Thanksgiving-

Tonight, my family hosted a dinner for the missionaries. They were both elders from out of the country- from England and the Phillipines! Cool or what, right?

As they were getting ready to leave, they asked us to clarify the meaning of Thanksgiving.

And as media loves to do, stories get twisted and changed around to befit people's preferences of their points of view. In other words, it's sometimes hard to tell the true basis of a story, to get the first-hand account where as second-hand and further-hand accounts can change meanings, words, ideas, everything!

Then again, my favorite movie for this time of year is the Adams Family Values.

Yeah. Because it's amazing.

To my point!

What am I grateful for this year? An abundance of literal, figurative, spirital, and amazing things! I've been given a myriad of blessings and I just wanted to make a quick list of my gratitude.

1. My family's acceptance of who I am. I can make them laugh, I can make them cry. They can make me laugh, they can make me cry, and though we have our problems, I have never been so accepted by another human being. They support me, advise me, and at the end of the day, they will still love me even if I piss them off. After all, we're stuck together for eternity! And I love them for that.

2. Katie. Granted, I don't think she reads this, ehm. But on the other hand, she's read some of my other work and my family doesn't really do that. My family has a foundational belief on who I am, but Katie pushes me to be better and sets a great example of being a good and insanely happy person. She roots me on, she listens to my rants, and we have the best talks about everything and nothing all the time. She's insane, but she also accepts my own insanity, and I love her for that (in a nonlesbian way. Just making that clear. Some people have issues with that. ehm)

3. Food. More specifically, foreign food. I dream every day of the asian foods I ate in China, and I love anything nonAmerican. I love American, too, of course. But still. Well, food in general. I'm just a really big fan of food. It's an outlet of creativity, it becomes a delicious work of art that you get to participate (in eating). Benjamin Franklin might have said we should only eat to survive, but I say nay to that! It's become an adventure, and I have promised myself to try five new foods per year and I already did about double that this year and last. Food is awesome, and it's especially wonderful that I'm not allergic to anything. (though sour and bitter foods may stay out of my way. ain't happening)

4. The written word. We take this for granted. It's a special form of communication that is very close to my heart. In silence, you can share a story and change the word. The pen is mightier than the sword. I mean, take the media for example- the news can say whatever they want in the paper and people will believe it. People might take this for granted, but it's an insanely amazing ability! I thank Guttenburg daily for the press.

5. The gospel. I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it's a part of me. This is a part of my life, it's not just a hobby. It impacts everything I do, say, see- everything. I'm so happy to be a member and to have this in my life. We have living prophets who speak to us, and an organized church of truth and filled with wonderful members who will drop everything to help take care of each other. I pray nightly in gratitude for everything, and especially the gospel.

6. Autumn evenings. There is nothing better than curling up in a big sweater and/or blanket, looking at the tender weather and enjoying a warm drink. It's relaxing, refreshing, and a huge de-stresser. Chilling out with a good book after a long day, curling up like a cat- it's my idea of fun, what can I say?

7. Cats. I'm sorry, I can't help it. And other furry animals. I have a dog, and I love him. I love furry animals that let me cuddle them. They're absolutely precious. And better yet, they have personalities. They are better than a lot of people sometimes, and they are so simple and so intriguing at the same time. I could rant forever why I love cats and dogs in particular. They're just absolutely precious and if I'm not married by the time I settle down in a place with a steady job, I'm probably immediately adopting a ton of pets. Just saying.

8. Travel. It's a very expensive activity, but it's so worth it. I've lived in three states, visited two other countries, with more plans for the future (hopefully). You learn so much on even silly road trips. You get to connect if you are going with others, or connect better with yourself when you are on your own. You get to see a new culture, a different society- even just in other states, it's so different. I love going to new places and finding out their secrets. It's incredible.

9. Hugs. I get them less than ever (due to living away from home and my bff thinks hugging each other often is weird), but I've learned to appreciate them even more. Every time I say hello and goodbye to my family, I hug each and every one of them- if not more. I have received comforting hugs from friends as well, and they mean so much. Also, the best hugs ever- being lifted off my feet! It's such a tiny, silly rush, but it really means the world to me. It really feels like someone else cares, and it only takes a second to show! I even appreciate the awkward hugs, okay? Every hug. Even silly hand hugs. Its the best.

10. And finally, musicals. I've watched Into the Woods seven times this year so far, and I'm looking forward to more. I am still struggling in denial of never seeing First Date, and I'm hoping I will eventually see Dracula, Newsies, and basically every musical. Several times over. Even in other languages. Because it's something amazing.

Okay there's my list of things I'm thankful for! At least, a few of them. They're kind of broad, too. Sorry ;D Now, I know many people carry around their gratitude journals, and people list off ten things daily. That was a little out of my power but at least I was able to do this!

Now, what are you thankful for?

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

2014's Progress

One month to go before it's 2015! Is that crazy, or is that crazy?

So I like reminiscing. What has happened this year?

School!

I am back in the game, baby! Went to school full time for the first time in say, about three years? Yeah. It was crazy! But it's been fun! I tried philosophy, writing, astronomy, and more! And passed with a 3.8 GPA so that's pretty awesome, right?

Also, road trip to the grand canyon with Katie, my best friend and roommate ever! 

It was decently spur of the moment, and just us for a three day weekend! It was colder than we expected- especially as we slept in her car- but it was a blast! We did a camp dinner, wandered around, and just had a blast in everything we did!

My first cruise! Also with Katie. We are on a roll! It was a blast and I finally went to Mexico! About time, since I lived next to the border for about ten years, yeesh. But it's all good!

Summer time! I unfortunately did not get the internship I had been hoping for. Instead, I stayed in Cedar City with Katie and had a house to ourselves once again. It was pretty freaking awesome. We enjoyed the parades, worked a lot, enjoyed the Shakespeare Festival, and ate lots of food! Because that's what we do. Plus, sparklers! I got to play with those for the first time in ten years. It was amazing!

By the way, I did Ballroom Dance Camp! It went twice as awesome as I had expected, to be honest. PLUS that meant TWO weeks with my family- haven't had that in forever. AND my older sister was back from her mission! Us girls had a blast at camp and then fun family activities like hiking, celebrating my big 22, and more!

And as that ends. school begins! Harder load, seeing as I took on THREE JOBS. Yeah, it's tricky but it's going! 

1. Food Prep/Cashier for Chartwells (Papa Johns, etc)

2. Reporter for the University Journal

3. Social Media Marketer for Farmers Insurance.

And 17 credits. But hey, why not? I have had awesome roommates to do fun things with. like photoshoots, and seeing plays!

Fall break came around and I got to make a quick trip home before my family moved to Utah- that was weird!

Thanksgiving will be posted about soon, and then Christmas! Yowza! My, how time flies!*

*Want to know why? As we get older we set routines and as they become habit, our brains do everything without really having to use too much conscious power... so we are mostly alert for what is not routine, which is very little. That's how time flies. Don't let it pass you by!

Playlist #1- Gooooooood Morning!

The one thing I wanted in the mornings for this last summer was good music to help wake me up! I started taking a few morning shifts at 7 AM (I know, ridiculous or what?), and used particular songs to help get my day started!

SO I compiled a list of ten songs, as you can see, of what I consider to be decent morning/wake-up songs. Granted, you may start getting mad at whatever song you use every morning, so I definitely suggest you try switching it around every other morning or so. Something like that.

Anyways, I put up these videos and my reasons of WHY this is a decent playlist. Enjoy:

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. 
There is a slight possibility I have watched too much Supernatural. But come on! This song never gets old. Never. My mother would try playing different songs in the mornings to get us kids up for the day. As annoyed as I always was... you cannot stay mad at this song. Not even Sam Winchester can. Not really.

Good Morning by (trio) Singing in the Rain
Speaking of another song that never grows old... this is ageless! And can you believe it took me about twenty years to learn what this complete song was? yeah, I never heard the whole thing until I spent more time with my grandparents and they started showing me the ropes of the good ol' days and musicals. Because it's freaking awesome. And come on, Gene Kelly.

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham!
I think that's right, anyways. Pretty sure. This song is just too catchy and amusing to be left in the dust, am I right? And there's really not much else to say to it. Jam out and enjoy it!

Roar by Katy Perry
I am not a huge Perry fan, and the chorus scripting realllllly annoys me for multiple reasons. But it's also really catchy and I have yet to hate it being stuck in my head. So it made the list, basically. Good way to start the day. Plus at the very least, you can watch the music video and get a good laugh, right?

Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
It's fun, it's catchy, and again, I cannot resist dancing to it. The main trick to get up in the morning is to immediately start moving, after all. And what better way to start this all out than to start dancing, am I right??

Wild One by Flo Rida
This is the main song I used for this past summer to get me up. Though the beginning isn't ideal to use to get up, it starts off decently and helps you wake up that way. You can shake it out as you crawl out of bed and start your day! It worked for me, at least.

Jessie's Girl by Rick Sprinfield
Ever since I first heard this song during "13 Going On 30" I have just adored this. I actually have a nail polish color- electric pink/purple called Jessie's Girl. It's pretty freaking awesome and yes, the name is most of the reason I keep and wear it. I couldn't resist! This song is just so... snazzy!

I Like The Ones by Austin Gibbs
Thanks to "The Maine' band, I got to listening to Gibbs. He's got a country twang to his rock and roll and though this song is a bit grungy... I can't help myself. Plus, I saw this guy live. And let me tell you... it's freaking worth it. The vibe is so strong in this song, you cannot lie there in bed listening to it, I promise you. You will at least be twitching along!

Wake Up by Two Door Cinema
I keep promising myself I will listen to them more. And I mean to. And you know what? I will. Because they are worth it. Because this song is worth it. It's a might slower than I prefer for the mornings- but add this to your list towards the end, and it'll keep things running smoothly as you get ready to begin your day!

San Francisco by The Mowgli's
It's one of the many new songs I'm listening to it, and I really enjoy it. I like it. A lot. And it's perfect to finish up as you brush your teeth, grab your things, and head out the door for a brand new day!

Okay, so what do you think? What songs get you started in the morning?

November, November, November....

Less than five weeks left of school!

Plus Thanksgiving break, so...

Basically, like four weeks left of school!

Anyways, things are crazier than ever- I'm working about 40 hours a week as of next week, GAH. Plus school is crunching down. AND I'm plotting for next semester (can it get any crazier?)

And the holidays are abounding! Halloween is over and on to the next one.

I am hoping to be able to make it to see my family up north for the holidays. They have a new house and everything! Should be pretty awesome, am I right?

By the way, I'm doing the crazy thing I have always said I would never do: 

Listening to Christmas music already!

I know, insane, right? But I'm so ready for the season! Are you??

Story Book Parade

The other day Katie, as relief society president in our church ward (huge calling, huzzah!), was asked to find a few volunteers for the Story Book Parade!

It was called something along those lines, anyways.

Anyways, so we headed out a little after one to get prepped up. We got our other roommate Kali to come along, along with Katie's Ryan. The current beau. We met up with our bishop and some more friends from the ward and then, as we admired other costumes, we divided the ones we were given!

Choices: two princesses, a dog, a bear, a turtle, and a hare.

Since I was never a big fan of hunky costumes, I am more than willing to admit that I definitely preferred the princess costumes. However, I am able to acknowledge that I don't exactly look like one, especially with my glasses and short hair. And short stature, let's face that. So I shrugged and accepted my fate as:

The turtle!

It got amusing and remained amusing for ten minutes. Not so much as Katie spent laughing at me, but whatever. I teamed up with Kali because she could barely see through her huge mask head. It was so hot and stuffy- try wearing a pillow pet on your head in the sun. It's not easy!

Us animals met up at our station with a couple of kids and such, who loved our costumes. And we headed out!

At first, Kali and,  I just were going to link arms and stroll around and wave. But eventually we gathered the courage to start high-fiving kids. Then they started hugging us. Then they got excited for a "ninja turtle" (sorry, not actually a fan), and eventually I fell so behind, I had to run after my float!

Try running in a fat suit and two pillow pets on your head in the sun. With your hair in your face. And not being sure if those pillow pets are really staying on or not! Tricky or what?

But still, the kids were adorable and I kept running along. Luckily my untied shoe didn't trip me, I didn't fall over kids, and I didn't even pass out! Because I'm pretty sure I was really, really cutting it close. It's been an hour and I'm still really hot and dehydrated.

Overall, I'm glad I wasn't a character while working at Disney World. I might have died. But I'm glad I had the opportunity to try it out, and I'm so glad I got to do it with Kali. She's such a doll and we had a good time laughing together over the whole charade!

October Musts:

So I don't think I really did a post all October.

For that, I apologize.

In my defense, it was freaking nuts! My family moved, I had midterms, I actually started hanging out with people, and I have three jobs. I know, right? But it's a blast and I love it!

But here are October Musts:

(unfortunately I had to miss out on half of them this year due to my insanely busy schedule. But starting up next year again, I will do better!)

Make pumpkin bread

Make pumpkin cookies

Make other awesome holiday treats

Take pictures of leaves changing colors

Eat candy corn with peanuts (it's a... family thing? perfect way to go!)

Plan out your costume

Plan others costumes (because you obviously know best!)

Make cut outs of crows, bats, pumpkins and witches!

Buy a black crow from the dollar store anyways and give him a post to watch others

Decorate the house appropriately

Pull out your winter clothing

Watch movies*

*Movies consist of:

Young Frankenstein (best enjoyed on Halloween Night)

Frankenweenie

Beetlejuice

Hocus Pocus

Halloweentown

Addams Family

Ghostbusters

Paranorman

Coraline

Edward Scissorhands

Corpse Bride

Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy

The list goes on....

And there you have it, my friends. The October Musts. Am I missing anything??

Fa-SHUN

Okay so I said would do a piece about fashion and thought I would get it through really quickly!

Not that I'm saying I don't love fashion- because I do enjoy dressing myself (and friends) up all the time. It's just when it comes to magazines, celebrities- there, you will lose my interest.

Let me start this off with: FASHION IS YOUR OWN THING. 

Meaning it's an "eye of the beholder" kind of deal. We all have different fashions. I mean, ten years ago my sisters thought I really needed fashion help. Now, they always want to borrow my clothes. (To be fair,I like borrowing their stuff too).

Not only is it in the eye of the beholder BUT it's got to work for YOU as in soul and body. Especially body. Please, yes, the body.

Zooey Deschanel

Step One:
So figure out your shape!

Here are a couple of sites if you are not entirely sure:
Find Your Body Shape
Body Shape Calculator
And there are dozens more!

Me? I don't quite cut an hourglass shape like my sister or the athletic one like my other sister (thanks guys for taking my favorites), but the delicious pear shape. I just need caramel and I'm the whole deal!

Haha, but seriously.

Olivia Wilde

Step Two:
Know what to high lite and what to hide!

We'll use my shape for example, obviously. It's the best I have to work with. And I adore compliments because it means I'm doing something right. I am emphasizing particular features that I want to work best with.

I emphasize: my waist. It's fairly quaint.
AND most importantly: it takes the attention away from my hips.

My best chance: Fitted at the waist, and loose falling down. I don't want attention to my thighs personally, so I hide those.

What do you want to high lite? (Emphasize/Show off/Make bigger)
Your chest? Wear something showy and bigger. Like ruffles.
Your waist? Like I said, show how small it is. Make an hourglass figure.
Your legs? Short cuffed pants, tight skirts
Your hips? Plum tops and skirts will add volume!
Your shoulders? Off the shoulder and strapless.

What do you want to hide?
Make smaller.
Hide your chest? Wear plainer tops and suit jackets. Cardigans sometimes make them bigger.
Hide your legs? Long skirts and heels if you're daring. Wear pants well fitted- NOT baggy.
Hide your hips? Emphasize the waist then- or even block that and wear something empire waisted!

Emma Watson

Step Three:
Try it out.

The only way you will know for sure is to test it out! So be daring! I am still trying to convince Katie, who has lovely long legs, to wear those flowing pants. Which I can't wear because I'm short and have big hips and not great legs which will only look chunky in those.

Also, look for fashion icons with your shape and try that out as well. Even those who aren't your shape, you can try- like most of my fashion roles.... Yeah. Hm. I should work on that. But still ;D

Also in this step: be willing to admit what you can't wear. I cannot do the short skirt and leggings. I can't do it and it kills me. Skinny jeans are also an insanely risky venture for myself.

But be willing to go crazy and try all sorts of things, in all sorts of different colors and designs and such!

Charlavail

Warning:
I am not trying to make anyone feel bad about themselves. Fat or thin, skinny or chunky, blonde or brunette (or redhead!)- 95% of women are self-conscious and somewhat insecure. Don't be. Learn to love yourself, whichever body shape you have. Is a square better than a triangle? All shapes can be beautiful. So dress yourself up and feel free and be comfortable!

**Pictures are of outfits I enjoy as well as a few of my personally favorite fashion icons. 

It's just my thing. 

So what's yours?

Me