I thought I'd take a break...

... from my midnight studying which has been catered by my lovely roommate Johanna. Which reminds me: sour cream and onion pringles always make me smile because when Alastair and I were maybe 7 and 8, we had our cousins Ben and Jordan over for the weekend and happened to eat a box of them. Jordan- who is now a studly Durham graduate with a hottie wife and adorable baby girl- had maybe twice as many pringles as we did and and consequently let out a humungous "blow off" which we all thought was hilarious- because lets, face it: to a 7 or 8 year old absolutely nothing is funnier.

I feel like my blog is taking a strange turn now that I'm plastering old fart stories left right and center.

To prove to you that it has just been "one of those days," may I relate to you what happened to me during my English Language Editing exam today.

Question one had me stumped. And when you're stumped on question ONE, you can pretty much expect life to take a downhill course. To be fair, I think I quite rocked the remainder of the test, but as of ten minutes before my time would be up and points would be lost forever: I was stumped.

I spent 8 minutes cursing the skies and whomever it is in my ancestry that thought it would be funny to make sure I was the one who would get their awful memory retention skills. Finally, in the last two minutes, I wrote the following in place of the essay that ought to have accompanied the carefully penned "Q1:"

"As my luck would have it, my mind has escaped me. Consequently I feel stupid [here I drew a frowny face]. Heavenly Father loves me though."

Quite frankly, if that doesn't get me a point it will be downright un-Christian.

Picture of the Day

Anna and I, Park City, UT. Winter 2010.

Multicultural Education

As you will know, dear blogfriends, my very lovely friend Ashley and I have just begun a multicultural education block class. Let me take a moment to praise teachers like Clifford Mayes, who are student friendly and passionate about what they teach. Teachers who have neither of these qualities are in the wrong profession.

This week I learned about Little Rock, AR., which was rather dramatic and appauling. Watching footage and interviews from the actual experience was enlightening in ways that I had never really considered. I am more than aware of racial hardships and discrimination in the world today. I got to thinking- at what point would these people stop and look at themselves and be ashamed? I think it's hard to do so when you believe whole heartedly that your ideas and opinions are genuinely and evidently true.

I am still trying to figure out how my own multicultural though processes developed. In all honest, I cannot think of a single instance wherein I actually became aware of race, and the fact that society considers different races in different ways. Perhaps this is due to good parenting? I just can't seem to get a grasp on it. Perhaps one day I will figure it out. And of course, I'll let you know.

Anyway, go ahead now and wikipedia Little Rock and the Little Rock Nine. You know you want to.

On another educational note, my roommate Karem educated me on calcium this week, which brought back haunting memories of when I was about 8 and happened upon a documentary that made me scared to death of osteoporosis and the fact that I hated milk. I used the past tense there when I should have used the present: I hate milk. Yeulek! Anyway now my fears are being revisited and I just hope you all know that if ever i DID get osteoporosis, I hope you all know that as my avid fans, you will be responsible for the life I have become accustomed to.

PS. I really do love you

... really. I have the best friends ever. Corny blog post over.

American Culture: I Don't Understand You

To my American friends: I love you. But there are some things I can't fathom/ stand.

Last night there was a knock at my front door, which was followed by the squeak of the front door as it was pushed open. The knocker/ intruder waltzed in and plonked himself on my couch while I sat on said couch in my pyjamas, bewildered. Said intruder then sat, wordless, waiting for us to entertain him. While waiting, he flipped open my phone, tried on my watch and rifled through my papers that I had placed in order to study from.

Did I mention I was in my pyjamas?

I should, perhaps, mention that as he wandered from the door to the couch (where I sat... in my pyjamas) he aimlessly said, "did you guys say 'come in?'" Despite the fact that neither of my roommates or myself are "guys," we responded that no, we had not invited the knocker to "come in," to which the intruder snort-giggled before sitting, waiting, and rifling.

On the couch where I sat, in my pyjamas.

I hope my neighbors and friends know that I am always there for them if they need to talk or want a visit. I just don't like being caught in pyjamas!

Things This Week

This week has been a blur of all sorts of preoccupations. Here are a few highlights/ memorable notes. Firstly, I should remind you, my blog fans, of my upcoming life celebration. Yes, I'll be 22 next week. Which in and of itself is a ridiculously intimidating thought. I have come to the conclusion, however, that I at least have a lot of accomplishments, adventures and unique stories to show for my years. To celebrate, I hope my parents guessed that the above is what I hope to be wearing by the time I am 23. This will probably be considered a hint for Christmas.
Secondly, I admit that I am so very upset that I no longer have the time, it seems, to cook. The people in my ward are practically famished. Just kidding, I don't cook for everyone. BUT I am rather irritated that I seem to be eating oatmeal for dinner every night because I just get home too late or have too much reading and writing to get done. In reality, I should get up an hour early and prepare real lunches for myself or something. But let's face it: who actually hears that awful alarm sound and thinks "yes! I am outta this cosy bed, let's go go go!"?? Not me. When I hear that sound, I hit snooze. at least three times.

My next week event concerns the most ridiculous grammar book I think I have ever laid eyes on. Rodney Huddleston, If you're reading this, please consider burning this book or dis-associating yourself from its publication. I realize that a lot of text books are written by very knowledgable people who must at least be interested in what they are writing. However, I am truly of the opinion that many of these authors forget who they are writing to. No college kid in their right mind would get excited about reading this book. And I am certain that most professors of the same caliber as Huddleston himself and screamin inside for something a little more appetizing to read after a day of their own hoyty toyty consumation. Text book authors, do us a favor: at least pretend to be passionate about what you are teaching! be a little loquacious! If your reader has to resort to caffeine in order to make it through another page, you are going wrong somewhere.

Especially if that page is the introductory page.

Lastly, Ke$ha. I have been hearing about her tik-tok song for a while now and finally decided to give it a listen while at work. My judgment (I'm sure you are all excited to hear about it): overrated. I don't find anything unique about her music, though it is of course catchy and upbeat and probably something I would quite happily run to. I WILL say, however, that her appearance distresses me. I want to brush her hair, wash her eyes and give her a dollar to make her smile.

In the News...

U.S. airports expand passenger full-body screening
Ross Kerber BOSTON


BOSTON (Reuters) - Airport officials on Friday showed off new X-ray scanning machines they will use to screen more passengers with full-body imaging as called for by security advocates, a step that has alarmed civil libertarians.
U.S.
The $170,000 machines made by a unit of OSI Systems Inc show guards images of passengers' bodies through their clothes to reveal hidden objects.
Three to be activated on Monday at Boston's Logan International Airport will be the first of 150 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials hope to deploy in the next few months using funds from last year's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus.
The agency aims to have 450 advanced scanners at airports by the end of the year.

to read the rest of this article, visit http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6244C620100305

Here are my qualms with this whole situation.

It is bad enough that it takes a ridiculous amount of time inching forward in line so that all of my personal items can be examined. Then, I have to take 5 minutes taking off shoes, belts, jewelry and dismantling cameras, cell phones and lap tops. THEN, I somehow still manage to make the machine beep, meaning I get to have the fabulous experience of being physically accosted by an over zealous security guard. This happened once in Germany and was the most invasive experience of my existence. Imagine myhorror when, after siad feelage, I was led to a small area of the room that was curtained off. I was more than ready to execute a few self defence moves. As it turns out, the search of my PERSON was complete, but they demanded I open up my lap top for inspection. That's right, of my FILES. Because we all know what murderous capacity my FILES have.

Considering how expensive these new machines are, I can only imagine the more intense queing I will have to do. Which, by the way, I am NOT down for, especially when the end of said que involves ex-ray capacity the likes of which only Superman previously had the privelege of.

Of course, I believe that we want to be as safe as possible on these air plights. But surely the criminal master minds behind these morbid attempts have realised that if they really want to do that sort of thing, armina passenger is not the way to go? Especially with how tight things are getting these days. In short- I think these new machines are invasive, expensive and time consuming excess. You'd never believe the world was in financial crisis.

Movie of the Month

Funny Face- Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.

I loved this movie. It included everything I thoroughly enjoy- namely Audrey, fashion, classical humor, New York, a little old time dancing, witty dialogue, and it even made me appreciate France. Baby steps.

In short, the charming ambiance of this movie has pushed it into my top ten all time favourites.

We Are The World

I do not take the time to consider my circumstances every morning, as I stretch and yawn, and shudder at the thought of slipping out of my blankets into the chilly air of my apartment. I don't think I've ever, in that moment, covered my mouth in amazement that I not only lie on my very own mattress, but that that mattress is accompanied by a layer of memory foam, pillow cased pillows, a plush comforter and soft throw. I've never rubbed my eyes to check the reality that my head is actually covered by a roof, that my front door has a lock and that when I turn on the bathroom faucet, clean water will run for as long as I want it to.

I don't consider who made my clothes- how much they were paid or how long their work day was. The same goes for various ingredients I use in the food that I eat. I take advantage of the fact that there are books on my shelves that I can- and have the time to- read, and that somehow, through the miracle of technology, I have the world at my fingertips.

I'll occasionally browse tiffany.com and think how fabulous it would be to have that diamond around my neck, and I'll certainly worry about my suede heels when it starts to rain.

There are nights that I have been irritated by how late it is and that I am not yet snuggled deep within my sheets. Regardless, I know that that moment will come, and know with such surety that I could successfully put all of my earthly possessions on the fact.

And when I close my eyes for the final time that day, I can be 99.99% sure of the fact that in a few short hours they will open again and I will be where I left myself, undisturbed, with a day of comfort and safety ahead.

Maybe you don't browse tiffany's. But that you most inevitably can relate to my temperament is the disaster of human relations and global economic imbalance.

I went to sleep one night pondering Haiti, being satisfied with the manner in which America at least had responded. Celebrity telethons, charity music records, every high school bake sale, country club benefits, ward fundraisers, substantial personal contributions by every member of the elite in and out of Hollywood. Teams of reality and drama show actors along with r&b singers flew in to clean up the mess. John Travolta flew. A natural disaster struck and we saved the day.

I finally drifted out of consciousness and into an experience I can only describe as exhausting. In a dream, I was taken from country to country, thrown into the midst of their problems and then yanked to another. I watched in horror as I witnessed disaster- both natural and manmade. I saw the faces, faces, faces, all night long until I awoke, a little shaken, and very guilt ridden. Surely these issues did not exist? Nothing I had seen could ever be that real. world relief organizations must be mediating these hardships?

It took an earthquake for people to realize Haiti existed. Do we really even contemplate the poverty they lived with before this disaster? I admire our A-listers for speaking up and leading the way in humanitarian service. But if they so clearly have the power to raise multi- millions in one three hour telethon, why is this not at least a monthly effort? What about the other suffering third world nations? It's all well and good for us to prick up our ears and take notice of one small country. But what about the other countries? Countries we have drained of their resources and continue to exploit in the name of our western comfort. Will it take an earthquake before we make conscious efforts to give aide? What needs to happen to Chad before 35 solo artists come together to record a single for them?

What have you done today that could benefit someone with social and economical conditions that are the opposite of yours? What will it take for you to start now to make a difference? I know that the chances of the individual changing the face of a nation are small- I've never felt smaller in my life. But is that an excuse for doing nothing?

I believe there will come a day when I am responsible for something much bigger than me. I will be responsible for life. I will have the ability to form and direct whole solar systems of opportunity, risks and hope. What use is that knowledge if I never get any practice? I invite you to do something about your world: I invite you to practice. Get involved: learn about your earth, your brothers and sisters, and your own potential.

http://www.un.org/News/ossg/sg/stories/articleFull.asp?TID=32&Type=Article

http://www.helium.com/knowledge/156153-taking-concrete-actions-to-help-the-third-world

Calling My British Friends!

I need you all to update me on common British sayings and words please. Also tell me ones of old. Thanks!

Funny At Work...

DISCLAIMER- I am probably Miley's definition of an anti-fan. I do not like her. However, for some reason her annoying "Party in the USA" song happened to somehow be playing from my computer. Garrett turns to me and says:

"Is that how your college experience is? A Party in the USA?"

Nice.

What I'm Listening to

Half of My Heart - John Mayer. Let it be known that, regardless of his appalling way with the media, John Mayer is a musical genius. I find him... organic.

Possibility - Lykke Li

Quelqu'un M'a Dit - Carla Bruni (you all know how I love the French)

Us - Regina Spektor

In the News...

Dutch cabinet collapses in dispute over Afghanistan

Dutch forces have been in Uruzgan since 2006 The Dutch government has collapsed over disagreements within the governing coalition on extending troop deployments in Afghanistan. After marathon talks, Christian Democratic Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende announced that the Labour Party was quitting the government. He offered his government's resignation to Queen Beatrix in a telephone call.

Picture of the Day

Valentine Season

Valentine's Day is almost here and I am actually making an effort this year! I know. I'm moving up in the world and my enthusiasm is just oozing. The above is my Valentine to you all. I love you, blog fans! Feel free to shower me with Valentines. I may even blog about it!

Sisterly Pride

Please note my little brother Logan, the star of a very public poster situation. He's a celebrity. And I love him.

N O M O R E F A S T F O O D

Seriously. I don't care if it's the cheapest option or the fastest option or if it looks so good on that poster. There will be no more fast food.

Goodbye January

January has been, on the whole, mild. The weather has been more like it ought to be in April, to be frank, meanwhile in Germany the above happens. My mother blogged (I am rubbing off on her I suppose) about the beautiful snow over there. I could blog about the nasty dirty slush in Utah, but I will refrain for the sake of everyone's illusions. To be fair to our creator, I will tell you that the weather we have been having is gorgeous- clear blue skies, warm breezes etc. I feel like a criminal saying it, but every once in a while I secretly give global warming a teensy thumbs up. No I don't! Who said that?! Not me. Global warming bad. Disney says so.

On a serious note: Haiti. Our ward did our part by throwing a bake sale. Which basically meant that we donated money and celebrated such my eating fancy treats. I used the opportunity to use my brand spanking new cupcake tier tray, complete with home-made (from scratch, thank you very much- none of this "add oil and eggs" rubbish) cupcakes, individually decorated. Flavours included chocolate orange, strawberry topped, jam filled, cream filled, chocolate chip, pecan topped, sprinkled, etc. Noteworthy baked treats include the above featured. A special shout out (yes, I am shouting out) goes to Sean Southerland who made HOME MADE ICE CREAM. Consider me officially topped in any sort of home-making. Though I did not congratulate him in person, I was impressed, to say the very least. And hope, if he reads, that he will one day show me how to made ice cream.

I went to the BYU/Utah Basketball game. BYU and Utah, for those of you that do not know, are perhaps the most rivaled schools in the Mountain West Conference. So this game was jam packed and quite a big deal. It was a close game and some fists were even thrown (the fists were, of course, those of the Ute's). Nevertheless, BYU players such as Jimmer Fredette (a personal fave) led us to victory. Of course. I was glad also, for personal reasons, to see the Utes defeated and humiliated. Which is probably not very Christ-like.

A couple of thoughts I had while sitting in the stands:

a) when the opposing team has the ball the crowd would jeer, which struck me as something relatable to the great and spacious building, spoken of by Lehi.

b) once upon a time, just as many people would get together and cheer/ get excited by gladiators killing each other and/or wild animals.

Both of my thoughts were not really entertained by the people I was with, but I really think they have merit, hence my blogging them.

Meanwhile in Frankfurt, Connor eats snow. The number of times I did this as a kid are uncountable- though I was never bold enough to get a bowl and spoon. Does everyone eat snow?

Also, you should know about Logan and Connor and their sportishness. Connor plays on the rugby team and took his very first "business trip" to Brussels to play the international team there. Logan continues to be the star of practically every physical feat at his school, this semester on the Basketball team. I bet he could play for BYU if he wanted...

In other news, We ought to all take a moment to recognize the passing of perhaps one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century. J.D. Salinger passed away this week. I would post a picture but I think he would have seen that as an invasion of privacy. Salinger wrote a number of short stories and the ever unpopular (but ultimately VERY popular) "The Catcher in the Rye". It was the only novel published, after which he retreated to a life of relative solitude. Heaven only knows what treasures are in his New Hampshire home, waiting to NOT be published. The biggest disappointment I have is the nobody ever got a decent interview out of him. But perhaps this is a good thing: too many things are no longer a mystery these days. So. If you haven't already, read "The Catcher in the Rye" or at least Wikipedia it.

Technology Today

The western world is going crazy over this beautiful little piece of equipment. As thin as the screen of a Macbook Air, this product is ridiculously... well, ridiculous! AND I WANT ONE! It has all you could possibly need in a piece of equipment designed to put the world at the tip of your fingers- literally! Everything about the product is touch activated. It's the FUTURE at its most palpable. I was blown away with the laptop, way back when. But THIS makes the lap top look OLD- which in and of itself is incredible to me. I wonder at the possibility that the iPad could ever seem "old" in the future. Suddenly the technological world James Cameron portrayed in Avatar seems incredibly probable!

And this is the end of my nerd-attack excitement for shiny things.

Goal for the Day: