The Wonder Years

Case of the Mondays...

2012-02-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've felt a little strange and sad today...partially from stress, I think, and partially from eating too many sugar cookie bars last night. Despite the reason, when I saw this I realized that there are still so many things in life to make me smile. I love kids. Things are so much simpler when you see them with innocent eyes.

Finding North at Sundance

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

49 million people in the U.S. - one in four children - don't know where their next meal is coming from, despite our having the means to provide nutritious, affordable food for all Americans. Directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine this issue through the lens of three people for who are struggling with food insecurity: Barbie, a single Philadelphia mother who grew up in poverty and is trying to provide a better life for her two kids; Rosie, a Colorado second-grader who often has to depend on friends and neighbors to feed her and has trouble concentrating in school; and Tremonica, a Mississippi second-grader whose asthma and health issues are exacerbated by the largely empty calories her hardworking mother can afford.

I love Sundance. It alternately makes me feel trendy and trivial. "Finding North" was a really incredible documentary that reminded me of how grateful I should be for my background. It also made me want to get more involved and start more dialogues about how the government is failing almost 50 million Americans. I rarely get political on this blog, but the effects of government subsidization of large industrial farming on the population make me really angry. One major thing that I took from the film was that poverty and obesity run hand in hand, and the government continues to cut funding for programs which would encourage better health in America. There are millions of hardworking people who aren't able to make a living wage and either don't have access or can't afford the increasing costs of whole, natural foods. Food stamps usually only provide about a dollar's worth of groceries per day, and it's cheaper to buy Cheetos than grapes.

Here's to being a better citizen - if you've never known what it is to be hungry, like me, make sure your Congressmen and women know that the health of America's children is a priority to you. We were able to almost eradicate hunger in American under Nixon, and it was because public outcry forced the government to create better programs. We can do it again.

"We don't fund the Department of Defense with charities. We shouldn't feed our children with charities."

- Jeff Bridges

Heaven help me.

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm doing this. The first few weeks look pretty easy, but hopefully by the end I'll have a stronger core. Who's in it with me?

Changes

2012-01-23T08:00:00.030-07:00

A belated New Year's self-reflection:

In case you couldn't tell, I've been pretty sporadic with posting the past few months. One reason was that I had mono, and another reason was that I was feeling stagnant and trying to figure out how to change things I haven't been happy with. And I didn't really want to post about it. I find that at the end of every year I am a completely different person - there are things that I've deliberately and not so deliberately altered.

I've become a bit quieter - less willing to share real opinions unless I think that they will be relevant or valued in some way. I've begun to pick my battles more carefully, which wasn't conscious, but is definitely a modification from the "say whatever you think and if they don't like it, too bad" attitude I could occasionally adopt when younger.

For a long time it was a challenge for me to share personal things - I was what you could call emotionally withdrawn. I grew up forcing myself to be independent and self-sufficient, and attributed all of my personal success to my own hard work. If I had an issue, I wouldn't share it - partially because I felt it wasn't anyone else's business and partially because I had a good idea that no one else would really care (which in some ways is still very true).

At some point in college I had an epiphany about life in general. I wasn't the person I wanted to be - I had avoided addressing my issues with religion, I was confused by my lack of passion for school, I wasn't getting along with my family, and basically wasn't healthy; physically or emotionally. After this painful epiphany, I made the decision to change.

I started this blog to be more open and creative. I drastically steered my education into a new direction . I got up the guts to travel places I never would have thought I'd travel. I intentionally changed the way I treated my family and how I participated at home. I started running and cooking and lost weight. I went back to church and made the Lord a more important player in my life. I moved out and started to transition to adulthood. I made a bigger effort to talk to people - to share my feelings and be vulnerable - which I hoped would in turn inspire other people to share with me.

Sometimes I still swing to extremes, but I feel like I'm a much more self-aware person now. I'm constantly in need of improvement. I know that being very self-aware sometimes translates to selfishness. It's so easy to do. The new me occasionally needs more reassurance and often looks for validation in the wrong places. But I'm trying to do better.

This past year has been pretty dynamic. I've tried so many new things that the old me probably wouldn't have done, dated and befriended people the old me probably wouldn't have ever approached, and made the effort to live more in the present instead of always worrying away about my future. I spent my time in a job I'm truly grateful for and took classes that really opened my eyes intellectually. I have also dealt with a lot of disappointment that I wasn't prepared for. I want to focus more on being a better, more honest friend and companion, and hopefully find better friends and companions because of it.

Like I said, I have not been as happy as I would like with my life the past few months. So I took action - I have been getting up earlier and going to bed earlier, I've been trying to be less rigid about how I think things should be. I'm determined to budget better this year (starting next month for sure...) and devote more to my job and school, because I know how blessed I am to have both right now. I've finally started my thesis and will graduate this year. I'm working with colleagues to do research on professional development and present at a conference this year. I am taking a Zumba class and an early-morning institute class, both of which make me feel like I'm focusing on things I really love. Which is delightful.

And I'm moving. Not far away, but to a new place. I know when I need a change - and even if it was scary to do, I made the decision and I feel great about it. I'm terrified, because I know I need to rework my expectations of people - roommates, friends, ward "family," etc. I may need to become a little more like the old me...more self-reliant. But disappointment isn't always a bad thing - it's what forces change. You should never stay in a place where you're in the dark, and it gives you a chance to start over, to see where you might have gone wrong yourself.

I'm so looking forward to the newness of this year. To new chances and a better self.

A few years ago I heard the following quote, wrote it down on a scrap of paper, and have kept that scrap ever since. At first it only applied to weight loss for me - now I know it applies to so much more.

"Success will come when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change."

-Joe Girard

Brothers

2012-01-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

These pups are so funny - if one of my parents walks outside, they will wait just by the door listening until they come back. True and simple devotion.

Celine

2012-01-20T08:00:00.005-07:00

I would venture to guess that most girls my age have a close relationship with Celine Dion's music - even if they're not a huge fan now, at one point those songs played a formative role in our understanding of love and heartache.

So how could I not go see her at least once before I die? The show was so good. I don't love Vegas and the trip as a whole was not wonderful, but Celine made up for quite a bit. I actually want to go back and see it again with my Mom and sisters!

Also had dinner and frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity, which was pretty fabulous, if only for the experience. I'll have to go in New York now!

P.S. Please forgive the bad cell phone pictures - of course I forgot my camera at home!

Something to work on, from both sides.

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway."

Mother Teresa

Christmas in pictures

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Gingerbread House festival, carriage ride, babies, hot chocolate bar, Temple Square lights, family, presents, and more babies... this Christmas was wonderful.

New Traditions

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

This year we decided that we were going to have a Christmas baking night - girls only, sans babies. It was an absolute blast!

We may have ended up with about a million treats too many, but it's not going to stop us from doing it again. It was so fun to try new things and to hang out together.

Besides making Christmas blossoms, Candy Cane Pudding Cookies, Chewy Chocolate Rolo Cookies, Red Velvet Brownies with Buttercream Frosting, and Coconut Golden Graham Chex Mix, we also made a huge mess.

Totally worth it.

Know your waste

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Came across this infographic and was really interested. Made me think about the waste I put out into the world, and maybe how I can lessen it.

found here

Couldn't resist - Newsies runs in my blood.

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I almost died laughing when I saw this. It works so well! Reminded me of the days when I had Newsies completely memorized.

Happy Halloween...after Thanksgiving...

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

My sister said that I "suck at blogging" lately.

Guess what? I know.

So I'm posting some of the random stuff that might not be chronologically relevant anymore...just for the sake of being a better blogger.

Here are some silly pictures we took on Halloween. I was still in the middle of mono, but had slept about 18 hours that day and felt well enough to head up to the institute for a Halloween dance. Only lasted there for about an hour, but I'm glad Cassie had some cat ears and a tail stashed away so I could throw together a decent (albeit unoriginal) costume.

We like the cheese, ok? It's fun to take awkward photos. Try it sometime.

Happy Thanksgiving in a few pictures...

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dad carving the turkey and Grandma making the gravy

The mini chocolate cream pies with homemade whipping cream that everyone flipped over

The regular photo session that I force everyone into on every holiday

The amazing incredible delicious pumpkin snickerdoodles I made later that evening with leftover pumpkin, which we ate while perusing Black Friday ads

Fall Break: tour of California

2011-11-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

Well, this was supposed to be a fabulous week of hanging out with friends and family, but actually turned into a week of feeling really sick and trying to make the best of it. In spite of feeling really bad most of the week, I still had some fun.

I started out the trip in San Fransisco, and didn't get a single picture. I did get to see my friend Dan and make these fabulous cookies, however.

Next I met my sister Meghan to spend the week in Monterey. I love spending time with her family - they have such a great spirit in their home and Meghan makes a big effort to get quality time with me. For much of the week I was in my pajamas on the couch, sleeping or playing Ticket to Ride with my nephew on the iPad. But I couldn't pass up a few things while I was there - the farmer's market, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the beach, and Trader Joe's. So glad I caught the end of the pluot season. My favorite fruit ever!

Finally, I met up with Tori in Palo Alto for the weekend. Sadly, my illness had only gotten worse, but we did get lunch in downtown Palo Alto, found some fabulous pumpkin ice cream, and made a stop at the Milk Pail. Then we spent the evening watching North and South and eating waffles and eggs that Tori's sweet husband Eric made for us.

Yes, I didn't get any pictures of me. I felt so terrible that week that I could hardly bear to take the pictures I did. Hopefully the next trip I will be more fun to hang out with!

Denver

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of October I got to go to Denver for a work conference. I learned a few things. 1) "Business" traveling is not fun when you're alone. 2) Per diem is awesome. Despite a bit of loneliness, I actually had a few hours to sight-see on my own and found the main attractions of Denver. The capitol building was really beautiful, although I'd have to say that Salt Lake City's capitol is much prettier.

Standing one mile above sea level!

They have some incredible architecture in the museum district, along with some really cool outdoor sculptures.

My favorite sight was right outside our conference center. That is one huge bear!

My last day I went for a buffalo burger - gorgonzola cheese and cranberry sauce with sweet potato fries. Favorite free meal of the trip! At least now I can say I've been to Colorado.

Thanks and stuff

2011-11-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

This Thanksgiving has been a bit different this year... most of my family has been scattered across the country, but I still consider myself lucky to have spent the day with my parents, grandparents, and little sister's family.

It's been a rough few months, but oddly enough, I've never felt more blessed. I am constantly reminded of how amazing the body is, and how I must always be grateful for good health when I have it. I've been well-taken care of by family and friends, and have a nice place to live. I have enough money to pay for a doctor, too many clothes, access to healthful food, and transportation to wherever I need to go.

I have an amazing job that I am daily thankful for, and love the people I work with. I have the opportunity of an incredible education, where I meet truly thoughtful people who help me cultivate my mind and talents.

I have a knowledge of Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father. I am so blessed to know that my family can be together forever, and to be able to attend a church that consistently teaches me to become a better person and grow closer to God. It makes me cherish my sweet family so much to know that ours is an eternal bond.

I could go on forever, but I'm sure most people could, if they truly thought about what is good in their lives instead of what isn't so good. I'm guilty of doing the latter too often, but the reason that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday is because we all hopefully do the former. It makes me so much happier to remember that I am blessed beyond compare!

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for being a part of my life, however big or small.

Well.

2011-11-02T18:33:00.000-06:00

My mom said I needed to post this:

I have mono. It's really terrible and I hate it.

So since I've gotten into the habit of sleeping around 18 hours a day and trying to keep up on work and school in the hours I'm awake, blogging has fallen by the wayside.

I know you're not hurting too badly.

I don't have much to report, besides that the view from my bed is about the same as it was a few weeks ago, when I was in the same spot.

Hope all is well, and have a prayer in your heart that I'll be back on my feet soon with fun things to report on.

Peace and blessings.

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been a terrible blogger lately. You can tell life is either really good or really bad when I'm not posting...I suppose it's been a bit of both in recent weeks. But I'm just going to post the good, so here you go.

Had an awesome girls night full of homemade pizzas, ridiculous pictures, and fort-building.

I had an intense debate with myself about whether to post these pictures. But I love them, so there.

Our dessert pizza, made with Brittany's homemade wheat dough, mascarpone cheese, cinnamon, and sugar, then topped with fresh sliced peaches from my parent's backyard. Delightful!

Our fort. I'm not ashamed. We watched a movie inside and some of the girls slept in it (I opted for my bed because I'm a wimp).

Went to Grove Market to try out the MASSIVE sandwiches.

I was also extremely happy to find a nutella treat that I had previously only seen in Europe... I paid way too much for it, but it was worth it.

Cassie and I had an awesome roommate date at Market Street to celebrate one year of living together! It's a miracle! We still like each other!

And I got to go on my Dad's annual birthday bike ride for the first time - made it about 50 miles!

That catches us up about halfway, but it should be enough for now. Hope everyone enjoyed their fall break (if you had one)!

pumpkin in the air

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's officially fall. I can smell it when I walk outside. Not to mention my craving for pumpkin (which is always present, but just more intense in the fall). Good thing I'm headed to California soon to restock my Trader Joe's pumpkin products...

balance

2011-09-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

A friend sent me this recently and I thought it was such a cool reminder of how insignificant I am...not to mention how blessed we are. When you change your perspective to look at the whole world, you have to think about your life as part of a bigger picture. I'm determined to be better.

Venizia

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

I had heard from several sources that Venice wasn't as great as the rest of Italy - it was supposed to be stinky, dirty, run-down, and the people mean.

Besides a few stinky canals, I didn't experience any of that. Venice was one of the best stops of our cruise, quite possibly my favorite. What a city to spend my last day of the trip of a lifetime!

Our first stop was the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale). Its foundations date back to the 10th century and the building has been evolving ever since. The architecture and artwork throughout are absolutely incredible.

Here we are walking through the Ponte dei Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners were led to the dungeons. It was aptly named, because it's the last sight of Venice that they were to see before being imprisoned.

Next we explored a bit around the Piazza San Marco, one of the most famous public squares in the world. From here we took a tour of St. Mark's Basilica.

The lion is supposedly the symbol of St. Mark, so they are everywhere. Our Rick Steves' iPod tour said that nearly every Italian child has had their picture sitting on one of these lions. Naturally I had to have one of my own.

After wandering around, we finally found a spot where we could take a gondola ride. It was kind of pricy, but I insisted - you can't go to Venice and not take a gondola. You only have to pay once, after all!

Totally worth the dough, just for the experience. Loved every minute!

I thought Venice was beautiful. No, I didn't go through every part of the city, but overall I came out with a good impression.

My favorite were the mask shops. I couldn't stop taking pictures (after asking, of course). And yes, I spent a ridiculous amount of money for a mask. I don't regret it.

Went and had a nice authentic bowl of spaghetti for lunch...

And then headed to a different area to walk across the Ponte di Rialto, originally the only bridge over which you could cross the Grand Canal.

It was about at this point that my parents decided to head back the ship. I wasn't about to waste any hours I had left in Italy, so Cassie and I stuck around to do some more sightseeing. We wandered around (aka, got lost) for about 3 hours and ended up back at the Piazza san Marco.

So glad we decided to pay the fee to go up in the clock tower where we could see the views of the city.

After marveling at the fact that Venetians could actually build a city on stilts (literally - the foundations are built on wooden stakes that petrified in the water), we went back down and walked across the square. At high tide, we could see the water seeping up around the manholes. Venice is sinking! Not a joke - in the past 500 years, they estimate that the city has suck about 3 feet. Buildings are regularly flooded if they have a particularly rainy season. Fascinating, huh?

Another mask. I was obsessed.

In the course of our 3-hour stroll around the city, we got gelato no less than 4 times. Because A) we needed to spend those pesky small Euro coins before we left and B) gelato is awesome and I'm in Italy rarely enough that I didn't care about being judged.

It makes me heartsick to look at these pictures! I just want to go back. I wonder if part of the reason I took so long posting these is because I didn't want to let it go!

Street performers are everywhere.

On the ferry ride back, I still couldn't help but marvel at what an amazing city Venice is. I can't wait to go back!

Reminder

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sweet Baby Aves

2011-09-19T08:00:00.005-06:00

Hey, remember when we totally kicked BYU's butt in the football game last week? I do. Beating BYU 54-10 was one of those games I'll remember for the rest of my life. Go Utes!

I felt pretty beat up after the Dirty Dash that morning, so I opted out of a few game-watching parties to spend the night at home in my pajamas (hence the bad hair and no makeup). Not only did I get to watch the game of the century, but sweet Avery sat and snuggled with me for a good portion of it.

I can't believe how big she's getting! She is really such a sweet mellow baby. Although these pictures make me think that kid should have some Ute gear.

Dirty Dash

2011-09-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

Last weekend we loaded up and made the drive to Midway for the Dirty Dash 10k! We even had our own screen-printed shirts, thanks to our resident expert Brittany (sorry to our landlord who we basically fumed out of our house the night we printed them). Team name: "Dash with a 'Stache"!

Our shirts said "Respect the Stache."

This may have been the dirtiest I've ever been - the Dirty Girl Run was pretty tame compared to this!

My battle wound - got pushed into some rocky mud and came out with some killer scraped knees. Made me feel pretty hard-core.

The final mud pit - the course included about a half-mile wade through Deer Creek, a huge slip-n-slide, a handful of tire paths, wall climbs, tunnels, and hay bales. It was so much fun! Worth the three showers I had to take in about 24 hours to get completely clean.

Our team before:

The team after:

Love hard

2011-09-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

He's not perfect. You aren't either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn't going to quote poetry, he's not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don't hurt him, don't change him, and don't expect more than he can give. Don't analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he's not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don't exist, but there's always one guy that is perfect for you.

Bob Marley

picture by tess roby

Another first

2011-09-17T08:00:00.002-06:00

I had never been to a water park before...so naturally we couldn't pass up a groupon for a day pass to Seven Peaks. The weekend before school started we got a group together and acted like total kids all day. It was so fun! I'm not usually a water person, but I'm definitely glad I had the experience.

I have such fun friends!

Now if I could quit thinking about how much I'm dreading the cold weather...

Split, Croatia

2011-09-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Croatia wasn't really a country I knew much about, but I can say that it was absolutely beautiful - at least what I saw of it was. We had to take the tender into the shore, and then started out with a tour of Diocletian's Palace, built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. It was abandoned by the Romans for awhile and inhabited by townspeople until recent excavations led to the cleanup and renovation of most of it. The palace itself is the main part of the city, built between several beautiful gates.

I think technically I wasn't supposed to stand in that, but I couldn't help it!

We climbed one of the church towers to get a view of the city, and it was incredible!

I think that's the Silver Gate...it was so cool to walk around and see people living everyday lives in the middle of such old structures.

At the Golden Gate! Where we sat down for a bit and tried some pastries - the berry strudel was delicious.

Apparently pizza is a big thing in Croatia, too - so we got some for lunch (along with some "Dalmatian-style" potatoes).

I was sad to leave - I would love to go back to Croatia one day and do more traveling. The people were all very nice and the city of Split was beautiful.

Formal night and Corfu

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

We love formal nights! Gives me an excuse to dress up - which I rarely need, but still.

After Olympia, we sailed to Corfu, another island. We were pretty far away from the center of the city, so we had a LONG and winding walk (we were lost for awhile) in some serious heat. Needless to say, I was super grumpy and tired this day. Corfu was not my favorite place.

I continued to be ready to leave, until we had these gyros - Cassie said that she absolutely had to try a gyro in Greece, and I agreed with her. They ended up being the best meal of the trip! All the same, I was happy to get back to the ship and out of the heat that day.

Olympia

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

It is embarrassing how long it took me to post about the last half of my epic trip to Europe this summer. But oh well. For my posterity...

We docked in Katakolon, and after spending ten minutes walking down the main street we decided that we had two choices: go back to the ship and chill for the day, or find somewhere better to go. My dad, go-getter that he is, found a 10 euro bus ride to Olympia, the site of the original Olympic games. So glad he did! I was super grumpy and tired that day, but it was absolutely worth the trip!

This is the spot where they light the torch for the start of every Olympic Games.

We're Olympians, get it? Also, nerds.

The site of the Temple of Zeus, which housed the statue of Zeus - one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.

In the first Olympic stadium!

I still can't quite believe how many incredible things I saw - it's unreal. I am a lucky girl!

Cabins, Bubbles, and Dairy Keen

2011-09-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

My friend Brittany and me with our finished "Dessert of Death" at Cassie's cabin.

Sylvie loving bubbles.

Fresh raspberry shakes and tater stix? Yes, please.

I'm kind of sad the summer has ended, but I love that I've left it with no regrets. I've done so many things I have always wanted to do. Best summer of my life!

Swiss Days

2011-09-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

Labor Day weekend is sacred in our family - almost every year that I can remember has been spent in Heber and Midway going to Swiss Days, eating and shopping and cabin-ing our brains out. This year was a bit different since only Mom, Erin, Sylvie, and I could go at the same time (Dad and Garrett met us in Heber for dinner and a night at the cabin), but all the same it was a blast!

I also happened to get some awesome pictures of Sylvie. She is such a fun baby!

The best Navajo ("Swiss") taco in the world. I wait all year long for this moment.

Gotta love the shopping!

Razzleberry pie...

Cinnamon-sugar roasted almonds. The smell is the best.

The scones! Don't worry, we split it three ways.

We finished the evening off with some delicious pulled pork sandwiches. I told you we eat our brains out on this weekend! The food is just too good to pass up.

I just had to include this picture. It is nearly impossible to get a good picture of my dad looking at the camera, and Sylvie is pulling faces. Love my family.

Kid History

2011-09-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

Can you find us in this video? Hint: we're on the front row!

Kid history pics:

Ok, if you don't already know what Kid History is, watch the videos. All of them. Right now. They are videos made by this group of brothers in Utah - they tell childhood stories to the kids in their families, then have them tell the story back as the kids understand it. Then they act out the story dubbed in the kids' voices. They are HILARIOUS. Not kidding.

Cassie and I have been obsessed for awhile now, and we somehow got front and center seats to the premier of episode 6 - along with the proposal of one of the "cast" members to his girlfriend. It was so much fun to meet the guys in the videos, as nerdy as it sounds!

guidance

2011-09-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

I found this on my new favorite way to waste time, Pinterest. But it's not a waste of time if you find really wonderful things, right?

I love this - I think I'll print a few copies out for myself, and a few for friends. I don't know anyone who wouldn't appreciate a little extra guidance once in awhile. Heaven knows I've probably needed more than my fair share lately.

originally from here

Photo love

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Found this pic that my sister-in-law took of my niece Hadley and me painting nails over the fourth of July weekend. Look at that sweet smile - I wish I could always have my whole family close!

2011-09-06T16:36:00.002-06:00

Learn to value yourself, which means: fight for your happiness.

- Ayn Rand

Photography

2011-08-31T08:00:00.002-06:00

Trying to come out of the dark ages and take more pictures again...sometimes I become a less artistic and thoughtful version of myself. And though I suppose it's not always a bad thing to go through phases, I enjoy the artistic and thoughtful Caitlin who's been missing for awhile.

When my sister pinned this on Pinterest, I took it as a challenge. Maybe it will get me out of this funk I go through with the transition of every season.

Hopefully I can post the challenge everyday, but all I can pledge is that I will, in fact, take the pictures daily and post them all at some point. Working full time and starting school while still trying to balance my social and physical well-being is harder every time I begin - it's like I forget how to do it.

Happy September tomorrow! Hope you enjoy the last vestiges of summer...

dog person

2011-08-30T08:00:00.005-06:00

i still miss my old dog. he was a big part of our family during a few very tough years, and i have to say that putting him down was the worst thing i've experienced up to now - broken heart, car accidents, surgeries, betrayals, stumbles, and all.

before dallas, i couldn't understand how people got so attached to dogs. they're just dogs, right? get over it.

well, now i understand. eight months later, it still hurts to go on a walk alone because i miss his companionship. unquestioning, reliable, unconditionally loving. the love a dog gives is like no other, i think.

and while i miss him daily, it's a comfort to go home and see our new puppies making my mom laugh, and to hear about how my dad gets up early every morning to take them for a walk. it's a comfort that they fall over themselves to greet me each time i enter.

and here's what i've learned, and applied to my life - that you can't replace love, and you can't replace friendship. each experience and relationship stands on its own two feet. and they are very different feet. you can feel those emotions again, thank heaven, but it is never the same.

every person that has entered my life has changed it, even minutely. mostly for the better. boys, friends, school, work, church. these are the people and things who have touched me and changed my path. i received something special and distinctive from each one - the painful along with the joyful. and it sucks sometimes to start over again, but what can you do? c'est la vie.

what a rollercoaster life is.

Cake

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

I've not always been into stand-up comedy, but I saw this on another blog and couldn't stop laughing. It's all so true it's FREAKY. Cake will get you. Every. Time.

two women at least

2011-08-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

there were always in me, two women at least, one woman desperate and bewildered, who felt she was drowning and another who would leap into a scene, as upon a stage, conceal her true emotions because they were weaknesses, helplessness, despair, and present to the world only a smile, an eagerness, curiosity, enthusiasm, interest.

- anais nin

quote via brunette bombshell

picture/dress via anna may vintage

Park City

2011-08-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Last week my friend Allie had a timeshare up at a resort in Park City, so we took the trip up for the day with our friends Tom and Jono to ride the Alpine slide, the rollercoaster, and eat dinner on Main Street.

We had so much fun, and the weather was beautiful. Finally we topped off the evening with hot tubbing and movies! A nice way to spend one of my last nights of freedom before fall semester started!

i went to jackson.

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been a very bad blogger this week. I've been having too much fun before school starts on Monday. Blech.

Went to run the Snake River with my ward last week and had an absolute blast. The water was a bit, um, freezing. But still worth the trip!

I was also a bad photographer and didn't take any pictures except for the last day, when we went into Jackson and had lunch at Bubba's - had to try the BBQ!

I may be a bad person for stealing this picture, but it's priceless to me. I'm the second from the front on the right side. Notice me yelling at everyone to keep paddling. I was not about to get flipped over.

Rooftop Concert Series

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Our friend Vivian plays in an awesome group called the Mollies - very folksy, beautiful music. We've recently decided to become their groupies, so not only did we attend a backyard concert in SLC last month, we also followed them to Provo to hear them open in the Rooftop Concert Series put on by C. Jane.

First, we made a stop at Sammy's for some delicious milkshakes...

The view from the roof top was so cool.

Joshua James finished off the evening perfectly. Wonderful weather, beautiful music, and good company. A summer evening at its best.

Rock climbing

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's been a huge advantage to make new friends this summer, mostly because then Cassie and I make them take us to do fun things. Last weekend we went rock climbing for the first time ever, and it was a blast!

Brittany showing us the ropes. Literally.

Don't I look super tough?

It was really a beautiful place to climb - up Big Cottonwood Canyon at Dogwood. Reminded me, once again, how lucky I am to live here.

2011-08-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

"The things we hate about ourselves aren't more real than things we love about ourselves."

-Ellen Goodman

picture and quote

found via una bella vita

things i want to do before i lose this summer to my past.

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

one. play tennis
two. ride the alpine slide
three. spend the night at my cabin
four. swim in an actual swimming pool
five. cook an Indian meal
six. run 13 miles without stopping

most of these may be a pipe dream. but it never hurts to make a list.

Mount Olympus

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Climbed Mount Olympus with some friends last week...I forgot how steep that thing is! The elevation at the top is about 9,000 feet, so overall you gain almost 5,000 feet in less than 4 miles. Brutal.

But once you get to the top, it's breathtaking.

Almost worth the pain of hiking back down.

We were really lucky and had overcast skies for the way up, and I really loved how green the mountain was (even at the end of July!).

So happy I got the chance to do it before the summer ends!

Taste of the Valley

2011-07-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Last weekend my friend Allie, Cassie and I took a trip down to Provo (there are very few things that will entice me to Provo - wonderful food is one of them) for Taste of the Valley, basically a food festival in the Shops at Riverwoods. Thirty-plus vendors participated - so for a $10 ticket, you can walk around and try samples from all kinds of restaurants and food caterers. We got enough food for several (ok, maybe around 5) meals, and a lot of it was really delicious. Frozen yogurt, pulled pork tacos, berry tiramisu, cupcakes, pizza, salads - you name it, we sampled it!

Some of my favorites:

Cafe Paesan (which gave out incredible amounts of food)

Malawi's Pizza

Harvest Restaurant (mostly because the guys working there were extremely cute)

Cupcake Chic (because you know I can't resist a cupcake)

With our Berry Tirimisu - so cute we saved the little containers and mini spoons it came in. We're nerds.

Standing in line and trying not to pass out from the heat!

Our sample from Edible Arrangements...

Cupcake Chic. At this point we were so stuffed we couldn't stomach any more samples. Luckily I have that hollow left leg I keep especially for desserts.

Loving this summer of tourism!

Family pics!

2011-07-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Since we keep adding to the family and struggle getting everyone together, of course we had to schedule a photo session. We headed to Wheeler Farm (my second time that day - I had to shower after the Dirty Girl run!) and got some really great photos, despite the heat!

No one would take a jumping picture with me. So I did it alone.

Lucky for us, the babies and puppies were well-behaved, at least for the hour we took the pictures!

The reason I am not, and will never be, an athlete.

2011-07-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

"I later discovered that in order to be a good athlete one must care intensely what is happening with a ball, even if one doesn't have possession of it. This was ultimately my failure: my inability to work up a passion for the location of balls."

-Haven Kimmel, A Girl Named Zippy (one of my new favorite books)

a foodie in Europe, part two.

2011-07-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

In Sorrento we had lunch at O'Parucchiano's, the restaurant where canneloni was allegedly invented. Whether it was true or not, we certainly enjoyed our meal!

In Amalfi we ended our excursion by getting huge cones of gelato - this was probably the best I had. Nutella, of course. I was also quite enamored with the additional mini cone on top.

Our first taste of Greece was Greek yogurt with honey in a cafe in Fira, Santorini. It was seriously incredible.

In Mykonos I had chicken souvlaki, which was perfectly smoky. If that makes sense. We also had a lot of Greek salads (cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, capers, and feta - all super fresh), which I fell in love with but of course neglected to take a picture of...

And, in Corfu, the unforgettable gyro. Best meal of the trip - it was probably helped along by the fact that I was super grumpy and hungry beforehand.

In Croatia we stopped at a pastry shop and got a sampling of pastries - the berry strudel had to be my favorite.

Then for lunch we ended up with more veggie pizza, but ordered a side of "Dalmatian-style" potatoes so we could say we ate something Croatian. Turns out they were just very salty mashed potatoes with onions. But still delicious.

In Venice I went for plain spaghetti with fresh basil, and it did not disappoint. I also proceeded to polish off the rest of my dad's prosciutto and cheese panini. Lovely.

Cass and I stayed longer in Venice then my parents, so we ended up walking for about 3 extra hours around the city and of course using up our remaining euros on 4 (yes, 4) gelato trips. This was my fourth cone.

And I don't regret a single bite.

Buffalo burgers and stuff.

2011-07-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

Last Friday Cassie, Ashton and I took a trip to Antelope Island. For the party poopers who say that it's just a stinky island and not worth the time, I say... shutup. Because I loved it. Every minute. Even when I got in the car and realized I had a killer sunburn only on my back in the shape of a sports bra.

The ride down the causeway was a bit stinky at points, but overall the island was highly enjoyable. I liked going to the visitor's center and reading about how the Salt Lake is actually a remnant of Lake Bonneville, which used to reach up to what is now Ensign Peak.

We didn't see any of the bison that live on the island, but we did ride over to the Buffalo Island Grill to try out an authentic Buffalo burger. It was really delicious! I was sad I didn't get a picture of it, which means I'll just have to go back and get another one sometime.

Another Utah adventure to check off my list!

Poor Tony.

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sylvie has recently developed a fondness for the puppies. Every time she sees them she starts wildly kicking her legs. Her new favorite thing to do is reach over, grab their fur, and rub her forehead in it. It is hilarious, if you ask me.

And those puppies are so sweet to her. Basically that girl gets what she wants.

a foodie in Europe. part one.

2011-07-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

I am having a heck of a time getting my dad's pictures from the last half of our Europe trip, hence the delay in posting the last few stops. But since I'm the only one who took pictures of almost every single meal we ate, I thought I'd go ahead and do a food post. Particularly because the food was one of my favorite parts of the journey!

Italy had the most incredible food. Although we had almost all of our breakfasts and dinners on the cruise ship, the food in the ports was the most memorable, I think. I really enjoyed trying to eat a local specialty in all the places.

Our first Italian meal in Rome:

My first gelato of the trip! Not incredible, but who can turn down gelato in Italy? Luckily it got better as I went along...

I love me some grilled "chicken chest."

For some reason our veggie pizza had green beans on it.

Gotta have some caprese salad. Fresh mozzarella is the bomb!

Next: Nice, France. I could clean that whole place out of baguettes and brie.

I don't think you even have to wonder if I loved the crepes.

Back to Italy - our Cinque Terre adventure began with some mini nutella jars. I almost died when I saw them. I will keep them forever, probably.

Why the heck don't we have these in the states!?!

Real-life Italian gnocchi. SO good.

The local dish of the Ligurian region, Trofie alla Pesto. Also incredible.

Cinnamon and crema gelato in Monterosso! Definitely one of my most favorite flavor combos ever.

More to come!

Summer of Tourism, Day Three

2011-07-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

These are not the best pictures of me ever - it was like a billion degrees outside that day. But we had so much fun! Red Butte Garden was first. I loved the children's area, and the rose garden was really beautiful.

After Red Butte, we met up with our friend Brooke at This is the Place State Park. It was surprisingly fun - lots of activities. We really liked learning the Deseret alphabet (so weird) to write our names.

Our friend Mary Martha works there! She helped us make yarn friendship bracelets and then she played the fiddle for us.

Cass was the only one who wanted to go to the petting zoo there. So we let her.

Next was the actual zoo. We were most excited to see the baby elephant.

The dinosaur exhibit was slightly disappointing, but I guess you don't really go to the zoo to see fossils.

I was pretty tired and sick of all the kids in my way.

That concludes our adventure with the connect pass, but luckily not our summer of tourism. It was so much fun to see and do all those things I've wanted to do for years!

Nostalgia

2011-07-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

After my bridesmaid post, my sister Meghan emailed me this picture from her wedding:

See me? I'm the one with the mushroom haircut on the bottom right. Apparently I not only cut out a chunk of my own hair (hence the green ribbon) a week before the wedding, but I also snipped some of my baby sister's hair off. My mom was livid. But I was still pretty adorable, I think.

I can't tell you how happy this picture makes me - how much we all look alike, the matching dresses, the puff sleeves...can't get much better than this.

Summer of Tourism, Day Two

2011-07-14T08:00:00.005-06:00

We started out our second day at the Tracy Aviary, which was actually really cool. I'd been before with the IRC Youth group, but it was a lot of fun to go around and see all the birds without having to wonder if you've lost a child.

Don't worry, just holding a Toucan at the bird show. It was awesome!

There's a reason why peacocks are so cool.

After the Aviary, we headed to Clark Planetarium, where we explored Mars before seeing the IMAX Documentary, "Born to be Wild," which we loved.

3D glasses.

We had to fend off the children so we could have a turn with the toys.

We're kids at heart. Since we were so close, we stopped by Discovery Gateway to play in the children's museum. We barely fit.

Not on our list of attractions, but Cassie's favorite cookie place warranted a stop. Ruby Snap (formerly Dough Girl) cookies did not disappoint!

We needed the sugar replenishment for our long drive up to Snowbird to ride the tram. Can you believe how much snow is still up there? It was incredibly beautiful. We met some women from Paris, and when I asked them why they came here, one woman spread her arms wide and said, "For this!"

I understood. Utah is a wonderful place!

sorry for the bad picture quality. crappy camera.

Summer of Tourism, Day One

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Before the summer started, Cassie and I decided to make it a priority to be tourists in Salt Lake. I was surprised by how much there is to do here! It definitely gave me an appreciation for how beautiful and fun my hometown is. I think everyone should do it - you never act like a tourist in the place you live, but it's worth taking a few days off and having the experience.

We bought a "connect pass" that would get us into 11 different attractions in the valley. We made it to 8 of them and definitely got a major deal by using the pass.

On Thursday night we went and had a meal at the Lion House Pantry and then walked around Temple Square. The meal, company, and surroundings were wonderful.

Day 2 was a marathon, but worth it. Pictures to come!

Always a bridesmaid.

2011-07-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

Tori is really my first close friend to get married, and though it was a little bittersweet to hand her off to Eric, they are so perfect together that I can't help but smile to think that they are finally married.

Tori did an academic/library theme for the reception, and I thought it turned out so well. She collected books over the past year from book sales and made all the displays. Basically I want her to plan my wedding.

Can you tell that the top book is her cake? Cool, huh?

This made me tear up a bit - Tori and Eric dated for 7 years before getting married. Romantic.

I would like to know who the heck stuck me next to the skinny sister. Hello, junk in the trunk. Also, not sure who I'm checking out to my right, but I was into it.

Love her. The whole wedding was so classy and crafty without being too...crafty (thank heavens for all those wedding blogs we've been trolling over the years). It was also so much fun to hang out with her awesome family - her sisters are hilarious and I love her parents.

Not my first time being a bridesmaid (I have 5 siblings, all married...of course), but being a part of Tori's wedding meant a lot.

Although I'm still pissed that 14 year-old elbowed her way in front of me to catch the bouquet. Whatever.

(I am so mortified by this picture that I decided to post it as my form of penance for almost hitting that poor girl in the face.)

photos by Lauren Hedin

Mom's birthday, Fourth of July, and family mania. A story in pictures.

2011-07-10T08:00:00.002-06:00

This may have been my absolute favorite fourth of July to date. The WHOLE family was in town and I loved every second. Trips to Iceberg for shakes, birthday cakes galore, babies, impromptu rapping sessions, barbecues, playing Ticket to Ride a billion times and losing horribly, painting patriotic-colored nails, cheering at the parade, running a 5k with some of my favorite people, babies, IHOP, Laserquest, Leatherby's with my sisters (most of them, at least).

Could it have been any more delightful? I don't think so. Having so many people in one place gets a bit messy sometimes, but since I don't yet have a family of my own, it means a lot when I can have mine all together. I felt so blessed this past week and I'm counting down the days when it happens again (probably not for a few years)!

Dirty Girl Race

2011-07-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

On July 2nd, some friends and I ran the "Kiss Me Dirty" (formerly known as Dirty Girl) race at Wheeler Farm, a four-mile course through a creek, over walls and hay bales, in tires, under nets, etc...You get the picture. The point was to get dirty. It was SO much fun! The race certainly wasn't competitive (some women ran in wedding dresses), but Ashton, Cassie, and I were among the first dozen or so to finish. We felt pretty tough.

This was before we really had to crawl through mud or anything. Notice that I'm smiling. A rare shot.

I got water in my mouth. It was gross.

See how Cassie looks like she's joyfully frolicking (she may have still been laughing over my recent brilliant fall over a 5-foot wall we had to climb over)? Then look at my crusty face in the next picture. I am not a pretty runner.

This was after Cassie cut me off and I got stuck in the net. So once I got untangled I proceeded to kick her. Sportsmanship. It's what we're all about.

This may have been the only time I actually noticed the photographer for an intentional pose. Yes, that is the face I chose.

Team "Filthy Flirts" at the finish line!

Like I said, we thought we were real tough.

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

sometimes i can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives i'm not living.

- jonathan safran foer, extremely loud & incredibly close

Athens, Greece

2011-07-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Athens seemed like any other big European city, but what was definitely one of the highlights of the entire trip was going to the Acropolis - I feel like the Parthenon is a "must-see" before you die. It was incredible!

I think my favorite of the major sites on top was the Erechtheion, a temple with a "Caryatid Porch," held up with columns carved into female figures (archaeologists still aren't sure what their purpose was).

Hey. We're Americans. We have to give the Asians a run for their money when it comes to inappropriate/cheesy photo poses.

After a few hours at the Acropolis, we went to eat lunch at a beautiful (albeit touristy) hotel downtown, at which we tried some traditional Greek fare like Moussaka (my favorite) and baklava.

Finally, we had an extremely long bus ride down the coast to visit the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounioun. According to legend, Cape Sounion is the spot where Aegeus, king of Athens, leapt to his death off the cliff, thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea. It's also the spot which has for centuries been the last and first glimpse of home for sailors. Naturally, it was the best place to build a temple to the sea god, praying for safe passage on the water.

Although it was unbearably hot, the view was really beautiful and ultimately worth the long trip out. Thank heavens we got our trip in before all the riots the past few weeks!

happy birthday to mom.

2011-07-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

My mom has become one of my best friends in the past few years. She juggles a lot of balls and wears more hats than I can count. I'm so grateful to have her.

Joyeux Anniversaire, Maman!

Mykonos, Greece

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Mykonos was not exactly my most favorite place. It was extremely hot, VERY windy, and as a result very dusty.

We didn't have an excursions planned, so we chose what seemed most worth our time and took a ferry to Delos, a sacred island to Greeks because the mythological gods Apollo and Artemis were born there. It's the center of the Cyclades (the Greek isles). The ruins were really cool, being older than pretty much anything we had seen thus far.

There was a pretty cool museum on the island which housed most of the more delicate artifacts found on the island. Dad only got in trouble once for trying to take a picture of himself with a bust.

Standing in front of the (alleged) tree under which Apollo and Artemis were born.

After the ferry ride back to Mykonos, we went to an outdoor restaurant called Alefkandra's, where I tried out the chicken souvlaki, which was smoky and delicious.

Finally, we climbed the little hill to a row of windmills to get a picture as per my mother's request, then headed back.

Apparently somewhere on the island there is a square with Three Wells, out of which an unmarried girl should drink in order to find the right husband. We had a bad map, and then stopped to ask for directions, which made us even more confused, so we gave up looking. I guess there's no hope for us now!

2011-06-29T08:00:00.003-06:00

we need much bigger pockets, i thought as i lay in bed, counting off the seven minutes it takes a normal person to fall asleep. we need enormous pockets, pockets big enough for our families, and our friends, and even the people who aren't on our lists, people we've never met but still want to protect. we need pockets for boroughs and for cities, a pocket that could hold the universe.

but i knew that there couldn't be pockets that enormous. in the end, everyone loses everyone. there was no invention to get around that, and so i felt, that night, like the turtle that everything else in the universe was on top of.

-jonathan safran foer, extremely loud & incredibly close

Santorini, Greece

2011-06-28T08:00:00.002-06:00

I always had a picture of Greece in my head - blue roofs and white-washed walls, flowers overflowing on balconies, loud people gesticulating wildly, and a lot of lamb. Santorini did not disappoint. We had to take tenders in, and then had three choices: we could pay to take a tram ride to the city of Fira at the top, we could walk up the 587 steep steps (stepping carefully), or take a donkey ride up the pathway for 5 euros. We chose the most natural of the three.

It was SO much fun. A little smelly and nerve-wracking at times when the donkey would walk to the sides and act like he was going to try to scrape you off the edge, but overall very worth it. The donkey master (or whatever he's called) kept making me wait to get on the right donkey, so I was a few people behind my parents and Cassie. By the halfway point, my donkey had sped past everyone to be first. The Europeans who had gotten the first donkeys kept saying I had the "ferrari."

At the top we had the most spectacular views.

After spending some time in Fira and getting some greek yogurt with honey (delicious), we decided to brave the bus to go to another town, Oia. It was even more picturesque, if possible. A little less urban, Oia had some really wonderful artisan shops and restaurants.

We stopped for lunch with a great view and had some delicious greek salad full of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and my favorite: feta.

A little more shopping for hand-painted plates, snacking on sesame-covered honey nuts, and a bus ride back later, we opted for the tram back down the cliffs and were excited to escape the heat for the comfort of the cruise ship.

Now I can check "donkey ride in Greece" off my bucket list.

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

2011-06-26T08:00:00.001-06:00

Ok, be prepared for a long post full of pictures because this was one of my favorite days of the trip. I have been to Sorrento before, and absolutely loved it. I was hoping the second time wouldn't disappoint, and it didn't.

We took a bus into Sorrento and had enough free time to shop, walk down to the coast, look at some massive lemons, and eat lunch at the restaurant where (allegedly) canneloni was invented. Very fun, and the restaurant was incredibly beautiful.

Next, we took a cruise down the Amalfi coast and ended in Amalfi for more free time. It was fun to see all of the ruins - some of these fortresses are from Norman invasions centuries ago.

This church was an awesome conglomeration of romantic, byzantine, and Greco-Roman influences.

We had to end the trip with some gelato, of course! Nutella...one of my favorites!

Again.

2011-06-23T18:00:00.000-06:00

The other day I fell. Not on my face, but it was not graceful. My shoe caught on some grass and I fell sideways onto my left knee and hip. Luckily no one was around so I could just get back up and continue on my way without getting too red-faced. I'm not necessarily clumsy and a fall is rare, but when I do it's usually a wake-up call of some sort.

At cycling class that night, my knee started acting up, no matter how much I adjusted my seat height or resistance level. I started getting frustrated, and just decided to push through it. Then, in the middle of a sprint, it didn't hurt anymore. Thank heavens.

As I felt the sweat start running down my neck, I looked down to make sure I was in good form (knees over toes and such) and realized that for the past while I've had the wrong attitude with regard to my body. Every girl struggles with body image issues - even those thin girls who seem to be comfortable in their skin. I've observed this over the past few years, especially as I've become more in tune with my body.

And after a trip to Moab filled with candy and camp food, a birthday of numerous cookies, and going on a cruise and gaining some weight, which is probably normal for most people, I got into this mindset that I needed to beat my body back into submission. Back to the form I was in last summer, when I was probably at least ten pounds underweight for me. My body was the enemy, and what I needed to do was push harder. So I watch my pedometer religiously and lift weights and do lunges, until my muscles scream every time I stand up. My hamstrings are singing as I write this.

I've struggled to get back into race training the way I trained last year. Running really held a lot of joy for me, and I truly loved finishing my first half marathon, then beating that time in Bryce Canyon by almost 22 minutes. But my life has changed so much since then, and I feel like I'm starting over from scratch. Shin splints and a lack of motivation kept me from finishing two races this spring, and now I'm signed up for the St. George Marathon in October. It's looming ahead like some sort of dooms day, and I wish it was more of something I was looking forward to. I ran a few miles last week, and it wasn't too bad, but it wasn't good. Not the way it used to be.

But my sister and I are going to run a 5k for Independence Day. So I'll train for that. Then I'll schedule a 10k, then a 15k, and so on. My problem is that I look at the big stuff, and forget that it takes smaller steps to get there. That I can take it one day at a time. And that my body will remember what it has been capable of before.

And most importantly, that my body is my friend. What a beautiful feeling to be on my bike and watch my quads push my knees round and round, to feel my heart beat in my chest, to watch my ankles and wrists flex in just the way they were built to. What a gift! I don't need to beat my body, because ultimately it will do what I tell it to if I do it the right way. Why does this mindset, the idea that I am separate from my body, creep in so often?

So, I'm starting over, as I've started over before and will probably have to start over again a few thousand times in the future. I want to be active because it's good for me and because I love my body. It isn't something to despise, and it is not a curse. It is part of me, and I believe that I'm worth treating well.

Cinque Terre - the Five Lands

2011-06-22T18:00:00.000-06:00

We docked in Livorno, a port near Florence, and had a long bus ride to La Spezia, a large city in the Liguria region of Italy, from which we started our tour of the Cinque Terre. "The Five Lands" is composed of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Over hundreds of years the people there have built terraces on the steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Paths, trains, and boats connect the villages, but cars cannot reach them from the outside, so we had to abandon our bus in Manarola, the first stop (but the second village).

Manarola was really beautiful - our guide told us that the reason the houses are painted such bring colors was so fisherman and sailors could see which one was their home from out at sea, or at least that's local folklore.

Isn't the church gorgeous? Check out that window.

Couldn't help myself. Italians wear their devotion on their sleeves (or in this case on their houses) and I love it.

Man, we look touristy. Didn't have time to take off our dorky headsets.

Next we had to walk back to the first town that couldn't be reached by bus, Riomaggiore. The pathway between the two villages is called "Via dell'Amore," or "walk of love." Along the path are hundreds of names carved into the rock and long wires with locks on them, signifying eternal love. Cassie and I had to settle for each other since we hadn't found Italian boyfriends yet.

We didn't have much time in Riomaggiore before we had to board the ferry to get to the other towns. The water was very choppy, so it wasn't quite a restful experience, but the view of the coastline was incredible.

This was Corniglia, the one village that is least visited because you basically have to hike there from another town. We waved to it from afar.

Sadly, the waves were too rough to dock in Vernazza, the fourth town, where we were supposed to have some free time. We didn't even get a good shot of it, but it looked much like the other villages, colorful and charming.

So, we moved on toward the last village, Monterosso, where we now had extra free time to explore. It was a bit scary to get off the rocking boat but we all made it off safely and promptly went off in search of lunch. The first restaurant off the beaten path that we came to was a pizzeria, which smelled delicious. However, I insisted on going somewhere with the local specialty, a pasta dish called Trofie alla Pesto. Pictures to come in the food post, but I must tell you this was one of my top meals of the whole trip. Hence the goofy drugged look on my face.

Then we split up for a little exploration. Cassie and I found ourselves going up stairways that ended abruptly, but enjoying them regardless.

Just taking some nice senior pics.

After some of the best gelato ever, we headed back toward the dock so I could buy myself a package of Trofie pasta and authentic Ligurian pesto to take home.

I also wanted to take a basket of lemons home with me. Not really possible, but it was fun to see all the lemon and orange trees around Italy. Makes we wish we could grow them here!

Good times in the Cinque Terre! Glad I got to see someplace totally new.

in praise of being idle.

2011-06-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

I watched "Eat, Pray, Love" a few months ago (free Redbox code). I had listened to the book last year while doing half-marathon training, and despite the appeal of throwing caution to the wind and spending a year in Italy, India, and Indonesia, I found the author slightly obnoxious and incredibly selfish. Some parts of the book really spoke to me - like the need to enjoy my life more. Work to live, not live to work. Because not many things are worth the trouble if you're unhappy while doing them.

But I also think that some parts of life are not always fun. Sometimes you have problems and experience frustration in relationships and wish you hadn't committed to certain things. And it sucks. However, when you think of how your actions affect others, and what type of person you want to be, you stick to your commitments. And I believe you can still be happy.

My own judgments aside, I'll come to the point. When she's in Italy she makes some random friends who explain to her the difference between Americans and Italians. In Italy, they use a phrase dolce far niente, or the “sweetness of doing nothing.” According to the author's Italian friend, Americans live plagued by constant guilt, whereas Europeans are actually able to relish pleasure. They feel no guilt in simply enjoying life, and they enjoy the beauty that can be found in doing nothing.

I am very American. I pack my days full of things which are usually mostly meaningless. I treat myself only when I feel I "deserve" it, as though I can only take pleasure in something if I've worked hard for it. As though, as a human being in a beautiful world, I am not entitled to take pleasure in my life. I get into black-and-white mode, and forget the colors.

I know that this doesn't mean I can quit my job or start taking naps everyday - because I don't live in Europe. But I saw this article on CNN the other day and it reminded me to be ok with slowing down. With recognizing what the French would call the joie de vivre, and taking a page out of our Italian friend's book to fall in love with the dolce far niente.

Monaco and Nice

2011-06-21T08:00:00.002-06:00

For our first port, we docked in Monte Carlo. My parents had been there before and weren't particularly impressed by the expensive shops and casino, so we opted for an excursion to Nice, France. I'd have to say that it was one of my favorite places of the trip. It reminded me how much I love the south of France and the lifestyle there.

We did NOT get enough time in the flower market, but we made good use of what we had!

I wanted to buy fresh flowers, but the impracticality of it was too much, so we settled for taking pictures.

Don't worry, though, we bought cherries and peaches. Delicious!

The sunflowers were incredible!

In addition to the fruit, we also bought...

un baguette, naturellement! Couldn't resist some fresh brie, either. Best cheese and bread mixture I've ever come across. Sorry, pizza. Also purchased: tablecloths, flavored honey, soaps.

And crepes, of course. I got the classic nutella and banana and Cassie got the lemon sugar, both wonderfully delicious. We were late getting back to the tour group because we had to wait for them to cook, and my mom was about to have a conniption. Worth it.

The view from the top of a hill in Nice.

My dad being a cheeseball.

After getting back from Nice, my parents went back to hang out on the ship. I, however, wanted to check out Monaco. It was, after all, my country of choice for my 5th grade country report. It's the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican!

So Cassie and I went to explore, and after a hike up a bunch of stairs, we got to the cathedral where Grace Kelly got married.

With a statue of Francois Grimaldi, a Genoese leader who dressed up in 1297 as a monk to sneak into Monaco and capture the castle. His family still rules there today. That is one long dynasty!

In front of the royal palace, still in use, where Grace Kelly reigned as Princess with Prince Rainier III. We decided it was worth the 8 euros to take a tour of the palace and a museum with a bunch of Napoleonic artifacts, all very cool. I wanted to try on Napoleon's hat but concluded it wouldn't be worth the jail time.

Glad we decided to spend a few hours in Monaco - don't need to go back, but it was a cool place, and learning some of its history made it more real for me.

My best friend's wedding.

2011-06-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

I know, two posts in one day. I just needed to post this picture to commemorate last weekend. Isn't Tori beautiful? I hope she won't be bugged that I put this up before she is even back from her honeymoon, but oh well.

She got married on Saturday and I was so touched to be one of her bridesmaids with her sisters. It was really an incredible wedding, and I'm so happy for her, although sad that this is one thing I won't be able to do simultaneously with her (like everything else).

Having been her friend for 6 years and watching her relationship with Eric progress, I feel like they're ready to take on marriage.

Congrats, dude. I love you and can't wait to see what happens during this next phase of your life!

Roma!

2011-06-20T08:00:00.002-06:00

I've been getting guff (it just occurred to me that I have no idea what that actually means) from certain people about waiting too long to start posting, so here's the first. We got into Rome and had a day to see some of the greatest hits before getting on the ship. My parents and I had already been before and seen pretty much everything, but it was still really fun to go back and I was amazed all over again at what a cool city it is.

Once we got in we had about 10 minutes to drop off our stuff at the hotel and get on the shuttle to downtown. We had our first Italian meal (separate food post coming), then took a longer walk than we anticipated (aren't they always that way in Europe?) to the Roman Forum. On the way we were accosted - literally - by this man dressed as a gladiator who got me in a headlock and then insisted on us taking pictures. Then of course he demanded money and followed us until my dad gave him a euro. Delightful.

We finally got inside the forum and enjoyed the warm weather walking around the ruins. The “Foro Romano” is a plaza at the center of the city which was basically an ancient marketplace – parts of it being built as early as the 8^th century BC. For hundreds of years it was the center of Roman life, providing venues for public celebrations, political elections, and commercial trade. Throughout the forum are ruins of temples, monuments, and statues of the city’s famous leaders, including a temple dedicated to Romulus (of the mythical Remus and Romulus, who were suckled by a wolf in infancy), the founder of the city. Very cool.

Cassie and me standing in front of something old.

Just cooling off a bit...

Being Italian. We listed to some of Rick Steve's podcasts before we left and he insists that the best way to meet locals is to find a bench and make them scoot over, then just sit with them for a bit. Apparently Italians (especially old men) like to just sit for awhile and people-watch. We didn't find any benches full of locals but we decided to settle for seeming Italian.

With Mom and Dad near the end of exit of the forum.

Next, since our tickets into the forum also got us into the Colosseum, we headed over and luckily skipped the long lines there. Though I'd been there before, I was glad to get more pictures inside because my last trip's pics were lost with the great McDonald computer crash of the early 2000's. Don't mind the greasy bangs. They've just come out of a very long flight across the world.

Mom and Dad in one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Incredible, huh? The Colosseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, was the largest building of its kind ever built in the Roman Empire. Started in 72 AD, it was capable of seating 50,000 spectators, and was used mostly for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Roman mythology.

Finally, we opted to walk past the capitol (such a cool building!), to the Fontana di Trevi.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world – it is about 85 feet high and is the largest Baroque fountain the city. Finished in 1762, the fountain is at the junction of three roads and marks the terminal point of “Aqua Virgo,” one of the aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome. The aqueduct’s name comes from a legend in which Roman technicians located a source of pure water about 8 miles from the city with the help of a virgin. This story is depicted on the current fountain's façade.

I love this picture because it looks like no one else is there with us! It was actually packed, which you'll see in the next picture...

Tradition says that if a visitor throws a coin into the fountain, they will return to Rome. Supposedly around 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain everyday, meant to be used to subsidize a supermarket for the poor. Here I am throwing my coin in. It worked the first time around, so here's to a third trip to Rome!

Sneak Peek

2011-06-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

Blogging about my trip is probably more for my sake than yours, but it's coming nevertheless. Waiting on full posts until I get everyone's pictures downloaded, but in the meantime, here's a few pics from my two-week trip to Italy, France, Greece, and Croatia.

Seriously, the trip of a lifetime. So grateful I got to do it, and could go with some of my favorite people. Thank heavens Cassie hasn't decided she's had enough of me - or at least she hasn't told me about it yet if she has!

I might have to do a separate post entirely on the incredible food we ate...

Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

At the Colosseum!

Sorrento, my favorite place in the world (or at least top 5).

Strolling down the streets of Manarola, part of the Cinque Terre.

St. Mark's Basilica and Square in Venice.

Santorini, Greece.

Chillin' on the island of Delos next to some old statue.

The Parthenon!

Olympia, in the spot where they light the torch to begin all the Olympic Games.

At the top of a bell tower in Split, Croatia.

Europe was so lovely I'm almost jealous of myself, just thinking about how I was there only a few days ago. Miss it already!

hangin around

2011-05-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been a bum about posting this week...I've barely had time to breathe since before my birthday. I'm also going on a little trip soon so it will be very quiet here for a bit.

But don't worry. You'll get picture overload in a few weeks. Think ocean, sunshine, cobblestone streets, gelato, and blue roofs. Jealous much?

A little synopsis of my crazy life lately:

awesome birthday party thanks to my awesome roommate and the first barbecue of the season.

a night of dancing like a madwoman to "Footloose" and Lady Gaga, while trying to avoid creepy boys.

a trip onto the field at the Bees game to watch my date throw out the first pitch.

found out I can still do the splits. turning 24 did not interfere with my flexibility, at least.

U2 concert. Incredible. Thank heavens I've discovered enough love in my heart for both Hugh Jackman AND Bono (all 5 feet, 6 1/2 inches of him).

went on the most random date ever involving a Mormon, a Jew, and pizza. very interesting.

trying to eat all my food so I don't have to throw it away before I leave. Many veggie omelettes, two apples and oranges a day, and lots of kale with whole-wheat pasta make for a fiber-licious girl.

See you soon. Peace and blessings.

happy birthday to me.

2011-05-20T08:00:00.001-06:00

the secret of staying young is to

live honestly,

eat slowly,

and lie about your age.

-lucille ball

i had a friend ask me recently if there were some things i would re-do in my 23rd year. i answered, "absolutely." aren't there always things we would re-do?

then again, every terrible and wonderful thing that happened this past year has led me to where i am, and who i am.

and i like this person. flaws, fears, insecurities, and all. she's moving along, at least.

thank heavens for wonderful friends and amazing family and all those people who've taught me about becoming better.

so here's to an even more incredible year ahead.

cheers!

p.s. go eat something delicious for me (and/or with me) - calories don't count on my birthday. for anyone.

Wave your flag.

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Saw this on my sister's blog and it made me smile. It is so World Cup cliche, but I love it all the same. Bless Coca-Cola for sponsoring cheesy songs that bring us all together.

New love.

2011-05-18T08:00:00.004-06:00

Threw a box of these in my cart this week because they were on sale...

wish I had bought 10 of them.

Amazing. They taste JUST like Pop Tarts without making you feel like you want to die from sugar overload.

I'll probably go back for strawberry soon. This is love.

keeping it real.

2011-05-17T08:00:00.003-06:00

"I hope you have lost your good looks, for while they last any fool can adore you, and the adoration of fools is bad for the soul. No, give me a ruined complexion and a lost figure and sixteen chins on a farmyard of Crow's feet and an obvious wig. Then you shall see me coming out strong."

~George Bernard Shaw, to Mrs. Patrick Campbell

and who wants to be adored by fools?

Elizabeth's Bakery and Tea Shop

2011-05-16T08:00:00.003-06:00

For Erin's birthday last week I took her to Elizabeth's, a cute British-style teashop on 700 East. The decor was beautiful and the food was delicious. It also helped that Sylvie was in a good mood...

Erin had the chicken and mushroom pie, I went with the shepherd's pie, and we tried some scones with clotted cream and jam for dessert. All in all, a delightful lunch, relaxed atmosphere, and not overly expensive. Try it out if you're in the area, but go with girlfriends - it is VERY girly.

Babies love me.

2011-05-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

Sylvie is particularly fond of my renditions of "Sylvie Bells" and "Sylvie and Gold." Yes, both Christmas songs. I make it work.

you've done it again.

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

anthropologie,

you're so sweet to think of me when you come out with your spring/summer dresses. perfection. love the color, love the style, love the fabric, love it. but can you, like, maybe save my size for me until it goes on sale? that would be so so so nice.

sincerely,

caitlin

my perfect dress found here

According to kids

2011-05-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Cassie introduced me to "Kid History" - some of the most hilarious videos I've seen in awhile. I dare you not to laugh out loud.

But be sure to watch all 4 episodes! So good!

Goosebumps

2011-05-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

So I had to work the Humanities College convocation last Friday - you know, I'm the nazi who won't let students save seats and has to fill in every last seat from the bottom up. Super fun.

Anyway, as I was watching the last of the students file toward the photography station and then to the announcer to have their names read, an old man dressed in a cap and gown waddled over with the help of his walker. He looked like he could easily have been in his late 80's.

At the very end, as his name was read, people started cheering and clapping for him. He waved his diploma cover a few times, with a big grin on his face. For the next few minutes until he sat back down on the side of the room, people continued to clap and the entire Huntsman Center gave him a standing ovation. Thousands of people, applauding an incredible achievement.

I got goosebumps at first, but as I looked around and saw thousands of people standing for this one man, I teared up.

And realized that I need to stop stressing out so much about school. It's not an obligation, and I'm not necessarily entitled to it - so I need to look at it as a blessing and an adventure, which is surely how this elderly man saw it.

Learning is a privilege. And I'm so grateful for it. So I'll keep going, even if sometimes it's a challenge and I have to sacrifice other things. If a man in his 80s thinks it is worth his time, than certainly it is worth mine.

mothers.

2011-05-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

today, in case you didn't know, is mother's day. call your mom.

i have a boatload of mothers in my life right now...as in my own mother, grandmothers, plus 5 sisters. literally, they could fill a boat. it's exhausting.

and yet, delightful. i'm so lucky to have such wonderful examples of motherhood in my life, who all do so much for me.

what a blessing. i have faith that someday i'll be able to experience it in one form or another...as President Monson said in a talk I listened to this week, "the future is as bright as your faith."

happy mother's day!

my love affair with oreos.

2011-05-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Does anyone else feel that once you go double-stuf, you just can't go back?

Wonder if that is a good metaphor for life in general.

I'll think about it and get back to you.

Swimsuit Season

2011-05-05T08:00:00.004-06:00

I was chatting with a co-worker a few days ago, telling her about my plans for the summer. When I mentioned I was going on a cruise (more to come on that later), she said, "Oh, great! So are you going to bust out the bikini?"

I responded, "Nope. Never owned a bikini, never will."

Not just for the purposes of modesty, but because I think MOST people do not look good in bikinis. How can you feel comfortable in that? It's hard enough for me to feel comfortable in a one-piece!

I love Land's End swimsuit sale just before summer starts...I've bought swimsuits from them before and had great experiences. They're modest enough without looking like every other Mormon girl who shops at those stores (you know which ones I mean - just not my style), but young and cute enough that I don't feel like I'm wearing a mom swimsuit. Good all-around support, too - which is of great importance to me. Got this top for about $45, and I really love it. Adjustable in all the right places!

It did, however, remind me that I might want to step up the strength training and quit eating more peanut butter than is recommended by health professionals. Saw this article and was more motivated to see I am not the only one who will be thinking about looking decent in a swimsuit over the next month...

10 Small Things to Do Today to Look Great in a Bathing Suit

Only a couple more months before you've got to get into that dreaded bathing suit. Overhaul your body one small step at a time.

Memorial Day's just around the corner, and you know what that means: bathing-suit season is hot on its heels. Does the thought of wearing the smallest, tightest article of clothing you own in public make you cringe? It's going to take a little work if you want to look and feel your best when that first day on the beach rolls around.

The good news is that by making some small, manageable changes to your routine today, you can avoid mirror-shock tomorrow. Here are 10 ways to slim down in time for a great bathing-suit bod.

Eat in the A.M.: Every morning, as soon as you get out of bed, have something to eat or drink. Lisa Dorfman, sports nutritionist in the University of Miami Athletic Department, says that even a piece of fruit or coffee with an ounce of milk will help kick-start your metabolism. "Research shows that any food [you eat] in the a.m. breaks the physiological fast, the state your body has been in while you sleep — hence the word 'breakfast,'" says Lisa.

Reduce stress: Keep stress in check by adding exercise, prayer or meditation to your daily routine. Stress can actually set off a chain of hormonal events that can result in excess fat deposits.

Sofa aerobics: While you're watching television, stand up and sit down repeatedly during each commercial break until you're tired or the break is over. This is basically a modified squat thrust. "Start with a minimum of two sets of 8 to 12 reps," said Karen Merrill, ACE 2004 personal trainer of the year. "Make sure you focus on good form to keep your core engaged and work the abs along with the legs."

Spice it up: Carry a bottle of red pepper flakes in your work bag or keep a jar of hot chili peppers in the refrigerator at work, advises Dorfman. There's evidence that adding them to your lunches may help boost your metabolism.

Extreme eating: Make a conscious effort to eat very cold snacks, like a popsicle, or very hot ones, like a cup of hot consommé. The extreme temperatures will make you eat slower, which gives your body time to signal your brain once you've had enough to eat.

Gab on the go: Make your weekly phone calls to loved ones on your cell phone while taking a brisk walk. You'll burn a few calories and make your mother happy.

Stair master: At the top of every hour at work, head into the stairwell and walk up and down a few flights to get your heart pumping. Once you start to feel fatigued, take a brief rest: Brace yourself on the hand rail and work your calves by doing toe raises on the top step.

Eliminate one fat: Each day, make one non-fat substitution. Swap out half and half with fat-free creamer in your coffee, for example. You can save hundreds of fat calories each day that would otherwise go straight to your hips and thighs.

Tell the world: Put together a support team. Whether they're family or friends, tell them about your goals so they can help you stay on course and encourage your progress. "Get as many people on your side as you can — at work, at home — who know what you want to do and are there to support you," says Merrill. "With a solid support team, there's no reason you can't accomplish what you set out to do."

Bribe yourself: Buy a bathing suit you absolutely adore, even if it's a bit out of your price range, and use it as a reward for when you're done shaping up. Not only will the promise of a splurge help motivate you, it's also guaranteed to make you happier about how you look when you finally slip it on.

the advent of may

2011-05-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well, it is officially May. The month of my birth.

Cassie has been celebrating me every day so far. On May 1st, she skipped for me on our morning walk. Please note: Cassie has a phobia of skipping. I try to get her to do it all the time and she won't. So this was a big deal.

On Monday she let me have two more raspberries than her at an ice cream party (there were 3 left in the bowl).

It's the little things, really.

Stressing about my birthday has taken a backseat to the terror of finishing my grad papers before the 15th (and yes, naturally, I'm wasting time blogging about it).

Anyway, I'm trying not to spend money on any nonessentials this month (I might just have an incredible trip coming up soon), but came across some lovely things while procrastinating and contemplated choosing something delightful to reward myself for making to the big two-four. Couldn't choose, I love it all:

earrings and necklace found here and here

print found here

measuring spoons found here

recipe cards and holder found here

and then I remembered that if I'm going to spend money, I should probably buy a salad spinner, get my oil changed, and get a hair cut.

But aren't they lovely?

Wedding Royale

2011-05-03T08:00:00.003-06:00

Yes, I was up at 3:45am last Friday to watch Kate Middleton become a real-life princess. I think Cassie was weirded out by how excited I was...and here is yet another blog post about it to join the flood...

I gasped when I saw her dress - it is almost exactly like one I tore out of a magazine years ago and would still wear in a heartbeat if I could... I am a huge fan of lace. Classy choice, Kate. Well done.

uniforms. are. attractive.

Also well done: Pippa. She looked freaking amazing.

Did anyone else think Harry was particularly good-looking that day?

Basically I'm just in love with everything about the wedding. Kate was so elegant and calm, and it is so great to see how much in love she and William are. Such a great story.

Best picture of the wedding I've come across - please look at the girl on the bottom left. Awesome.

pictures found on NPR
and googled, of course

Happy Monday.

2011-05-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Austin loves Sylvie. Sylvie doesn't quite love Austin yet. But it's still adorable.

Someone Like You - Adele

2011-04-30T08:00:00.003-06:00

I know I'm late getting on the bandwagon for Adele...I've liked her since she came out with Chasing Pavement and Tori sent me the link to the weird and awesome music video, but I'm not one of those people who update my iPod constantly, nor do I listen to the radio religiously. Mostly I listen to audio books...I know, I know. Nerd alert.

Anyway, this song, despite being old news, is one of my new favorites. Makes my heart ache in a good way. Plus, Adele is genuinely awesome - I like that she's so different from most female artists. She just does her own thing. Wish my own thing were as cool as hers.

Also makes me contemplate wearing fake eyelashes. There's no way those can be real, right?

In awe.

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

niagara falls, frozen solid in 1911

photo from the smithsonian

Don't make fun of me.

2011-04-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

I'm seriously contemplating buying one. It's a historic event, people!

At least the royal wedding will boost England's economy by about $1 billion. This is one serious production. The Brits don't mess around when it comes to the important stuff.

Procrastination station.

2011-04-27T08:00:00.014-06:00

Saw this image on a friend's facebook profile and thought it was so appropriate. I recently removed facebook from my bookmarks toolbar to try and be more efficient with my time and to avoid the emotional terrorism that ensues from checking it too often. Tried to schedule enough posts on the blog so I'm not blogging but still preventing texts asking why I haven't posted in two days. Carry my books around with me constantly with the best of intentions to study. Get up every morning and look at my running shoes and think about how there are not enough hours in the day.

I have two huge papers and a take-home essay final due in the next few weeks. Supposed to be running a half marathon in 4 days and a marathon in 25 days which I may not be running.

Have I done any significant work on any of these things? No. I feel like a slug lately. My days pass by and I am not sure what I've accomplished. Being sick for the past two weeks took a serious toll on my motivation. Which was already lacking.

I feel like I was way more competent and motivated as an undergraduate, and did way more stuff. But looking back, I suppose there were other things I sacrificed.

The never-ending search for balance. I recognize that I'm always my own worst critic and sometimes unreasonable about it, but it seems like I'm falling short of a lot of my own expectations lately. But maybe I'm not the person I was when I was younger. Maybe it's ok that I want different things than I thought I would and should want. That I'd rather hang out with friends or my mom, take long walks, watch Castle, go to the outlets with my sister, cook, travel, read good books, take photographs of random things, and do my job well than be the crazy "power" person the smart, albeit somewhat misguided and insecure, 18 year-old self envisioned back in the day.

Trying not to think about turning 24 in 24 days. TWENTY-FOUR. If you tell me that's not old I'll slug you.

I am SO looking forward to the summer. No school. Better (and hopefully more predictable) weather. More time to run and train the right way. Less guilt... I love the summer. Love it.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer. I'll start posting happy things again in a few weeks. Promise.

Happy belated Easter.

2011-04-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Had a fabulous Easter dinner at my Grandma's house with the fam. Didn't get anything from the Easter bunny - and I'm ok with it. The last thing I need is more candy.

Listened to a wonderful talk by President Uchtdorf this week and it reminded me of how grateful I am for the knowledge of the gospel and the Atonement in my life. I love the powerful testimonies from living apostles that Jesus Christ lives.

"Let us remember on this Palm Sunday, during this Easter season, and always that the restored gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound, and bridge any vale of sorrow. It is the way of hope, faith, and trust in the Lord. The gospel of Jesus Christ is taught in its fulness in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This Church is led by a living prophet, authorized by the Lord Jesus Christ to provide direction and guidance to help us face the challenges of our day as serious as they may be.

I bear my solemn witness that Jesus the Christ lives. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He is the promised Messiah. He lived a perfect life and atoned for our sins. He will ever be at our side. He will fight our battles. He is our hope; He is our salvation; He is the way."

Also thankful for an eternal family. It's such a blessing to see the sisters closest to me start families. Since I'll be the last, hopefully I'll be the best mom ever.

Baby Avery in her Easter dress.

Sylvie and Mom.

Dad and Avery.

Grandma and Grandpa at my great-Grandfather's old house that they're remodeling themselves. Can you find the "U"?

Hope your holiday was wonderful! Mine was.

read the whole talk here,

and learn more about the church here

Be aware.

2011-04-25T08:00:00.003-06:00

This is interesting to me - I don't think I had a real (or conscious, for that matter) "relationship" with Barbie growing up...I wasn't much of a doll person. But I can't say that the mindset and body image issues that are reflected in this video haven't affected me.

Are you as freaked out by life-size Barbie as I am? I guess I'll be ok with not having huge boobs and a tiny waist. Because she's wiggin' me out.

Not cool, Mattel. Not cool.

2011-04-24T08:00:00.008-06:00

all a girl really wants is for one guy to prove to her that they are not all the same.

- marilyn monroe

image via here

2011-04-24T08:00:00.007-06:00

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
image by Pawel Klarecki

Differences

2011-04-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

One of the interns at the front desk of my office is Armenian, so sometimes we talk about his background and family simply because it's interesting to me that he grew up under Soviet influence. A few days ago our other intern referenced the TV show The Fresh Prince of Belair - an iconic part of culture for our generation. Armenyak had no idea what she was talking about. My distinguished colleague and I, upon hearing this, proceeded to come out of our offices and rap the theme song together. You know the one.

After which we had a nostalgic conversation about other shows we watched in our adolescence - Duck Tales, Saved by the Bell, etc.

Then Armen told us to Google "Russian Winnie-the-pooh," and said, "This is what I watched as a kid." This is what came up:

The four of us watched it, enthralled. Pretty different from Duck Tales.

But I also think that it is one of the cutest things I've ever seen. I may have to bookmark this for my own kids to watch. It may be in Russian, but I think that cute is a universal language.

Ruffle-y

2011-04-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not usually into leggings, but I can imagine pulling on a pair with this dress and cropped cardigan and loving it. Those ruffles just make me smile.

Ready for warm weather, that's for sure.

Found here