Contagious Optimism

Almost a missionary!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 04:31:00 +0000

Where have I been?
Short answer: I've been working a lot, spending time with friends and family, and basically getting ready for my mission.

Where am I going:
I get set apart as a missionary on Sunday, fly to Utah on Monday, and enter the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday. Ahh! It's all coming so fast but at the same time I'm so excited and ready to leave.

That being said, my mom will be posting all of my emails and photos on my mission blog. You can find it here and follow along!

I am so excited to serve the Lord and the people of Brazil! I know the gospel is true and the Book of Mormon is the word of God!

See ya'll later!

Customer Service

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 05:15:00 +0000

Dear customer,

I was confused for several hours, but I'm glad I finally understand why you insisted I make you another ice cream cone today in the drive-thru. When you glanced at the perfectly good one made for you ten seconds before you got to the window then repeated "I don't want it" I'm sorry I didn't immediately know why. Forgive me for worrying that we had messed up your order. I'm sorry I bothered you with questions. The funny thing is, when I asked out of curiosity what was wrong with the cone, you wouldn't answer me. Then after repeating "I don't want it!" over and over, I'm glad you finally told me that you didn't want it because it had sat on the counter. Thanks for finally explaining that you will not partake of an ice cream cone that has touched a counter, paper wrapping and all. I apologize that you could not see my coworker swirling ice cream for you directly before you arrived at the window.

Thank you hailing over my manager as well. I really think her opinion of me changed after your two-minute monologue about how rude and disrespectful I am. She probably fully trusts your account even though she has known me for well over three years. I apologize that I still am not quite sure what that mumbo jumbo was about being submissive to the customer. Frankly, it didn't make sense. I hate to point it out, but our short yet memorable interaction reflected more upon your character than upon mine. Sorry to break it to you, but throwing a temper tantrum is not acceptable for a middle aged woman. However, I'm glad you graced me with another opportunity to practice my swirling skills.

Thanks! Have a great day ma'am!

On My Mind.

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 02:02:00 +0000

now playing: the rising - nashville tribute band

The Nashville Tribute Band has got it going on. For serious. Check out their albums on iTunes. I have the Joseph Smith and the Work albums. I mean I'm all for some good ol' Janice Kapp Perry, but sometimes you've got to keep it fresh. You know, shake things up a bit.

The singles ward in Charlotte. sigh. I decided on a whim to go with my older brother Trevor today, and you betcha it was uncomfortable. That Sunday School teacher, bless his heart. I don't understand teachers continue to wait awkwardly for someone to answer their vague questions. Then when someone answers the question they hardly acknowledge the answer. Meh. I'll stop complaining now. And being judgemental. The class was fine, I just miss Abigail's rockin' Sunday School class. She was the bomb diggity.

Ever tried MAC's BB Cream? Or any BB Cream? I got some from the drugstore that was a bit disappointing, but MAC is really living up to my expectations. Hurrah for quality products!

My favorite sandals are on their last leg. (haha) But really I've worn those poor things down to a string of elastic holding the back together. I just don't think I'm ready to say goodbye quite yet...

Mama Baker is currently in San Antonio. Hey Mama!! I know you're reading this! I miss you!

I report to the MTC in 38 days!

While visiting the singles ward today, I met a guy from Brazil! He was awesome and when I told him where I will be serving, the first thing he says is, "Oooh. It's hot there." Coming from a Brazilian, it's gonna be hot hot hot. I say bring it. Some heat won't stop me from sharing the gospel! You sillies.

Yoga tomorrow. 10:30 am. I'm so ready.

Pre-Mish Bucket List

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:32:00 +0000

now playing: shimbalaiê - maria gadú

1// Reread the entire Book of Mormon. According to my calculations *sniffs and pushes up glasses*, that amounts to about 5 chapters a day. I can do it!

2// Know all the missionary lessons. Not just kinda sorta know them. Know them. Like the back of my hand, yo.

3// Run a 5k. If you know anything about me, you know I hate running. But I've learned that nothing gets my heart rate up quite like running. Gotta get in the fat burning zone!

4// Lose 10 pounds. Instead of a beach body, I'm going for a Brazil body! And I'm already halfway there. 5 pounds down, 5 to go. Lessgo weight watchers!

5// Pack up my room. The little broski is moving in after I'm gone, so I want all my stuff out so he can have his own room.

6// Road trip to Wilmington. This one is for sure happening once Abigail gets home. For one, I love love love the beach. (Couldn't you tell from my last post?) And for another, I want to check out all the landmarks from One Tree Hill. Major fangirl right here. Don't judge.

7// Eat at a Brazilian restaurant. For obvious reasons.

8// Spice up my mission blog. Mama Baker will be posting my letters and whatnot here, so I think a bit of a facelift is in order.

9// Go to the temple at least three more times. It's hard to go often when you have to drive two hours each way, but I'm working on it!

I got a letter today from the Joao Pessoa Mission, which is my missions "parent mission" because it doesn't quite exist yet. It's making me even more excited!!

La Mer

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:38:00 +0000

now playing: i lived - onerepublic

Once upon a time I went to Charleston.

That city has got it goin' on. For serious.

I haven't been to the beach in years, so this trip has been long overdue. Not to mention we all needed a break from the work. I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time.

No matter how much sunscreen I put on I get burnt every time. Mais, c'est la vie.

Salt water, sand, fresh fish. Oh how I would love to live at the beach!

I could steal this bike & ride it around everywhere! (kidding. swiper no swiping.)

Charleston, until we meet again. Twas fun.

Confessions

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:53:00 +0000

now playing: more love - dixie chicks

That is one of my very favorite songs ever.

We take selfies at work.

Evelina is my CFA BFF. We've been together since day 1 & been inseparable ever since!

I've been listening to Brazilian music.

Complicated work relationships exist. #acca-awkward. We also transformed the "To Do List" into a fake rumor board.

Yesterday I ran a mile for the first time in I don't even know how long! I usually walk for two and a half minutes then run for two and a half minutes. But a Monday I wanted to push myself and run for five minutes straight. When I hit the five minute mark I didn't feel too tired, so I kept going for another five. Turns out it was almost a mile, so yesterday I went for the kill and it felt so good! You can be sure I'll be running again today! (I'm still not a fan of running, but I'm getting there.)

This pretty lady is graduating today. Love her!

I clearly don't have a real camera. Need evidence? See blurry photo above.

One of my favorite people is leaving for college tomorrow morning and I'm pretty bummed about it. I won't see him for almost three years! Crazy stuff.

Oh, and I've been watching Miranda Sings videos all morning. Judge me, go ahead.

Struggles.

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 01:03:00 +0000

now playing: 1901 - phoenix

Oh hey.

I turned 19 on Tuesday. Whoohoo! I got to partake of a fancy cake made by the one, the only, Mama Baker. She makes the best cakes. Seriously.

And I also got a cake from Chick-fil-A the day before my birthday! That was fun. For birthdays the team always ~~scares~~ surprises the person by banging pots and pans and singing a loud rendition of "Happy Birthday." There is a lovely older lady that works in the back that always starts dancing while she is singing. I don't think she realizes she does it, it just happens. Her Arabic roots take over and before we all know it she's semi-belly dancing.

I was laughing so hard I was crying. And the poor girl I was training on the headset couldn't hear a thing. #ohwell

- - -

I think I have a problem. I shop. A LOT. I think I'm starting to freak out Mama Baker. She gives me this weird look when I tell her I'm going to Target for the third time this week.

You see, instead of having actual friends, I just go shopping by myself.

The real problem is that I'm having friend withdrawals I don't talk to any of my friends from high school except one, who is currently in Alabama for the rest of the summer (everyone says it won't happen, but it does). My friends from college are either 1) serving a mission, 2) still in Utah, 3) home for the summer in their neck of the woods that is not North Carolina. And it's hard to hang out with my work peeps because we have conflicting schedules a lot of the time.

Now you get it. It's actually been a pretty lonely transition from living with my friends & surrounded with entertainment 24/7, and living back at home. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and I missed them a lot while I was at school. It's just different.

You'd think that I would make time for blogging, but alas, that is not the case. I just don't know why I can't seem to keep up this my wee little space! I'm struggling, that's for sure.

So there ya go. That's why I'm spending another Friday night alone in my room. It's my own personal pity party. Hoorah. P.S. I'm done whining now. I think.

P.S. I'm done whining now. I think.

The Countdown

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 17:40:00 +0000

now playing: today is the day - nashville tribute band

Is this real life?!?! Only two months left before I embark on my journey to Brazil! This is actually happening, and I'm getting more excited every day!

Sometimes I like to rewatch the video of me opening my call. It brings me back to the real reason I decided to serve a mission. It was never about learning a new language, going to a foreign country, or buying new clothes. It has and always will be about sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't wait to serve God's people and bring them His truth!

If you wanna, you can watch me open my mission call.

(side note: I posted on my student ward's facebook page when I would be opening my call, hoping that maybe 15 people would come. I definitely was not expecting my entire ward to show up! Definitely makes me feel loved :) )

Only 60 days! Ahhh!

Surprises & Ducks

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 30 May 2013 02:05:00 +0000

When I got home from work today I was welcomed by an array of rainbow-colored chalk in my driveway.

Someone was stinkin' awesome & wrote all of the Young Women values and encouraging notes for my sister Emma. So sweet!

So I'm totally bumming tonight. Oh yeahhhh. You know what that means!

DUCK DYNASTY.

This has been my view for the past little while. I love this show so much! If you have never watched it, start. It's hilarious & isn't inappropriate. What could get better than that?

Oh, and Zumba was tough tonight. Just so you know.

On My Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 28 May 2013 20:48:00 +0000

now playing: follow through - gavin degraw

Yikes! I've neglected my poor bloggy blog. I think it needs a little tlc.

Well, there have been a few things floating around in my cranium:

- I am being featured on ShopatHome.com!! Go check it out here, and while you're there, look at their coupons! They have some pretty sweet deals. I think I'll use one of their Victoria's Secret coupon codes for some new bras. Hurrah for that!

- It's starting to get hotter here in Charlotte. Oh, and it's getting more humid too. You can never forget about the humidity.

- Today at work, I ran outside collecting money & giving change during our lunch rush. Literally I was running in between the spaces between the cars and the building, and I was terrified I was going to twist my ankle or something. Yep. That's the dedication CFA has for getting you your chicken sandwiches and milkshakes.

- Hanging out with geese on Memorial Day is the way to go. Lucy (the goosey) kept snapping her beak at me, but we still connected.

- Mama Baker & I have been trying all sorts of new salad combinations. We (ahem, she) found a store with different types of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It's definitely fun to shake up salads with them!

On the Lord's Side

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:19:00 +0000

now playing: wordplay - jason mraz

When I closed at work on Saturday I had the opportunity to talk with a coworker about his beliefs as a Southern Baptist. I've always been interested in different religions and in particular denominations of Christianity, so talking with him was a great experience.

It surprised us both to see how much Southern Baptists and Mormons have in common. I mean, there are a few fundamental doctrinal differences, but the core Christian values are still there.

I love this quote. As Elder Jefferey R. Holland so eloquently said, "The future of this world has long been declared; the final outcome between good and evil is already known. There is absolutely no question as to who wins because the victory has already been posted on the scoreboard. The only really strange thing in all of this is that we are still down here on the field trying to decide which team's jersey we want to wear!"

God already knows what will happen in the future, and he is willing to guide us through any of our troubles. He wants to help us so much! He wants us to succeed and return back to live with Him, and has provided everything we need to do so.

If we follow God's will, we will truly win every time.

According to My iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:40:00 +0000

now playing: you raise me up - allyse smith

I closed at work yesterday. Closing Saturday night can sometimes be annoying, but it never is when you are working with a good group of people.

Obviously, we like to have fun.

This lovely lady Kathy is leaving Monday for Ukraine & I won't see her until I get back from my mission. So we had out final hurrah together for a while. Oh, and a successful photo bomb.

Ever seen the YouTube video "Jessica's Daily Affirmations"? If not, go check it out. It's hilarious.

Well, all night Emily & I (on the far right) named all the things we loved about Chick-fil-A. That ranged anywhere from making milkshakes to washing dishes to Chick-fil-A Sauce.

Free food >>>>>>>>>> #closingperks

Today I was reunited with my old Student Council homeboy Tim. He's at Carolina now being one of those super smart hot-shots & whatnot.

Day 18: Childhood

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:34:00 +0000

now playing: working man - imagine dragons

I have the most random memories from living in Hawaii when I was little.

One of my babysitters lived right near the beach. It took maybe five minutes to walk from her house to the sandy shore, and I loved it. I was a fish and absolutely fearless. I was pretty good at swimming for a five year old and would jump into the water right as soon as I found the chance.

My babysitter's daughter would come swim with us sometimes, and I loved to play with her. She would teach me how to do cartwheels in the grassy fields between their house and the shore, and was so cool. She wore those snazzy plastic zig-zagged headbands and I would beg Mama Baker to buy me some. (The answer was always no - my hair is too thick.)

The beach was HUGE and in my mind it went on forever in both directions. It was nice and private, and I don't remember anyone else ever being there when we would go swim. There was a large alligator-shaped rock protruding out of the water, and the big kids would jump off it into the water. I would always tell myself that one day I would jump off it too. So beautiful!

My freshman year of high school I went back with my parents and my brother Trevor to take him out to college.

You betcha we had some fun reliving the glory days!

Super high-quality photos here!

My dad telling Trevor about where he used to jump off here in high school & college.

So beautiful! Can't wait to go back one day!

Back In the Saddle

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:46:00 +0000

now playing: pickin' up the pieces - fitz & the tantrums

Getting back into the groove of working out has been so refreshing! Oh goodness, how I've missed Zumba! I love shaking my booty in a judge-free environment.

I'm also working harder to cut back on the nasty food that I know is not good for my body. And by nasty I mostly mean fried. You see, working at Chick-fil-A can be rough in that department. I'm surrounded for 8 hours a day (or more!) by loads of yummy food accompanied by the oh-so-tempting aromas. Oh, and there's also ice cream. That's a whole other issue here.

But so far, it has been a smooth transition.

Wish me luck for my first yoga class in a long while! I can't wait!

P.S. Sorry for the lack of photos. Life has gotten a bit monotonous. (Unless you really want to see my new work shoes!) Plus, I stink at remembering to take pictures. Forgive me, really.

Refocus

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 14 May 2013 01:30:00 +0000

now playing: thrift shop (cover) - tyler ward & lindsey sterling

I'm trying this new thing this week where I actually stick to my fitness plan. You see, I always make it a goal to work out & eat healthy, but life gets in the way sometimes. I've started back up working at Chick-fil-A with a 40 hour week, and I've been a little frazzled. (I'm not complaining about working so much, it's just a bit of a shock to go from not working at all to full time.)

For me, it's hard to find time to work out when I don't have a set schedule. I like knowing that I will work out at a certain time every day, and I almost always follow through with my plans.

So this morning I recommitted myself to my own fitness. I need to be in better shape for Brazil. That's a fact. I will be walking 10-15 miles a day and my body needs to be at least a little bit adjusted to that kind of change. (I guess it does help that working at Chick-fil-A keeps me on my feet for 8 hours straight.)

I kicked everything off this morning with a walk/jog. Because let's be real, I hate running. Hate hate hate, double hate, loathe entirely! (Name that movie.) But hey, gotta do whatcha gotta do.

I'll let ya'll know how it goes down!

Day 6 & 7 - Identity & Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:38:00 +0000

now playing: whiskey - jana kramer

Anyone else freak out when you realized that Jana Kramer played Alex Dupre on One Tree Hill?

No? Ok... I guess that's just me.

- - -

What do you do?

Well... Good question. Lots of things, I suppose.

I make my bed.

I buy mission clothes.

I wear Chacos.

I clean.

I write lists.

I sing.

I serve.

I listen.

I talk.

I pray.

I learn.

- - -

The things I am most afraid of:

Flying bugs.

Driving late at night and a head popping up from the back seat.

Ugh. That thought just freaks me out. I always check the back seat of GusGus (my car) before I start driving at night. I think I saw a scary movie once where that happened and I was scarred for life.

But on a happier note, CHACOS!

Day 4 & 5 - Quotes & Blog Lovin'

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 06 May 2013 00:37:00 +0000

now playing: waving flag - k'naan

One of my favorite quotes:

One of my favorite quotes is by Marjorie Pay Hinckley, a woman I admire so much! I can't even imagine how hard it would be to be married to the prophet, and she is such an inspiration!

Life is hard. Really hard. But we always can choose how we react to our circumstances and with the gospel of Jesus Christ, life is easier.

- - -

I think that I have more blog crushes than blog friends. I kinda feel like a stalker most of the time. But you know what? That's ok.

1. Harley & Jane. Even though they're miles apart, they keep in contact with their blog. Luhv it.

2. Elizabeth. She's a newleywed & a BYU grad. She has all sorts of dating advice & super cute outfits. I've seen her on campus a few times. Yup, major creeper status right there.

3. Emily. I mean really, who doesn't love her blog? Food + clothes = perfect combination.

Well, I hope y'all have a great upcoming week!

I Love To See the Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:07:00 +0000

now playing: renaissance hymn - john schmidt

In preparation for my mission to Brazil, I got to go inside the temple for the first time. It was an amazing experience & I can't wait to go back again!

I'm so glad my grandma from Arizona and my aunt from Utah could fly out so they could come with me inside the temple.

We drove down for an hour and a half to the Columbia, South Carolina temple. It was absolutely beautiful!

To learn more about temples, check this out. It's pretty snazzy.

Day 3 - Uncomfortable

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 04 May 2013 00:01:00 +0000

now playing: downtown - lady antebellum

I love love love spring in North Carolina. The weather is absolutely perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. (All you need is a light jacket!) It has been misting off and on all day. Seriously perfection!

I'm excited to get a good book and start reading on our porch. It's screened in to protect from the vicious mosquitos, but I love it because we can all enjoy the fresh air. Not to mention the view of the greenery is stellar!

I've been doing lots of running around (translation: shopping) and reacquainting myself with my jeep, GusGus. I've also learned that NC drivers are much better than Utah drivers. Oh my, I couldn't tell you how many "almost" car accidents I witnessed in the ten times I drove around Provo. I honestly feel safer driving here, and it's always nice to have that Southern hospitality.

I just keep finding more things that I love about where I live.

- - -

Things that make me feel uncomfortable:

- unpainted toenails

- wrist veins

- people who walk out of public bathrooms without washing their hands

- lindsey lohan

Day 1 - Life Story

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:47:00 +0000

now playing: cruise remix - florida georgia line & nelly

That song is my new jam. I discovered it yesterday & I've already listened to it more times than I would like to admit. I think it's because ~~I think~~ I'm a country girl & a booty-shaking rapper at the same time.

So word on the imaginary blog street is that there's a challenge to blog every day in May with this snazzy linkup. And we all know I can't back down from a challenge.

Here goes nothin'.

- - -

Born in Hawaii to crazy wonderful parents. I know, I know. You probably don't believe me because of my pasty complexion. But I was tan then.

Older brother, Trevor. New sister, Emma.

Moved to New Mexico.

New brother, Colin.

Dad became airline pilot. Moved to North Carolina.

Middle school = rough.

High school = awesome.

Just finished my freshman year at Brigham Young University. Studying Public Relations. Apparently I like people or talking or both?

Serving an LDS Mission in the Brazil Natal Mission come July 31st. Extremely excited about serving!

Friendly. Kind. Outgoing. Personable. Faithful. Caring.

That's me in a nutshell.

Oh, and I need a good book to read while I'm home. Any suggestions?

Home Sweet Home!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:58:00 +0000

now playing: love somebody - maroon 5

Holy smokes! These past few weeks have been currrrazy! Between finals & moving out I haven't been able to squeeze in any good ol' blogging time.

Here's how this past week went down.

Monday-Tuesday: Finished finals & threw a surprise party. That was quite the adventure!
Wednesday: Mama Baker came to town. Last night with friends = only 2 hours of sleep.

Thursday: Packed & moved out. Moved stuff to aunt's house. Caught a flight from Salt Lake to Phoenix.

Friday: Shopping. Shopping. Shopping.

Saturday: A wee bit more shopping. Caught the red eye to Charlotte.

Sunday: Slept all day.

Sorry for the play-by-play. It's just that when I write it all out, I remember everything better. As silly as it sounds, I have to remember my memories! #sorrynotsorry

Now even though I'm home it doesn't feel completely like home because a family friend is staying in my room for the next couple of days. And all I've done today is work on my visa papers for Brazil. It's basically filling out, signing, and notarizing all sorts of paperwork. But lemme just say, those things are intense and now I just want a nap. Although, that's pretty much the daily struggle.

I'm kinda sad that my Freshman year is over. I had SO SO SO much fun & I learned more than I thought I would. And naturally we had to take a bunch of group photos, as it was the last week of school and all. Enjoy!

// Roomies

// FHE Family

// The Tank

(Alexa felt the need to touch my hip instead of her own. #bigbootyprobs)

Hurrah for birthdays!

Invisible candles!

I don't even know...

What happens when the boys get ahold of my Facebook.

Yup. I'm gonna miss that place. A. Lot.

Finals & Misson Calls

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:35:00 +0000

now playing: romeo & juliet - matt nathanson

Finals week is upon us, folks. I actually don't mind taking finals all that much.If you think about it, it's nice because there aren't any classes and I have time all day to study (except for when I have to work, of course).

I think I will have my finals all finished by Monday, and then Mama Baker comes to help me move out! Oh happy day!

In other news, my roommate Abby got her mission call! She will be serving for 18 months in the Chile Viña del Mar Mission! I'm so so so excited for her & I know she'll be a fantastic missionary!

Ahh Chile!

Some roomie lovin'.

Awh. Precious sibling love. Too cute.

I love love love this family! I want to be in their family, so I decided I was going to marry Abby's brother that is just a few years older than us (the dark haired hugger). My plan was thwarted when he got married last December. #struglife.

Oh well, she still has two available brothers! It's still possible! Mwahaha!

Boston

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

now playing: where's the love - trevor hall

I don't understand. I just don't think I will ever understand why someone would want to hurt or even kill someone. I can't comprehend the anger and hatred that would motivate someone to hurt another human being, let alone someone they don't even know.

The images and reports on the news are sickening. 3 dead. 17 in critical condition. 25 in serious condition. At least 144 being treated.

I can't imagine what the people in Boston are going through, but I know we can all help them. They need our prayers and support.

via

Selfie Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:34:00 +0000

now playing: the wizard & i - wicked

Ever been to one of those spiffy trampoline places? You know, the ones with trampolines climbing up the walls? Yeah. Those are awesome. Yesterday I went with some friends to one such place called Hang Time.

They're so much fun & it's cool to see people doing crazy tricks. Every time I go I make a goal to learn a new trick. Last time it was a back tuck, this time a back handspring.

Lemme just say, mission accomplished! I successfully did a rockin' back handspring on a trampoline and without a spot. Boo yah! I just have this problem with keeping my arms straight (which will definitely be one of my goals next time).

Waking up super sore today was also quite the indication that I need to get in better shape. I actually like working out. I just hate running. I love feeling refreshed & fit. So I've decided to do P90X with my brother when I get home from college. I have to make sure I'm in shape for Brazil and make sure my body can handle all that walking!

- - -

Apparently jumping and flipping makes me extremely tired. So extremely tired that multiple alarm clocks and two roommates can't wake me up for church. Yup, I woke up at 11:40 today and missed church. Yikes!

Thus, today has been a bummy day. No makeup. No pretty clothes. Yep, it's been my kind of day for sure.

And this is what you get when you combine a cutie patootie & a bum. Prepare for photo vomit. :)

#SelfieSunday
#dormlife

Y'all have a good week!

Conference Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:23:00 +0000

now playing: angel eyes – love & theft

This past weekend was General Conference, and for the first time I actually got to go to Salt Lake City to attend!

It was amazing to be in the conference center with God’s prophets & apostles. Man, I’m so blessed. I even got to spend all day with this hottie. (aka my roommate Abby)

About ten minutes before the session started I was telling Abby about something that happened in Laie, Hawaii where I used to live. Then the lady next to me turned and asked, "Laie? Did you live in Laie?" As it turns out, she worked with my grandma at BYU-Hawaii! Small world!

Yesterday it rained and I actually enjoyed it, but now it's snowing and I am totally bummed out. I should have known that it would snow again! Silly me.

Today I've been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster. You see, I had an appointment this morning to get my passport papers done. About an hour before I had to leave, I was only had to print out a scan of my driver's license. Apparently my computer doesn't like to do what I say. Fourty-five minutes later and without a working printer I knocked around to see if someone would let me borrow their printer. It was either no printer or no answer.

So I'm in my apartment having a mental breakdown about being late for my appointment. I leave anyway & show up ten minutes late. I'm always worried about those government agencies because sometimes the workers are nice but sometimes they're really rude. Luckily the lady at the office was very nice. She made a copy of my ID without me even asking & fixed everything all up for me. So I will be getting my passport within about a week or two! Hurrah! Then it will be on to working on my visa. That will be a doozy.

Well, until I get home there's not much I can do about it. Right now I just have to get through finals. Bring it on!