The life of an angsty photographer

Awesome vs. Legendary

2013-10-03T11:21:00.000-06:00

So recently I've been told that I have a tendency to overuse the world awesome.

I would tend to agree.

However, in my defense, I would like to point out that alternatives aren't particularly different.

I actually looked up synonyms in a Thesaurus -- cause I'm awesome. :D

(see what I did there?)

Some examples are:

- awe-inspiring (really not all that different, plus it sounds awkward)

- wonderful

- amazing

- cool

- neat

- impressive

- breathtaking

- inspiring

- impressive

- overwhelming

- shocking

- grand

- striking

- phenomenal

I'm not really fond of any of those words, except perhaps wonderful, amazing, cool, and phenomenal.

But the one I like the most is most definitely LEGENDARY.

Why you ask?

Well, it's all Neil Patrick Harris' fault. Well maybe not, maybe it's the writers fault.

The point is, the reference is to the TV show How I Met Your Mother, which, in my opinion, is one of the greatest TV shows that has ever graced us with its presence on television.

And I particularly love Barney -- played by Neil Patrick Harris (in the bathtub) -- who has quite a disturbing view of the world, but is loves life and is determined to make everything as legendary as possible. He has several catch phrases, one of which is his use of the word legendary. It's frequently used in a manner such as this:

"It's gonna be, legend...wait-for-it...dary!"

"Comon, it's legend...wait-for-it...I hope you're not lactose intolerant cause the next word is...dairy!"

He even convinces one of the other couples to give their baby the middle name "wait-for-it."

One of the things I love the most about its use though, is that he (meaning Barney) uses it in the attempt to argue that whatever they're doing is a way to live life to the fullest. Barney is always trying to make life interesting and fun and different, and sometimes to the point of hilariousness and stupidity, but hey, I think the sentiment is just adorable.

It's sorta like YOLO -- except way classier (ditto with Carpe Diem -- definitely a more high brow vocabulary usage).

So here's to living a legendary life. 'Cause it's not worth doing if it isn't LEGENDARY!

Live. Laugh. Photograph (all things legendary).

Best Friends Are Way Better in Person

2013-08-28T10:48:00.002-06:00

So this post has been a seriously long time coming, seeing as it has been waiting since June to be posted. HOWEVER, I wanted to post it after my birthday one, and after another, but that one I haven't written yet, so... here's this one. :D

I got to see the BFF (otherwise known as Katie. My roommate, also Katie, will henceforth be distinguished as KT on this blog, so as not to confuse the two) at the end of June for an amazing week of best friend bonding time.

We had an absolute blast, and I got to show her around campus and properly introduce her to Provo, Utah.

We also went up to Logan for the weekend to visit my Grandparents, Aunt and Uncle and Cousins.
My lovely Aunt took some pictures of the two of us, because we've come to realize that we don't really have a whole lot, and definitely needed some more updated ones.

So, now you get to see some of my favorites. :D

We are incapable of keeping straight faces.

Cheesy adorable hugging faces.

If we were getting married, this would be our engagement picture.

We actually discussed this while we were taking the pictures -- and then had a debate about who would change their last name. We just decided it'd be best to hyphenate and then end up with switched last names. We're weird. It's okay.

This series is supposedly my "sassy goddess" personality. I love how awkward Katie is. She has no idea what I'm doing.

We are also juvenile. So what?

Can you see our tonsils? Once upon a time Katie took a picture of me in which you could see my tonsils and basically all the way down my esophagus. We thought that re-creating it would be completely normal.

We're ~~awesome~~ legendary.

Loving you and missing you everyday Katie!! :D

Live. Laugh. Photograph.

(Cause you always wanna remember the awesome moments of life!)

Birthdays Are About As Cool As NYC

2013-08-24T12:44:00.000-06:00

Well, my life has been a crazy crazy mess of ~~awesomeness~~ legendary-ness (more on this word usage later) for the last little bit.

I've got about four half-written posts about several different things, but haven't actually gotten around to posting them because I'm waiting on something.

Like Photos.

Or permission from other people to post stuff.

So, since this one goes back the second farthest, we'll start here. :D

Waaay back in the last week of July, something special happened.

I went home.
To NYC that is.
And it was the best.
THE BEST!!

And.

I turned 19, for all of those who didn't know.
(But you all probably do, but whatever)

So, of course, I couldn't help but think that I needed to update you all on the ~~awesome~~ legendary goings on that my birthday, and NYC adventures included, because...well, because I want to.

SO the day actually started out with presents, and since I wasn't expecting anything, I was pleasantly shocked and delighted by the wonderful gifts I did receive. :D

The Rubster and Mom gave me two things from South Africa (where they just returned from) -- a beautiful, light blue scarf that's covered in outlines of giraffes. I totally love it. It's also really light, which fills in a gap in my scarf collection -- all of mine are pretty heavy and good for winter, but not so much for spring and summer.

I also got a pair of serving spoons -- they're wooden and have some cool designs on them. I love it! More cool stuff for my apartment!!!

Don't worry. When I have a straight piece of mind I'll share photos with you.

Then, dear dear Katie gave me the present that just blew me away.

Look!

It included a little note that said this:

THIS EMERGENCY KIT INCLUDES ALL ESSENTIALS FOR A HEALTHY MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT IN THE TREACHEROUS LAND OF THE YOUNG ADULT.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE INCLUDED:

2 TYPES OF GLUCOSE ENRICHED MEDIA

2 COCONUT INFUSED BOMBS

1 REVITALIZING PERSONAL HYGIENE SET

1 CUSTOMIZED PLAYLIST

1 GUIDE FOR SURVIVAL IN THIS WORLD AND POSSIBLY THE NEXT.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY AN EMT

First of all. Hilariousness. She's an EMT at school, so the whole theme is just priceless. (Yes, those are band-aids taped on and it is indeed wrapped up in an ace bandage)

The different items were also just amazing.

The "Glucose Enriched Media" was a box of Truffles and some really nice Sarabeth's Hot Chocolate mix. Mmmmmmmm.

The "Coconut infused bombs" were bath bombs. They smell SO amazing. (One downside though: I don't have a bath. Guess I'll just save them for a special occasion.)

The "Personal Hygiene Set" is self-explanatory. It's Lacome. It's amazing.

The "Customized Playlist" should make everyone jealous. I have such a good friend!! :D (No, I'm not telling you the songs. I'm content just listening to them over and over and over and over and over.....)

And the "Guide for Survival"? A book called The Fault In Our Stars. Omigosh so amazing!! I'm only a little bit into it, but AAAAHHHHH! So many feels!

Read it people.

I could talk and talk and talk about this present, but there's so much other stuff I want to write about! So I'm gonna keep moving on.

I got one other present when I got back to Utah that totally surprised me, but I'm totally excited about as well.

My dear brother (and *ahem* someone else) gave me these two albums. First of all: Imagine Dragons. Their album is the first one I've ever listened to and LOVED from start to finish. That takes ~~awesomeness~~ legendary-ness.

And then, Lindsey Sterling. Oh my goodness she's just phenomenal. I wish I was as cool as her.

Check her out here. My favorite song of her's: this one. Beautiful.

And then of course, the ultimate conversion of Imagine Dragons and Lindsey Sterling: Radioactive. If you don't love it you have no soul.

(Just kidding)

THEN, birthday activities included things like:

Chilling out under the whale in the Museum of Natural History (Dinosaur Museum to me.)

Eating at Dinosaur BBQ and delicious German Chocolate Cake at Magnolia Bakery.

I didn't take a picture, sadly, but know now, if you're ever wondering how to win a way to this girl's heart, giving me a piece of this delicious cake is it. Or making me one. :D

All in all it was a quiet birthday, which I couldn't have loved more. It was just what I needed. And the rest of the week. Getting to enjoy my city and seeing all the people I love and miss so so so much!

Here's a short sum up of the rest of the week's activities.

Went to a Thrift Store in Brooklyn. I got an adorable pair of pink heels, and the discoveries within the stores were just priceless. Such as this gold pair of pants that come straight out of Mamma Mia, and the disturbingly large collection of Mason Jars that I'm sure some Mormon Mommy Bloggers and/or hipsters would go nuts over.

(Ignore my stereotypical comments. I mean no offense.)

My dear Aunt and Uncle came into town for the day, and not only did we get to enjoy their wonderful company and their adorably amazing kids, but we went to Serendipity's as well. Their frozen Hot Chocolate is to DIE for.

The dear Rubster dragged me to the Museum of Math (yes, that is a thing, and I only say dragged because of my sheer dislike of math, not my sister), which was surprisingly ~~awesome~~ legendary, and had some phenomenal little exhibits and fun stuff to do.

Like this cool little painting/pattern thing. Rubster and I went all out. :D

They also had this cool geometric shape builder thing, that you could build one and submit it for votes, and the design with the most votes at the end of the day would get printed out on their 3D printer. And they all looked pretty amazing.

Ruby submitted one, and I may or may not have done a bit of finagling and got hers to win. :D

Although we didn't get a chance to go back and check and see if they printed it out.

She'll have to go down and see for me. This was her design:

Pretty cool huh?

The Rubster also hadn't seen Star Trek - Into Darkness, so I took her down to Union Square to see it. We both cried like babies and giggled at the appearance of the Tribble. If you haven't seen it, you're seriously missing out. It was LEGENDARY! (It was also my third time seeing it. I can't complain.)

Speaking of movies, I went to two others while I was in NYC. One of which was Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing.

It. Was. Phenomenal.

First of all, if you don't know who Joss Whedon is, think this: the Director of Firefly & Serenity. If that's too obscure for you, think of the new Avengers movie. He directed that. Basically, he's amazing.

I was super excited when I found out that he was doing a movie version of a Shakespeare play for several reasons.

A) He's Joss Whedon.

B) I love Much Ado -- One of my favorite comedies.

C) The cast was top notch.

D) I was going to get to see it with Katie dearest (we swore that we wouldn't see it until we were together).

It had several really cool aspects to it. It was all in Black and White, and while set in a modern time, all of the original language was used -- think Romeo and Juliet version with Leonardo DiCaprio.

All in all, I highly recommend seeing it. The moment I can buy it I will, because its one of those movies you could watch over and over and over again.

Disclaimer though: While the play is completely appropriate for kids, the movie itself isn't -- there's something about it being on screen with the extra details that probably isn't good, like the disturbingly (not really) large amount of alcohol in every scene. It isn't that big of a deal, seeing as that is apart of the actual play, but its completely different from on-stage.

Plus there's a bit of a sexual theme to the beginning -- PG-13 level.

So not good for kids...say, of a 10 year old age? You know, like my sister? :)

But see it! Especially if you're a Shakespeare fan!

ANYWHO, moving on!

We ALSO went to see (we meaning Rubster, Katie and I) the first Harry Potter movie atop the Intrepid museum.

For those of you who don't know, the Intrepid is an old aircraft carrier that, upon it's retirement, was turned into a Museum down by the piers in Manhattan. Such a cool museum.

Apparently they have this summer thing where they play a movie on a huge projector screen and allow people to come watch!

And there are several plus's to this.

1. It's free.

2. You get to watch the sunset on the deck, as the movie starts just after the sun goes down.

3. They encourage you to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and even food to enjoy the movie.

4. During the summer, its just beautiful, and as it is in the evening, its cooled down and you even get a little breeze off of the river.

5. Great for kids -- depending on the movie they play. Some are a little bit more mature -- like they played Top Gun the week before (or was it the week after?), but they're always pretty solid, classic movies that you're sure to get excited about! :D

I also got to see some old friends from High School -- which was definitely ~~awesome~~ legendary. It was great to catch up, cause I missed them a TON. Plus, no offense to Provo, but I missed people who had a bit of a foul mouth.

It was also shocking to realize how drastically different BYU is from other colleges. I've had 3 roommates get married already, and only two who haven't. You tend not to have those issues at other colleges.

There was a ton of other stuff I did over the week, but if I were to write about all of it, you guys would get incredibly bored.

But I'll leave you with one last thing.

On Saturday, my last day, we went to the beach, which was interesting at first, seeing as it was raining when we left. However, by the time we got there, it had stopped, and we had the luxury of having a nearly empty beach to enjoy. The sun even came out after a while, and seeing as I didn't think to use sunscreen due to the weather, not a lovely sunburn on my back and shoulders.

It was fun!

We also turned the Rubster into a mermaid. I'm sure that any minute her hair will turn red and she'll start singing Part of Your World.

Isn't she getting so BIG! My heavens! She's grown 3 inches since Christmas, and I swear she looks like a whole different person! A huge part of me just wants her to stop growing up! She's supposed to be my baby sister, and at this rate, she'll be taller than me by the time she's 12. She's only got 8in left to go. She's already 3 inches taller than I was at 12, and she's two years younger!

AAAGGGGH!

Anyway. Seeing as I've posted this just under a month after my birthday, I think that's pretty good!

Till next time ladies and gents (which will be very soon, I've got some BIG stuff I get to post!)

Up and Coming:

-Best Friends are better in person

- The six words I never thought I'd say

- Awesome vs. Legendary

- Shakespeare Festival

- Apartments and New Roommates (Plus, a new school year!)

Live. Laugh. Photograph.

P.S. Like the new background?

Because I haven't had much time...

2013-07-23T17:07:00.000-06:00

Here's my life as of recent in photos. Mostly from Instagram and Facebook, so you've probably seen them, but whatever. I'm being lazy.

I got a haircut. My hair is short and blunt and I really can't wait till it grows out.

I've decided I need to do this ridiculously often.

New life motto.

My phone seriously thinks I have problems.

I waste too much time watching movies.

Jenny has concluded that the outside is awesome, but children are scary.

I have really really adorable cousins.

Bonus of spending so much time with them: Getting to love their cute faces and personalities every freakin' day.

Super Duper Bonus of spending so much time with them: When they get to be too much I realize how NOT ready I am for kids. Birth control at its finest people.

This conversation.

My mother is the best.

My birthday is on Saturday. I'm going to be 19. I'm sorta freaking out.

Also, I go back to NYC on Friday. Super super super ridiculously excited.

Life is pretty good. Considering.

Live. Laugh. Photograph.

Well that sucks.

2013-07-01T16:13:00.002-06:00

So you know how I was raving about my job in my last post?

Well I spoke too soon.

I got fired.

It really really sucks.

I wish it wasn't the case, but what can I do?

They had to cut someone. I was the last hired. And I was late one too many times.

Now I have no idea what to do with my summer.

I'm gonna go wallow in self-pity now.

Remember to appreciate what you've got before it's gone.

Where Do I Even Start?

2013-06-27T22:08:00.000-06:00

Well. Its been a while. Hello Blog, I've missed you.

I haven't posted since February. Its June. Holy crap that's a long time.

Specifically 5 Months.

How do I even sum up the last 5 months in a blog post?

Well, "Lemme 'splain. No, there is too much. Lemme sum up."

I'll start back in Feb.

1) Well, besides re-evaluating my life decisions (see my last post), I pretty much did nothing. Well, besides procrastinate all things school related. And watch a lot of Divine Comedy. And other things. Yea, I was basically a very lazy individual

March:

2) Divine Comedy. Studio C. Enough Said.

3) Facebook stalked the whole world. (Not really)

4) Picked out an apartment to live in next year with KT (new nickname for the Roommate -- this will be explained later)

5) Visited some of my extended family up in Logan. Loads of fun.

6) Became Instagram obsessed. I have problems.

April:

7) Finished off the semester with more crappy grades. However, I only failed one class, so that's a plus. And, I got an A- in my Psychology Class. I'm awesome.

8) My brother moved to Seattle. Helped him move. I was sad to see him go, but super excited that he would get to start an amazing new job and be in an amazing new city.

9) Mom, Dad, please don't kill me for this... but I got a CAR! Her/His name is Serenity.

(Have you seen Firefly? If you haven't, go on Netflix right now and watch it. RIGHT NOW!)

I'm ridiculously lucky to be a Freshman and to have a car available to me. Its amazing and grown up and overall awesome. Also, I get to put a ridiculous number of bumper stickers on her. My car is extremely nerdy.

Also, Gas is expensive. That really sucks.

But now, its way easier to visit people in Logan. And to escape the Zion Curtain.

(Don't get the reference? Watch this)

10) I got a job! And not just any job mind you. A job working as a Student Photographer for BYU Photo!

Now, there's a lot of backstory to this job. Waaayyy back in my Junior Year of High School, a dear friend of mine went off to college (BYU) and, since she's a freaking amazing actress, got some headshots taken of her. I LOVED these photos, so, naturally, I stalked the guy who took them. I found out that he also worked for BYU Photo, before he left on his mission. It was then that I decided that I wanted to work there if I went to BYU.

I held onto this little dream all the way through my Senior Year -- and when I was accepted, one of the first things I did was email them and ask what they did about hiring students. They responded, and were real sweet about it, too. Then in June -- before I had even graduated, I emailed them my resume and portfolio, hoping to get an interview. And in August, I went to visit their office, just to check it out and to further show my interest (or obsession, it could go either way). They just told me that they weren't hiring at the moment but that they kept all of their resume's and called people when they were.

Well, in Mid-April, they called me up, out of the blue, and asked if I wanted an interview. I said YES! (duh) and began to seriously freak out (out of nerves). The interview went well, but I figured that they didn't want a freshman who wasn't even in the Photography program or was even planning on doing it (although I hadn't officially changed my major yet), plus I was ridiculously inexperienced.

So, when I didn't hear from them after two weeks, I figured "Oh, well, at least I tried." And left it at that. BUT, I was totally shocked when they suddenly called me up and offered me a second interview.

WHAT?

Serious freak out time.

Well, it went really well, because at the end of the interview I was offered the job!

Turns out all the things I thought they didn't want was exactly what they were looking for! Inexperienced (to a certain extent -- definitely not in photography), young (18 year old just finishing up her freshman year? Check!), and NOT a Photography major (What?!?!)

Yea, turns out Photography majors have a tendency not to focus on the job 'cause their too into their own work.

So, I tried to hold in my internal squealing and desire to jump up and down like a kiddy schoolgirl as I accepted and worked out the details.

I started the very beginning of May, and I've totally loved it! Despite the level of boring work I've got to do, as the newbie and lackey and all that. :D

Now, back to the list-- long tangent there, but the story had to be told.

11) Moved into a new apartment. I'll spare you the details until I have pictures to post on the awesomeness that it is.

May:

12) Work. School. Awesomeness.

June:
13) MY BEST FRIEND CAME TO VISIT for ALMOST A WEEK!!!

It was awesome. Too awesome to put here. It needs its own post. Along with the photos my super awesome aunt took of us.

So basically-- it's time to gear up and get ready for DA SUMMA!

Which is like... my FAVORITE time of year. Specifically for a certain day that comes at the end of July. It's like, the greatest day of the year, but I may be biased.

So I've made a goal to update this blog more often, so here's whats coming your way!

- Goals for the summer
-Best Friend's are the greatest when you see them in person
-My apartment is more awesome than your apartment
-My Cousin's are cuter than your cousins
-I have mad skillz. Specifically of the crocheting variety.

So ta ta for now!

Live. Laugh. Photograph.

What does the future hold?

2013-02-17T00:50:00.000-07:00

Why hello blogging world!

Wow, I've totally bombed at this whole blogging for 2013 huh?

Don't worry, I'll get better.

ANYWAY,

Quite a few interesting things have happened since I last let the world know of my whereabouts.

I'll start by mentioning the future.

I'm a very good planner, the kind who gets everything planned out, and then throws everything out the window the moment something goes wrong. It's okay, I'm just weird.

So of course, upon starting college, I had quite a bit planned out. I had intended to try and graduate with a double major and a minor in 5.5yrs and then proceed to do a Master's program in Occupational Therapy. I even had my class schedule planned out for each semester between now and then.

But, as I hope many of you know, life doesn't like to play by my rules. So I had a couple of wrenches thrown in my plans, some good, some bad.

Wrench #1: I only passed two classes last semester of my original six. Yikes. Doesn't bode well for one's academic record now does it?

Wrench #2: It was announced that women could now serve as Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the age of 19 instead of the previous 21. I turn 19 next July, and have decided that this is indeed something I strongly feel I should do.

Wrench #3: My double major and minor planned is not physically possible to complete at BYU. What do I mean? I mean, it'll require over 180 credits to do, and we need 120 to graduate. Once you hit about 140 you start getting pressured to graduate, and they have major issues with you going much farther than that. I highly doubt they'd even let me complete one or two of them after a certain point. Oops.

Wrench #4: Timing. Preparation. Consideration. (This will make sense in a minute)

So my life has been a whirlwind of changes and somewhat difficult decisions over the last couple of weeks. Not that the last year has been difficult enough...

So now I get to tell you my new-and-improved-but-will-probably-end-up-getting-changed-anyway life plan!

First things first. I have decided to change my major(s)/minor. I had wanted to get into the BFA Photography program here at BYU, and go through the Exercise Science degree and add a minor in Italian on top of that.

Well, as much as it kills me to do this, I've decided I can't do the BFA program. Photography is definitely my biggest passion, there's no doubt about that, but honestly, at this point in my life, I don't think I could actually complete the program, much less even get into it. I've been so busy just trying to live day to day to even focus on my passion. And that hurts more than anything else.

But at the same time, it's the most practical of my dreams to drop....for the time being.

I don't think I'll ever let it go. But I do believe that it's something that I can either a) come back to later on in life, b) pursue on a semi-professional level without necessarily getting the education I'd like for it, or c) enjoy it as a passion, even if that's just my own daily life.

This then gives me room to pursue what some would call the profession that would "actually make me money."

No I don't think that I couldn't make money as a Photographer, but I also know that I have so many interests, I'd rather not limit the possibilities in front of me, or even limit the different ways of making money. If I felt that I could not be happy doing nothing but Photography, I would do it. But while it makes me extremely happy, it is not my only course of action in life, nor would I need to choose one way or another. Education in Photography is an interesting thing. Sometimes it is difficult to decide what level of education you would need to achieve which goals.

Although I do believe that one of my biggest goals for Photography is significantly less likely to happen should I not pursue it educationally. And that is to have a photograph featured in the National Geographic. But one can still dream eh?

So. Moving on.

As you all know I then intended to get a Master's in Occupational Therapy, but that would require going down the Exercise Science route at BYU. However, BYU has just opened a new program for Communications Disorders, leading straight into their Speech Therapy and Audiology Masters programs. Unlike Exercise Science, it's significantly simpler, it narrows down the kinds of classes necessary for me to take, and getting in has a narrower field of requirements. Looking closely at this program, I really like that it is such a streamlined process, and one that would be less difficult to navigate since it wouldn't be on my own.

I also talked with one of the Advisors in the ComD program, who said that based on my personality tests or whatever, she thought that perhaps I was better suited to Speech Pathology than Occupational Therapy. Thinking about this, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, because it suddenly wasn't as complicated, and actually, less difficult, even though it's actually a more intense process because I have to actually apply. Which I don't have to for Exercise Science.

So I've decided to switch and to pursue the ComD program and Speech Pathology. I've also decided to keep to the Italian Minor, because I can do that quite easily tacked onto the ComD program.

I have always felt extremely blessed to know what it is I want to do and to get out of my life from a very early on. And while I wish it was exactly the same, I've come to realize that I really have sticked to what it is that I want, I've just been tweaking the process required to get there.

Ah, so, with that figured out, it then is easier to address the possibility of going on a Mission. And while it might makes sense to put my papers in this spring and leave in August, I think it's too early for me. Which means that I've decided, and with luck, I will be leaving sometime late April to early May next year for a mission! Still an extremely exciting prospect!

Ahah, I have no idea why I decided that this should be the subject of my post, but who cares? There's really no better way to share one's thoughts than over the internet right? ;)

So with that, I leave ya.

Next post will probably include something a little closer to this week rather than next year and beyond :D

Happy Living!

Also, check out this awesome photo I took for my Photography Class!

Live, Laugh, Photograph.

Wow! Has it really been a month?

2013-01-29T22:05:00.002-07:00

Hello blogger world!

I guess I've sorta been MIA for a month now...I don't really know what happened! Seriously! I don't know why I suddenly stopped blogging!

But I'm BACK! :D

Although, I guess I do know why I stopped blogging. Life happened.

WHOA, guys calm down know. I know...I have a life! Like, your minds were just blown huh?

But, seriously, life happened.

Although I will admit it wasn't much of one.

But I'll update you on the goings on of my so called life in the last month.

So the last time I posted I was home for Christmas vacation. Beaten and bleeding but alive after quite a tumultuous freshman semester.

I finished with a 0.73.

Yup, you read that right.

A zero point seven three.

Out of a 4.0.

But seriously, it's okay. I've got a butt ton (dangit Katie! You're rubbing off on me!) of stuff to do to get off academic warning, but it's seriously not the end of the world.

And then Christmas Break was AMAZING.

It was so great to be back home. To be back in my city and to see all of the people I love. Sometimes I just curl up with some cookie dough and watch cheesy tv shows and movies that are set in NYC so I can at least get a glance of home.

Oh, and I watch Law and Order quite a bit too. Cause nothing says homesick quite like murder huh?
(I'm sorry, too morbid? too inappropriate? Yea, that's me.)

And of course there was Christmas. Just how I like it too. Quiet, relaxing, and just the five of us at home enjoying just being a family. Something I've come to appreciate so much more since I left home.

And of course, being me, here's break in a series of photos.

Jenny: Are you crazy? You're gonna read all of those books?

:D That's all of the books we got for Christmas stacked up. (Note: All of the books the WHOLE family got...it's kinda ridiculous)

Ruby got this Lego Mindstorm thing that's basically a lego robot on steroids. It's pretty cool, but I have no idea how in the world it works. Good thing she's got Michael to help her out. They make me feel awfully stupid sometimes. But in a really good way.

As you can see in the earlier photo, Ruby has got some seriously long gorgeous hair. And of course, I couldn't wait to try some new stuff out on it :D She's pretty darn cute huh?

Jenny didn't like all of us visiting. It messed with her too much.

It snowed. And UNLIKE PROVO, it didn't stay for very long. I have to say, it's probably my newest appreciation of NYC. I mean, I love snow, but I hate snow here. WHY PROVO WHY???

New Years was delightfully loud. Not for us really, but I loved all of the noise of everyone else celebrating. To be honest, I don't like New Years very much, I think it's a bit overrated and kinda dumb. But hey, who doesn't mind a celebration and some fun? Plus, all of the noise from the parties just made me downright happy.

Finally, it came time for me to come home. :(

I pretty much sobbed for like an hour. On the plane. Next to this girl who was my sisters age. Who kept looking over my shoulder at my video game and asking me about it. (Lego Harry Potter for those who are curious. She didn't know what it was! *GASP!*)

It was rather hard to play the game with tears in my eyes.

I got back, and realized how cold it was.

And that there still was snow on the ground and it probably wasn't going anywhere for a while.

And then it snowed some more. And some more. And some more.

And now I hate Provo.

(Or at least, Provo weather.)

But I made Apple Cider Donuts. Which made me feel better.

It took us three weeks to eat them. And we still have half of the dough in the freezer. Someone should help us out a bit next time. :D

Then school started up...and thankfully it's been a thousand times better so far than last semester. I really like my classes, my teachers are amazing, and one of them is an online class, no attendance required! AWESOME!

My two biggest problems have been the snow and homework, which is better than last semester, which was sleeping too much and too many video games.

Now the video games are strictly a weekend thing.

(BTW: LEGO LOTR IS SO AMAZING!)

We also got some new posters...

(Thank you BYU Poster Sale.)

...Bringing the total number of posters in the apartment to 17. We sorta rock.

And because I can, here's what we have:

Princess Bride

Avengers

Serenity

How I Met Your Mother

Hunger Games

Pirates of the Caribbean

Star Wars (It just says "Use the Force")

A George Washington Bridge Drawing that was done by my old Bishop from NYC

Three Harry Potter Posters (9 and 3/4, Mischief Managed, and It All Ends with the Deathly Hallows symbol)

Four Lord of the Rings Posters (Three small official movie posters and one giant combo one)

Three Hobbit Posters (A small one, a big one, and a giant map)

Yea. You should visit us. Our living room is awesome. :D

(I'm gonna post pictures when I'm not so lazy.)

So all in all everything is going pretty good! I'm excited cause this semester is shaping up to be a thousand times better than the last, even if there's still some hard stuff.

But that's life I guess.

OH OH OH! I totally forgot!

(Not really, I was just saving it for last.)

I did an awesome Photoshoot with one of my dearest friends from NYC. She's a freaking amazing actress and is wayyy too gorgeous for her own good.
She needed some new headshots because she cut her hair (which, by the way, I totally love) and I was so honored when she asked me to!

Here's my favorite photo from the shoot:

Ain't she purty? :D

And since this is technically a blog about an "angsty photographer" I figured I needed to get some more stuff in here about my more professional work so to speak.

So ladies and gentlemen, I'm happy to announce that Suzie Q Photography is officially open for business! I'm really going to try to work in a lot more time to expand and work on my portfolio and more time for photoshoots!

This means: if you know of anyone in Provo in need of Headshots, Engagements, Missionary Photos, etc...lemme know! :D

And to end this lovely and delightfully long post, here's a smiling pancake.

Live. Laugh. Photograph.

The post I promised!

2012-12-23T14:55:00.002-07:00

SO! I'm here to write the post that I promised I'd write back in November. Yes, about my dearest best friend, Katie.

She turned 19 in November, actually the day before my brother turned 24, if you remember this post about it.

I actually kind of find it a little scary that she's 19. That means I'm not far behind, and last time I checked I was 8 and she was 9.

(Although in many ways we still are.)

So I was going to post for her birthday, but uh, I was a little busy, and didn't end up thinking about it until it was way too pathetically late. SORRY!!

So I decided on a Reunion post, that I'm dedicating to her in honor of our lovely reunion after 4 months, 2 weeks, 5 days and approximately 20 hours. (Not that we were counting. Note: I counted the hours after the fact...but the rest I knew ahead of time.)

And before I get into the details of the best reunion ever, let me tell you a little bit about my best friend.

I mean, the basics are over there, on your right, click on "My Best Friend."

It's got the basic backstory, but I don't tell you a whole lot about her.

What can I say? Katie is fun, full of life, beautiful, smart, kind, loving and generous. Also extremely patient. I'll start with that.

She's patient because I have a tendency to...um...be late to everything. And even though over the years I've been late to about 95% of everything we've done together, she doesn't freak out or get pissed of at me. Rather, she's compensated by laughing it off, telling me like it is when she really is pissed off about it, and planning ahead. She usually tells me time about half an hour earlier than she wants to see me. It's quite funny. We're going to a movie? She tells me that it starts half an hour earlier than it really does. Genius that girl is.

Which leads me to Smart. Katie is ridiculously smart, and always has been. She always tells me I'm smart too (and I guess I sorta am.) but she's smart in the general "I kick butt at life" sorta way. She's smart because she doesn't procrastinate like I do. She's smart because she knows her priorities and knows how to set herself boundaries. She's smart because she knows how to organize and manage her time and her life, which then makes her look even smarter cause she's always gotten freaking amazing grades! Like, Bard, the college she's at, gave her a freaking amazing scholarship because she's THAT amazing.

Oh, and did I mention? A few years ago she and I went to South Africa to take a course my Mom helps teach at the University of Kwazulu-Natal every summer (This course had to do with Microbiology research). We had an absolute blast and learned so much in those three weeks. But when we came home, we had the amazing opportunity to continue some of the work we did. While I was interested in what I had learned, and wanted to continue it, I didn't really stay dedicated. Katie however, started coming and working on a pretty regular basis, even taking the same course again at my Mom's lab over the summer. She is now a Biology and Chemistry major, and part of me feels like its because she found what she loves in these courses. She even got a freakin PAID internship at Sloan-Kettering Hospital last summer before we started college. I mean, seriously, she's going to go FAR!

She's beautiful. So she's smart, but add that to the fact that she's drop dead gorgeous and you're like, "Um, who is this person and can I be her?"

Like, let me show you.

I mean seriously. Totally not fair.

And she looks just like her mom too.

AND she's a freakin' fashionista. She dresses absolutely amazingly. I don't know how she does it.

She's kind, loving and generous. She puts others before herself. She's quick to compliment and is so honest about it. She gives so much of herself to you when she's your friend, but in such a quiet way it might take you 10 years to realize it. And then when you do, you feel so ridiculously lucky to be blessed with such an AWESOME friend.

And the best of all, she's fun, and full of life. I mean, seriously, we have the BEST time just hanging out. We can laugh and talk about anything, and manage to do the stupidest or the coolest things and we have a million hilarious stories from over the years.

Although I don't think it gets much better than it was on Thursday. We were actually jumping up and down screaming and hugging for about five minutes. It's ok, we're just awesome.

So, Katie, here's to you. Thank you for being my best friend. I count my lucky stars everyday because you're my best friend. And always will be.

And don't worry, we'll take that road trip someday.

Live. Laugh. Photograph.

A Divine (Comedy) Obsession

2012-12-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

So there's a comedy group at BYU called Divine Comedy.

And if you know me (which I'm assuming) then I've probably showed you some of their videos before.

And last friday we went to see their Best of Show.

AND IT WAS PHENOMENAL!!!

Like, seriously.

You should become obsessed like I am.

I know all of their names.

I know all their famous sketches

I want to meet them

I want to work with them

I want to actually get glowsticks at their next show

I want them to have more shows

I wish I was as awesome as them...

Not to mention, some of the recent graduates of the show have started a BYUTV show called Studio C. Oh my gosh it's hilarious! I've seen every episode, every clip and basically everything relating to Divine Comedy on the internet.

And I'm going to share with you some of my favorite things about Divine Comedy.

And then there's Studio C stuff. Some of it is repeats of sketches they've done in DC, but they're hilariously awesome!

Ok, I'm going to stop before I go way too crazy with the videos. Lemme do this... watch Divine Comedy's videos here

And then do yourself a favor and watch EVERY episode of Studio C (there's only 9 of them, 30 min each) and you can do that here!

Ok, enjoy! And really, don't be afraid to waste your time on this...cause it's totally worth it! :D

My Biggest Accomplishment (of the semester)

2012-12-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

So since we're approaching the end of the semester I decided that I needed to look back and figure out what I had actually accomplished this semester. So I started making a list...

-Didn't starve/live off of only Hot Pockets (although an argument could be made for my obsession with Pepperoni Hot Pockets)

-Didn't get killed by my roommates. Shhh don't tell them, but I'm really crazy. I'm still surprised they like me.

-Didn't kill my roommates-- they're awesomely normal, in the weirdest way possible.

-Only got homesick every other day

-Only stayed up all night some of the time

-I haven't made my parents broke...yet.

-Survived the entire semester without going on any awkward dates. Or any at all for that matter. YES!

...and a bunch of other stuff I'm too tired to think of (I stayed up all night)

But I realized that I had one gigantic accomplishment that I can't go without stating.

I finished a video game.

I FINISHED a video game.

I finished a VIDEO GAME.

I (LIKE ME) finished a video game.

(Darn, it's so hard to capitalize an already capitalized i.)

Now, I love video games and spent a large amount of time as a child attempting to fulfill Link's Quests, trying to save Princess Peach, and searching for all of the Pokemon, but I had never actually finished any of these games, but got halfway through and started over again after I had gotten bored or stuck.

Sorta like reading the Book of Mormon (man I know 1 Nephi SO well!).

So I finished a video game. Specifically Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. And it was AWESOME.

I think it took me a total of 50 hours-- according to my Wii. Over the course of two months. Nice.

Now I had some help.

My roommate has played it multiple times, so she helped me out.

I also may or may not have used a walkthrough.

But I'm not a cheater guys.

Despite what SOME people think. (ahem, darling unnamed roommate)

So yes. There is my biggest accomplishment. This will be followed by others I'm sure. I've made a list of all the games that I need to finish, and fully intend to, no matter how long it takes me.

Next: Super Mario Galaxy (I'm already halfway through!)

There's also some Spyro, some more Zelda, some more Mario, and a whole host of LEGO games. (LEGO Lord of the Rings was just released!)

Oh, I guess I did something else this semester.

I survived. Beaten and bleeding, but alive.

Here's to survival.

Live, Laugh, Photograph.

Finest Quotes from our Apartment

2012-12-03T21:21:00.002-07:00

Here is a compilation of all the greatest quotes that have come from our apartment. I find it quite hilarious.

Elizabeth: (Shaking Christmas Present from Nicole) "I can't figure out what it is!"

Nicole: "I need to come up with a good comeback for that, but I'm still thinking."

Elizabeth: "Um?"

Nicole: "Ah! Don't shake that it's a Nuclear Bomb!"

Katie: (After finishing her bottle of Cream Soda) "It's gone. Why is the rum always gone?"

Nicole is sitting at our coffee table eating her dinner, she's sitting on the floor.

Elizabeth: "Nicole, you know you can sit at the table..."

Katie: "What, you don't think my coffee table is good enough to eat at?!"

Elizabeth: "No! I mean...yea, it is...but I'm saying its more...ugh! I'm trying to be a loving and supportive roommate here!"

Nicole: (talking to her mom) "Well why would I go to the emergency room if I'm already dead?"

Nicole: "Yea, if it was the middle of the night I'd trust Katie over you to give me CPR."

Elizabeth: "Hey! I'm certified to do CPR!"

Nicole: "Yea but, she just seems more...responsible. Except of course if she didn't have her glasses, cause you're not blind."

Elizabeth: "Nah, I'm only slightly less blind."

Nicole: "Yea, you know one thing I'm always scared about is if I go to the hospital and they take off all my nail polish."

Katie: "And then he like...got a testimony! Like he came up and gave a talk and I was like...That is so HOT! Oh gosh I am so mormon!"

TV Show:"Does Hello Kitty make wedding gowns?"

Nicole: "What?"

Elizabeth:"No, she doesn't."

Nicole: "You don't know that, and I like how I key in on that one word."

Nicole: "You know it's time to break up when he says he can't wait for Bambi's mom to get shot."

Nicole's home teachers: "One day you might be a single matriarch and you'll be home alone because all of your sons will be off serving in The Great Armageddon War."

Katie:"Well that escalated quickly."

"AHHHHHHH! The friendship, it burns!!!"

Nicole: "But at least you'd be cute when you got shot. The coroner would be like, 'Man! She looks FABULOUS!'"

Katie:"I mean, you can't say: 'It's God's will that I do laundry today.' No. It just means you need to plan your time better."

Katie: (while sipping her hot chocolate) "I feel so sophisticated."

Elizabeth: "...at Denny's?"

We're walking back from the grocery store and some random guy asks us for a ride. We decline, and as they're driving away...

Katie: "Why would they do that? We could be serial killers for all they know!"

Elizabeth: "I think it's kinda sweet! And we're two girls walking with a ton of groceries, how could we be serial killers?"

Katie: "But THOSE ARE THE BEST KIND!"

Nicole: "Mantee's hold their breath underwater, but if they wait too long and pass out, they'll sink to the bottom and inhale water and DIE. Please Manatee's don't pass out!"

Elizabeth: "Umm...the same thing happens when humans drown."

Nicole: "Yea! But Manatee's are cuter!"

Katie: "I can't be a gangster, I don't have the dexterity. You know....for the gang signs."

Elizabeth: "I like how that's your only reason."

Halloween night, Katie and Elizabeth sitting at home doing homework.

Katie: "I wonder where Nicole is?"

Elizabeth: "Probably hanging out with her friends."

Katie: "Must be nice having friends."

Katie: "I got a job and a calling all in one day... it's like God had a baseball bat labeled Responsibility and hit me in the face with it."

Elizabeth: "Oh, I totally think God is black...it makes total sense!"

Katie: "You mean like Morgan Freeman?"

Elizabeth: "Oh my gosh! YES!"

Upon Elizabeth waking up:

Katie: "Sooo, watcha doing today..."

Elizabeth: "Well... I've got loads of homework... (proceeds to list off a ton of work to do)"

Katie: "So...you're gonna play Legend of Zelda then?"

Christmasiness

2012-12-02T15:47:00.003-07:00

So you all know how much I LOVE Christmas by now.

If you don't...well. I hope you do now.

For me Christmas starts the day after Halloween (no, not Thanksgiving). Meaning decorations can go up at the beginning of November and the music can be blasted for the next two months whenever it pleases me.

Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with me. So I've been holding back on my holiday explosions...

UNTIL NOW.

December has arrived!

Note: If this sounds familiar please go here. If it doesn't, go anyway. :D

Which means that I get to go nuts on all things Christmasy! Yipee!

I mean... more nuts than I already have. I've got decorations, the music, gifts bought and wrapped and under the tree, sufficiently cold weather and hot chocolate. What could I possibly want right? Hehe....

You'll see.

So I thought I'd start with this, a litte Christmas Questionnaire that I found whist swimming within the depths of the internet. It'll let you know how my Christmases usually go.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Definitely hot chocolate, every time I've tasted egg nog I've wanted to vomit. No offense to egg nog lovers out there, but it's kind of a gross idea. So hot chocolate all the way, with candy canes as stirrers to add some mintiness :D

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? It really depends. Usually Santa has left out a bit of a bigger present that we can see right away when we wake up Christmas morning. He might hide it under a blanket or something, but it really depends on the present. The rest are wrapped and just mixed in with everything else. I don't know about the rest of the world, but we also get presents from the Tooth Fairy and The Easter Bunny and the like. But that's cause they helped Santa pick out the gifts for us. They're so sweet!

3. Colored Lights or White? Colored. Definitely colored. White is really beautiful, but nothing is quite as amazing as colored lights on a tree, inside or outside, or a house. They're also infinitely more interesting than white lights, something my ADD brain appreciates.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Hehehehe. No. And (thankfully?) I've never had an experience with it. Plus I really don't want nargles, I've heard that they're a pain to get rid of.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Ah, you know this! The sooner the better, so basically November 1st. But if I have to wait until after Thanksgiving, well, I will.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Oh goodness. I really don't know! I guess for specifically on Christmas I love my mom's french toast. But in general I'm a total sucker for all of the sides my mom makes with Thanksgiving dinner. I could eat them all year. Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes (with the skin still on), Roasted Brussels Sprouts, homemade Rolls, and oooh, I'm getting hungry. Over the last few years I've noticed that whatever sides we might have for Thanksgiving tends to pop up more frequently before Christmas. I really really like this trend.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a Child? Oh I don't know...there are too many to count. As I look back it's never been the presents that mattered, but rather who I was with and the love that's there. I think my favorite was actually just a couple of years ago. It was my brother's first Christmas home from his mission and it was just the five of us. We had the most peaceful and loving Christmas I've ever experienced, and extended it when a snowstorm hit the city, which gave us not only a white Christmas, but it kept us inside for the next two days, which was the most blissful two days of my life. There's something about Christmas that makes everything so magical, and that Christmas was definitely magical.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was 8, the Christmas before my sister was born, and all of my extended family on my mom's side was visiting for Christmas. I left a note on my door asking for Santa's signature, as well as Rudolph's. I woke up Christmas morning to a note from Santa telling me what a good girl I was and a hoof print from Rudolph! I've believed ever since. I've got physical evidence people.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Um, actually, I don't know! I guess it really depends on the year. When we're visiting family we do (like last year, we got pajamas of course, I'm actually wearing them now, they're the best!) but in my immediate family we don't. Although, between my sister and I was ALWAYS get a few pairs of Christmas socks from my mom. Easily one of my favorite presents every year. Its awesome cause then my sister and I can actually match in some way. The same goes for Christmas jewelry too.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Is there some sort of method? I mean, I guess I'm a little bit of a perfectionist in my family, but I was always concerned with the tree getting completely and evenly covered. Otherwise, the ornaments can be whatever. At home we have store bought baubles, handmade and special gift ornaments, and then we have a huge collection of special ornaments the White House releases every year. Every year, without fail, my Dad's parents, now just Papa, send everyone an ornament for that year. It's one of my favorite things to do every year. To sort through them all and pick out the ones that will go on the tree...because we always run out of space for them all.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Love it!! Until I hate it. I mean, in NYC snow barely lasts a day before it's nearly all cleared away and is just slush. So when it snows I get really excited, but then I get left with slush. So I love snow when its actually snowing. Then after the fact it's just gross. Except when I'm out of NYC, then its awesome all of the time, cause it actually stays nice.

12. Can you ice skate? Of course! I took lessons for years! I absolutely love ice skating! I wish I could do it more often...

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Oh there are so many its hard to say. Every year there's a gift that tops everything, but I mean, it really has to do with what age your at. I mean, as a little girl I would say one of my favorites was this giant barbie train thing I wanted so desperately that I begged and begged for for months. But then it was the year I got my brother's old iPod as a hand me down, or when I got my first new iPod the Christmas before he left on his mission. Or the first book of a series that I've been waiting for the end of that my mom got years ago, its one of my favorites! Or the year we got a Wii, or after that permission to get my drivers permit, or last year when I got a new lens, or the year I got diamond earrings because they were "coal". I mean, the list just goes on and on!

Although I think one of the top three has to be the diamond earrings I got when I was sixteen. My mother has always teased us by saying "you want a hint about your christmas present? It's....carbon based." or "you know, coal is surprisingly expensive this year, are you sure you deserve it?" and when she wrapped the present she told me, "Lizzie, I'm giving you coal this year--for real." and shook the box, which sounded like coal shifting around. On Christmas morning I opened it to find the diamond earrings with a little note that says "Carbon based (check), 3 dimensional (check), Coal (highly compressed) (check)" I still have the note too... easily one of my favorites.

Sorry, long story rant, back to the questions!

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays for you? Family. Family family family. I love waking up Christmas morning and spending the time together just experiencing the magic of the day. It's fun to give and to receive, and to watch all of your loved ones just experiencing a blessing of a day together.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? This is harder than the holiday dish one! So if we're going for easy, I'd say Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares and Hot Chocolate. But I have to say I really love Peanut Butter Cookies, you know, the ones with Hershey kisses on the top? And Rollo cookies, those are AMAZING!

Rollo cookies: A Rollo cut in half placed on a pretzel and warmed up in the oven. A pecan placed on top and let cool. Easy, simple, and a Christmas staple in our house.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Do we really have any traditions? We usually have a day where we get the tree and decorate it, as well as put up the nice Nativity set we have (I loved that job as a child, but now it's the Rubster's) and take out Juan the Christmas Boy and his dog (I will share the details of this...once I have pictures too.) and listen to Christmas music as we do it. I guess that's as traditional was we go. We also usually play the Yule Log thing on the tv on Christmas morning because we don't actually have a fireplace or anything like it. We even hang our stockings off of the TV Center. I guess it's tradition cause we do it every year, and it may be a little odd or different, but that's what I love so much about our Christmases.

17. What tops your tree? A star. I don't get this angel topping business, stars are amazing, and they can light up if you get the right ones...an angel just looks weird to me.

18. Which do you prefer: Giving or Receiving? Giving. I used to love Receiving more, but one year my parents told me that I should really look at what I was giving, and since I really try to give to those I love. I mean, it helps that I've given up trying to guess what my parents are going to get me. They shock me every year with something that I never even knew I wanted, and are so clever and creative that I'm always delighted on Christmas morning. Because of this, I've focused all of my energy on giving that same feeling I receive back to everyone, because I want nothing more than to share that surprise and delight with everyone! Except I'm not as good as my mom in that category. She's the queen of gift giving.

19. Candy canes: Yuck or Yum? Who would ever say yuck? Yum yum yum! I even put them on my Christmas tree!!

20. Favorite Christmas Show? A Christmas Story. Followed closely by A Charlie Brown Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life. We watch all every Christmas, and it's not quite Christmas without jokes about the leg lamp or Snoopy's dancing.

21. Saddest Christmas Song? Is there a sad Christmas song? If there is I don't know it. I love 'em all.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Oh I don't have favorites! I mean, I really love Harry Connick Jr.'s Christmas Album, as well as Gladys Knight's and Barbara Streisand's. Oh, and some MOTAB as well. I just sorta go with what I'm feeling. I really like all of the classics, they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Although I think one of my favorites is one I share with my dad. That's Harry Connick Jr.'s "It must have been ol' Santa Claus." Such a fun song!

23. Do you use an Advent Calendar? Yes, at home we have a little calendar we hang up that has little pockets in it, which we fill with candy that we can eat every day. It's my kind of calendar.

24. Do you go to Church on Christmas? No. I mean, we have if it is on Sunday, but even then I prefer not. For me all things spiritual are very personal, and I prefer to keep Christmas at home with my family. I find that I remember the importance of Christ's birth better when I'm surrounded by the most important people to me. That and I hate dressing up on Christmas. I like staying in my pajamas all day.

25. What were your Christmas morning rules as a kid? Ah, I'm pretty sure that since I was like two I've been the first up Christmas morning. Like, at 16 I woke up before my sister did, and she was 7. Basically we were allowed to go out into the living room and see if Santa had come. Usually something was left out, hiding under a blanket or something, and we could enjoy the general splendor and excitement for what we knew was coming. Usually between 7:30 and 8 we could wake up any sleeping siblings (meaning, Ruby wakes me up or I wake her up, depending on who woke up first) and by 8 we could wake up our parents and we'd start opening presents!

I'm so ridiculously excited for Christmas!
Hehe, hope you guys enjoy this ridiculously long post!

Live, Laugh, Photograph.
Merry Christmassiness!

Coming up: Christmas Nails, The biggest accomplishment of the semester, and a Comedy Obsession.

Yikes! The time flies!

2012-11-28T23:52:00.001-07:00

Oh goodness!! So I'm a little upset, because the last time I posted was on my dear brother's birthday, and that was over 2 weeks ago!! What happened to me?

Well then, I guess I'll just have to give you one giant post of awesomeness to catchup then... :DD

So we'll go in order, which means I actually have to think back to before my last post, since I was missing some things as it is... so...whew... here goes!

Lets start with this:

Christmas Decorating!!! YES!

I'm the kind of person who can barely make it through October without listening to Christmas music, planning out gifts, and starting to enjoy the general wonder of the season. So when I went to Shopko after Halloween (or was it before? If it was...then that shows you how sad of a person I am) and saw that all of their Christmas decorations were on sale for 50% off.

Yes. ON SALE FOR 50% OFF!!

So of course, what did I do? Bought a little fake tree, lights and such with my roommate and we decorated! I'm SO EXCITED!! :D

YAY! They're up!

Working on decking the tree... We made the star by hand with duct tape! :D

Fanciness!

Side note: I am hugely against fake trees. And I'm dead serious about this. BUT, I have to respect, my lovely roommate would suffer from some serious allergies if she woke up to a real tree in the house. While I think it still would be fine, she thinks it would probably be easier to do homework without one's eyes swollen shut. *Sigh* I guess I'll have to take her word for it...

BUT! This does mean one other thing! We DO get to have a REAL WREATH!! I'm so excited! So further decorations to come! Stockings, a real wreath, present wrapping and more!!! I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!

Ok, that rant is done...moving on...

My other roommate also made a fireplace out of paper and its beautiful! Plus we got little stockings on sale on black friday... they're adorable! We're also wrapping all of our christmas presents for people and putting them under the tree...because we can :D

I also go to do my roommates hair in this super cute hairstyle that I've never done before. I instantly fell in love with it, but have not yet managed to successfully try it on myself. Darn it!

Before my brother's birthday, was my BEST FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY! It's literally the day before, so I always told myself "Best friends come before brothers" to keep them straight. ;P

I was going to do a huge birthday post for her, but since I'm so late I've decided instead to do a reunion post when I've got more pictures and I can talk talk talk about her without balling my eyes out cause I miss her so much.

Then, for my Brother's birthday, we had a little celebration, but what he didn't know was the awesome surprise we had come. My mom came into town! She hasn't been present for my brother's birthday since he turned 17, so it was great for her to come into town and make him his favorite cheesecake.

Then we of course went up to Logan to visit my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Here is basically what happened all weekend:

Yup, I was attacked my crazy boys and a rabid two toothed little girl with the funniest little nose scrunch I've ever seen. Don't be too terrified, she's not as scary as she looks.

Also, my mom and I made an amazing discovery at Denny's right before she left. They're selling food from a Hobbit menu and giving out Hobbit TRADING CARDS! There are 12 of them, 10 base cards and 2 limited edition ones. My roommate and I have so far collected two and a half base sets, with no limited edition ones so far, but we will fight to the death to get them!

They also have a pretty decent "One ring burger." I recommend it if you're gonna go for the collection. It isn't bad for Denny's food.

For Thanksgiving we went down to Arizona to vist my Dad's family, and we had a BLAST! It was great to visit and to enjoy the 80 degree weather. Below is a picture of my brother, who drove the whole way...best brother ever!

We also got to spend some time with my previous Bishop's family in NYC, who recently moved to Arizona, and I had to post this adorable little picture of their littlest girl. Isn't she ADORABLE?

Anyway, more to come soon. I just have to make it through finals and then its Christmas Break! Whoot whoot!

Live, Laugh, Photograph.

The angsty part of my life.

2012-11-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to start this post with a warning.

WARNING: This is a very angsty post. Lots of depressing things are said and several sad rants happen. I apologize.

When I started this blog I promised myself that I wouldn't hide the suckish parts of my life from it. It's part of my goal to be open and honest with myself, and to quote my all time favorite movie "What better way to share my private thoughts than to broadcast them on the internet?" Hence the "angsty" part of this blog's title.

Now for the most part I really try to stay upbeat and don't like to write about the cruddy things because they pass pretty quickly, and I don't like to dwell on them, especially given a whole lot of really difficult stuff I went through last year. But today has just sucked.

And I can only think of two ways to make me feel better.

A)Rant, get it out of my system, breathe, be thankful and cry a little.

B)Eat bad food and play Legend of Zelda.

Part B comes after this.

So lets start with the bad stuff.

1) I was up all night studying for an American Heritage Midterm. I've really been putting it off all week (and all of my other assignments for this week) and needed to take it by 11am this morning. I also had to pay $7 for the late fee. I will admit: I was tired, cranky, out of caffeine, and I got super distracted several times. I finally pulled myself together and left around 10.

2) It's freezing cold outside, and at first it was raining, and now it's snowing. Given that I was tired and cranky (still am), and halfway there I realized I was WAY underdressed, I just ended up being COLD, tired and cranky. Not a good way to take a test.

3) Sat down to take the test. An hour and a half earlier I left, hoping that I had at least passed, since I'm already failing American Heritage. Nope. Got a 63. (Admittedly, this is 10 points higher than my last midterm, a 53, which is definitely an improvement...) There are only four graded things left in the semester, and I need to achieve perfect scores on two of them and mid 80's to low 90's on the other two to *hopefully* get a 70 in the class. THAT SUCKS.

4) By the time I left the testing center it was snowing. I was wearing a sweater and gloves. I'm freakin freezing as I'm trying to bike home, and I can barely see as it is.

*Side note: I saw a kid walking onto campus wearing a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops. No coat. IS HE INSANE? Three possible explanations for this phenomenon. a) He's from Antartica and this is warm weather for him. b) He's insane/an insane friend made a bet with him. c) He's trying to kill himself by hypothermia.

As I'm biking down University Ave (Those not in Provo: Giant highway-like road that has a steep incline as it goes down the last bit of the mountain.) a car cuts me off. I swerve, fall off of my bike and fall into a puddle of freezing street water/slush. You have no idea how hard it was not to just lie there and cry pathetically until someone came and picked me up.

Oh, and the car, just zoomed right by me. Didn't even slow down. Now if I was in NYC, this wouldn't be unexpected. But this is Provo. A guy accidentally bumped my rear tire once and stopped traffic so that he could get out and see if I was ok. I hadn't even fallen.

I guess I'm not the only rude driver on Provo streets. I thought I was the only one who cut off people so rudely. (Hard habit to break I must say, it's in my blood.)

5) Found out the last Lab for one of my classes was last week. Not this week like I thought. I was 1 lab short. Now I get an automatic fail. I signed up with 15.5 credits. Dropped one class for 12.5 credits. And now I'm going to fail one? And I'm not doing so hot in the others? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!?!?! I suck. Major suck. Ugh.

Note our awesome christmas decorations. That post is coming up soon. Promise.

They were really small flakes, until...

...they got massive, and super pretty.

7) The worst part of all of this is, today is my big brother's birthday. He's 24 today, and I can't believe it. It's so hard to realize that he's an adult himself, about to move off to Seattle for an awesome job after he graduates this December. He's changed so much from the little kid I grew up looking up to and hoping that he wouldn't always think I was just his annoying little sister. And even harder for me to accept, is that since he is an adult, with his own life and own situation, is that I will end up following in his footsteps. Not in the exact same way, but I will also end up out in the world on my own, in a way college never will be, and it's scary enough as it is to watch him do it.

Ever since I was a toddler, I was always comparing myself to him. I always wanted to be just as big, just as interesting, just as cool and just as smart as him. One of my mom's favorite stories is from when I was little, and I had an earlier bedtime than him. I was angry that I had to go to bed first, and was throwing a fit about it. Mom gently tried to explain that since I was younger I needed to go to bed first, to which I responded, "I'm not younger! I'm just shorter!"

Imagine a little blond, curly haired girl with a huge pout on her face and hands on her hips yelling this line in defiance. Yup, that was me.

Even though we're six years apart, I always felt like I had to be as good as him in everything I did, something that I found extremely difficult given our different personalities. Throughout high school he struggled with just being social, and talking to people. Meanwhile I had the opposite issue, I liked to be social, but couldn't make the same grades, test scores and I distinctly remember him being a senior in high school, and everything just "clicking" for him. He was doing really well, in school, with friends, and on an even keel on every front, preparing for college in a slow but steady pace.

I on the other hand, struggled throughout high school, especially in the last two years, and I kept waiting for things to "click" like they did for him. But instead things got worse and worse. And while things have improved since, I'm still not much closer to clicking like he was.

He tells me things weren't easy for him. He didn't always get really great grades or blow everyone out of the water with everything he did. No, that's not what I wanted. I wanted his steady pace, his stability, his quiet and calm demeanor and his emotional center. He tends to take things internally, while I explode outwards, letting everything out. He has self-control, and I don't.

I watched him go on a mission, and see him blessed a thousand times over for his service. He came back a stronger person, a more confident person, and a more stable person. As I consider, and prepare, for my own mission, I can't help but hope and pray for the same change. Maybe not in the exact way that he changed, but with a similar end result. I want to be a more stable person, and I don't want to feel like I'm a volatile bomb waiting to explode at the next possible moment. He made a slow but steady upward trend and I look at where he is now, and all I want is to be there, not stuck in the middle of this muddy bog trying to make enough sense of myself to get to the other side.

So I guess today has a good thing. It's his birthday, and since it's November it's only appropriate that I just be thankful for him. Thankful that he's here with me now. That we can both live in the same city as adults. That everyday he finds a way to show me how much he cares, that even though I'm an outpouring of emotions 24/7 (and I can promise you, I've rotated through sad, mad and happy several times whilst writing this post) and he's not, he knows just when and how to be there for me, even when I know he has NO IDEA how to deal with, or understand the rapid-fire and ridiculously strong emotions I'm presenting, he still loves and cares for me, no matter what.

So that's what I'm most thankful for, for today, and this week, for my brother, the BEST BIG BROTHER in the whole wide world, who I wouldn't give up for anything.

Happy Birthday. I love you more than you could ever know, and I hope you aren't super weirded out by this post. :P

Live, Laugh, Photograph.

Up Next: A light and fluffy post or two (snowless snowball fights, christmas decorating) and another long emotional one about another special birthday... THE BFF's (which was yesterday). She more than deserves her own post, and I've got a couple of good and embarrassing stories (embarrassing for both of us, but that's ok.) to share from over the last ten years. ;)

30 Apples + 1 Cook =?

2012-11-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

So the one thing I absolutely love about fall is apples.

(well...the colorful leaves and the great weather too, but mostly apples)

Something about the season just makes me want to wear all sorts of colors.

And take pictures of all sorts of colors...

And eat all sorts of colors!

Also, I just want to wrap up, pick some apples, and make TONS of stuff with them!

So I embarked on a project.

Part 1: Make Apple Butter and store it in the freezer for its amazingness to last through winter.

Part 2: Make some super amazing apple pie... cause...well, cause it's awesome.

Part 3: Make Apple Cider Donuts.

And I did!

This post however, will be about Part 1&2. (Seeing as Part 3 hasn't happened yet, we decided there were too many treats in the apt as it is.)

So here we go!

Basically it was really simple:

We took LOTS of apples...

And peeled them..

And then cut them up into little chunks...

For the apple butter I put it in a crockpot, with some sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple cider, lemon juice and just a splash of vanilla extract.

I let it sit for basically 12 hours, took it out...

and stuck it in a blender. Yes, I blended it, but it was the best way to get it smooth and super yummy :D

Of course, for the apple pie I took those apple chunks (with the same ingredients too! Can you believe it?) and stuck it in a homemade pie crust.)

Now, here's what I actually recorded photographically. I used the pie crust and apple pie recipe from this cookbook my mother got me before I moved in. This guy Mark Bittman is a genius, but I read his recipe for pie crust and was like..."Uh, NO WAY"

He called for two sticks of butter, to be smashed with your fingers while COLD into flour. Oh, and don't forget to add ice water while you're at it!

And I was making two pie crusts, so I needed FOUR sticks of butter.

what was I thinking!!!!

So of course, the only thing that got me through the finger smashing bit was to...of course Photograph it. :D

Eww... that much butter totally made me gag.

So I promise you, if you ever try to smash four sticks of butter with your fingers, you will swear off of butter for the rest of your life. Not really. And the smell will totally make you gag. Like, ugh *shudder*.

But, it was totally worth it.

Why you ask?

It was the best apple pie I've ever tasted.

And no. I'm not exaggerating. THE BEST.

I sat down and took my first bite and all I could say was "Oh my gosh."

That pie crust is divine. The apples were perfect. I was in total heaven.

So I highly recommend Mark Bittman's recipe's. I've tried so many, and they're all just amazing. He's a phenomenal chef, and his book breaks everything down, and makes it all so simple. And since I'm such a visual person, all of the photographs in his book show you how it's supposed to look not just what you're supposed to do.

Also, if any of you are wanting, here is my mother's apple butter recipe. It really is divine, and you will never go back after you've had apple butter.

5 lbs of apples* peeled, cored, and cut into chunks (similar size)

2 cups apple cider

2 cups sugar (can use white or brown sugar or mixture)

Pinch of salt

1 T cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cloves

Splash of vanilla extract

Juice of 1 small lemon

*For apples I like to use a mixture of sweet and tart (Roma, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Cortland, Northen Spy, Winesap, Red Delicious, Liberty).

Core and peel apples then cut into similar sized chunks. Put apples in crockpot. Add other ingredients and cook on high for 1-2 hours covered, then cook on low for 8-12 hours. Use three marble sized tin-foil balls to prop lid up and allow steam to escape (this will help to thicken the apple butter). Once the apple butter has reduced in volume, taste to see if more sugar or spices are needed.

Spoon into containers and freeze.

NOTE: 5lbs of apples is basically 20 apples (large apples, more if they're smaller) This makes for A LOT of apple butter, so I highly recommend scaling down to maybe a quarter of this, unless you're really happy with having apple butter in your freezer until springtime (which I totally am.)

Also, use a handheld immersion blender or a standup blender after the apples are done. This will smooth out the chunks and make for even better apple butter.

Stick it on peanut butter sandwiches, pancakes, toast, and just about anything you can think of! It's pretty much the best stuff I've ever eaten.

I may be lying about that. Please forgive me. It's still really amazing though.

Next up in the series of projects: Christmas Decorating, followed by Apple Cider donuts, with a possibly brief interlude by a post about a snowless snowball fight. :D

Live. Laugh. Photograph.

Genius Roomate + Cardboard = A coffee table?

2012-11-02T22:17:00.000-06:00

Alright guys, I'm finally updating you on all the goings on of last weekend.

Surprisingly they ended up leaking into this week and this weekend, but one thing is definitely done and checked off our list- and that's our new Coffee Table!!

You see my genius roommate Katie decided we needed a coffee table because we spend 75% of our time on the couch. And it's a lot easier to share snacks, eat dinner and generally be messier when the table is closer to us. And while the table that BYU provided us is really great, it doesn't encourage general laziness. ;)

But we're college students, so of course, the general preference isn't to buy something, especially if you might end up having to get rid of it 6 months from now because you're moving out and have no place to put it.

So Katie works as a Custodian (it's one with super awesome hours- 8-12! Not any of those crazy early morning shifts!) and of course, as part of that job she has to change the paper towel rolls in the bathrooms every day. Now she started with just bringing home a half filled roll, because she has to change them anyway, and instead of throwing out the roll we get free paper towels! AWESOME!

But then she was like "Lets make something with the paper towel rolls!" And I was totally confused at first, like seriously? Who is she kidding?

But then. a brilliant idea was born, and soon after we produced this amazing brain child:

(This is the finished project. I wasn't gonna wait til the end to show you!)

And voila! A coffee table!

Now, thanks to Zeus and two months of being camera-less, we decided nothing was quite as beautiful as documenting the entire process with photos, so I grace you to (maybe not the worlds best photos, but that's ok.) the story of our table.

It started out with these paper towel tubes...

A large box, and Katie's super awesome cutting/drawing skills...

So serious!

Ain't she a pretty lady! Haha she's super awesome!

So we cut a box in an oval shape, and then glued the layers together for added stability.

Textbooks are necessary for these sorts of projects...

See the layers?

And of course... we may have done a little goofing around too.

Next was the spray painting... we picked a lovely blue :D

And then I decided that we should sponge the paint a little bit to add some texture.

I think it sorta failed...but...it's still cool :D

So then we took the duct-tape wrapped paper towel tubes, glued them together, mounted them on square pieces of cardboard and then added it to the top!

(Note: we placed little stones in the paper towel tubes to add stability. We thought of everything! :D)

I also like taking pictures of my feet. I apologize for the randomness.

We originally hot glued the legs to the table, but every time we moved it the glue make little cracking noises. So after we duct taped the edges for extra gold awesomeness, we super glued the legs on again, with a whole bunch more glue too...and some extra duct tape for good measure...

...and voila! We have an awesome little coffee table! It's the best thing ever!

Hahah, so there's one of our adventures... Up next is Apple Butter, Apple Pie and Apple Cider Donuts. :D

Oh, and then I'll post pictures of our newly decorated apartment! Decorated for Christmas I mean... We got a little christmas tree and everything!

Oh geez. I feel extremely domesticated. I need to go to something more interesting. Darn cooking and little house projects. You're just way too much fun! :D

Live. Laugh. Photograph.

Childhood Memories.

2012-10-29T11:21:00.001-06:00

So I was thinking about when I was a little kid...

and I look at how different it was in comparison to how my sister is now, and geez, we've had two totally different experiences. Neither is better or worse than the other, just different. And that's ok!

But this song crossed my mind, and I couldn't help but post it.

I believe we still have the Raffi video on VHS. Oh man I need to watch that again.

Also... don't you just love the total 80's clothes and hair? Oh it totally cracks me up...And to think, all of those kids are now in their 20's! :D

Weekend Projects... Preview!

2012-10-28T23:53:00.001-06:00

So this weekend was a little crazy.

But in an AMAZING way. :D

Lemme give you a quick rundown.

1. We got a new roommate. She's AWESOME! You'll hear about her later, promise!

2. I bought 30 Apples. I'll also tell you what I did with those too!

3. We prepared for Halloween...in a very simple way.

4. We made a table.

Out of cardboard.

It's awesome.

LIKE,

SO AWESOME!

Anyway... so lots to come... I have to put everything together you see. We're not all done, and I've been photographing everything for evidence. (mwahahaha)

OH YEA!!

GUESS WHAT CAME

MY BEAUTIFUL NIKON D7000!!! :DDDD

His name is Zeus.

And Zeus took this:

This is our milk carton ghost.

Happy Halloween!

Live, Laugh, Photograph.

Politics Again...

2012-10-25T14:35:00.001-06:00

So for my American Heritage Class, we're going to be writing an essay basing on an argument and opinion gleaned from a video. Whilst watching the video I realized that this is EXACTLY what I was trying to say in my post the other day. This writer, David Frum, usually writes from a pretty conservative perspective, while I tend to lean on the liberal side...

One would think that I would disagree with what he is saying, however, this ideology is above liberal or conservative, Democratic or Republican. Rather, the issue has more to do with the foundations of who is in the government and how they act!

Here's the video. Please watch and tell me what you think!

The Utah Shakespearean Festival

2012-10-24T19:53:00.000-06:00

So in the late 1980's, every summer, a group of college students from BYU would go down to Cedar City to see the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

This group included four couples, one of them my parents. And became known as the Neilar G Harcow PhD group.

No, I'm not going to explain the name. Just laugh at it, cause it's awesome.

So in the 20+ years since, this group still gets together every summer to enjoy a week of good humor, nerdy discussions, and some quality Shakespeare. And I grew up going every year. And I LOVE IT.

My parent's friends and their families are more like family of my own than anything else. I have a whole extra set of Aunts and Uncles and Cousins who I get to enjoy the company of every year (however briefly).

This group of people are ones that I hold dear to my heart, and am so blessed to have in my life, and one of the top five reasons I wanted to attend BYU... so I could be several thousand miles closer to them ;)

So this weekend I went with one family down to see some of their fall plays, something I have never done because of the whole- I'm-2,000-miles-away thing. But I totally took advantage of being here, for this year they did two plays:

Hamlet and Stones in His Pockets.

Now I was THRILLED that I got this opportunity to go down, because I have never seen either of these plays, and was really quite excited to see them.

Now, you'll ask, What? How can an avid Shakespeare fan such as yourself not have seen Hamlet before? Well, I shall explain my friends:

I have read the play at least three times. I have seen several movie versions. And, to be quite honest, Hamlet is not even close to my favorite. I guess one could say I'm a Shakespeare hipster, it's too "mainstream" for my taste.

I'm sorry. I needed to break for a minute and laugh ridiculously. I crack myself up. I'm ridiculous.

hehehe, Anyway...(wipes tears from eyes) So I was excited to see it performed on stage, and excited because its Shakespeare festival. I knew they'd do a freakin awesome job.

And they totally did! Costumes and such were set in modern times, even Hamlet's sword was a switchblade. The guy who played Hamlet was phenomenal. Totally mental from the start!

Something that I thought was quite interesting. There was quite a bit of bizarre and quite inappropriate kissing. Meaning, Hamlet totally smacked one on his uncle, and Ophelia got her brother really really good. At first I was totally creeped out by this, and weirded out that a director would choose to incorporate this. And then it hit me. It totally emphasizes the inappropriate familial relations present in the families, and just how generally screwy everyone is in the play.

And then there was Stones in His Pockets. This is not a Shakespeare, but the Festival does 3 Shakespeare and 3 Non-Shakespeare every summer, one of the the Non's being a Musical. That musical goes into fall as well, and then one Shakespeare and one Non are chosen for Fall as well. Stones in His Pockets was this fall's Non.

Now, this was done a few years ago, with the actors

Brian Vaughn

and David Ivers

Back then I was to young to see it, but my parents and the other adults did. When they came back, they RAVED about it for what felt like forever. Which made me want to see it desperately, but sad because I didn't think I'd get to see it with these two ever again, for the Shakespeare Festival never repeats two plays with the same actors in a different season, and Brian and David have been my two favorite actors there for years!

Oh. But they did! And I was especially thrilled because its the Fall that I'm out here!! Oh bless them!

AND IT WAS SO AMAZING! I highly recommend reading or seeing the play.

It's so amazing because of its ability to be hilarious, depressing, hopeful, delightful, thought provoking and just plain sweet all at once.

And the really great part of it all? Just two actors. On stage. The whole time. They play all of the parts. Male and Female, old and young, with totally different personalities too. And they make you feel like there are multiple characters on stage, by only changing their voice and movements. It's truly amazing, a real work of art. And it takes so much skill to play those parts. So much. And of course, Brian and David just outdid themselves. I truly loved it.

And then probably the best part of the Shakespeare Festival? The actors are just real people. Anytime during the season, you're just as likely to find them at any of the nearby restaurants, having conversation with a friend, just living their lives. They are just the sweetest people!

So as we drove down, my "Auntie" asked me if I saw either David or Brian after the show, to sign my ticket for her son, who is currently serving a mission, and was quite upset that he would be missing Stones in His Pockets (I would be too!). Well, by luck I did see them! And I got them to sign my playbill!

:D I do hope he likes it! Maybe it'll make up for not getting a chance to see it.

But here's something really quite interesting that's coming up for the Shakespeare Festival. Both Brian and David have been made Artistic Directors for the Festival, and have made a huge number of changes in order to further fundraising and the like in order to expand the festival. One of their goals is to "Complete the Canon" in the next ten years, and play all of the Shakespeares plays in that time. VERY COOL!

So of course, this summer, we went back as a family and marked off which ones we had seen or not! So I'll list 'em off for ya! Be impressed by my Shakespeare watching skills! :D

Comedies

-The Comedy of Errors-- Seen 2009

-Much Ado About Nothing-- Seen 2003, 2010

-Taming of the Shrew-- Seen 2004, 2008 (also an all male production in Middle School that was really odd...but cool.)

-As You Like It-- Seen 2002, 2009, and 2012(Shakespeare in the Park this year)

-The Two Gentlemen of Verona-- Seen 2008

-Twelfth Night-- Seen 2007

-Love's Labor's Lost-- Not Seen :(

-Trolius and Cressida-- Not Seen :(

-A Midsummer Night's Dream-- Seen 2011

-All's Well That End's Well-- Seen 2011(Shakespeare in the Park)

-The Merchant of Venice-- Seen 2010

-Measure for Measure-- Not Seen :(

-The Merry Wives of Windsor-- Seen 2006, 2012

Histories

-King John-- Not Seen :(

-Richard II-- Not Seen :(

-Henry IV Part One-- Not Seen :(

Henry IV Part Two-- Not Seen :(

-Henry V-- Seen 2009

-Henry VI Part One-- Not Seen :(

-Henry VI Part Two-- Not Seen :(

-Henry VI Part Three-- Not Seen :(

-Richard III-- Seen 2011

-Henry VIII-- Not Seen :(

Tragedies

-Titus Andronicus-- Seen 2012

-King Lear-- Seen 2007

-Romeo and Juliet-- Seen 2005, 2011 (Starred in 2007) ;)

-Macbeth-- Seen 2010

-Julius Caesar-- Not Seen :(

-Antony and Cleopatra-- Not Seen :(

-Hamlet-- Seen 2012

-Coriolanus-- Not Seen :(

-Othello-- Seen 2008

-Timon of Athens-- Not Seen :(

Romances (the really bizarre category that doesn't really exist)

-Pericles-- Not Seen :(

-The Tempest-- Seen 2001

-Cymbeline-- Not Seen

-The Two Noble Kingsman-- Not Seen

-The Winter's Tale-- Seen 2004

So that makes 20 out of 38! How many have you seen? :D

The first Shakespeare I saw was The Tempest... I was seven in 2001. Also, if you look at this, you can tell what sort of category I'm lacking. I've seen nearly all of the comedies but two, but only two of the histories. Well, that's cause, what exactly can you take a kid to? Well, the funny stuff of course! I haven't really been old enough to see some of the more complicated plays until I was a teenager, and of course, the histories tend to get played the least out of everything else... bleh. But I do have to say, how many 18 year olds have seen Titus Andronicus? And enjoyed it?

(yeah, if you don't get why thats kind of a big deal, please, go update yourself on Shakespeare, I promise, it hasn't changed in a long time.)

Oh, and of course, lemme just mention the Rubster's views...

-Much Ado About Nothing-- 2010

-Midsummer Night's Dream-- 2011

-Romeo and Juliet-- 2011

-Merry Wives of Windsor-- 2012

-As You Like It-- 2012

Not bad for a 9 year old huh? Especially in a three year time frame! :D

So I'll tell you know, Shakespeare is worth it. I've loved every moment of it since minute one of The Tempest, and I'm so glad that Neilar G Harcow gets together every summer... it makes everything SO much better!

Huzzah!

P.S. My goal: See every Shakespeare play by the time I'm 28... so ten years from now. And read every single one by the time I'm 23, five years from now. :)

I just want my friends back!

2012-10-23T02:23:00.000-06:00

Hello world!

And if you are in this world, I do hope you know what's going on in it... for in the next few weeks will be a very big TUESDAY... Meaning... election day in this dear United States of ours.

Now I'm gonna be blunt here.

I hate it.

All of it.

I wanna shoot it.

What is it? Well, it's everything that has to do with this ~~damn, stupid, friggin, cursed, bipolar~~ f;lakdjfahgoihgheowa;lksdjfoeh! election. I'm sorry to those who like to discuss politics, but it really just makes me SO MAD!

I guess I should give you some legitimate reasons for disliking all of this. Well then, here we go.

1) Division: I pretty much hate everyone I know over all of this. I'm so tired of seeing political posts on facebook. I'm tired of hearing conversations about it. Picking fights with friends because of political disagreements that we can do nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, about! I mean, really, how much is your vote really worth? Is it worth getting all riled up and emotional about something when your own opinions mean a minuscule amount in the outcome of the election? I mean, comon! Get a grip! All you're doing is fighting with people and making them angrier and more likely to disagree with you in the future. I'm tired of fighting, and in all honesty, I'd rather forget it all and just have my friends back. They make more of an impact on my daily life than whoever is the President anyway.

2) The state of the country: Now, this is a little bit of what I guess is "my political opinions" but it doesn't really have to do with taking a side on an issue. It's my issue with the country's biggest issue. Whoever gets elected will do the best job they can with what they see fit. There is no doubt in my mind about that. And in reality, I believe that there is really quite little that they do that will be very similar to what they are promising they will do now. What I think really needs to be changed is the country's attitude toward political issues. The huge partisanship that is occurring is quite disturbing. I don't think that this is how it is supposed to work. The fact that there is very little ability to compromise within Congress is what makes this such a big deal, since I feel Congress was intended to better represent Public Opinion more than the President can. Issues get fought over again and again, with little to no compromise made and no solution. What are we supposed to do with that?

I'm not interested in cause and effects of one man's actions in our country. I'm interested in unity. We're supposed to be the greatest country in the world. But the longer I live the more I believe that we're total liars, too stuck up and snobby to actually acknowledge that we're not perfect. Yes, we're powerful, and have a lot of influence on the world's stage. But we're a pretty snobby people. Just because we're powerful doesn't mean we should lose the will to give, share, and coexist in peace. It's not fair to anyone.

I hate that so much supposedly rests on the decisions of one man. I mean, that shouldn't happen anywhere! Not even Heavenly Father chose to construct his plan alone. He needed both Jesus Christ's and the Holy Ghost's help.

WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT EITHER CANDIDATE'S ELECTION TO OFFICE WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING?

They are both only one man. Admittably, with quite a bit of power, but not enough to rely on to change your life. That's not fair, for him or for you.

So here's what I suggest. Vote for whomever you like. But don't get hung up on the results. Don't be a sore loser or a stuck up winner. Don't blame one man for the problems you're dealing with. So much of it is out of his control.

Focus on your representatives. Look at them closely. Are they really who you want? Do you care about them as much as you do who is President?

Do you look around you? Do you realize that you are NOT the only one dealing with the problems of life? Do you recognize that there is a WHOLE WORLD out there where many aren't even luck enough to complain about their leaders?

Read your posts, your opinions. Listen to what you say about your country and its politics. If you were from another country, how would you sound? Would it be fair that you are complaining about your leaders or possible leaders and yet still say that you are the best? What right do you have to claim the top spot if you still feel there is something wrong?

Be satisfied with what you have. Both in your own home and in the White House. Make the best of it, because like it or not, what happens, happens, and whoever ends up there will lead our country for four years. So how will you react? Will you cheer? Will you whine and complain? Or will you sit back, look at the world, and pray that he might bring us a little bit closer together?

I know that that is what I'll be doing. And I'll be waiting, waiting to talk with my friends again about something other than politics.

Note: This post doesn't mean to offend anybody. I'm not disagreeing with anyone, and you are more than welcome to believe the exact opposite. I will not argue with you, because that is what you believe. Feel free to comment below, for I would love to hear your reactions to this. I do hope that they are peaceful and polite though.

The Internet, It's a Distracting Place: PT 2!

2012-10-22T00:13:00.002-06:00

WELL HELLO!

So, I realized today that it's been nearly 3 weeks since I posted... Whoops!

So I'm back with the next installment of complaints about how distracting the internet is! YES!

So, you've had some time to contemplate facebook and its distractive qualities, lets talk about the next huge time suck...

NETFLIX!

(and all other video related websites: hulu plus, amazon instant, putlocker, other possible illegal pirated stuff...ya know...)

(not that I EVER watch illegal movies online...PROMISE MOM!)

Now, for most things out there, you can pay a ridiculously low amount of money for the instant gratification that comes with watching whatever movie that crosses your mind.

$8 a month for netflix and hulu. $2 to rent on amazon. Nothing but maybe 5 minutes to search on youtube or other video related websites. Maybe 10 if you're aiming for a full movie on putlocker or the like.

And then BOOM! Like 2 hours of your day is gone...if you're lucky. Which I never am.

But don't get me wrong. IT'S AWESOME! I love it sooo sooo much! Except when its four am and I have to sleep before class. Then it's no fun.

So here's my question. How do you manage the time? How do you stop yourself from saying "well...maybe just ONE more episode won't hurt."?

I guess I don't do a very good job with this, but I find that there is one thing that helps.

A TV.

I know, so weird right?

Lemme explain. All I have is my computer. So all Netflix watching must be done through it. I also have a little (freaking awesome!) tv, and a cable to plug my laptop in.

So when I plug my laptop in, and sit on the couch to watch an episode of whatever I'm watching (last week it was Say Yes to the Dress... don't judge please) I must get up to switch to the next episode. Bleh. Most of the time my laziness takes over and I'm too lazy to even do that. Or the whole standing up thing resets my brain, and when by the time I go to switch it, my brain has gone through this whole little mental battle.

Bad Lizzie: "Comon' just one more episode! It won't hurt!"

(please imagine me holding up two little lizzie's on each shoulder, devil and angel, talking in really high pitched girly voices. This is how my brain works)

Good Lizzie: "Ah but think of how much homework you have to do! And you have to get to class in twenty minutes!"

(no lie, this has happened before)

Bad Lizzie: "Well it's not my fault they rely on the honor system. And I can turn in my assignment online, no big deal!"

Good Lizzie: "yeah, but that means you need to be honorable!"

Bad Lizzie: "Psh, I've got YEARS to be honorable!"

And then Bad Lizzie will win.

Hey, I didn't say it was a perfect system. It works 25% of the time! :D

So what do you do? Any advice for an idiot freshman? :D

Remember, Live, Laugh, Photograph.

P.S. Upon re-reading this, I've decided it's stupid. And rather counter-productive...I'm not gonna talk about how distracting the internet is...You know that.. otherwise you wouldn't be on it! :D Hooray for justifications!

P.P.S. Guess what's coming in the mail this week? I'M SO EXCITED!! :D

That's a serious game changer!

2012-10-07T02:36:00.002-06:00

So we've got some new information that's sorta shifted my world upside down.

During General Conference today it was announced that the age requirement for serving a mission had been lowered. Men, who before went off at 19 to serve two years, can now leave at the age of 18 so long as they have graduated from high school.

But I'm a woman, so lets focus on that change...

Previously, women could put their papers in and serve a mission at the age of 21 for a year and a half. Now... they can go at 19.

I turn 19 in less than a year.

Whoa.

like, whoa.

Now, I'm going to explain a couple of things for the few non-members who might read this.

Typically, a surprisingly large amount of women weren't serving missions at 21. Now, this wasn't because they didn't want to, no, they were just married, or close to it. Especially here at BYU. So many women wouldn't think or prepare to serve a mission because they were sure they'd just get married first.

But now all of that has changed.

I was always a little so-so on the whole mission thing. It's not that I want to get married right away or anything, its just, to be honest, I've always been a little terrified of the idea. Not to mention I never thought I would be good enough to go.

So I had always planned to approach the issue when I was older, and close to graduating from college. I was thinking that I'd even wait until I had graduated before heading off, and I was sure that I'd be mature enough to handle it then.

But that would have meant that I'd be 23 before I'd leave.

Now there's this whole new possibility. That I could leave, next summer, and spend a year and a half serving the Lord somewhere in the world (Maybe Italy, please Heavenly Father? Please?)

A huge part of me recognizes this HUGE opportunity.

but another part is scared out of my mind.

What if I'm a terrible missionary? I can barely regulate myself in a reasonable schedule, how can I be expected to get up at 6am with no trouble whatsoever? What if I somehow manage to screw up other people's lives instead of helping them?

I can barely make it two to three days without talking to my mom, and I'm supposed to go a year and a half and only talk to her three times?

And deep down, I know that I'm just lost in a massive whirlwind of changes that come with being a brand new adult striking out on my own. My faith, my testimony, and my relationship with the gospel is nowhere near strong. I question everything, and have no idea what exactly it is that I believe. How am I supposed to spread the gospel to other people when I'm just as, or even more confused than they are?

But then I look at all of the people I've seen go on missions and come back. My brother. I swear, he was a different person when he came back, still the same, but a much stronger, more confident individual, albeit in a very quiet way. He knew who he was when he came back. He knew how to face the hard stuff...something I'm really not good at.

Several of my cousins have gone and come back. And each one I've seen (specifically Steven and Ashley, sorry to call you out guys, but I just need to say it...) have come back, and still been the same, but held a quiet confidence that feels like they could take on the world if they wanted to. It's really an amazing thing.

And of course, there's always the simplest part... yes, I do want to serve, but its merely a matter of when. Not only do I need to be prepared, but it needs to coincide with my education, something that I value highly after the Gospel.

Do I go now, which will actually be less complicating for my educational career, or later, where there will be more details to figure out and more work to do, but I might be more prepared in the end?

Either way I know that it'll end up being one of the most difficult fights of my life, and given how difficult the end of high school was for me, am I ready to go into round 2?

And of course, some would say that if I just trust in the Lord, then all of my worries and struggles will work out eventually, through patience and putting my heart and soul into the work.

But trusting the Lord isn't what I'm worried about. It's trusting ME. I've had enough experience to know that I can't trust myself. And that's what really scares me. Can I work hard enough for the Lord and for the church and not leave them disappointed like I have for so many people for so many years of my life?

I can put my papers in as early as March. I guess we'll have to see how it goes from now til then. Who knows what will happen? Maybe I'll get a curveball from out of nowhere, and all of my plans will be knocked into left field. Maybe I'll meet a guy....

Just kidding. If I got engaged my freshman year of college I think my parents would kill me.

Although, that is what happened to mom, but that's not the point.

So maybe I'll get to pull out Maude's (my grandmother on my fathers' side) missionary nametag sooner than I thought.

Well, lots to think about.

Maybe I'll get sent here...

Globe Theatre in London

St. Paul's Cathedral, London

or here...

Canal in Venice

Alley in Venice

Yup... I got some photo editing done ;)

Live, Laugh, Photograph.

The Internet, It's a Distracting Place...

2012-10-05T13:21:00.001-06:00

So on any given day, when I get home from class, the last thing I want to do first (hehehe, see what I did there?) is start on my homework.

Some people can do this, no dissing whatsoever here, that's just not my cup of tea.

I need my relaxation, a snack, and a healthy dose of the internet.

It's pretty typical that I come home, grab some food, plop down on "my spot" on the couch, curl up under a blanket and get sucked into my computer.

Sometimes I'm lucky, and after a half hour or so, I pull myself out and do my homework. Other times...not so much.

It'll get to a point where both roommates have gone to bed, I'm sitting in the same spot on the couch and I finally look up at the clock. OH MY GOSH! How'd it get to be 3am so fast!

Darn internet!

So, one night I forced myself to go to bed at a reasonable time, but because I had been up so late so often, I was, of course, wide awake. So I started thinking about ways to stop myself from getting distracted, and I thought of all of the different distracting elements and then....

VOILA! DING! LIGHTBULB FLASHING!

(there really was one flashing...my bedside clock flashes colors)

I should write about how distracting the internet is on my blog!

(Um. I just had a moment where I realized this is probably one of the weirdest, and possibly stupidest ideas I've ever had. I apologize, but I'm going to keep going with this...sorry)

And then I was like... I could make a whole series out of it! Highlighting each part!

(Wow. I'm insane. My only argument is that I was trying to get to sleep at 2am...not a good time to get particularly sane thoughts sometimes.)

So here we go...I'm going to write a couple of posts about the different distracting qualities of the internet. I think my goal out of all of this is to see how many people get caught in the same traps I do. Maybe we can work together to get out of this internet quicksand/blackhole thing! Yipee!

So here's the first perpetrator.

FACEBOOK

(please, imagine a rather dramatic dun dun dun in the background. This is how my brain works)

Now. I will take note, most of you are probably here from the facebook universe. I mean, that's how I spread the word about this lovely blog.

Now facebook isn't so bad. Really. There are some total pros! I can keep in contact with those people that are far away, and its way more interactive than talking over the phone. And for the most part I'm merely reading people's statuses, looking at recent photos, and updating my own profile. It doesn't really take much time and isn't particularly crazy. I mean, I could get away with only spending a grand total of five minutes on facebook, but I don't.

See here's the issue, its the whole Facebook stalking thing... and yes, I will admit, I'm a total creeper guys, I read EVERYTHING.

Ahahahah, I'm just joking. I don't stalk people THAT much.

please don't hate me. or unfriend me. I like you.

So it's pretty easy to get caught up looking at one's photos, reading funny posts, and getting linked into other websites because of that which is posted on facebook.

(I hope this is your current problem. like RIGHT NOW as you read this post. Cause you came from FB right? and you clicked on the link right? Have I distracted you? Yes? YES!)

It can start with someone's new profile picture by a professional photographer. I then look up the photographer, and then I'm connected to another, and another and another...

same goes for blogs. :D

Wait... we were talking about FB... how'd we get to blogs? SEE I'M TELLING YOU...I can't even keep it to FB when I'm writing about it.

And that's the danger of Facebook. Not the site itself, but what it connects you to. To other people, who post distracting things, that I follow because I'd rather be reading random crap online than actually doing my American Heritage homework (as evidenced by my now failing grade in the class. Don't worry people, it's only temporary. Didn't realize that there was a late policy...hehehe)

For a while, it was pretty easy to cut my facebook time down because of my iPhone, which limited what I could actually link to because all of the photos, websites and such were too small and annoying to read on that screen. Plus it was way slower than my liking.

But I hated the notification thing on my facebook app. I'm one of those people who has to have an empty voicemail box and all of my apps updated cause I can't stand the little notification thing.

So I turned the notification thing off and now I only use it to upload pictures.

bleh. So now what do I say? I've proven Facebook is a distraction. So I guess I must ask, am I a total freak? Or is this a pit many fall into as they stalk their time away?

And maybe some solutions?

I've liked a bunch of pages that just post funny pictures and the like several times a day. Maybe unlike them. Less stuff to look at the less distracting right? Let the distracting stuff come from your friends, that's more important anyway....in the grand scheme of what distracts you.

Now this may sound really really weird, but check it multiple times a day. I find I read the new stuff, but there's not much, and I get bored faster...so weird. If I don't check it for a long time, I actually get more distracted rather than if I checked it...uh, three times in a day.

So there you have it. Facebook's distracting abilities in a nutshell.

Note: this is merely the result of self-reflection, I am not responsible for any addictions resulting from information on this post. :D

Oh, also, total Facebook pet peeve. POLITICAL POSTS. Oh goodness... I totally hate it. I mean, people are allowed to network and share their opinions. And I've definitely been known to share a political opinion, article or video every once and a while, but if you're doing that on a daily basis, shoving your opinions down other people's throats, you're just making them upset and angry.

The more often it happens, the more I'm going to ignore you, and more set against those beliefs I'm going to be. There's a time and a place for political discussions, but on the internet where no one can see each others' faces, feelings get hurt and resolutions aren't made.

So my piece of advice, don't post political stuff unless it's a very compelling thing that you believe is particularly thought-provoking. Don't try and change people's minds.

And if you're one of those people who looks at political stuff ALL OF THE TIME, and cares deeply about it, then stay on the websites where that happens. Yes, you may have a political circle on facebook, but all of your other friends who aren't in that place, and don't care, get annoyed very fast, and have a tendency to unfriend or block you (and no, I'm not ashamed to admit, I've done that before)

Alright. There's my piece. My rant is done.

Headed up to Logan this weekend to visit family for General Conference! Hopefully I'll have some new photos for you next week! YAY!

Remember

Live, Laugh, Photograph.