in the day and having every other kid at Stewart Elementary stare us down with such deep envy. Priceless.

As good as they were, there were some downers. How about those walking field trips? Every time we crossed the street we had to play Noah's Ark and cross two-by-two, holding hands. Remember cooties? It was a very real, contagious and terminal disease. When we crossed the street the chaperones would pair us up and one of two things occurred: I either got stuck with the kid who picked his nose and shoved sand down his pants at recess or worse than that, I had to cross with the kid in the class who had a crush on me; the same kid who would chase me around at recess and try to play "kissing tag" with me.

*Tangent*: Who made up the game of kissing tag? The only kids who play are like six years old, and I don't think they even have hormones yet. I hated that game with a passion; good thing I was fast little child and never got caught. However, one time in first grade, this kid, Matt, got pretty close to catching me, stepped on my brand new Doc Martin sandals and completely demolished them. There was a tear or two shed over those shoes and I don't think I ever truly forgave Matt. It was always awkward between us, up until the day we graduated high school. Probably still is, I just haven't seen him since then. Thank you, kissing tag, you ruined a potential friendship.

There is one field trip that I can honestly say every kid in the 5th grade at Stewart Elementary wholeheartedly dreads. I'm not sure why the administration thinks it's okay to drag 120 ten-year old kids to the Utah Symphony, but they continue on with the tradition year after year, despite the complaints. The day of the Utah Symphony was a gloomy one. I wasn't the only kid who tried to fake sick that morning; unfortunately all of our mothers were wise, understood our motives, and forced us to go anyways. Then there was Jenny, the girl who was brilliant beyond measure and decided to pretend she was claustrophobic so she could get out of the building and wait for us outside in the fresh air. Bogus. She was not claustrophobic; she was a genius. For the rest of the year, Jenny was revered. Every kid in the 5th grade treated her with the utmost respect and stared at her with awe. To this day I hold Jenny in the highest esteem for her brilliance in escaping the Utah Symphony.

This morning as we walked behind the Eyring Science Center, past the Maeser Building and down Rape Hill observing and identifying different kinds of erosion, I couldn't help but wish for just a second that I was back in the good ol' days of elementary school where my biggest worries in life were who I'd get stuck crossing the street with, wondering how I could survive one more recess of sprinting up and down the field to avoid being kissed, and plotting for weeks of various ways I could get out of the Symphony field trip. Then I remembered all the things I'd be missing out on if I was only seven years old, and immediately decided I wouldn't make the swap for anything.

A Weekend Full of Firsts

This weekend I was lucky to experience several "firsts" in my life. It was a weekend to remember:

1. My first overnight stay in Logan, Utah:
My dear friend, Kjarinda, was far too hospitable to me this weekend. I arrived in Logan at approximately 5 o'clock on Friday afternoon and she was the perfect host until I bid farewell 24 hours later. Her roommate, Candace, who I did not have the pleasure of meeting, was so kind as to let me drag her mattress into Kjarinda and Sadie's room to provide a suitable sleeping area for me. Those Logan folk sure are charitable. I look forward to many more overnight stays in Logan.

2. My first Sushi experience:
Surprisingly delicious. Sadie convinced us that we were missing out on life if we had never had sushi. Always up for an adventure, I agreed to give it a shot. The California rolls, which I'm told are a beginners sushi and not necessarily legitimate, were very satisfying. I wasn't quite as partial to the French Kiss rolls, something about that 1 inch thick slab of raw Salmon didn't go over well with me. All in all, though, it was a good experience and I have been converted to a life of Sushi.

3. I Cleaned the Sink at Angie's for the first (and last) time:

Or at least I attempted to. For those of you who aren't Loganites, this is kind of a big deal, or so I'm told. This "Angie's" diner is infamous for their sinks of ice cream. They bring out a real sink, full of ice cream and if you can "clean it" you will receive the esteemed bumper sticker reading: "I cleaned the sink at Angie's". Unfortunately, Kjarinda, Camille and I were unable to clean the sink by ourselves and even with a little help from the others, failed miserably and didn't receive the bumper sticker. This was one of those experiences that you probably only want to attempt once in your life. Twice, if your feeling venturesome.

4. The first time I stayed up until 6 in the a.m.:
I've had my fair share of 5 a.m.ers, but I have to admit, this is the first time I've seen 6:00. I can now say I've pulled a legitimate all-nighter. What were we doing until 6 a.m. you might ask? The night/morning consisted of playing card games (scum/nertz), watching The Prestige (I need to watch it again soon, because I didn't really get it, if anyone would like to accompany me, let me know), chatting about life and deep thoughts that occupy our minds, and we finished out the night by watching The Simpson's Movie (this was the first time I watched this movie, I thought it was funny, but I think a large reason for that is that I watched it at 4 a.m. and was a little delusional). Although the night was loads of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the company and staying awake until 6, it hit me like a ton of bricks at about 7 o'clock the next night. I was completely exhausted and second guessing my decision to not sleep. Then I remembered how enjoyable it was, and admitted that it was completely worth it.

5. The first time I ate in "the pretty room":
Growing up, whenever we visited Grandma and Grandpa's house, the grandkids weren't allowed in "the pretty room". Being the rebellious children we were, we had a game that we played: when Grandma wasn't looking we would try to put one foot in the room without her noticing. It's strange that we got such a thrill out of it. As we've matured, she slowly began allowing us to 'visit' with the adults in there. It was a monumental day when we took our first legal steps in "the pretty room". Today however, does not even compare. We were all given permission to eat our pizza dinner in "the pretty room". Today, history was made. And it was everything I've ever dreamed of.

6. The first time I went to a Super Bowl party and didn't watch a minute of the game:
Eh, who am I kidding? I never watch the game. I guess a more appropriate title for this would be "the first time I had a good (or what I consider to be a good) excuse to not watch the game". The party itself was loads of fun and the people were even better. There's nothing like a good Super Bowl party. This may have been the best one I've been to: good food, good company, what else do you need?

All in all, it was a very memorable weekend, easily the funnest one of 2009. I can only hope that weekends similar to this one will occur frequently throughout my life.