Watermelon - Summer's Prettiest Fruit

Watermelon - Summer's Prettiest Fruit

Moment of the Month

Kaley and I went to JCPenney's this week. The circumstances of the week begged the occassion. On Monday I went to a natural Hot Springs in the mountains in Heber, near Park City. Knowing me, the event was filled with disaster, and I slipped and fell into the scalding water, cutting open a toe and scratching my wrist. So, limping and looking quite frankly like an emo cutter on Tuesday, my day was already off to a bad start. It only got worse when I had a tiny texting-tiff with one of my favourite friends (yes, I'm still annoyed with you, Kip). Cue Kaley: "I LOVE jcpenney." Enough said. I hadn't been to Penney's in about 3 years. I was game.

My father would point out that it is the mark of a Shopoholic when one turns to retail therapy to feel better/ get a rush/ think deep thoughts/ relax. I am currently looking into a support group.

Anyway kaley and I had a blast, trying on different things, prancing around in the business section in fancy suits and skirts.

Cheesecake for Breakfast...

... Bad choice.

Currently Reading...

Eats, Shoots and Leaves

By Lynne Truss

A ridiculously funny commentary on punctuation and its misuse. Will review when finished.

To The Girls

This happened in Provo this week. Girls, please be so careful when you are by yourself- even in broad daylight, even in the quietest of towns.

http://www.deseretnews.com/mobile/article/700039364/Provo-police-looking-for-attacker.html

Mulling and its Outcomes

True to my word, you find me slumped in a corner of my room ("my room" being the room my parents call "Hollie's Room," which is, while I am not with her, my mother's long awaited secret place where she stores her shoes, nick nacks and other momish things. All of which she hides in OTHER secret places before I get here, lest I steal things I like).

Thought processing ADD: When I bought my mac-a-lac, it was supposed that, on a full tank of battery power, I might have 8 hours of battery life. How, then, can it have been on charge all day and now read 2.38 hours of battery left? Y0u may now picture me in the corner of my room, wedged between my bed and radiator, shaking my fist. I actually did it so that you wouldn't be mind-lying.

Attention regrouped. Song on repeat.

Germany is just as I left it in December: only instead of snow, I have seen a little rain and mostly beautiful blue skies. Anyone who knows me will know that I despise grey skies that do not release rain (why? what is the point of a heavy looming sky that just sits there, not raining?), and adore cloudless, perfectly blue skies. When people consider their favourite season, I always take the time to mull over different seasons and my deeper appreciation for each one: spring time, and its symbolism to life beginning and blossoming; fall and it's beautiful color and recognition of change and age; winter and the miracle of snow fall and yuletide bliss. But no! Sign me up for summer with endless nights, popsicles, tan lines and sticky attire! Forget symbolism and take me as I am!

I promised myself I would think seriously about my future- what I am doing with my life- while I was here. But when I actually got here, and beginning to think about it put me into cold sweats in the first thirty seconds, I thought- really quite simply- "no." I know you expect more from me. Anyone reading from my high school years might be astounded by that confession. To them I say "People Change": another simple and un-satisfying explanation, I'm sure.

Back to blogging (which, I am sure you can tell by now, has no real thesis). One thing I am feeling rather upset about at this point in time is my lack of blogging lately. Cliche (as outlined in the previous post) I know, but as my blog-lacking aunt Jules can attest to, it has rather spoiled my already diminishing sense of organization. Especially so, as I try to convince myself that writing a journal is unnecessary if I blog. My recently returned missionary brother declared that blogging, he thought was a crude and public excuse of exhibition. I did not bother explaining how a lot of employers now ask for any blog addresses. That's my only real excuse with merit. Not that entertaining you blans (or bleaders- blog/ readers. get it?) isn't reason enough for writing.

Moving on (finally, I hear you say): some things I have been pondering lately (besides my mac and its diminishing battery power, my not- pondering future, my blogging and my selfish symbolic-less favouritism of Summer).

a) Gilmore Girls. It took 10 years, but finally they have my undivided attention due to excellent, witty writing, and flawlessly flawed characters (that makes sense, in my mind at least).

b) Double beds and why I cannot for the life of me commit to staying in the middle. Why is that? Logically one would surely bask in the space and enjoy taking up the whole thing. Perhaps it is a subtle way of the universe telling me that I am just not selfish enough to take what I do not need. I just know if my girlfriends and I were having this conversation they would come up with an ulterior conclusion, which I do not wish to embellish.

c) My new running shoes, and how my fear of dirtying them is holding me back from actually using them for working out. Also the anticipated conclusion that working out in flip flops or driving mocs has results that I do not care for.

That said, consider me sorry for not offloading this codswallop on you sooner. Stay tuned!

Discovery: Angus and Julia Stone

The audacity of leaving you all anecdote-less for a while and then attempting to remedy that with a youtube video of a new musical couple I have been impressed by. Rest assured that the situation is under consideration- the situation being my blogging absence. Also, rest assured that you may still actually appreciate my outlook on the world when I admit that I despise people who blog that they have not blogged "in fooorreeevvveerrr"- it is quite seriously one of the most annoying things I come across, and yet find myself doing quite often. Therefore, accept my apologies and please DO enjoy this song, which I have spent the last couple of days in delight over. It is one of those "alone time" songs that leave you sitting in the corner of your room, staring- not blinking- at nothing in particular, mulling over life. Which, in my opinion, is something one out to do often. My reasons are none in particular... though I commit to pondering over some potential reasons and getting back to you. Now that you are confused by my awkward expression of thought, hit play already.

Blogger Bah Humbug

Every night I have told myself that now would be a very good time to end my non- intentional blog fast. Alas, you will have noticed that I have ignored every such impulse and instead gone on with my strange existence. I am now in Germany once again, and as you can tell from the above picture, the weather has been foul. Raining off and on, ridiculous grey skies: it's a downright outrage. Having said that, today has been lovely, and I currently write out here in the garden, under the awning because it's so bright and sunny. Currently the parents are in New York, picking up Alastair from his now completed mission- they are thrilled, of course, and we in Germany are just itching to see him! Meanwhile I have been showing my college roommate Anna Frankfurt, Bad Homberg and Heidelberg (mainly I've been giving her tours of the shops. What more can I say?). It has been great fun having her here!

I am rather fond of the public transportation system here. What a miraculous system. Not only do I feel rather proud of myself for assisting in maintaining such a healthy and much less polluted environment, but I am constantly supplied with people watching opportunities, which of course is one of my favourite things. More about that another time. Heidelberg, while we are on the subject, provided me with an opportunity to exercise patience with the german people. One in particular. Who knew one could reserve seats on a 30 minute train ride in second class. Who knew one would be so adamant to sit in such a seat even though 90% of the carriage was completely devoid of other persons? Who might have supposed that someone else sitting in ones supposed reserved seat might be so infuriating?? You will all be happy to know that I refrained from popping such a man square in the eye. Instead I quickly removed myself and spent the 30 minutes loudly denouncing such childish and arrogant behavior.

That said, Germany is quite lovely- while the sun lasts, that is. I shall try to write a little more later!

Funny of the Day

Hannah Davis, on childbirth.

"Ew. Babies come out looking like aliens. I don't wanna see mine 'til it's clean."

Picture of the Day

Hello blog fans. There is no excuse, really, for the lack of my internet presence these past 2 or so weeks. Life has been pleasantly tranquil- if you consider 28 calls in que at work for 8 hours a day "tranquil." Finals finished and I became busy with moving out roommates, moving in another roommate (Welcome, Coleman!), organizing my house, building a garden on my porch (I am officially my mother), setting up a new team at work, actually going to work and training new employees (Welcome, Thorn, Jennifer, and Peter!), scouring used bookstores for good books (officially my new favourite thing to do) and finalizing my book. Now, all of a sudden, I have but ONE WEEK before I'll be heading back to Europe for a fabulous break that, I will admit, I am not at all prepared for. Anyway, that's it. What's new with you?

Oh No

The irritation of my day would be the above. No, this is not a picture of my exploding brain due to finals (curse you, geology). Nor is it a pitcure of my exploding brain due to panic/ cluelessness concerning my future. It is actually a picture of the volcano in Iceland. I am considering whether or not I should tell you the real reason that I am irritated... I could tell you that I am very anxious to know that the people are safe and well- I am, I really am... But mainly... alright fine, I'll admit it. Mainly I am anxious about my spring plans. Will I wever get to Europe next month?!
Now that you're all positive that I'm extremely self-obsessed and selfish, let's move on. My favorite used bookstore in Provo is MOVING to Orem and I am terribly unhappy about it. Who wants to poke into a bookstore on State St in Orem, where, let's face it, could easily be Reno for all of its aesthetic let- downs. I very much dislike State St in Orem.
I think it's a good thing that I can identify with the fact that right no I am being a Debbie Downer. Care to make my day?

You Think Your Life is Tedious?

Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie

Can you only begin to imagine how long it took to take this music video?!

BANE OF MY EXISTENCE

Taxes. I hate hate hate this process. I don't understand it AT ALL. I just filed my taxes online- have no idea if it's right or not- but apparently they think they need to give me $1600. Which is fine with me. I just have to wait and see if the IRS accept or reject my claim. 3 guesses how I want that one to turn out. Cross your fingers for me!

Clarification of the Day

Couldn't have put it better myself.

Today Will Be Beautiful

Hello blans (blog-fans. I like to pretend you exist.)! I got to bed late last night after spending the entire weekend, it seemed, cleaning slash organizing my teeny tiny apartment. I will not pretend that it took less than 7 hours to organize my showes and clothes. I will also refrain from lying about the fact that my desk is still a disaster, untouched. The living room, however, looks great. On saturday I found a bookcase on [serious] sale so, after ploughing my way through the most foreign looking instruction manual of my life, my roommate and I managed to set it up. It's amazing what a bookcase can do to a room. I feel ridiculously distinguished! Anyway. Other things that made my weekend a ball of sunshine:
Indian food
The hot sun (hello Utah desert)
Random blogfans adding me on facebook (yeah, you!)
Walmart
Stake Conference
Clean sheets
Chatting with silly brothers on the phone
This week, being the last week of classes, promises to be stressful and panic- filled. But... Waking up to the sunshine, a cancelled class, and She & Him really clears that right up!
PS I realize that my chirpiness is nausiating... but get over it! Today rocks!

In the Sun

Reasons why today will suck: a test; solid classes 'til 3, then solid work 'til 7pm; no hug from Mommy as she's trillions of miles away; snow on the ground; geology class (theres only so much one can care for rocks); the thought of finals

Reasons why today will rock: "geology rocks"; watch me ace my test; the promise of 50 degree weather and clear skies; my book arrived (!!!); sweatpants

And if that isn't enough to make YOU excited for today, the above is a gift to cheer you up.

Picture of the Day

I took this picture in Heidleberg, Germany last August. It makes me SO excited to go back in MAY!!

Happy Easter!

This week is conference weekend- Which is the best way I can think of spending Easter! When we were kids Mum would hide sweets and chocolate in the garden and we would go hunt for them. And of course- English tradition alert- we would get a chocolate easter egg, which would consist of a huge chocolate egg designed in accordance with our favourite candy bar. Mine was usually Rolo's. It was spectacular! What are YOUR traditions?

Enjoy this youtube video from Mormon Messages. Yes, I got all techno-savvy and posted a youtube video. Which has opened up so many doors for me that I feel like a pro. You can expect to be enjoying lots more where that came from!

I want you all to know, in this Easter season, that I know that Christ lives. He came to this earth in the most humble of circumstances, but led a perfect life, being the perfect example. He healed the sick and taught fundamental lessons and principles. He atoned for each of our sins and willingly was sacrificed. And he was resurrected! Which is what we celebrate today. I know that He lives and loves us. I can testify that he knows me personally. I hope that you watch the above, and ponder the role of Christ in your lives.

While we are on the subject of churchy things, I have to share an experience (be excited)! Last weekend I had just gotten my little paycheck and some money from my parents. It was wonderful- I thought, Hurray! Now I can pay all of the bills I have been procrastinating! I looked at my money and counted it thoroughly. I realized that I was looking a little low and considered paying my tithing next week instead. In my religion, we have made the decision to donate ten percent of our income to the church. In the scriptures we are promised that if we do this first and foremost, we will be blessed. I contemplated this decision and finally decided to have a little faith and pay my tithing. The next day I checked my bank balance and to my utter horror, I didn't have enough money to pay rent! I was so upset. I panicked and wondered what on earth I could do? I knew that I had a 20 dollar note in my purse, so I decided to deposit it at the ATM. When I got there, I considered the fact that I could have some extra funds in my British account. I checked- there was a hundred dollars there. So I withdrew that, still sad because rent is far from being $120! Regardless, I began to deposit my notes into the ATM. And they kept coming. $120: deposited. $220: deposited. $320: deposited. $420 deposited. The 20's kept rolling out of my wallet, every time I stuck my hand in there for more. I stood, astonished, as I checked my final balance. I have heard of similar stories of those faithful people who pay their tithing- but never did I think I would be blessed with such a tangible experience. I know that it was a blessing for paying my tithing!

What I'm Listening to...

... Relator by Scarlet Johansson and Pete Yorn. Actually I'll admit to being so completely surprised by it. Scarjo is the last person I thought I'd enjoy coming from out of a speaker system- but she's pretty good! This track in particular is the perfect springtime tune. I appreciate it. Listen to it at playlist.com!

Mind boggle of the day

Ridiculously simple how hard this is.

http://www.sporcle.com/games/boyochels/twoletterwords