I know more Spanish than I thought.

Isn't life just amazing?! Every.single.day is a gift to be treasured. Here's the thing...
When you receive a gift (and I'm talking a real doozy of a present), do you just toss the thing aside with a shrug, wrinkle it up, step on it, use it as a drink coaster, forget about it? No way! You take care of that gift, you use it well, you appreciate it. Right?
Right?
Basically, I've kind of been stepping on my daily prize. I wake up and I pray and thank my Father for the breath he put in my lungs this morning, and then I kind of forget that gratitude that filled me to bursting upon opening my eyes. I forget that my day is still a gift 2, 6, 10 hours in- not just the moment I become conscious of it. But really, it is! It's still a present right now, even as I write this, over 12 hours later. Isn't that crazy?!
The plan, I suppose, is to start showing my gratitude. When your great aunt Millie buys you a sweater, and she sees you wearing it, how excited is she?! Beyond just saying thank you, maybe sending a note, she knows you appreciate that gift for what it is, not just to be polite. You are not just telling her how you feel, you're showing her! And we all love to see that joy in another person.
So why wouldn't we show the same appreciation for the bright new day that's being handed to us so selflessly??? Are we waking up thinking about how we can make today great, or are we hitting the snooze button and grumbling unintelligibly until we must get up? (Don't you worry-- I'm definitely in the latter group. \:)
And now here I am, writing about it. Listening to Pandora (Grace Kelly radio. Do it-- you won't regret it!) and feeling halfway motivated. Why not make the best of every day?? I can do it, and so can you, and even if you have to get up at 5 AM it will be okay! Because your day is a gift, made special for you, wrapped up and polished until you open it when you open your eyes.
And honestly, everybody loves presents. (:

Makeup Lockup

Makeup Lockup

Makeup Throwout

This is my makeup. I put it in the box, locked it, and taped a note over the front. I don't need this- and neither do you. You are beautiful all on your own. You don't need powders, creams, and brushes to turn heads. I allowed myself mascara and eyeliner for special occasions, but every other single "makeup" item I have is either in the trash, or in this box. And I'm keeping it out, so I can see it every day, and remember why it's there. We don't need makeup. I am more than the prettiest face I can muster. I have thoughts, ideas, hopes, fears- and I don't need to be pretty for any of that. I'm not here to impress you with my perfectly tinted cheekbones, I'd rather catch you with my smile. I don't greet you with my delightfully colored eyelids, I want to captivate you with my eyes. I don't need the perfect tan when I've got a hearty laugh on my side. Do my insights matter when you're busy checking my eyeliner for flaws? Are my teeth white enough for your liking, my tan lines subtle enough that you won't notice? Well, I'm sick of caring. Who I am can't shine through layers of foundation, bronzer, coverup, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush, lipgloss... All anyone should need is the chapstick in their pocket and the love in their hearts.

"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." -Kahlil Gibran

What I need from you, my friends, is support and love. I can be very self conscious without makeup, and I don't expect this will be easy. I could use all the love I can get.
Xoxo!!

40 things.

Today, I happened to click on a link that someone had posted to facebook, and it took me here. 40 Extraordinary Things Happening Right Now. Right now. I loved it! I had a smile on my face through the entire list, and somehow I feel like I will be exploring this blog extensively in the next few days. It seems like the kind of thing that changes people.
I know this was a really short post, but I would love it if you read the list and then come tell me what you think. Happy reading!!
Xoxo.

The Itch...

Well, I've got it again. The itch. And boy, is it ITCHY!!!
The itch to change.. Things are all the same again. But this craving is for a different kind of change.. I don't feel the urge to move my room around, to cut or dye my hair, to get a new car(though if you're offering, of course I won't decline). This isn't the itch to get a new look, go on a quick shopping spree, take a walk someplace new. I want change. I want to move to another country, build an orphanage for the homeless, go backpack through Europe, take a wild, crazy risk. I want to quit my job and go search for my soul on the beaches in Thailand, the mountains in New Zealand, the streets of Paris, the museums of Rome. I want to look for myself somewhere so far from home that it's almost silly.
I want to jump in my car, put in a mix of good old fashioned rock and good new indie, and drive. And drive. And drive. I want to end up somewhere I never expected, learn things I could not have fathomed, do things I would have never believed. I want to explore, to meet people, to feel. I want to hear a strangers story, maybe tell them mine. I want to learn, to teach, to grow.
This is a monumental itch, one that is entirely new to me. My soul is in here somewhere, and it is begging for me to scratch.

Gratitude Challenge!

In my Mind/Body connection class, our teacher posed a challenge. It was the last day of class. This wasn't something we had to do, just something she suggested. She called it a gratitude challenge. It goes something like this..
Everyday for one year, write down 3 specific things you are thankful for.
That's it! And it sounds so fantastic. I've already started, and it really does make you feel better. Just spending a few minutes each day to write down the good things that happened makes such a huge difference. It leaves me focusing on the good things that happened that day instead of the bad. It's a huge reminder of everything in life their is to be thankful for. Life is such a huge blessing, and I think sometimes we forget that.
So this is me, challenging you!! Think about what you're grateful for in life, and if you're up for it, do the Gratitude Challenge. I promise it will be worth it!!

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice."
-Meister Eckhart

"God gave you 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you?'"
-William A. Ward

Spring Break

What did you do for Spring Break? California, maybe? A trip on a plane to somewhere warm and toasty? Did you work on your tan and meet someone intriguing on the beach? Pshaw, I say! Boring, conventional, positively normal! Did you ever think about spending the day playing in the rain and exploring locations you generally take for granted- with your best friend?!

Yes, that's right. I did something fabulous.

Lisette and I drove out to Antelope Island, and then explored the Hogle Zoo. Beautiful. We drove around for hours, listening to My Brother, My Brother, and Me, joking around, taking pictures. Pure bliss. I haven't had a day like that in a long time. These pictures are simply my end of the picture taking. She has oodles more on her camera. And it was a blast!

Seriously, though.. If you live in Utah, have you been to Antelope Island? And when was the last time you took a peek at those lovely critters in the zoo? If you don't live in Utah.. I'm sure there are many places nearby that you never even think about. Sitting around, Saturday afternoon, bored out of your wits, you may pine for a getaway. A vacation, something away from the monotony of your everyday. What about that little spot less than an hour from your front door? Do you think about that? I'm 19, and I am nearly ashamed to say this was my first trip to the island- but it certainly won't be my last. It was positively gorgeous, and I'm just dying to see it in the sunshine.

Not to say I didn't enjoy the rain. I love rain! We had the place nearly all to ourselves. It was breezy and sprinkly and fun. We got a little silly, and I have to say, I was head over heels in love with this day. Looking out over the Great Salt Lake, listening to rain drum on the roof of the car, just being.. Fabulous. The life to live, for certain.

And the zoo!! There were only a few other people there, so no lines, no crowds, no rush. Just a couple 4 year old teenagers running around and taking pictures. It was a blast. An experience I'm already longing to repeat.

So that's my Spring Break. A day full of mystery and adventure, just an hour from my house. I challenge you, the next time you need to escape, to escape somewhere nearby. Try it! See if maybe, just maybe, you actually enjoy it. (:

Finishing the 30 day challenge..

A little late, for sure.
An art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc) that means something to me.
- A song that makes me cry (or nearly)
- A drawing that I have done.
- A photograph of myself today + three good things that have happened in the past 31 days


Art piece:
Okay, I just spent like 20 minutes trying to decide what to give you.. And I've got nothing. So.. I love art. I am obsessed with arts festivals, museums, and just plain pretty pictures. I love fun designs, awesome crafts, funky music, the works. I will really try and think of something specific to put up, but my range is so broad, I just don't think it's going to happen.


A song that makes me cry:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqfLVDIZcP8


A drawing that I have done:

I am NOT obsessed with starbucks!!... Okay, maybe I am. But I'm okay with that.


A Photograph of myself today and 3 good things:

This was actually last night, but I figure it's close enough. 3 good things..
1. I finished Pride & Prejudice!!
2. I have been dancing every single Monday & Thursday since I finished training at work.
3. The super cute guy from Studio asked for my number!!




So there's me finished. The challenge is OVA!!! Even if it took a lot longer than 30 days, I'm proud of myself. I hope I haven't bored you to death, and that maybe you've learned at least something interesting! Much love to you all. (:

A photo that makes me angry/sad - My dream house

This photo makes me extremely sad. That's my Jewel. My lovely Julia, who's been gone for about 2 and a half years.. Wow. It's been so long, but at the same time it feels like it's been a minute.

Isn't she beautiful?

My dream house..

That's tough. I want it big enough for my family, but not overly spacious. Cozy. (: I want it to be beautiful, quaint, eclectic, and fun. Mysterious. Maybe a little old-fashioned. A secret stairway would be fantastic. Somewhere it would be fun to explore. (: I dunno. That's just off the top of my head. But I think it would be great!

My favourite book - A photo that makes me happy

My favourite book.. Heavens, that's hard! If you know a thing about me, you know I love to read.. Dean Koontz is a biggie. And little kid books, The Giving Tree and Chrysanthemum. Bliss to You is amazing. Odd Thomas and the subsequent series. Angels and Demons, plus a few other Dan Brown books. I'm not ashamed to admit I love the Harry Potter series. And that's just the beginning!!

Freak! Just one picture?? Okay..

'67 Chevy Impala, a la Supernatural. Isn't it just.. Gorgeous? -sigh-

Something I could never get tired of doing.

Dancing. Oh my, dancing for sure. I love it. I looooovelovelove it. I love going country dancing at Studio, modern dancing and ballroom at school, and dancing around the aisles at the grocery store. I love dancing while I'm getting ready in the morning, getting ready for bed, and walking to the break room at work. I just LOVE to dance. And if you know me AT ALL, you know this is true. I can't hold my soul still.
I love to move. I love to feel the electricity through my whole body, fingertips to toes, inside and out, all over the place. Dancing is the most beautiful, pure thing I could ever do. It's the true expression of myself. I feel so fulfilled when I'm dancing, it's absolutely absurd. And there's nothing I would rather do every day for the rest of my life.

My celebrity crush..

Teehee..

And my personal favorite..

Get the picture?

5 of my biggest pet peeves

1. Negativity. We're here to enjoy life, so freakin enjoy it! You're just going to get yourself all depressed, angry, upset, and that makes you sick, so then it gets worse. Just not fun. \:
2. Debbie Downers. Not only are they miserable, they want everyone to be miserable with them. Lighten up a little. You'll have more fun. (:
3. Getting SUPER offended when no offense is intended. Not everything is a personal affront, and you're not going to get very far if you take it as such. Again, lighten up! You meet some cool people and learn some awesome stuff. (:
4. Stingy, high-and-mighty, proud. Whatever you want to call it. God created us all equal, and God doesn't make mistakes. It won't kill you to play in the mud every now and again. It could be the most valuable experience of your life.
5. Stupid infomercials in the middle of my cartoons! They're long, boring, and a complete disaster. Waste of my life.
So that's it! Apparently, those are 5 of my biggest pet peeves.. At least, what I thought of when I saw the prompt and panicked for ideas. (: Hope you enjoyed!

My worst habit

Hmm.. This one's tough. There's a few bummerific things that I do. Procrastinating, overthinking, overreacting.. Maybe my worst habit is being too neurotic? I'm not sure. What do you think??

(PS, Sorry it was so short.. This prompt was kinda boring..)

6 Days

I missed something like 6 days.. So now I get to catch up. Sorry.
1. A photo of something that makes me happy.

This is Batman. (: This photo was taken at a bonfire Friday, January 28th. I absolutely love it. (:

2. Something I crave a lot.

Frozen yogurt!! Oh, yay.. This one looks like it's from Yogurtland- which is my personal fave for froyo(in case you wanna score points..).

3. What's in my purse?
School stuff, mostly! Deodorant, pencils, makeup, a waterbottle, my planner.. Oh, and baby wipes. Yep, you read right, baby wipes. (:

4. A photo of something that means a lot to me.

Mine & Batman's feet (: I'm showing off my supportive Argyle socks. We were waiting for my keys to be delivered. He took this picture all on his own, and I love it. How is this something that means a lot to me, you may ask? It's the little things. Finding an opportunity in a somewhat smelly situation. He took this picture, and I thought it was absolutely adorable. I love this. It means the world to me that he thinks this stuff is important, that he looked at our feet resting on the same chair and thought, "Hey, I should take a picture of that!"

5. A photo of somewhere I've been to.
Here's a few pictures from my cruise. I love them all. (:

I don't want to totally overwhelm you, so I'll leave it at that. (:

6. A picture of me last year and now and how have I changed since then?

This is October 2009. My hair is longer, my room is different. I'm happier. I believe in life. I have no idea what else to say. (:

So this post is probably finished now! Thanks for putting up with my procrastinating nature.. Was that grammatically correct? Anyway, I love you!! :D

PS, my philosophy:

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anyone."

-Audrey Hepburn

A photograph of the Town I live in

Both of these photos came up when I searched my town on Google Images. I loved them. (:

That's my town! I'm sure it's not the best in the world, but it's mine. I know where everything is, most of my friends are close, I know all the tricks and treats. (:

That's all!!

A photo and description of what's in my makeup bag

My makeup bag! So.. You can't see everything. But there's mascara, and a cool double ended makeup thingy that I don't use often(it's the black and white tube with the silver middle), a couple brushes, 3 eyeliners, a pencil sharpener, blush, eyeshadow, and these cool face wipes that soak up oil. They're super nifty. (: And that's about it! I absolutely love it. (:

A photo of the Item I last Purchased

I went to Starbucks for breakfast this morning. (: It was extremely delicious!! Just saying.

And that's my last purchase!

A Recipe..

Olive Garden Italian Cream Soda
4oz Orange Syrup (Or any flavor you'd prefer.)
4oz half and half
10oz Club Soda

This is a bittersweet recipe for me.. Because I accidentally stopped drinking soda. It makes me sick. So.. It's really delicious, but I can't have it. Maybe you can enjoy it!!

A photo of an animal I'd love to keep as a pet. AND A song to match my mood, and why.

Okay, I was a slacker yesterday. And I'm sorry. Can you ever forgive me? To make up for it, I'm doing todays and yesterdays in one post. (:
So first, the animal.. Seriously, I do NOT want any pets! I have a cat, and as some of you know, I think that was a mistake. I am a college student, with friends, a boyfriend, a job, a life. I just don't have time for an animal. So that one was pretty easy. (:
A song to match my mood... (*:
Smile- Uncle Kracker
That song is pretty much always stuck in my head lately. (: Also..
The Way I Am- Ingrid Michaelson
That one gets stuck pretty quick, too. (: I love this music! Happy, smushy, lovey-dovey music. Thanks to Batman. (;
I guess that's all for today. Love you all, and I hope you enjoy!

A photo of myself two years ago..

Okay, so it's over 2 years ago. But it's the best I could do. (:

Sadie Hawkins. I'm on the left, with my butt hanging out. Haha c'est la vie!

It was fun. And forever ago. And that was my life. (: