A Fuschia Elephant.

Photodump 2.

2012-01-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

1. Trying out tilt-shift at our library, overlooking the sports park.
2. Went to work with my dad a few times last week.
3. My dad has some golfstuffs in his office and I would hit them around sometimes.
4. Reading: The Pixar Touch, by David Price. Watch The Pixar Story on Netflix for a readers digest version of book - it's really good.
5. Trying out some healthier eating with sprouts. I like them.
6. Oliver looking pretty nappy before his haircut. Us lazies gotta stick together.
7. Somehow I found out about this game and now I've got my brothers hooked. I don't even know if that's a good high score?

Maybe don't expect some posts from me for a while. I'm not feeling good.

"I Have a Boyfriend Finn."

2012-01-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

And we love Adventure Time and I think it's hilarious. So what.

King.

2012-01-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

King said in an interview that this photograph was taken as he tried to explain to his daughter Yolanda why she could not go to Funtown, a whites-only amusement park in Atlanta. King claims to have been tongue-tied when speaking to her. “One of the most painful experiences I have ever faced was to see her tears when I told her Funtown was closed to colored children, for I realized the first dark cloud of inferiority had floated into her little mental sky.”

“Let’s not sanitize, sterilize and deordorize the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was at one point considered the most dangerous man in America. But in spite of the wounds and scars he endured, he still kept loving. He was a prophet and preacher of love, and justice is what love looks like in public.”

—	Dr. Cornel West

Thank you for your wisdom, Dr. King.

Photodump 1.

2012-01-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

End of the week photodump.

1. I'm a part of a dog gang with Oliver now. We go to the park every day and meet some people that I've become friends with, and we're regulars now.

2. A Tangled concept art painting that I started on our garage wall last summer. I hope to finish it up within the next few days. And yeah, that's a really annoying electrical outlet in the way.

3. Mom tells us a story from work as we eat out at The Lazy Dog cafe. I would recommend it but I had an overcooked burger and it's my fault so my arguments are invalid.

4. Pizza night tonight. Used a pretty good dough recipe from Our Best Bites.

5. Coop made the 5th grade honor roll so I went to go see his "ceremony" at his school. Ooh- ooh!

We Tried To (Adventure Time.)

2012-01-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

Went out with the boys the other day, looking for a little adventure.
We were out climbing on rocks and having a good ole time,
and about 10 minutes in, we were promptly kicked out, because "the land was not open to the public."

We tried to go other places,
but were repeatedly shut down by "No Tresspassing" signs.

Where can some kids go out to play around in nature these days?

(Or do we just decide to ignore the signs altogether and climb the rocks anyways?)

Look at that sky though. Flawless.

Tablerock.

2012-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

Tablerock. Laguna, Ca.

Had a lovely time in Orange County with Brianne, Tim, and Lee.
Seeing Brianne before her internship with Invisible Children,
and Tim, before he leaves on his mission in late February.

The weather was flawless and laughing is good for the soul.

Pictures by Brianne and Lee
\\ edited by me

Julie Andrews?

2012-01-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

I cut all my hair off last week. I feel like her.

It's grand.

Resolutions.

2012-01-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

Copying shero, Lovlely Dianna, and trying to make a Lucky 7 list.

(And don't you want to make a non-treehouse treehouse like she has? Coolest idea ever!)

1. Make time for my skills/hobbies but also learn to balance school
2. Go outside/do some sort of fun activity every day
3. Be more:

patient
understanding
slow to anger/get annoyed
friendly

4. Start taking better care of myself - do my hair more often, floss more...all that dumb stuff
5. Never lose sight of what is beautiful, or forget to show gratitude
6. Challenge myself in and out of school
7. Stop saying, "When I grow up I want to be like..." or "In the future I want to be more..." - Start making it happen

Here's to 2012 and hoping that we all don't fail these within the next 2 weeks.

P.S. I have a big surprise and I am dying to tell people, but I'm waiting till after sunday!
P.P.S. No I'm not engaged. Even though 3 of my friends got engaged this week.
We don't need to talk about it.

Rolling In the Deep.

2011-12-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

Packing up all my stuff to go home.

You bet your bottom dollar that some sort of reflection post will follow.

But for now, here's a video that Kelsi and I did at Sammy's open mic night on tuesday.

Some nerves at the beginning, but a lot of fun.

Comm Ad.

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Comm Department Ad.

After a few impatient weeks, we finally we got the green light from our PR guy to start shooting.

Working for the Communications Department so they can have a crazy fresh video on the new school website.

And this gorgeous t3i? I think it's the one I'm saving up for.

Baby be mine.

Twenty.

2011-11-18T16:37:00.001-08:00

One time on November 7th I was born.

Twenty years later, my best friends came and took me to Panda Express in Idaho Falls.

Needless to say, I had a great day and I love my life.

Being 20 is a trippy thing man.

Almost two weeks later and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.

Halloween 2011.

2011-11-12T16:58:00.001-08:00

All year I've had this plan

to dress up as the house from Up.

I saw it somewhere on the internet and I knew

I had to do that.

We went to our ward party and it was pretty fun.

There was a costume contest, and my friends told me to enter.

And everyone was so nice and cheered for me, and I won.

It was pretty dang great and I was really happy.

Towards the end of the night, I was dancing with my friends, and I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find these two girls - who I didn't even know, didn't plan this, wasn't in my ward, all of that. They were dressed as Russell and Carl, and it was the coolest thing ever!

Blues and Greys and Greens.

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

I want to be outside.
My heart has been longing for a walk,
for something different than old cracked concrete and warehouse discount carpet.
Something like Mountains. And blues and greys and greens.

My life has been about To-Do Lists.
To-Do Lists that have been harder and harder to accomplish because
I'd rather be doing something else.

The trouble is I still care.
I still want to learn.
Something is different about this time, realizing that I wish I would have cared earlier.

All my money was invested

in stocks and philosophy and Higher things, things I didn't even know I didn't know;
But something's different about this time.

Been missing all the things that now sit dusty in the corner of my mind.
They start getting bigger,
start taking up more and more space, with colors and sounds so appealing.
I turn my head, cover my eyes
and I say, "No, wait a few more weeks.
I'll get to you then."

That's not how it should be.

But that means living a half life, or something else I can't describe.
Can't tell me what to cut and what to love,
I'll do it all, and lose my mind,
enjoy it, run my body dry.

So now
my thoughts are processing,
2 gig, 1067 MHz processing,
always wondering how I can be wholly myself during all the seasons.

Deep Love Situation.

2011-11-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

I just want to take a minute and fangirl some more about Deep Love.

Y'all know how I get when I'm obsessed with things.

(Photos by David Epps)

One of the things that I loved about it was...the fact that it even exists.

I'll try to make sense of this.

It was written by Ryan and Garrett, two very gifted, very talented people. People who aren't that much older than I am. They took their skills and went so far with them. I don't know too much about Ryan, but I do know some things about Garrett. He does poetry, and has won poetry slams. He's also a f a n t a s t i c musician. He co-wrote this opera. He has some cds and books on Amazon.

Meanwhile, I can't get off facebook.

One idea I haven't been able to shake, is the thought of collaboration, and how greatly underrated it is. Especially in this form. So uncommon. So creative. I couldn't even tell you guys how brilliant Deep Love is, it has potential to go places. Really. But what is so fascinating about this is that it was written by these two guys, while they were still in school. They put this all together and I will forever be in awe. That was a cool part about getting to know the cast a little bit and to meet these people who are so different and unexpected. They all invested so much time and effort and truly believed in this, and I think that's what makes it so beautiful to me. People all coming to create something bigger and more wonderful? Sends shivers down my spine.

It also makes me think about my own talents. And how, because of all the things I've been doing this semester, I've been neglecting them. It makes me really really sad. I have to make time to play the piano and even the guitar, which sits so easily in the living room. I can't think of the last time that I sat down to draw for fun, instead of for a class. And writing? Let's not even go there. I haven't written anything since english class last year. But that's not the kind of writing I like anyways. I feel like I'm letting God and myself down.
Where could I go if I practiced these things more often?
What fantastic things could I accomplish?

I appreciate the things He gives me. I do.
I just need time to figure out how to do it all.

Deep Love.

2011-10-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

Let me just tell you all about the newest and coolest thing to enter my life.

It's a rock opera called Deep Love.

Rock. Opera.

It was written by two students here, Ryan Hayes and Garrett Sherwood. I wish I could kiss their minds. I wish I could know them. Maybe someday.

It's about a girl named Constance, and her husband, Old Bones, has died. She is in mourning, but meets Friedrich, and the two fall in love. Friedrich already has a girlfriend, Florence, and she grows extremely jealous. Old Bones appears to Constance, heartbroken that she has forgotten him. To appease Old Bones, she leaves Friedrich, and Old Bones convinces Friedrich to kill himself. Now Constance is filled with deep depression because both of her loves are gone. With Friedrich dead, Florence is filled with rage and blames Constance. She swears revenge. Constance kills her in an act of madness, and all of her demons drive her insane until she dies as well.

Horrible, right? What's wrong with me, why do I love it so much?

I ain't even mad.

Brianne went to one of the shows to shoot pictures for the school newspaper, and I went along. I was looking for a place to buy tickets, and the manager asked, "Do you want to be an usher?" I said yes of course, and they brought me to the dressing room to paint my face. I even got to be a part of the last scene! It was the coolest thing ever!

We knew a few people in the show, and we were talking with them backstage after it was over. They invited us to the after party, at Sherris. (I guess it's like a Denny's?) It was 10 at night and there were at least 40-50 of us in this back room, with one server. We all felt really bad for her, but we tipped her really well. It was insane and hilarious and I want to get to know all of those people. I don't know if I'll have the chance, but I really really enjoyed it while it lasted.

Compliment Cards.

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our newest HSO event is coming up in the next few weeks - compliment cards to hand out to people at school. Just a little feel good thing that is easy to do.

I volunteered to design the cards. We were all thinking of something very simple, very minimalist. I had about 45 minutes to come up with them, and I was really happy that I was able to do this all in Pages, believe it or not. I thought I'd have to open up Photoshop and I didn't really feel like doing that.

Ta da?

I liked how they turned out. I just hope my boss does.

Missing 4E.

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

(there I am!)

Sometimes I miss the 4th Estate a lot. But they do a

f a n t a s t i c

job motivating us. The people at IC are obsessed with us, which is perfectly fine, because we're obsessed with them. They're always there to encourage and give endless amounts of support.

I wish everyone could have a community like this to back them up, but I'm grateful that I have them.

These will be the kids that end this war.

V.P.

2011-10-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

So I work with the I-Comm group at school now, in Video Productions. I'm having beyond a great time. We get to use awesome equipment and I'm learning from people who seem to have an infinite knowledge on all things video. I'm so grateful for all of the opportunities I have, and the people I get to meet.

This class has made me start thinking about my major (again, I know, let's not even talk about it.)

I'm saving my money for a camera so I can work on my skills in this area over the winter break. Let's be honest - a flip cam isn't gonna cut it. Although, I have a soft spot in my heart because my dad gave it to me. And it takes underwater video, so that's fantastic.

Here's some pics from our video shoot that we've been working on for the past few weeks.

I love my life.

Shake It Out.

2011-09-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Glorious. FloWelch is a powerhouse.

Have a listen.

3rd Semester.

2011-09-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

We're only a week in and already, things have been so crazy.

I'm involved with:

IC Club - Brianne and I REALLY need to get started on that!

On the Council for Humanitarian Service Organization at school.

Video Production class - I am SO excited about the things I'm going to learn/be able to work on!

Also,

I will probably get a church calling, but I haven't been asked for anything yet.

We made it a goal to go to the Temple at least once a week.

I want to keep doing yoga 2 - 3 times a week.
2 online art classes (internally crying about this to be honest.)

I'm trying to get a job as a TA for my old Humanities teacher, Brother Samuelson - waiting to hear back from him soon!

Classes I really look forward to each week:

Video Production

Final Cut

The Middle East

Book of Mormon

I'm kind of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, but I'm having a good time.

Natali Describes Style.

2011-09-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hey remember how I was featured on Natali's blog?

I liked it so much I thought I'd ask her to be on mine, especially since my last few posts have been boring.

Not gonna lie, I kind of asked her to write about a hard topic. I asked her if she could write about how she came to find her sense of style and be comfortable with it at a pretty early age. Ok maybe not hard, but I wanted to make her think, and it worked out really great. I agreed with a lot of things that she said and I thought it was a really interesting read, so without further ado - Natali!

First of all, I was super excited when Lexie asked me to do a guest post on her blog. Mostly because it's rockin' and she is such a cool cat. The topic she chose really made me think, and that's why I was down for writing about it.

I was exposed to diversity at a very young age. I grew up in Oakland, California a very diverse part of town (right next to SF) in a hispanic family. Growing up I had friends of many races and religions. At the time I had not fully appreciated the fact that my parents would take me to various restaurants, thrift shops (which now explains my love for thrifting), and show me around the city. I believe my love and appreciation of all music and movies came from my Father, who exposed me to a variety of it when I was young. As for clothing and fashion, I wore what I pleased (thanks mom), which helped me grow a lot. When I was younger my best friend was my older Aunt (by five years), so in a sense we experimented/went through phases together. I believe this is were I gained my maturity level, and the easiness of bonding with older people. When I was seven, we packed our bags, and followed my grandparents to Arizona. Which was a culture shock. To adjust I had slowly started changing myself (clothing wise) and my ways to please others. I finally snapped out of it my Freshman year and started to wear what I liked again.

When you dress differently in a small town it's easy for others comments and looks to get you down. Or at least that's how I felt most of my Freshman year. I slowly started finding out that different/random people appreciated the way I dressed, which felt wonderful and happened to be a confidence boost. As of now I wear what I like, and I feel a bit bolder.

When asked about originality I really don't know what to say. I suppose I don't really believe in it as of right now, mostly because I agree with this quote.

I haven't felt original or unique anymore for a while. People have started to flock to the "indie" side of things, and with that I mean folks have started to dress in my opinion nice, and listen to good music, and watch movies that I like. Which is confusing. I'm not sure if it's a trend or here to stay. And with the whole "hipster" thing, oh don't get me started on that...

Anyways, I suppose the one way to stay original is to stay true to your roots. Experiment a little. Be who you are. Don't follow the crowd. It's a very confusing process that I haven't

finished, and I don't think anyone ever does.

Getting Ready.

2011-09-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

(picture by my friend Anna Freeby)

The other day when I woke up really excited for fall, I realized that it's a good thing that I'm going back to school. They actually have fall there, and if I remember correctly, it was pretty nice. I'm excited to drink tea and wear cardigans and get out my knitting needles. Hopefully it will be starting to cool off when I get there.

I heard this the other day and it really really makes me think of fall. I can practically hear the crunchy leaves blowing in the wind.

Blurg.

2011-09-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

There is nothing going on in my life.

I got a new fall coat and some boots and I really love them.

Brianne comes home on monday and I'm going to surprise her at the airport.

I've been finishing the last half of The Tipping Point - ABSOLUTELY fascinating.

I have a flight to SLC next friday, and school starts on the 12th I think.

Woke up the other day excited for fall to happen.

I still can't find a job.

My mom has been making and buying stuff for next semester because she loves me.

Sondre Lerche is grand.

I've come to the conclusion that I don't like the summer version of myself.

I'm no good during my breaks.

So I'm thinking of ways to fix this.

BUHHHHT right now I'm going to make this apron.

Chat.

2011-08-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes your best friend is spending her summer in Uganda teaching at schools and helping at orphanages, so you get really excited to see her on chat and you get to talk to her live (kinda) instead of emailing back and forth.

Film Crew.

2011-08-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

At 4E (I know, aren't you sick of it already? I don't care, I'm going to keep this thing going - 4E will NEVER die)

you know how I was accepted into the "Creative" track, right?

Right.

So I was put into a film group with

Mike

Meghan

and our IC mentor, Jay.

They were all so great, I learned so much from them. They're all really into this making movies, so they were totally pro at filming and editing and stuff. I felt useless, because this is definitely something that interests me but I'm just starting out.

I did get to be in charge of audio though. I wore the big ole headphones and held the boom mic and I felt cool.

We had about 6 or 7 hours over two days to edit this movie in the IC office. It was mostly done by our group, and Jay went in at the very end to give it some "IC" finishing touches.

There were a few other film groups, and the one with the best video would have it shown to everyone on the last day. Jason really liked ours, but decided to show another video. In Anthony's video, he talks about seeing director Tom Shadyac's documentary, so our movie got to be Tom's introduction video when he went to talk to us later that night. Everyone got to see it! I was crying proud mama tears - I was so proud of our group and of Anthony. He and that movie are my babies.

Without further ado, here is Anthony.

J"R"R.

2011-08-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

How do I begin to explain Jason Russell?

On Jason's tombstone, he wants it to read "Dream Evangelist." I think that's one of the most perfect descriptions of him. He isn't even real, he's not from this planet. He's this bigger than life character and I admire him so much.

Jason Russell is this huge ball of energy that radiates optimism and determination and charisma and inspiration and joy and love and all that. It's wonderful to be around.

At 4E, he gave this fantastic talk about his life and how he got to where he is now. It's taken such a drastic turn from the place that he was in when he was 16 years old. It's hard to imagine him going through the things that he went through, but I'm happy that they caused him to be the person he is now, and that he is in a place where he feels compelled to share his knowledge and his happiness with others. We all have a lot to learn from him.

Here are some quotes/things he lives by:

1. You are more powerful than you think you are

2. You have a song inside you - it is your responsibility to know your song and share it

3. Finish strong

"Who are you to hide your light?"

"The world is waiting for you to wake up and see your potential."

"Surrender to His plan, surrender to His will - death to your self."

"Every moment in your life is preparing you for an opportunity to come."

"Let your life be the most incredible story you've ever told."

All I know is that I hope that everyone has someone like him in their life, and if not? Go be the Jason for your friends and family. I know I want to.

P.S. He told us what his song is - "Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes - GUYS WE HAVE THE SAME SONG! I was flipping out!! I love this man.

Extraordinary.

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

It took many attempts, but I finally wrote down words describing my experience at the Fourth Estate this weekend. This one thought has been branded in my mind for the past few days:

How did I ever get so lucky?

I wish I could explain what this weekend meant to me.

All the things I learned, all of the things that I discovered, and felt? I can't put a price on it. I can't put words to it.

I learned so much about myself - what I can do, what I want, how I am capable of change.

Not that I was becoming “numb” in my life, but the intensity of my happiness was fading. Only I didn’t know it, and that’s why this weekend was so fantastic. My mental health was replenished - it was invigorated and inspired. It wasn’t just about learning to be a better activist. I was learning how to become a better person.

I learned empathy. I had it before, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have been accepted to the Fourth Estate. I probably wouldn’t care about Invisible Children, or anything else besides myself. But this weekend taught me that I need to apply that empathy in my life. It’s kind of confusing, but it’s something like this:

I deal with (sometimes) crippling social anxiety.

Someone walking by? Don’t look them in the eye.

Meeting up with old friend from high school? Text and say that I can’t make it.

You want to hug? Stand awkwardly with their arms around me like a cactus.

Talking to people in general? Oh gosh please no let’s just stay and hide under my bed or go to the dentist anything but that please.

I’m just not good. I never know what to say, I never know how to act. It’s not that I don’t care - it’s just that I’m not good at showing people that I care. I take a long time to warm up to people. And I wished that I wasn’t this way.

With each speaker, a little seed was planted in my heart. I had no idea. They were like silent little farmers or something.

- So I should have suspected something when that stranger kid came up to my group and asked to eat lunch with us. Of course we said yes, but I should have known when I found myself talking to him long after everyone else had left.

- I should have had reservations when I went to say goodbye to the friends that I had made, when I hugged them - a real hug - and looked them in the eye saying, “Thank you for this weekend, I really valued the time we spent together.”

- I should have questioned what in the world came over me, when I asked some stranger girl for a ride home after it was all over. The ride from San Deigo was around an hour and a half and we were talking during every minute of it. We discussed how we found out about IC, how it wasn’t always a priority in our lives, but after 4E, that would never happen again. We embraced and wished each other luck as she dropped me off.

This wasn’t just for activism. I became a different person, and I am in love with the world. I want to impact it, I want to change it in the best way possible. I want to be this larger than life character, a good influence and role model for others.

And it all happened because of the Fourth Estate.

4E Photo Post.

2011-08-08T22:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry guys. You best buckle up for this, because this is probably what I'll be posting about for the next couple of weeks.

Fourth Estate Photo Post

Jason Russell, one of the IC founders. I have too many words for him- words that warrant his own post, but some other time. He's not even real, he's not from this planet.

Our group mentor, Dan. We're trying to get a screening at school when I go back, but I plan on seeing him at the office before then.

Night games - we stormed the castle in "Bastille."

Working on a special project in the art department, which I am SO EXCITED to share with you later!

The beautiful Natalie Warne, one of my heros.

Jason and Jed leading a discussion.

Jed also isn't real. He's a cartoon character.

Anthony - the greatest guy with the most incredible story. (He's in our special project!)

It's Here.

2011-08-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Peace out ya'll. I'll be here with the best and the brightest for the next few days, soaking up everything I can.

The End.

2011-08-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

Last night we finally got to see Deathly Hallows part 2. I was planning on seeing it at school but I backed out and told my family I would wait to see it with them.

I was like a kid on Christmas Eve, waiting impatiently for the night to come so we could go.

I didn't wear make-up because I knew I would cry. I didn't cry as much as part 1, but I think a lot of that was because there was more action and other things to distract me. I was on the edge of my seat about an half hour in, to the very end. There were a lot of things that I thought they did really well, like the white "Kings Cross" scene and Neville's character development, and then there were one or two things that I didn't like.

But overall, I thought it was fantastic and it felt like a part of me had died. That's how I knew it was good.

Harry Potter has always been a huge part of my life; always. I remember in the 2nd grade when my dad came home one day with this book that I had never heard of, and he would read it to me before I went to bed. I think most of the time I would fall asleep, but I'd still ask him to read it anyways. I have always loved reading, but many of my classmates didn't think so. Harry made reading cool, and I was able to relate better to the other kids with this common interest. I think I was about 10 when I started reading them by myself - around Harry, Ron and Hermione's age, so it really felt like I grew up with them. They were my friends. I took solace in these books and it became my world. I remember when all of the different books came out - pre-ordering them or getting them from the store at midnight. When Deathly Hallows came out, my dad and I tried to stay awake so he could take me to the store to buy it. I read all night long and I finished it in a few hours, and then I slept during the day.

I've always loved these books but it wasn't until recently that I realized how actually brilliant J.K. Rowling is, the way she incorporates mythology and history and such into the story. I can only imagine how much they mean to millions of people around the world, including myself, and that is the greatest legacy.

I don't know if thank you feels like enough, but thank you

J.K. Rowling.

Hoover Dam.

2011-07-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry if there's been a lack of updates...we've been out doing all this.

[ Hoover Dam/Las Vegas. ]

Featured.

2011-07-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

BTW it's way cool how I was featured over here on my friend Natali's blog yesterday...

Go on over to see 10

(out of many)

things that make me happy.

A Good Man.

2011-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about one of the most fantastic men I know. His name is Scott Samuelson, and he was my humanities professor this last semester.

He is incredibly thought-provoking and insightful. I can only imagine the amount of time that he spends contemplating ideas that we do not normally think about. He has an open mind and is willing to consider all points of views, but at the same time, he knows what he believes and he is firm in his standing. He was unapologetic about his beliefs, and we all need to be more like that. He has overcome his hardships with grace and wisdom, which he will gladly share with you. He chases his dreams and turns them into more than dreams; he turns them into actions. I have a great love and admiration for him.

What I loved most about him though, being a teacher at my religious school, was that he was such a great tool for bringing the Spirit. We hear all the time how we can be taught by the Spirit, and I believe that it is true, but I had never really experienced it in a classroom setting before this. I can't even remember what happened, but on the second day of class I went up and told him, "This is weird but I'm going to hug you." Most times, I would have more spiritual and inspirational experiences in his class than I would at church. He brought the class closer together from the very start and provided an environment where we were all comfortable to share ideas and thoughts. I know that he had a love for each and every one of us, and he often expressed that to us. He told us once that we were dear to him, like his children - which is great because I refer to him as my adopted grandpa. He taught me so much about life and things other than school, and I will always value those things.

He taught me that love is the most important thing, and that there is always beauty to be found in this world.

So go find it.

Ch-Ch-Changes.

2011-07-21T09:52:00.001-07:00

I think these words describe how I'm feeling. And these ones, that I remember from You've Got Mail. "People are always saying that change is a good thing. But all they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all... has happened."

1 more final. 2 more days. 1 body filled with contradicting confusion.

I keep telling myself that just because things are changing, doesn't mean I will be unhappy.

Road Roller Relief.

2011-07-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Last tuesday, my humanities class had a really big, really cool project. I adore this class and I adore my teacher, Brother Samuelson, but I'll save that for another post.

We did a giant relief print that has been in the works for about a month now. We carved it out and put the ink on it, and went over it with a steam roller.

It was so cool.

Brother Samuelson - "What did the event teach me about what it means to be human?"

I think that people coming together is a big part of what it means to be human, especially people coming together to create a work of art.

"It's beautiful because we went through the process ourselves." - Ariel

"Being human is forgetting yourself and helping others with whatever they need, and allowing them to be happy." - Matt

"I don't have words for it...It's just pure emotion." - Nate

Conflict.

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the part in which I tell you these weird conflicting things that I've been feeling the past few weeks, and how I'm trying to deal with it.

We have two weeks left in school. Brianne and I have a flight and we go home on the 23rd.

I've been looking forward to the summer break for a long time. And a couple of weeks ago, I really started missing my family, and it hasn't really been like that in the past. I mean I miss them, but usually it doesn't last - I never mope around and get homesick. Not like this. I just miss how easy it was to go find them and hang out or go talk, whenever I wanted to. I want to go on a bike ride with my brothers. I want to go take my dog for a walk in the late afternoon and watch the beautiful colors in the sky as the sun is going down. I miss things that I can only really do at home.

But at the same time, there is a big part of me that doesn't want to leave Rexburg. I realized a while ago that yeah, it's going to be nice to have a break and go home for the summer, but I won't be able to spend the summer with a lot of the people that I want to. All of my friends will be at home, just like I will be.

There are a few moments in every day;

when I'm laying under a tree, looking at the sun shining through the leaves,

or a storm will roll in and bring warm rain,

or I'm walking up the hill and I turn around and see the beautiful glorious sunset.

And these moments make everything so worth it, that I would never want to leave.

I think more than that though, is that I don't want this to end. It feels like it has gone by too quickly, and there is still much to be done. There is still so much that I want to do. There are people that I want in my life always. There are things that I want to go on forever.

While this wasn't the most fun semester in terms of parties or anything, I feel like I've grown a lot and I've learned so many different things about myself and the world.

It feels like somehow school ending will change these things, will somehow stop my growing and progression. Like somehow my world will end.

But it won't.

So why do I still feel like this.

Food Expenditures.

2011-07-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

I remembered this from American Foundations class from last year. Something interesting to look at.

Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp - 3 adults, 3 kids

Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23

Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo - 4 adults, 5 teenagers

Food expenditure for one week: $31.55

Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca - 2 adults, 3 kids

Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09

United States: The Revis family of North Carolina - 2 adults, 2 teenagers

Food expenditure for one week: $341.98

Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide - 2 adults, 2 teenagers

Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07

Great Things Happen.

2011-07-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

So remember how I told you that I was accepted to The Fourth Estate? Well there were some developments, and I think it makes for a pretty good story, so I'll tell you.

I was accepted. Everything was lovely and grand. But then I found out how much it was and I didn't have a way to pay for it. It was really hard because it was something I really wanted to do; something that I thought would help improve me as a person, and really effect the lives that I touch. But then one of my friends, Val, from the office called, and told me that there was an extended payment deadline. I felt more pressure this time, because they were giving me extra time. I had at least 4 friends that I was "representing" in the Fourth Estate, because they couldn't go either, for various reasons. I had to do it. Val gave me some helpful suggestions for how I could get money - my school's financial aid office and our local Rotary Clubs. The people at the IC office were so helpful. The next day I went to the financial aid office, where I got some bad news. They told me they didn't have scholarships or anything for these types of programs. Then I went home and wrote an email to the local Rotary club, because I couldn't find any numbers or contact information. I waited a few days, because the Rotary club was my last chance, but I never heard back from them. The deadline was fast approaching and I had nothing to tell Val. I was really really disappointed. I think it was this last wednesday; Brianne and I were sitting outside on the grass late at night talking. I told her how sad I was that this didn't work out, and I wondered why I had been jerked around so much. The first time I discovered that I couldn't go, I was willing to accept it right there. But then Val called and my hopes were renewed. So then this happened and I was stuck in the same boat, and I just wondered why that was.

On thursday I got a call from someone at the IC office. Only I missed it because my phone died, so I would have to call back on friday. They left a voicemail telling me they had really good news. I love those people, but one thing that bothers me is that they are always so vague when they call me! And they usually call with good news, and I just really want to know what that is! I guess it's a good incentive to call them back. Anyways, I called back on friday, wondering what was going on. The guy talked about I hadn't paid yet, and I started to prepare myself to break the bad news, that I probably couldn't go. He started going off about covering my registration fees and I was really confused, so I stopped him. I asked, "Wait. My fees. You're going to pay for them. You guys are going to pay for me to go?" And he said yes, and I don't even remember what he said after that. Tears were forming in my eyes and I told him, "Oh my gosh. Thank-thank you guys so much. Oh my gosh, I totally thought I wasn't going to be able to go. This means so much to me." He told me that they looked over my application and my past involvement with IC, and that I got a lot of recommendations from my friends at the office. They really wanted me to go to this.

I don't know why this happened, or even what makes me more deserving than other people, but I was not expecting this. At all. I still can't believe it's happening. I just feel so grateful, because I kind of said goodbye to the idea of Fourth Estate a long time ago. There was just no way to pull it off. I am so grateful for all my friends at the office who put in a good word for me, and grateful to the people who made this happen. They're all such...I can't even describe, except that I want to be a lot of these people when I grow up, you know? They're the tops, they're the best of the best and that's why they're working at that office. They have so many qualities that I want to embody, that I want to instill in my own life. I love them so much. I'm so happy that I have this opportunity.

Chadly's Birthday.

2011-07-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Today it was Chadly's birthday, so Kelsi had some really fun things planned. We went to Rigby Lake with Brianne and Brett, and swam around. It was really cold and windy, so it was hard to get into the water at first, but after a few minutes we got used to it. Then we went to Kelsi's aunt's house to cook burgers and hot dogs. We ate them outside on a blanket and the whole day was so beautiful and perfect and glorious. I was so happy.

I'd like to go back on a really hot day. I love lakes.

IDK.

2011-07-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, America. Hope you guys all had a good day, ate some watermelon and didn't suffer from any 2nd degree burns.

1. Let It Out (Let It All Hang Out) - The Hombres

2. I Don't Wanna Know - Fleetwood Mac

3. Let's Win! - Alexander

4. Heroes and Villans - Beach Boys

5. I Saw Her Standing There - The Beatles

6. Howlin For You - The Black Keys

7. Just Like Heaven - The Cure

8. Learning to Fly - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

9. American Pie - Don Mclean

10. Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

11. Pickin Up the Pieces - Fitz and the Tantrums

12. Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club

Happy List - June 26.

2011-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of my last post, I want to start these as a weekly thing, so I never forget all of the great things in my life.

Happy List June 26 - July 2

1. Hanging out and becoming better friends with one of our FHE bros, Ric. (SO much fun to hang out with!)

2. Having delicious fruits in my fridge to eat

3. Rediscovering my love for softball, and seeing how much I missed playing

4. Nice, "season appropriate" weather

5. The Farmers Market every friday

6. Having the sun out every day

7. Being so close to the Temple

8. Lemon Bars

9. Finding some new music to listen to

10. My Humanities class, and all of the awesome things that I get to experience there

Can't Steal Happiness.

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happiness is such a good feeling. There are those people that we all know, who no matter what, are always able to have a bright outlook on life. Whatever is thrown their way, they can weather the storm with a smile on their face and the ability to lift up others.

I love people like that.

I try every day and every day it gets a bit easier, but I hope that one day my friends will think of me as that person.

Jack and White.

2011-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

On saturday, there was a cool block party down the street and they had some pretty awesome bands so we all went.

I am a new fan of The Brocks.

And of course, Brooke White is adorable and I love her.

Here's a song from her new collaboration - Jack and White. I'm sure it has to be a play on Jack White, it has to be. Anyways, it was my favorite out of the night - Gemini.

June 26th.

2011-06-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy ~~28th~~ birthday to my mom!

It's weird, birthdays and school. I don't know the next time I'll be home to celebrate anyone's birthday, or to celebrate mine with them. I'm gone in June, October, September, November, and January - all of our birthdays.

But I don't feel too bad for her - she's celebrating on a houseboat with our friends this year. Boo hoo.

Sunsets.

2011-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Say what you want about Rexburg. The sunsets are pretty incredible.

(I didn't even edit these. How bout them apples?)

"You've Tested Positive for Opium."

2011-06-23T08:00:00.001-07:00

Made some bread the other day. It was so fantastic, so I thought I'd share the recipe with you. Super easy, even I can do it.

Almond Poppy Seed Bread

3 cups - flour

2 1/2 cups - sugar

1 teaspoon - salt

1 1/2 teaspoons - baking powder

1 1/2 cups - milk

1 1/3 cups - vegetable oil

3 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons - vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons - almond extract

1 1/2 tablespoons - poppy seeds

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add in milk, vegetable oil, eggs, extracts, and poppy seeds and beat for 1 minute. Pour batter into two 9-inch loaf pans sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer poked in the center comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Robyn O'Brien.

2011-06-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

I just watched this, & I think you should too.Take 20 minutes out of your day & listen, maybe while you're preparing dinner.It's really really interesting.(It's especially interesting to me because I'm just getting into food & cooking, so I think this can help me create good habits for me & my family in the future.)

I like her. I'm not saying she's absolutely right, let's change the system! Because there are facts that I would like to see. But I think a lot of it made sense though. It definitely made me think about food & the way that it's processed, & it made me think about the way that it impacts my life.
So even if you don't believe or agree with all of the things she said,maybe it can at least get you thinking about food in your own life.

Duck Pond.

2011-06-20T17:37:00.001-07:00

It was an overcast day with some cool sights, so Natalie took us to the Duck Pond. I had this in my head the whole time.

("Why is it called the Duck Pond if there are no ducks?" - For my Who fans.)

I should work on my posture. Like a lot.

Living With Intent.

2011-06-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

(I was in the temple today and I saw this one guy baptizing a million people and I thought about how tired he must be and these thoughts occurred to me - I wanted to thank him for the work he was doing.)

What if we lived with intent?

What if we really looked someone in the eyes and said, "Thank you" when they held the door open for us,

and meant it?

What if we approached the girl crying on the steps and asked her, "Are you ok?"

"Is there anything I can do?"

What if there was someone at work or in class, who said something that made you think, and you went up to them and thanked them for their thoughts?

What if we took our dreams and stopped calling them dreams - turning them into goals; into something tangible?

What if we were men of our word?

What if you approached the person you have quietly admired from afar,

and told them, "I know I don't know you very well, but I care about you. I wish for your happiness every day."

What holds us back? Is it because no one really does these things, and we would be the one that stood out?

Then be the one that stands out. Be the one that makes others think, or turn their head in surprise.

D&C.

2011-05-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my friends, Danny and Caitlin, who got engaged last night. They're a really great couple and I can't wait for their wedding!

The Fourth Estate.

2011-05-26T18:28:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I got a phone call. It was one of the best phone calls I've ever gotten.
A month ago Invisible Children had the 25 Event, and Brianne and I couldn't go. There just wasn't one nearby, and believe me - we tried every way we could. So we did the next best thing and watched the livestream. On the livestream, they announced something called "The Fourth Estate."

I didn't know much about it, but I went right on and submitted an application.

And yesterday, someone from the office called and said that I was accepted to The Fourth Estate!

(Here's a little blurb from the website)

In August of 2011, we will come together to map out a new revolution. We will discuss impacting public policy, international justice, our role in global humanitarian efforts, effective fundraising, what it means to be an empathic citizen and other relevant topics that will challenge and inspire you. Our goal is to create an educational program custom tailored to your strengths and interests, get to know our most elite supporters on a personal level, and arm you with new and applicable skills in the arenas of your talents.

The application asked all kinds of questions, like "what was your favorite IC event, what's your definition of a global activist, who inspires you, favorite book?" There were 650 spots, and I thought I might have a shot, but it really could have gone either way. And apparently there are four different groups, and I was accepted into the art group!

The guy who called, Kevin, said that they were really impressed with my application and my passion for IC, and to that everyone at the office loves and misses me.

I wanted to cry. I miss the office too. I miss being there and spending time with all of those fantastic people. I was walking in the hallway of the math building when I was listening to the voicemail, squealing and wiping away tears. My phone was pressed to my ear, trying to breathe with this astonished look on my face.
I'm sure everyone thought there was something wrong with me, but I don't even care.

Guys. I am so excited.

Helplessness Blues.

2011-05-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

This is my theme song.

Press play and enjoy.

I was raised up believing I was somehow unique

Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes, unique in each way you can see

And now after some thinking, I'd say I'd rather be

A functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me

But I don't, I don't know what that will be

I'll get back to you someday soon you will see

What's my name, what's my station, oh, just tell me what I should do

I don't need to be kind to the armies of night that would do such injustice to you

Or bow down and be grateful and say "sure, take all that you see"

To the men who move only in dimly-lit halls and determine my future for me

And I don't, I don't know who to believe

I'll get back to you someday soon you will see

If I know only one thing, it's that everything that I see

Of the world outside is so inconceivable often I barely can speak

Yeah I'm tongue-tied and dizzy and I can't keep it to myself

What good is it to sing helplessness blues, why should I wait for anyone else?

And I know, I know you will keep me on the shelf

I'll come back to you someday soon myself

If I had an orchard, I'd work till I'm raw

If I had an orchard, I'd work till I'm sore

And you would wait tables and soon run the store

Gold hair in the sunlight, my light in the dawn

If I had an orchard, I'd work till I'm sore

Someday I'll be like the man on the screen

The (Hopeful) Elimination of Fear.

2011-05-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

It feels like since I've been at college, especially more so this semester, my life has been about facing fears. Fears that I didn't really know that I had; fears that I have been able to sweep under the rug until now.

One of the biggest ones happened about two weeks ago, when Brianne and I had a meeting with Senator Risch of Idaho. We were meeting with him on behalf of the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, which is quite a mouthful, I know. It was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama last year, but this year it is in danger of being cut as Congress tries to create its Budget Plan for 2012. There are many people that care about the Act, and it is something that can really be used to save lives and try to reconstruct the country of Uganda, so we were encouraged to go before our state legislature and ask for their support. They have a power and a position that we don't have, and so we went to Senator Risch to ask him to be an advocate. Luckily, he was already very informed and had previous experience with the Act, so we felt like we received a good response from him.

As we were preparing for the meeting though, we were so nervous. I can't even tell you the kind of pain that I felt in my stomach, and I know Brianne was having the same problem. Here we were, two kids that cared about something so we wanted to convince a man of influence to listen to us and respect us as citizens - and not just kids. It was really scary guys. Really really.

On the day of our meeting, something happened in one of my classes and because of my teacher, I was able to feel the Spirit and at that moment, I was so filled with peace and comfort. All of my fears went away instantly, and I knew that our meeting was going to go well; I knew that we were going to be ok. All was well.

And then there's this guy in my class - I think he is really cute and I'd like to get to know him better because he seems awesome. I can't sleep the night before I go to that class and I get so nervous every time I go because I have all of these things that I plan on saying to him. And usually, none of it ever happens. Today I was in class, kind of mad at myself and I started thinking about how much my life is like Tom's from 500 Days of Summer, where I have my expectations, but keep getting discouraged by my reality.

I get so so scared and then I feel really dumb for the rest of the day. All these things start going through my head like, "why are you freaking out because it's not that big of a deal, why can't you just talk to him ugh you'll be alone forever."

Then I start thinking about all the things that we would like to do in life but are too afraid to, wether it is because we are afraid of leaving our comfort zone, being embarrassed, or failing. All these little reasons interfere with our confidence and our happiness. Think of how much could we do if there was no fear. Our potential would know no bounds.

I try every day; sometimes it doesn't work out and sometimes it does.

So anyways, that's what I've been working on recently.

You Could Fall In Love With Anyone.

2011-05-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

"I think you could fall in love with anyone if you saw the parts of them that no one else gets to see... like if you followed them around invisibly for a day and you saw them crying in their bed at night or singing to themselves as they make a sandwich or even just walking along the street, and even if they were really weird and had no friends at school I think after seeing them at their most vulnerable you wouldn’t be able to help falling in love with them."

I just saw this posted somewhere and I don't know who said it, but I think it's beautiful. It's how I feel.

It's Here.

2011-04-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

The big day is here!

Brianne and I are especially excited because this event is really really big.

It's going to do a lot of really great things.

And it's something that we've both been personally invested in for some time now.

So it's really great to see the things that we and several hundred other people have been working on,

finally

coming

together.

I'm really happy because I've gotten a few of my roommates to do it, and so has Bri.

Few by few, we will be silent to spread awareness.

And hopefully end the war at last.

Humanities Paper.

2011-04-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

This has been a great first week of school.

I am so happy to see my friends again. We're talking like we never left.

And I am so happy to have my Bran Flakes here with me. So so happy.

We're working really hard to get the Invisible Children club up and running.

I just had to write a really hard paper for Humanities.

It wasn't hard exactly, but we had to write about a difficult experience.

I was crying infront of poor Chadly, as we were both writing papers.

(He's in the class with me.)

But I feel really good now.

I feel really hopeful.

I feel like this video.

(Watch until 3 min)

A Nice Little Visit.

2011-04-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

I got to visit with Tim at his school yesterday. We were there for a Carl Bloch exhibit and it occurred to me, "OH YEAH, Tim goes to school here!!!" So I texted him and it turned out that he was in the same place that I was.

We found each other and talked for maybe 20 minutes. I haven't seen him since August. We talked about Invisible Children and the 25 event and how we were so excited to go. Brianne and I are trying really hard of a way to go, but the closest one to us is 600 miles. Then he talked a little bit about his mission, and his plans to start a non profit organization. He had been doubting himself in the past, but this speaker came to his school, and talked about how we can't wait for a convenient time to do what we want. And I agree. We're all just so impatient, we want to do everything right now!

I can't wait to see the things that we all will do.

BBQ Over Yonder-Schonder.

2011-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went out to the Schonders house to watch Conference and have a BBQ. I love going to their house - it's so beautiful. And I love their company. Our families have been friends for a long time.

The boys and I like to roam around their property. They have some good trees for climbing.

Spring Break.

2011-04-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

So maybe I'll stick around. Thanks for expressing concern, Natali and Tim.

You guys made my heart warm and fuzzy.

We did a lot of driving this week. On wednesday, Benn had a lacrosse game in Orange County. Luckily, our favorite place to eat is also there. We will find any excuse to go to Cafe Rio.

Thursday we tried out a new beach - Moonlight State Beach, down in Encinitas. It was so much nicer than the one we usually go to, and it was the most beautiful perfect day. We all got sunburned, but it was worth it.

Then on Friday, we met Lovely Noni at Irvine Spectrum and went shopping. She spoils me every time. We took a road home through the mountains. It was really wind-ey but once we got to the other side, it opened up and we saw the lake and it was really beautiful. So we pulled over and looked out at the view.

Feelings and such.

2011-03-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

I feel like deleting this.

I really really feel like deleting this blog.

And also, has anyone seen the trailer for The Tree of Life?

Yeah, I'll be stalking that movie until it comes out.

And long after it wins many oscars.

If It Is of Any Interest...

2011-03-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

I am now on pinterest.

P.S. Hailee and Cate rocked it at the Oscars. They were the best.

Wednesday playlist.

2011-03-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

1. I Was Made For Sunny Days - The Weepies

2. 2 Atoms In a Molecule - Noah and the Whale

3. Please Come Home - Dustin Kensrue

4. He Doesn't Know Why - Fleet Foxes

5. Brand New Colony - Ben Gibbard

6. Lake Michigan - Rogue Wave

7. Oversleeping - I'm From Barcelona

8. Skinny Love - Bon Iver

9. Now We Can See - The Thermals

10. Valerie - Mark Ronson (ft. a sober Amy Winehouse)

Awkberg.

2011-02-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

See, there's this thing

in which I am afraid/nervous/threatened of people.

Anyone really, no one in particular.

And I haven't realized it until lately, but I think it's definitely gotten worse since I've been on break, at home from school.

I can be in any situation, walking down the street or driving in the car, and someone will be coming my way. For whatever reason, it's really hard for me to look them in the eye. It could be an old dude. It could be a girl my age. I'm sure they all think I'm stuck up.

I think the biggest reason is because if I acknowledge people, there is a chance that a conversation can take place.

I am not very good at those.

It's not that I don't care about the person I'm talking to, but I don't care for small talk, and normal questions like "How is your (insert interests here)?" or "Whatever happened to (insert situations here)?" never occur to me. They don't even cross my mind.

IT'S. TERRIBLE.

Really, I just feel awkward all the time. It's a confidence thing, I'm sure. I could be making plans to hang out with one of my best friends, and I'll start to feel some anxiety beforehand. It never fails to amaze me - that I still feel this way with people that know me better than anyone. I'm fine when I'm with them, but the thought of setting apart time to hang out? Freaks me out.

I try to be outgoing and sometimes it works. Maybe no one knows I struggle with this, and I'm just fooling them all.

I'm an actor.

Not to say that I'm pretending to be someone I'm not, but I try to work on the parts of me that are obviously lacking.

It's all about growth.

25.

2011-02-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

(Warning - there are a few brief "rough spots.")

They just released this the other day. I thought it did a great job updating everyone about what is happening in the Congo, and this is probably a weird thing to notice, but I thought the cinematography was really great.

Anyways, now I can finally talk about what we've been up to whilst volunteering!

Every time that we've been, we've been working on stuff for this 25 event. It's going to be big, and they had a lot for us to do.

What we have been working on mostly, is these necklaces, which are to be worn leading up to the event. They have pieces of paper in them that encourage others to help end a 25 year old war. Haha can I just tell you about how tired I am of seeing these things? But I had a really cool thought though, as we were sorting and separating. I kept thinking about all of the people who are going to buy these and how many of them I have touched, and then I got chills.

I signed up and created a fundraising page and I'm thinking of different things to do to earn $25. I haven't decided yet, but I'm really excited. I'll keep you all posted!

A Day of Happiness.

2011-02-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

(written two days ago, on thursday, February 10th.)

And now I will tell you a story about a girl who, after many uneventful days was teetering on the edge of absolute boredom, loneliness, and maybe even insanity. (*Dramatization provided for effect.) The point is: she was home on her "summer vacation" from school and had no one to hang out with, and nothing to do. And she needed to change that, quick.

That girl, if you cannot guess, is me.

Until one day my best friend, Brianne, texted me to say that she and another friend, Emilee, were going to volunteer at the Invisible Children headquarters in San Deigo, and would I like to go?

I've been a supporter of Invisible Children for a couple of years now, and I told her of course I would. I had tried to go a few times before, but it never worked out until now.

We headed down, and I could hardly contain my excitement. At last, I was finally going! I felt like a little kid at Disneyland for the first time, and Brianne and Emilee were my guardians, showing me the way. They knew people, people that we admire, and they were excited to introduce them to me. We got there and I was introduced to their friend and the office manager, Faith. She was so sweet and greeted us all, and offered to take us on a tour, since it was my first time. She took us into the next room, where maybe 40 people were all on the phone, sitting in front of their laptops. "Guys!" she called out, interrupting their calls, "This is Emilee, Brianne, and Fresca (long story) and they're here to volunteer for us today." Then there was an eruption of sound as they all cheered and whooped and clapped for us. I looked out at their smiling faces, feeling like a celebrity.

What a way to start off your day.

Faith - that place couldn't run without her!

She showed us the gong that they ring every time they book a screening at a school or church, and the warehouse, and the art department which is nicknamed "Narnia" - no one is supposed to go in there.

I met some really important people. I met Jason, one of the co-founders, and tried not to pass out from excitement, (AND we got to hang out with him and his little girl, Everley, who is THEE cutest little girl ever) and then I met Ben, the CEO, and Russell, who is the warehouse manager, and Jedidiah, who does a million + one things, and also happens to be the nicest guy, maybe ever.

I could feel the energy in the air. Faith told us that everyone was really energetic because they had just picked up the Ugandans from the airport yesterday. They were in the office today filming and getting ready for the upcoming tour. We got to meet some of them too.

Here are some Roadies hard at work trying to book screenings at schools or churches.

After we did that, Faith put us to work. She had us work on a project for their upcoming Spring Tour, which I don't think has been announced yet, so I won't either. But we were essentially sorting these little boxes from their lids. And it wasn't hard, but there were 12,000 of them. We had help from various people around the office, but we got that all done in a couple of hours.

And here comes my favorite part, which makes me want to sigh and braid daisies into my hair. I hope I have the right words to convey to you, what this felt like, and what it meant to me.

We had set up shop in the main lobby, so we were kind of right in the middle of everything. As we were sorting these boxes, all the people walking by, and I mean every single one of them either smiled at us, or gave us encouraging words. "You guys are seriously rock stars...Thank you so much for this...How are you so amazing?" These were the kinds of comments we got, from people passing by as we sat there working. And it was so great.

I came to the conclusion that it was maybe physically impossible for any of them to not smile, or say something nice. It would be absolutely out of the ordinary, almost unnatural, for them. Because they are outgoing and friendly and all the things that I wish I could be. They all really were the nicest people and they made us feel so so welcome, and I can't gush over them enough.

After we were done with that, Faith came over and gave us each a finished product of the thing that we had been working on. (Sorry that I have to be so vague.) As she was giving them to us, she told us that she was so happy that we had come to do this, because she was starting to worry about it not getting done in time. Then she told us that we were pretty much the first people to get this, thing, besides the girl in the art department who designed them. They're going to sell them in a couple of months, and not only were we getting them as gifts, but we were the first three people in the world to get one? My heart was just blowing up like a balloon then, getting bigger and bigger until it might just pop.

Later, Faith had us go down to the Warehouse, where we talked to Russell. He had us sort Mend bags, which are made from women in Uganda, to provide them with jobs. We made friends with one of the guys working as an intern down in the warehouse, named Randy. He told us that he was happy to meet people his age, because everyone else was a bit older than him. We talked and became friends with him as we sorted the bags. Then, Faith found me in the hallway as I was filling up a waterbottle. She told me that there was going to be an important meeting at 6:00, and she wanted us to sit in. I told her oh my gosh of course! and went downstairs to tell Brianne and Emilee. I even invited Randy because he said he never gets invited to those things. At 6, we all went upstairs to the conference room. Everyone filed in, bringing a folding chair with them. Different people offered to get us chairs too, but it felt like it was asking too much. I was so honored to even be asked to stay for a meeting. We were content, leaning against the wall.

Jedidiah talked for a minute, and introduced a "very good friend of his, who has been involved with Invisible Children for many years now." And from out of the crowd comes Kristen Bell! Here, to talk to them, and we got to experience it too! I was so excited, because I've known about her involvement. She told us about her recent trip to Africa last October, and what kind of experience that was for her. She talked for about 10 minutes, but the thing that I took from it was that a. the people working here are great people and they're doing good things, just because it's the right thing to do. And b. that experiences like this allow you to kind of "zoom out" like a camera, out of yourself, and even your own little world. I was beaming.

Then we said goodbye to Faith and some of the other people there. They kept thanking us over and over again, and I could only thank them in return. They really made me feel like I was apart of their team, even though it was my first time, and I was just a volunteer. I had great thanks in my heart, for even letting us have an opportunity to come and do little things for them, and meet people that I really admire, and grateful for the insight and love that I experienced. It really made me think about things, about things that I want to do, and things I want to be. I walked out of the building feeling like I was in love with the whole world, and I'm pretty sure I started singing. I didn't stop smiling the whole day, because I couldn't contain my joy.

And I'm going back tomorrow.

Friday Playlist.

2011-02-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

1. Did You See the Words - Animal Collective

2. Fake Palindromes - Andrew Bird

3. Postcards From Italy - Beirut

4. The Painter - I'm From Barcelona

5. Pulling On A Line - Great Lake Swimmers

6. Location - Freelance Whales

7. Australia - The Shins

8. Janglin - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

9. I'd Rather Dance With You - Kings of Convenience

10. Us - Regina Spektor

Download Here

Never Let Me Go.

2011-02-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

I've been a big fan of Andrew Garfield as of late, and have been watching a few of his movies to soak up the all the fantastic things that he emanates through his acting. One of those movies was one I've been wanting to see for a really long time (that Carey Mulligan is actually in too, I've been a big fan of hers for a while.) It's a movie based on a book, called Never Let Me Go. I was super lucky to find an edited version to watch.

It was so…I don’t even know. Fascinating, beautiful, horrible, unfair, heartbreaking.

I knew the “secret” going in, so it wasn’t a big shock to me. I wonder how that would have changed my perspective…

But the whole time at the beginning, I was just watching these beautiful lovely kids who are being raised for this horrible reason, I think. I know they were taken care of, but they didn’t have the love of a proper mother or father, they had no family. They had to become each others family, leaning into another for support and guidance. And when they are told, at such a young age, that they only have one purpose in life? It broke my heart to think that they would never have the opportunity to be ambitious, to want to do something for themselves.

It really makes you appreciate the value of your own life, and the freedoms that we have, the things that we can choose to be.

I was upset when I found out what Ruth did. I can understand, but it could have meant so much more time for Tommy and Kathy.

I didn’t really cry as much as I thought I would…it really started when Tommy and Kathy go to try and get a deferral. Even before it happened, the way he was always grabbing on to her hand, even if they broke loose for a second, he would always find his way back and their fingers were laced in each others. I started crying then because I think that’s the love that everyone wants to find, and at that moment I physically felt my heart ache and I felt more lonely that I probably ever have. I envied their relationship.

After that it was a pretty steady stream of tears, especially with the car scene. I got chills. Andrew was fantastic, he really was. And how Carey’s character was so strong, so dependable and patient. I couldn’t have done what she was able to do, for the ending scene. I could never be that brave, and for that, I admire her.

Overall it was really, a beautiful movie. I thought the acting was done so, so well. The cast was perfect for these roles.The I’ve wanted to see it since I saw the previews, however long ago, but I’ve been at war with myself, wondering if it wasn’t worth watching because it would be too hard? It was hard, yes, and to me, it was worth watching. But I like these kinds of movies, the ones that make you think.

Punzie.

2011-01-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

I forgot that I hadn't posted this; I watched Tangled for the first time, a little while ago, and of course I absolutely LOVED it! I thought it was cute and funny and the animation really blew me away, it was so beautiful! They had the brilliant Glen Keane as animating director, so he approached the project with fantastic detail, I thought. At least, the human interaction, and their movements. So so great, I can't get over it. So then I had to draw Rapunzel. I love her! Can we all just agree that she's my new favorite princess? Agreed.

To Have Hope.

2011-01-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

Today was really great.

I watched something that was…life changing, to say the least. It was sobering, and helped me realize something that I’ve been unconsciously denying for almost 10 years now. I watched a video of this girls life, and realized that it was mine, down to a T, down to the last detail. I saw how her life and her confidence in herself improved, and I wanted that part to be me too, so badly.

So I felt like I had a change in my heart that was different than all the other times, more sincere, more focused and determined, to overcome all odds and do the seemingly impossible.

I have so much hope in my heart now, so much love for the world and its beauty and the things that I can accomplish.

Sharpie.

2011-01-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

"I must say, I am trying to live my life with a sharpie marker approach. You can’t erase the strokes you’ve made, but each step is much bolder and more deliberate." - Dianna Agron

(I seriously love her so much. A big idol of mine.)

A Long Vacation.

2011-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Whelp, I've been home for almost two weeks now. It's an interesting thing.

Spent Christmas in OC at Noni & Papa's house. Kelly got to be there. She & I flew in to Long Beach last monday. We had a nice, low key Christmas at her house. I got some cute boots that my mom had. I liked hers so much, that she got me my own pair. And then I got some cute clothes from H&M. Success.

It's been weird being home. At first, it was like...when you go to your grandmas house. You know where things are, but you don't really live there, you just know it really well. Does that make sense? It was like that for the first couple days. But now it feels like I never left.

Which may or may not be a good thing. I don't want to forget all of my friends at school. I feel like they were the people I was waiting for my whole life. All those years in high school, when I cared very little about the people I was "friends" with; these people are so different. I love them dearly. But I don't want to settle in my old ways, before I left school. And I got into some habits that I'm not too fond of when I was at school. So it will be nice to work those all out for this very long break that I have. I know what I want to do, just...I need to do it.

Cheers to new beginnings.

Dirty Gold and the Accidental Mens Room.

2010-12-24T01:23:00.000-08:00

So here's my latest obsession...Dirty Gold. These two guys, John and Lincoln, and their friend started DG earlier this year, and have become pretty much overnight sensations. We actually know them - our dads work together. I've gotten hit in the head with one of their lacrosse balls at a company BBQ, so that's pretty cool, if you want a fangirl story. We went down to their show in San Deigo and saw them play at the Che Cafe.

We first get there and I have to go, so I look around and walk into what I THOUGHT was a bathroom and I go in...Oh, it was a bathroom. A guys bathroom. With graffiti all over the walls; I can't even see paint. I guess the urinal should have tipped me off, but I said to myself, "You know what, this is a weird place. I wouldn't put it past them to have a unisex bathroom." So I'm in there, and I hear a guy come in, unzipping. "OH CRAP!" I think to myself, and I pick my purse off the floor in case someone looks. Luckily I am wearing white converse, which are pretty gender neutral, I would say, so I'm safe there. But how do I get out?! I listen and wait for him to leave, and then I run out like the freakin dickens, hoping that any other guys didn't walk in. And then I literally ran into a girl, and she saw where I was, so I'm sure she went and told all her friends about the psycho-be girl running around in the guys bathroom.

It's hilarious; good times!

Anyways, they played a great set. They've only got a few songs, but considering how new on the scene they are - totally acceptable. Good for them. I would classify them in the like, Vampire Weekend/Surfer Blood genre. Really laid back, just making you wish it was June 12th at the beach kind of music. These guys are going places.

Here's one of my favorite songs of theirs, Sea Hare.

And of course, their most popular song, California Sunrise.

Dear Scarlet.

2010-12-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about a little girl. Her name is Scarlet. She's three, and she has adventures while living with her mom. Her dad had to go off for the Air Force, and one of the things that I like most is how they still find beauty in each day, even though they miss him.

Here are some of my favorite posts.

____________________________________________

Dear Scarlet,

You illuminate everything.

Dear Scarlet,
This is what this summer should have looked like. But, sometimes you have to eat all the crappy cereal to get to the prize at the bottom of the box. We’ll have another bowl tomorrow.

Dear Scarlet,
It’s crazy how much you look like your father sometimes. Today when I was putting you down to nap, you were tugging on my ear like you always do before sleeping. I’m just flat on my back while staring at the ceiling and being depressed. You literally looked up at my face and said, “You’re the best momma ever.”

It made my day. Thank you for little things like that.

Dear Scarlet,
Sometimes you are honestly are my sunshine.

Dear Scarlet,
I know all this is hard for you to understand. It hurts for me to see you get all quiet and weird when talking to your dad because I know that you just can’t comprehend why he is off existing somewhere without you. Tonight you were a little better about it, compared to the first two times, but I am hoping you will understand once we go see him and you realize that he’s off doing something for us, not being gone because he wants to be without us. I just put you to bed and you are screaming for him. I hope you never remember this part of your life.

Dear Scarlet,

We went down to the Mississippi today to look at how high the water has gotten. I never knew true fearlessness until I met you. I hope you don’t outgrow this. I like having a daughter who isn’t afraid to live.

Fall Semester 2010.

2010-12-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

Because those of you that know me know that I like making little videos. All my best friends, in my first semester of college. I'm sincerely depressed since we've all left. Saying goodbye is one of the worst things.

As if I could sum up this fantastic experience in two minutes...enjoy.

Boys.

2010-12-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

My boys. Robert, (not so much, I could only handle him for short periods of time [Sorry Robert]) Tyler, and Dylan.

Most all of my fondest memories of senior year were because of english class. I loved those kids dearly. It was a place where this big, eclectic group of kids could come together. I felt like I belonged.

I think an IB reunion is in the works over Christmas break. I'm really looking forward to it.

A Logan Thanksgiving.

2010-12-06T11:11:00.001-08:00

For Thanksgiving we went down to Logan, UT to see our "cousins" and to spend time with them. I say "cousins" because they are in no way related to me by blood, but I've known them my whole life. We continued our Thanksgiving morning tradition by going to Ihop. That was really nice because it's been a while since we were able to do that together, living so far away. It was really nice to them, but more than that, it was nice to see my family. It was interesting to see how quickly we could get back into our old ways, as if I hadn't ever left at all. Good and bad.

Now I'm back at school with two weeks left. Trying to get back into the swing of things, resulting in unsuccessful attempts. This week is going to absolutely suck and I don't want it to happen at all. I'd rather spend time with my friends, before we all leave for four months. Plus it is slushing outside and I haven't seen the sun in a while.

Home.

2010-11-22T22:24:00.001-08:00

"I just spent the week on the ocean and in the Caribbean, seeing all kinds of wonderful, beautiful things in new, exciting places.

Now I'm back at home.

And I think that home is a lot more beautiful then we sometimes give it credit for."

-Brianne B.

My Favorite Trio.

2010-11-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

The dorms were so empty last night. It was like a ghost-town, and it was really eerie. Kelsi and I sat around for 5 hours not saying anything to each other. We weren't mad or anything, there just wasn't anything to say. We missed the group dynamic. We missed all of our friends, who had gone home already.

Today we left school for Grandma's house. Mike took Rachel and I in the truck because it was snowing like crazy. We cleaned Grandma and Grandpa's house really good and have been laying around since. I drew my Harry, Ron, and Hermione with my tablet because there was nothing to do, and I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out. It took a few tries and some different styles to get it to look around where I wanted it to look.

Dark Mark.

2010-11-19T16:25:00.000-08:00

Last night Madisen and I went to the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I have loved Harry Potter since it first came out and my dad would read the books to me before bed. This was my first midnight showing. It was really great because all the real fans were there, all dressed up like the characters. Some people had a booth set up and were drawing Dark Marks on everyone's arm, like the books. We had really great seats. I cried 6 individual times, but there was a constant stream of tears throughout the night. I feel so close to these characters. Harry Potter was my childhood. I thought it was fan-freaking-tastic. I loved it.

Mom, please don't tell the Travellers I saw it early. I couldn't wait.

In the Kitchen.

2010-11-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

Teaching Chadly how to play the guitar. Chadly is my college-brother, and I'll probably just refer to him as my brother from now on. He lives at our house. Pretty much. The only reason that he goes home is to sleep, but if that was allowed, he'd stay here all the time.

I've been teaching a lot of my friends some chords lately and I'm worried that soon they'll catch up to me. I'm not a guitar player, I just like playing the guitar. I don't know a lot but I really really enjoy playing. He's learning how to play Coldplay's "Yellow" for Kelsi, and it is super cute.

Dirty Bathtub.

2010-11-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

I think I like this. Posting a little blurb everyday. After the style of Delighted, because I do enjoy her. So I'm gonna try and do that, good or bad. More good than bad though.

Today I was not having a good day so I sat in our really dirty bathtub and talked to my mom and cried. Everyone needs a good cry now and then. And it's been a while since I've had mine. I was just really overwhelmed by school, and feeling like a lot of it was irrelevant. I've lost focus and other things have become more important to me. Hobbies that I've become more and more interested in are trying to take up room in my life, and I'm trying to pretend like they don't matter to me, so I can try and get some school work done. Mom gave me a kick butt talk and I felt better about things. Sometimes missing your family is hard. Sometimes college is hard. Sometimes deciding what is important and what you love is hard.

2010-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

1. Fader - The Temper Trap

2. Sukie In the Graveyard - Belle and Sebastian

3. Io (This Time Around) - Helen Stellar

4. Bookends - Simon and Garfunkel

5. You Are What You Love - Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins

6. Consolation Prizes - Phoenix

7. Gonna Get Along Without You Now - She & Him

8. Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears For Fears

Wish You Were Here.

2010-10-20T16:49:00.001-07:00

Last night I really started missing California. Not necessarily my family, ok, not what I mean. I mean I do miss them, just day to day things around the house. But every time I call there's not really "much going on" so I figure I'm not missing out on tooo much.

No, I missed California. I missed all of the places I had grown up. I wished more than anything that I could do all of the normal things that I used to do. I wished that I could even have the option.

I wanted to go to Disneyland and ride all of my favorite rides.

I wanted to watch an Angels game and scream my heart out as I cheered and eat an ice cream sandwich.

I wanted to go to Ruby's on the end of the pier in Balboa, like I had with Brianne earlier this summer. It was one of the most beautiful days ever.

I wanted to go to Newport and watch the surfers, wishing that I had a board.

I wanted to have a "#2 No Onion and a Dr. Pepper," when at home, I ate it maybe once every month.

I wanted to ride up on PCH and have a bonfire in Huntington with my friends like I had this summer.

I wanted to see the sun, and to be tan again.

You really don't know what you have till it's gone, ladies and gentlemen.

Bad Dads.

2010-10-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Bad Dads" is an art tribute to the films of Wes Anderson, at the LoPo Gallery in San Fransisco. I wish I could go.

Music Monday - October 11.

2010-10-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather has changed, I feel like doing this again. I think I didn't do it for a while because I wasn't really getting any new music. But thanks to a certain celebrity, I've got some new stuff and I feel like Music Mondays again.

1. To Be Surprised - Sondre Lerche

2. All Possibilities - Badly Drawn Boy

3. Fooba Wooba John - Burl Ives

4. Laughing Lover - Blitzen Trapper

5. Rainy Day - Coldplay

6. Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard - Paul Simon

7. Body - Thao and The Get Down Stay Down

8. September - Earth Wind and Fire

9. Everyone's Rooting For You - Sondre Lerche

Mike's Birthday.

2010-10-10T00:23:00.000-07:00

Last week was Mikes birthday, but he and Scott were down at Conference so we didn't get to celebrate it until just this last friday. Grandma and Grandpa were nice enough to have us down for dinner. I was SO excited to have real food. Then Grandpa told some stories about how he and Grandma met, and they all thought he was hilarious. I had a really great time getting to know Mikes friends a bit better.

Juan, Christie (Scott's girlfriend), Scott, and Mike

Caleb, Chad, Danny, and I

Happy birthday Mike!

Fall in the Burg.

2010-10-01T00:45:00.000-07:00

This was taken from my awesome photographer friend, Anna Freeby's facebook.

Sometime last week my friend/roommate Kelsi and I were walking to Glee and I looked around.

There were a few leaves that had started to change. Not many, but a few.

There was something in the air. I could just tell.

Fall is here. And it's beautiful.

English Homework.

2010-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

For english we had to write a movie review. I chose Inception, because it blew my mind. I know it blew everyone's mind, but it really affected me. I really appreciate all of the little intricate details that went into creating this movie.

I was really nervous to turn it in, cause it turns out that my professor is a movie critic. When he's NOT busy being a professor. I know right?

I turned in my first draft and he gave me back some good notes. He said that my conclusion paragraph was the best he had seen, especially my last sentence. *SQUEAL* But he told me how he couldn't really tell if I liked the movie or not, so I worked more with the tone of the piece. So if you care to read, here's how I liked Inception.

_____________________________________________________________

“What is the most resilient parasite? An idea.” Director/writer Christopher Nolan fascinates audiences around the world with Inception, receiving rave reviews for it’s visually stunning effects, star-studded cast, and wildly imaginative plot. Nolan describes his latest movie as “a story set within the architecture of the mind,” leaving much room for speculation and theories as the viewer tries to reason their way through the convoluted plot. The electrifying Inception leaves you wishing that all movies were clever and unpredictable.

Leonardo di Caprio plays Dom Cobb, a Dream Extractor who is haunted by the villainous “projection” of his deceased wife, Mal, and is trying desperately to return home to his children. When he is ready to accept the fact that might never see them again, business executive Saito (Ken Wantabe) gives Dom an offer he cannot refuse. He hires Dom for one last job - one which requires something which has never been fully achieved; Inception.

Cobb then assembles an group of ingenues - Ariadne, (Ellen Page) as the Architect brought in to “create” the dream, Eames, (Tom Hardy) as the Forger, Yusef (Dileep Rao) as the Chemist, and Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as his right-hand man. They set out to perform a seemingly impossible task - to plant an idea in big business rival Fischer’s (Cillian Murphy) mind, and convince him to think that it is his own. To achieve this, they put a meticulous plan into place as they travel deep into dreams within dreams.

The audience is involved in every step of the inception process - we see it take place when Ariadne is brought into a dream for the first time and realizes her reality is nothing more than lucid dreaming. Brilliant CGI effects allow her architectural mind to create the dream around her, her subconscious creating random “projections” (people), and buildings that are able to fold on top of themselves. We experience the confusion as if we too were brought suddenly into another’s dream.

Lack of character development was a cause of complaint for many moviegoers, but this was a trivial fault. I cannot imagine what the character development would have done to add depth to the story. Nolan did add a backstory where necessary, with Dom and his Mal’s past. This allowed us to realize his motivation for taking such great risks when it came to the dangerous nature of Extraction.

What Inception lacks in character development, it makes up for in action and imagination. A fantastic score by Hans Zimmer heightens the intensity of each scene; a train careening out of control in a downtown intersection, a zero gravity brawl in a hotel hallway. Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) uses Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” as a plot device to help “kick” the sleeping characters out of their dreaming state. Zimmer artfully took components of the song and wove it into the score, causing a sense of reminiscence for the characters as they are called back into reality.

Some morbid themes reoccur throughout the movie that would make this movie unsuitable for children, including multiple “deaths” which are required to wake a dreamer back into their normal state of being, and a woman jumping to her ultimate demise.

It becomes apparent throughout the movie that Chris Nolan has done his homework. Upon seeing the movie, I was extremely interested to go home and see if his whole dream world could truly exist. After a little investigation, I discovered that he has been working on this script for over ten years, and has been toying with the idea for much longer. His research both intrigues and frightens the mind, causing you to leave the theater questioning your own perception of reality - what is real, or has Nolan achieved inception?

_______________________________________________________________

I loved every minute of it. I...I'm at a loss for words. I thought the story was brilliant, I loved having to figure it out, I loved that I still don't understand it completely, I loved that it scared me, I loved that it was unpredictable. I just LOVED IT THE END.

5th Ward BBQ.

2010-09-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

We went to church for the first time last week, and it's pretty big. I don't know how big YSA wards are supposed to be, but I think it's big.

Then monday, we went to a ward "get-to-know-you" BBQ at one of the bishopric's house. We had a good time mixing and mingling.

Here's my cousin Michael eating a really fat oreo.

Dani and I. Love this girl, she's so funny!

Kelsi (roommate) and Danny (Mike's roomate.) We're trying to make something happen here... :)

Madisen (roommate) and Dani.

Me and my other favorite, Rachel. She loves me for my weirdness, and I love her for accepting me. For example, when we took this I said, "Hey Rachel this could be our engagement picture." And that's why she's laughing. We play off each other really well.

Beautiful Rexburg sunset!

Grocery Shopping.

2010-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the thing about college.

IT'S KINDA THE BEST THING EVER.

As I have come to discover here in Rexburg, when people say, "Hey let's go do this," we're not really going to do "this." There's always a surprise twist.

So I should have known the other day, when my friend said, "Hey you wanna go grocery shopping?" Silly me to think that it was a simple trip. He kept asking a bunch of my dormmates to go, and I thought to myself, "What the heck does he drive, how big is his car?!"

We walk out to the parking lot, and we see a big white limo.

Yes ladies and gentleman, my friend Sterling has a limo.

Better yet, he bought it on ebay.

And we went grocery shopping in it.

Around this time, I'm thinking something along the lines of, "HOLY CRAP guys we're in a limo right now!!!" (This was my first ride in a limo, and a good first ride at that.)

Madisen, me, Danielle, Marissa, Sterling, and Anna.

Because I'm always in the mood to dance.

Should I model this frozen meat awkwardly? Yes, please.

My favorite.

And then we got locked out of the store. Because it was 11:45 and there was 15 minutes till curfew.

The end of a great day.

Moving Day.

2010-09-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

I moved into my dorm last monday.

When Noni and Mom left I cried for a baby. For at least half an hour.

They were just so nice, and helpful.

My roommates are Kelsi, Kelsey, and Madisen.

We're all getting along great.

Here's our really big, really empty living room.

Because I'm crazy OCD.

My awesome bedding and my even better pillows that my mom made. Thanks mom!

Regina.

2010-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thoughts.

2010-08-27T11:09:00.001-07:00

1. I need to start going to bed at a decent hour. I've tried, but it hasn't been working out.

2. I'm getting my hair done in a few hours. It's gross and it has 3 candy corn layers.

3. I've made my bed and kept my room clean for 2 weeks.

4. Yesterday I went to Balboa beach with my best friend and 2 new friends.

5. Contra is such a fantastic cd.

6. I don't know if I'm ready to go to college. I'm really really excited but I feel like I'm being taken by surprise, when really, I've had 3 solid months to prepare.

7. I have really come to love laughter - the really sincere kind that booms and chuckles and squeals and infects.

8. I'm glad I found some nude peeptoes for $12.

9. I need some new music.

10. A problem has occurred, where I have XL Twin sheets for my Twin bed. Don't know how to fix this...

11. My friend got married on wednesday. She's a month older than I am. I don't know how to feel about this.

12. I've been rewatching the Gossip Girls series for the past month.

13. My friend Caitlin is studying abroad in France for the next year and I am extremely jealous. Can't wait for her to post pictures on her blog!

14. Thinking about going to the opening of Sammy's in Rexburg because Mindy Gledhill will be there and I love her and I would LOVE to meet her!

15. I'm kind of glad I'm not rooming with my friend Addison because I'm pretty sure we would drive each other crazy.

16. I'm sad I missed the thunder/lightning storm the other day.

17. I'm working on a little movie project, nothing special. Hopefully I'll be done in a while.

18. I've been taking walks with Oliver for the past couple of weeks and they are beautiful.

19. Ruby's onion rings and sharing an Oreo shake on the edge of the pier is the best thing of my life. I closed my eyes as the wind blew my hair and tried to remember that moment.

20. My soul feels like that picture above - I'm so full of hope right now.