i believe in unicorns.

eleven things.

2012-03-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

There are six rules:

1. Post these rules.

2. Post 11 random things about yourself.

3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.

4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.

5. Go to their blog and tell them you've tagged them.

6. No saying, "If you are reading this, you're tagged."

11 Random Things About Me:

1. I studied for two weeks in high school in an effort to learn how to whistle. Yes, i said studied. I checked out multiple books on it, went to several websites, watched innumerable amounts of youtube videos, asked friends and family members, and hear i sit, 23 years old, and I still can not whistle a single note.

source

2. I can't get myself to eat either end of a banana. only the middle. I never have, and I never will. I have no idea where this phobia stems from, but it runs deep.

3. My goal is to be a student all my life. I was obsessed with all my classes (except research methods) in college and I can't wait to sign up for a few classes at the community college next semester. It's just my hobby I guess.

4. I'm a hemophobe. That means I pass out when I see blood.

5. I thoroughly enjoy popping zits. Like, it's disgusting how much pleasure it brings me.

6. I've kissed 4 boys in my life. My forth, last, and favorite was Marcus.

7. I think marriage is the bee's knees.

8. My left foot is a half size bigger than my right. It's the bane of my existence.

9. I have no temperature regulation.

10. I never have and have no plans to read/watch the Twilight series.

11. I'm highly superstitious. Especially with things like fortune cookies and the proper way to drink a jones soda for best fortune.

source

11 Questions from BusyBeeLauren:

1. If you had to wear skirts for the rest of your life, or jeans for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

Aye, yi, yi! You're killing me, Smalls. I would never have to make this choice, but I'm going to say skirts, because in Arizona in the summer, skirts are the only way I survive, and you can always pair skirts with tights when it's cold outside. Plus it's easy to dress up a skirt and wear it casually. I'd hate to show up at a wedding in jeans, ya know?

2. What was your favorite PBS kids show growing up?

Bill Nye the Science Guy. duh.

VS.

3. Who is cooler? Zack Morris or Cory Matthews?

I was basically enraged when i read this question. like, honestly--how in the world am i supposed to make this choice. Lar, if i didn't love you, i'd hate you for this question. I had a major, and i mean major, crush on Zack Morris--probably my first love. How could i not with that perfect 90s hair that has always made me weak in the knees?! But Cory is the sweetest, and in the end, sweetness always wins for me, even when faced with blonde-haired-boy-dreamboat, Zack. So Cory Matthews it is.

4. What is your least favorite smell in the world?

It's a toss-up between petrichor (the smell that happens right before and right after it rains on dry earth), I love both the smell and the etymology of the word. It comes from Petra, which is Greek from stone or rock (remember Peter means rock?), and Ichor, which is the liquid that runs through the veins of gods. Pretty great, right? I had a word obsession in high school...i think it's showing. The other sent I love is Marcus, when he sprays on the Red Lacoste I bought him. HEAVEN!...err, wait, i just re-read this question and realized it was supposed to be least favorite...oops. Probably onions on someone's or my own breath.

5. What's the worst injury you have ever had?

There were only two people in high school that I really and truly did not like. at the time i would even go so far as to say i hated them. now that i think about it, i probably didn't really hate them, but back then it felt like it. one of those two people was flirting with my boyfriend while on a group date, and in her flirtatious story-telling, she somehow kicked her leg out, and in the process, kicked my big toe nail completely backwards. I, of course, didn't want any of her sympathy, so i walked away from the circle without her even knowing what happened and cried in the car the rest of the night. Half because of my painful toe, and half because i thought she was a terrible person. Hahah, i forgot all about that story until now.

6. What book have you read more than once?

The Book of Mormon and The Harry Potter Series.

7. What do you take the most photos of?

Shapes/colors. I'm obsessed with shapes in nature and architecture. I notice them everywhere and when they're really cool, i stop and take pictures.

8. What is the first perfume you ever purchased/wore?

I've been lucky and have pretty much always got my perfume as gifts, but I think I might have bought GAP Dream in the 90s. Remember that stuff? That smell will always remind me of Abercrombie bags and Jewel (the singer), in other words, that scent will always remind me of my sister, Leisel.

9. What is your ideal date?

Something that involves nice weather, beautiful surroundings, good music, and the opportunity to be silly, fun, and creative. Cuddling is nice too...

10. Tell me your favorite thing about the state you live in.

Arizona sunsets. I've always appreciated our beautiful skies, but it wasn't until I moved away for a few years, that I realized we REALLY and truly do have the most beautiful sunsets in the world. I've seen them in Ireland, Mexico, Honduras, Hawaii, countless states in the US and Arizona wins. Sorry folks.

11. Most frequented website?

Either Blogger or twitter.

11 New Questions for the Tagged:

1. Who was your first famous crush?

personally, i've always had a thing for foxes...

2. How old were you when you had your first kiss?

3. Was it good or bad?

4. Where's the best place you've ever visited?

5. If you could have the starring role in any musical what would it be?

source

6. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

7. What's your favorite quality in a boyfriend/husband?

8. Most embarrassing moment?

9. Which power ranger did/do you want to be?

source

10. Given the choice between finding a vintage, thrifted gem or a big-time designer deal, which would you prefer?

11. How'd your parents come up with your name?

I tag JenniAustriaGermany, Eday, Kristine, and Debbie Jo.

{Wardrobe} Wednesday: Alphabet Soup

2012-02-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago i got to go to the world's cutest baby shower. the world's! like basically, i don't ever want to have a baby shower, because it could never be as adorable or fun as this one--think garden party-meets alphabet soup-meets graphic designer dreamland-meets heaven. yes, heaven.

credit

it must be really nice to have so many amazingly creative people who love you, angela! i'm so so glad i got to witness all their hard work. you deserve it pretty lady! can't wait to meet your little dolly!

I also was super lucky to sit at a super fun table with some of my favorite ladies. kristine looked too darn adorable not to snap a few pictures with! (and please notice Beth back there in the cutest striped, vintage dress ever! she's the thrifting queen!)

In other news, my computer crashed last week, hence the spotty blog posting.

Crashed, as in, completely-won't-turn-on, quite-possibly-lost-all-the-photos-of-the-last-4-years-of-my-life, i-might-kill-myself, but-so-far-i've-just-been-in-complete-denial, if-i-don't-acknowledge-it, it-didn't-really-happen, right? kind of crashed. So, i'm really happy right now.

I'll post when I can.

But, really, do have a wonderful day today! You won't have another like if for 4 years!

The Breakdown:

Chambray Top: Nordstrom Sale

Necklace: DIY seen here.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt: J.Crew

Heels: Ross Clearance

{Tunes} on Tuesday Featuring: Tears for Fears

2012-02-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

If your mind isn't blown by this music video, then I would like to know what kind of things blow your mind.

Like, what in the world is even going on?! I don't know, but what I do know is that those guys are hot, and the skilled keyboardist looks an awful lot like Uncle Joey...i'm just sayin'

Sometimes...

2012-02-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

a girl just really needs a little high-fructose corn syrup and some hydrogenated vegetable oil in her life.

Don't judge.

ShopLeMode winner announced here.

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: From Daytime to Date Night.

2012-02-18T17:32:00.001-07:00

I decided to do a little 'how to turn a casual Saturday outfit into a sassy date night ensemble" and I was really excited how it turned out. I'm crazy about the whole pairing something really casual, like a plain t-shirt and a leather belt with something quite "fancy" (please tell me you've seen that Up All Night episode?), like a lace skirt and pearls to create a perfect medium of dressy/casual--appropriate for a fun pizza joint or a prestigious art museum.

Would you do it?

Have you all heard about this Amazing Lace e-roomates thing that's happening on the blogosphere? Well it's pretty exciting and you can read about it over here at Ask the Duplex. Think Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, only it's a lace dress that some lucky bloggers get to style however they please. That's what I'm wearing in this post...and now that I've totally fallen in love with it, I have to send it off to Kristen from 6th Street Design School. Have fun styling Kristen!

The dress wasn't my style nor was it my size, so I flipped it under and belted it to make it a skirt instead.

the breakdown:

hair.do: top-knot

pearl necklace: mom's

t-shirt: gap body

grandpa sweater: Marcus' thrifted

green scarf: forever21

'a' watch: urban outfitter

dress-turned-skirt: the amazing lace

jeans: flying monkey (old)

rainbow huaraches: target (old)

blue suede heels: seychelles (from high school)

leather belt: thrifted

{Wardrobe} Wednesday: Arizona Pride.

2012-02-15T23:46:00.048-07:00

Dear Arizona,

I love you, I love you, I love you!

Happiest Centennial to you this week. Has anyone ever told you, "You look great for your age?" Because, if not, let me be the first: YOU LOOK GREAT!

You're the best state in the union and I love you oh-so-much-more than Valentine's Day. Ever since I can remember, I've celebrated you first. You've always been my very favorite Valentine. Marcus doesn't even mind, because he loves you too. Can you feel the love? Good. Real good.

<3 Yours Truly,

Ashley

the breakdown:

navy boyfriend cardi: target

silk lucinda blouse: j.crew sale

no. 2 pencil skirt: j.crew sale

leopard carlton loafers: c/o wanted

necklaces: stella&dot and nordstroms

'a' watch: urban outfitters

For Valentine's Day, I forwent pink and red, and chose a more Arizona appropriate ensemble.

What was your February 14th like this year?

a valentine's giveaway! NOW CLOSED

2012-02-14T16:22:00.002-07:00

Remember when I told you about that fun weekend that I got to meet up with the owner of Le Mode Accessories and help shoot a lookbook for February?

Well, she contacted me about a giveaway for you lovely readers!

What you'll be entering to win is a piece of jewelry of YOUR CHOICE!

And with so many lovely items to choose from, this is a pretty great deal.

Some personal faves: one, two, and three.

Giveaway open to google public followers of i believe in unicorns.

1. Visit Le Mode Accessories and tell me what you'd pick!

Extra Entries:

2. Share this post via twitter, facebook, google+, or blogger (be sure to provide a link),

3. Follow Le Mode on Twitter or Fan it on Facebook,

4. Add this blog to your blogroll/add my button to your blog.

*Please use a new comment for each entry!

Good Luck and Happy Valentine's Day!

The winner is Kaity! Email me for details :)
ashleyanielson {at} gmail

social butterfly.

2012-02-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Recently I went out to lunch with two lady friends, Kristine and Angela and among other things, we discussed what we called "the loop." It's what we do whenever we're bored or sitting idol. If you own a smart phone, you may recognize it--it goes something like this:

twitter, then instagram, then facebook. then pinterest, then blogger, then email, then twitter...

It's quite pathetic actually, but I did find some comfort in the fact that I was not alone in "the loop." I just got to wondering, what did people used to do with their "standing in line/sitting in the backseat/waiting in the doctor's office" time?
I recently heard about a study done that showed smart-phones to be more addictive than cigarettes (because you basically have constant access to it).
That hit me hard.
I don't want to be addicted to technology, but I would guess that I am. I feel like i'm in a catch 22 situation, because on one hand, i love staying social, knowing what's going on in peoples lives, being able to answer questions people are asking, providing validation, and documenting my life, but I don't want to miss out on real-life experiences because i'm tuned into my phone all the time...
Do you do "the loop"?
How do you find a balance?

instalife.

2012-02-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

that one time i almost emptied my entire savings account because i feel in love with this little muppet puppy.

i then found another little teddy-bear for 1/4 the price, but i let logic be my guide, and we are still puppy free.

this picture is making me rethink my decision though...

my sister and i may or may not have followed this old man home to talk to him about his amazing car!

turns out if you wear an orange tunic to the home depot, you will be confused for an employee by at least 6 senior citizens.

apparently i'm always on the search for rainbows.

more proof.

girlfriend has a serious shoe problem.

had fun with ashley from the shine project, meeting her amazing new group of shine kids at the high school!

the great thing about my mother in law is that her house is always full of fresh flowers!

date night at the temple with my siblings and their spouses. isn't it a beauty? i remember when i didn't like the mesa temple because it didn't look like a castle. now i think it's my favorite.

my mom ordered me to sit, and then she proceeded to braid my hair. i will never complain when someone wants to play with my hair. unless you're a creeper. then i will complain, but just a little.

sierra's beatles baby shower//date night with my boy

a new thrift store opened up the street and i've already spent $100 at it. this could be a problem.

Happy Day!

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: Menswear

2012-02-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

One of two things is happening:
Either A. all this talk of unicorns has educed a "sympathetic horn growth" in the appropriate unicorn region or B. the largest, most intrusive underground pimple has nested in the conveniently central local of my forehead.

Either way, today was just not the day to deal with such things, so a headscarf was my response.

What tricks do you use to hide the unflattering?

the breakdown:

scarf and feather earrings: forever21

lipstick: poppy king for jcrew

on the mark necklace: gift from marcus

chambray button up: gap via marcus' closet

watch face: walmart

watch strap: american eagle sale

skinnies: madewell sale

coral heals: h&m sale

Happy Birthday Week Lauren!

2012-02-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

10 reasons i love lauren k. brimley:

1// she loves me through my shiny white ghost phases. why do i look like this?

2// she's best story teller i know. you guys, this girl has me rolling with shock and laughter during our weekly cinema night.

3// she's ubber thoughtful, like one of those people you feel like you could call at anytime and she would do whatever she could to help.

4// also amazingly creative, did you see that baby shower she threw for Sierra?!

5// "best hair in high school"-- the volume this woman achieved is something the rest of us can only dream of. i don't know if we ever got to vote on this for the yearbook, but i voted in my mind, and she won--"She owned that ponytail; she worked that updo!"

6// she sang a duet with me in our high school musical, that was not High School Musical, but rather Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. We chose to forgo solos because we didn't want the whole school to hate us for our exceeding talent--not because we were scared or anything. Definitely not because we were scared...

7// she trusted me with her secret (please tell me you've checked her blog to read her secret?!)

8// she wrote me a letter one time when i was going through a transitional phase in my life. i didn't think she ever thought of me after high school, so i was pretty touched when i got the cutest letter in the mail from her.
(said 'transition' was not pirating, in case you were wondering...)

9// She changed my life by introducing books like Delirium and the Hunger Games to me!

10// i kind of have no idea how we became such good friends again after high school, but i'm so glad we did, because she's one of my very favorite!

{Wardrobe} Wednesday: Maternal Instincts

2012-02-08T05:40:00.005-07:00

Remember how Sydney totally tried to trick us all when she was pregnant but hadn't announced it by wearing flowy clothes or holding things strategically over her belly area?

Well this is not what I am trying to do. Even though this would be an ideal maternity outfit and I think any of my prego friends would be wise to borrow this maxi dress from me, I am in no way pregnant.

Promise.

So there you have it: Sometimes I just dress like a pregnant woman because I love being comfortable. And yes this is a dress. You can see it here if you don't believe me.

Happy Wednesday!

the breakdown:

feather earrings: forever21

gingham top: jcrew outlet

maxi dress: jcrew sale

on the mark necklace: gift from marcus

leopard loafers: c/o wanted

hair: my beach curl

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: Extra Spring in My Step

2012-02-04T06:04:00.104-07:00

Spring is the best. The superior to all other seasons. If you love Unicorns, then you already know that this is the truth.

You can smell the budding flowers, and the cold fresh blades of grass between your toes.

You love the feel of a slight breeze on your face as you ride bikes around your neighborhood with your favorite person. Your favorite person loves it when you wear your pretty skirts and dresses, and you love it too. The weather begs for a light sweater or cardigan. Your closet thanks you for using it's very favorite pieces on the daily.

Your heart explodes as you round the corner and see the popcorn covered trees.

Are those poppies you see next? Yes, your favorite flowers also know that Spring is the best of all.

Say it, "Spring is the best. Primavera, I love you."

As you say those words, you know of the truth behind them. You wish it were Spring all year 'round.

Just say it. No one will judge you.

the breakdown:

on the mark necklace: gift from marcus (stella & dot)

jackie cardigan: j.crew

navy skirt: anthropologie sale

canvas shoes: H&M

DIY: Photo Chain

2012-02-01T05:39:00.004-07:00

Before Marcus and I were married, we were both living up in Rexburg in separate apartments.

My freedom to decorate was limited both by landlord rules and by a lack of funds, but i needed something to make it feel homey so I made this little photo banner with my favorite pictures of my best friends from home, my favorite AZ places, family, and Marcus and I.

I really loved waking up every morning to this.

It was really easy and was done with things everyone has laying around the house:

scissors, photos, glue-stick, craft paper, string, push-pins (if hanging on wall or board)

All you need to do is cut about 1-inch strips of paper as thick or thin as you want them, fold them in half, glue the meeting paper edges together (forming a loop for the string to thread through):

next glue the little paper loops to each corner of your photo:

thread the string through and position each photo a distance apart that you like best.
finally pin the finished banners to the wall, strings it across the backs of chairs for a party, or drape from a pretty branchy center piece:

You can even use other things like envelopes, post cards, hearts for valentine's day or a combination of it all!
I'd love to see what you come up with so link back if you use this tutorial <3

Happy February!

my monthly enemy.

2012-01-31T05:59:00.003-07:00

i had an unfriendly visitor and so marcus is at the store buying me midol without me even asking him, and for that i will forever love him.

while he was away, i got to thinking:

there are many things i am afraid of about someday being pregnant.

i'm afraid of how my life will change.

i'm afraid of what it will be like to have morning sickness.

i'm afraid of all the changes my body will go through that i probably don't even know about right now.

i'm afraid of any complications that could happen.

and i'm afraid that it could just not ever happen at all.

but one thing i'm not afraid of is if i'll be well taken care of.

marcus has shown me that he does that exceptionally well.

never has he failed to impress me as i lay on the ground crying in cold sweat or rocking over a trash can with throw-up on my mind (and maybe some in my hair).

he holds me up or lays me down.

he runs to get me water or stays put to rub my back, and all the while shows me perfect compassion--

a kind of compassion i've never mastered and doubt i ever will.

i love that man i married, more than i can ever remember as well as i do when i'm sick, and if i have to be sick to remember that special feeling, then i can at least look forward to that side-effect.

the good stuff.

2012-01-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

hi.
hello.
how are you?
i am good.
have you been on the trampoline lately?
i suggest you find the nearest one today.
bring a friend, or a lover.
bring a camera.
you will laugh.
and laugh.
and be amazed at your awkwardness.
and you will hopefully not pee your pants a tiny bit.
hopefully.

What's made you laugh this lately?

once in a lifetime fun.

2012-01-28T18:41:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the fun experience of getting all dolled up by professionals.

I had been talking with Adriana, the talented buyer and owner of Le Mode Accessories for a few months--we were planning a meet-up during one of her trips down to Arizona, and the idea came up to do a little Valentine's shoot for her February lookbook.

I was so excited to be a part of it!

Here are a few of the silly behind the scene's shots.

The real deal will be up on her website this week :)

Can't wait to see how it turned out.

Photography by Chadwich Fowler

Make-up & Hair by Rachel

Styling by Adrianna

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: MonoChromo

2012-01-28T09:33:00.001-07:00

This outfit was a lot cooler in my head.

One of my favorite j.crew catalog as full of gorgeous monochromatic ensembles and I really wanted to give it a try.

Unfortunately it didn't turn out quite as good the ladies at the crew...

At least i had a perky ponytail though.

the breakdown:

teal button-up: wholesale-dress

gold watch: c/o mimi's the look

leopard belt: forever21

navy pencil skirt: thrifted and altered

navy tights: c/o welovecolors

mary-jane leather heals: rocketdogs

{Tunes} on Tuesday Featuring: Barry Louis Polisar+me being a champion at important and impressive things.

2012-01-24T05:45:00.002-07:00

Do you love this song?I love this song.This song makes me not want to die because I'm waking up way too early for work this morning.It makes me forget that my stomach is eating a hole in itself because I never have time to eat breakfast on new store shipment days.It makes me not think about that I have to work a 9 hour shift and then come home and continue to pack up my stuff for a few more hours after that.One thing that it does not make me do...want to drink SunnyDelight. That stuff is nast. ee.Let me tell you.
I did used to be the fastest SunnyD drinker at Franklin West Elementary though.Only once did I beat Jadey B. at that contest, but once is enough as long as you hold on to that 13-second record time. And hold on, I did.Also the fastest chocolate pudding eater, and hula-hoop champion.Obviously, those were my glory days.Obviously.

baby, baby, baby...

2012-01-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry if i'm just late to the party and everyone's already seen this, but OH. MY. GOSH!It made me way too happy not to share.Please, die with me here.

our appointment with mr. sloan

2012-01-18T06:00:00.003-07:00

I am a planner, a meticulous planner, but sometimes you just have to throw your check lists out the window and jump on opportunities as they come.

Every since the first time i laid eyes on one of the Sloans photoshoots, i was in love.

They were the epitome of photographer perfection.

They clearly see the world in a different way with their angles, perspectives, eye for patterns and shapes and the obvious knowledge of the tools they possess.

I emailed them once, in hopes of booking a shoot, but schedules and budgets didn't quite work, so I gave up on having their art in my home for the time being.

Then one Thursday evening I got an email from Matt Sloan.

He would be in town for Saturday and Sunday only and was booking a few mini-sessions for a discounted price. He had remembered that I had shown interest and was extending the invitation.

I thought I was going to die. I wanted it so bad and it was such a sweet deal, but I had so little time to prepare for this dream shoot, not to mention my hair hadn't been down in months and I had two massive pimples right by my mouth, but I felt like this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I said YES!

He said he'd text me the location a few hours before, so I ran around like a crazy chicken...(have you ever seen a crazy chicken?) anyways, it was not pretty. I was a mess.

But when the text came saying the shoot would be taking place at the Tempe Art Center, my heart leapt--what were the chances that he would choose the very place that Marcus and I danced in the water? The very place I thought I could be falling in love with him, the place where my theory was validated and that my universal message had found it's recipient?

At this point, I tucked away my crazy chicken feathers and enjoyed the serendipity of it all. Matt had no idea he had chosen such a perfect spot, but being back there brought back so many good memories.

I couldn't be more pleased with the pictures--I must say, if you ever have the chance to work with the Sloans, please jump on it! They are the BEST!

(Next time i hope to meet Angie!)

And here's a little case in point for you: ya'll, we were standing in the middle of a parking lot full of cars, with direct overhead lighting--I honestly thought Matt was CRAZY as he was shooting these. What could he be seeing that was worth shooting?...and when i saw this I bowed to his perspective. Amen.

{Tunes} on Tuesday Featuring: Gotye

2012-01-17T15:52:00.002-07:00

On constant replay at my house.

feelin' fine!

2012-01-16T21:55:00.001-07:00

wonderful weekend, playing dress up and meeting a new friend!

finally some visual progress on the new place--so much hope in a close move in date that i'm starting to leave my clothes over there!

enjoying all the bright colors at work.

reading good books.

going out with my favorite date to one of your favorite places.

got a silly exciting direct message tweet from an 80s idol that has me giddy all day.

helping sister with wedding plans.

eating way to much in-n-out and lovin' it!

planning a get-together with kristine (while she's here for a wedding) to hear all about her japanese adventure.

like i said, i'm feelin' good!

what's got you jazzed this week?

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: GlassesUSA

2012-01-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

GlassesUSA.com is an online glasses company that offers affordable prescription glasses. They were kind enough to send me a pair of their eyeglasses to review.

Unfortunately the review did not have the best beginnings.

When I got the glasses they were extremely crooked. I considered sending them back right away and turning down the offer, but I posted an instagram of the specs and you all convinced me to keep them, so I emailed the company telling them about the problem.

They were extremely quick to reply, offered an apology, and a solution. Which I found refreshing.

Apparently you can take your glasses to just about any glasses place and have them straightened for free, even if you didn't buy from them.

Although, it was slightly inconvenient, I eventually got down there, and now they're good as new.

My retro frames were selling for $85, which is a bit cheaper than other popular online glasses shops ($99), so if you're looking to buy glasses, you can use this code for free US shipping and 20% off a pair: NEW2012

the unimaginable.

2012-01-12T19:46:00.002-07:00

it happened.

the weirdest of all feelings.

the feeling i said, I SWORE, i'd never feel.

a feeling so unimaginable by my prior self, that i promised people it couldn't happen to me.

it's the feeling of missing rexburg and actually, dare i say it, wanting to go back.

there. i said it.

and i blame it, whole-heartedly, on these two:

most especially the one with the double x-chromosome.

though i do love jack--it's jenny who i think of almost daily.

she's my best friend. the girl i could spend hours and days with--painting, sewing, laughing, cooking, eating, dreaming, or just doing absolutely nothing at all--it's that kind of friendship.

it's the kind you don't have to see for months and within a few minutes its right back to complete comfort.

it's the kind that makes you want to be a better and more interesting person, because it's fun.

it's the kind you wish for your whole life, and you might not even know you're wishing, until you find it. and that's when your Soul says, "Ah, that's right." And your Heart smiles, and your Brain knows you've found yourself your best girlfriend.

And that, my friends, is Jenny Thomas.

The girl who makes Rexburg sound inviting.