Twenty-one things to do

My top twenty-one things to do when the weather isn't so wonderful.

1. Go for a run. After five minutes of jogging, your Monday blues are sure to fly away.
2. Clean and organize. If you have to stay inside, it's probably best to be a little productive, right?
3. Do laundry. Taking warm clothes out of the dryer will warm your hands.
4. Watch old episodes of a favourite TV show. For example, season two of The Office.
5. Eat ice cream out of the carton. Root beer float ice cream. Yum!
6. Write a missionary.
7. E-mail your missionary, and be sure to catch him online so you can have a short conversation.
8. Watch episodes of an old show. Happy Days is my choice. And yes, I kind of have a slight crush on the young Ron Howard.
9. Switch things up. Move your room around. Or switch rooms! I am now in the process of moving into my sister's old room -- mostly because the closet is double the size of my current closet.
10. Read a good book. Preferably while lying in bed or on a couch in a cozy manner.
11. Make lists. Make plans. Set goals.
12. Dejunk. A little spring cleaning is good for the soul.
13. Browse shops online. You get the benefit of seeing pretty things without stepping outside. Win-win.
14. Laugh. Remember that laughter is the best medicine. It can even cure 'yucky weather sickness'.
15. Discover a new band. New discoveries make me happy, which makes me forget my troubles. Again, that's a win-win.
16. Take a walk down memory lane. I am definitely a sentimental person and tend to keep everything. Movie tickets, concert tickets, mini golf scoring cards. I love my memories, and love my little keepsakes that trigger that nostalgia.
17. Read your scriptures -- which you should be doing anyhow!
18. Take time to sit and think. Just think. No computer. No TV. Just you and your thoughts.
19. Have a cup of delicious peppermint tea (sans caffeine, of course). Mmm.
20. Listen to a little Jack Johnson. I'm pretty sure that soothing voice of his is the cure to any trouble.
21. Count your blessings. Name them one by one. (And it will surprise you what the Lord has done).

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I'm pretty sure you can't have a bad day when you involve Michael Scott and the gang. No siree.

Discovery

In the mood for some music discoveries? Check out this site, You Should Be Listening to This. I promise you will not regret it!

Twenty-one reasons

Twenty-one reasons why I love my life today:

1. I have the greatest family. I have a mom and dad who love me and care about me -- and don't charge me rent! They are also two of my best friends. I also have two wonderful siblings who are pretty awesome and are my best friends too. 

2. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love this. I love the gospel and the blessings and light and it brings to my life. I know that without it, I would be a very different person. I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. I'm not sure if there is anything more important than knowing that!

3. I have fabulous friends. Laughing while eating ice cream is probably not the best idea, but it does lead to more laugh and good memories too. 

4. I love a boy, and he loves me too. Not being with Justin has been really hard these past eight months, but knowing that he is thinking of me while I am thinking of him definitely makes this experience a little more bearable.

5. Tonight my uncle James (who is visiting from Colorado) made his famous Philly Cheese Steaks for lunch with the missionaries and Candi and Chantelle. If you don't love life after biting into one of those, you might not really be alive.

6. I live in a beautiful country. I love being Canadian. Yes, the winters aren't ideal. True, it is not fun to wake up to snow in May. But, this is my home. I am very blessed to live where I do.

7. I can read. Yes, I can. It may seem silly that at nearly twenty-one I am making this statement as if it's a big deal. Actually, it is. It's shocking how many adults are not literate. I am so grateful that I was raised in a home where I was taught to read, and to love reading. I love it. Love, love, love!

8. I have a job. This past week, I had very little motivation to be at work. It was hardly busy, and I found myself wanting to be sent home early every day, but I wasn't -- even though we weren't making enough money to reach of daily targets. Now that that week is over, I can see it as a tender mercy of the Lord. I am grateful to have a job that I enjoy, and a boss that appreciates what I can offer the company. And, the discount on clothes doesn't hurt either -- except that it does sometimes! It's kind of a bad idea for me to work in a clothing store, but I am now seeing it as a daily lesson in self mastery. 

9. I have really good taste in music. Of course I do! I love my music. It calms me. It inspires me. It motivates me. 

10. I feel like I am progressing. Some days I only improve an inch and a centimeter, but I feel like I am becoming a better person. I can look back to a year ago and see how I have changed. I kind of love that. 

11. I have arms and legs that work -- and eyes and ears too! I don't think I need to explain that. I definitely love that I have been blessed with a body that works very well, which means I should take better care of it!

12. I bought yogurt a week ago and have definitely enjoyed it. I love yogurt. I am a sweet-lover, so having a little cup of yogurt helps me with my sweet cravings so that I will stop adding the pounds that have been piling on these past few months.

13. Did I mention that I love a certain boy? Because that is definitely worth another number. I love Justin. He is so amazing! I don't think I could ever accurately express how much I love him and how wonderful he is. I am so lucky. Too lucky, actually. But, I'm certainly not complaining!

14. Along with having friends to laugh with, I have friends that support me and help me when times are tough. One of these friends is Justin's sister, Bailey. She is so sweet. She is always encouraging me, and makes me smile. I look forward to having a little sister! Being the youngest, I always felt like I was missing something by not having a younger sibling -- mainly because I wanted to mould my sibling in my image. So, I am pretty thrilled that when I get married, I will have three younger siblings (in law)!

15. I just got home from a very spiritual evening, topped off by a great heart to heart with a wonderful friend. Did I mention that I love my friends?

16. My dad bought cotton candy ice cream and rainbow ice cream. YUM!

17. Tomorrow is Monday. Enough said.

18. I have been feeling incredible motivation these past few days. I am ready to get my life in order, and grow up! I kind of love being an adult (without a lot of adult responsibilities like rent!)

19. It did not snow today. Yes, it did rain and the sun didn't stay out for long, but it did not snow. I am counting my blessings!

20. My toe nails are painted purple, which is probably my new favourite polish colour.

21. I wore my new red lipstick today. Along with a polka-dot shirt and my favourite tweed skirt. 

And this is why I love my life!

Eight months

Just as I have favourite days of the week, I have favourite dates of the month too. For the next sixteen months, it will always be the 30th. I look forward to the end of every month, because it means that I am one month closer to seeing Justin. I love having something like that to look forward to!
Today, being the 30th, we have reached eight months, which means that we are 1/3 of the way through! It looks like time is actually passing and not standing still as I often feel it is.

Happy Sabbath, friends!
And to my Canadian friends, I hope you enjoyed the regional stake conference! Amazing, right?

Twenty-one

In twenty-one days, I will be twenty-one. Yep, that's right. Twenty-one. I feel pretty grown-up saying that.
So, to kick off "Twenty-one Days to Kristipalooza", I have decided to do a 'top 21' list every day for the next three weeks.
Week one, here we go!

Top twenty-one songs this week (in no particular order)

1. "Piazza, New York Catcher", Belle and Sebastian
2. "Mushaboom", Feist
3. 'The Way We Get By", Spoon
4. "Call it Off", Tegan and Sara
5. "Summer in the City", Regina Spektor
6. "Single Ladies", Beyonce
7. "Sleep Through the Static", Jack Johnson
8. "Hit or Miss", New Found Glory
9. "Phantom Limb", The Shins
10. "Chicago", Sufjan Stevens
11. "Ageless Beauty", Stars
12. "All You Ever Wanted", The Black Keys
13. "Feels Good", Matt Dusk
14. "This is for Real", Motion City Soundtrack
15. "Wreck of a Life", Sam Roberts
16. "Heads Will Roll", Yeah Yeah Yeahs
17. "Kids", MGMT
18. "China Grove", The Doobie Brothers
19. "The '59 Sound", The Gaslight Anthem
20. "In a Cave", Tokyo Police Club
21. "You Can't Hurry Love", Diana Ross and the Supremes

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I could listen to Belle and Sebastian any day, every day for the rest of my life. Mainly because they are Scottish. Umm, love!

Which songs made your 'top twenty-one' list this week?

These boots were made for splashing

With the wet, wet weather that we've been experiencing for the past twenty-four hours, I am definitely wishing that I owned a pair of cute rain boots such as a great pair of Hunters. I am a little more than a bit envious that my dear friend Chantelle owns a pair.
And, also tell me why Target is so far away! It seems everything I love isn't allowed to be in Canada. 

I think these cuties from Target are begging me to take them for a day of puddle jumping! 

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Cake pops

I love to bake. A lot. And I am dying to try my hand at making some 'cake pops', but I'm a little nervous. Friends, have you tried to make them? If so, please send your advice my way!

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Delicious, right?

Walking By

I walk to and from work every day now that it is springtime and sunny out, so I have about 45 minutes of walking each day. I love my iPod(s) and generally take them along with me so I can listen to my music as I walk. However, this week I decided that since I have the talks from the last two years of CES broadcasts on my iPod, I should listen to that. Definitely a good idea! I have definitely noticed a difference in my attitude, and a greater desire to do the things that I need to do.
I feel so blessed to live in a time where I have the words of the Prophet and other church leaders at my fingertips -- quite literally. Which reminds me! Friends who own an iPod Touch or iPhone, you must get the new application developed by the church, Gospel Library. It is amazing! It has everything from scriptures to General Conference talks to the Sunday School curriculum guide. Amazing!
I know that my Heavenly Father loves me, and I am so thankful for the reminders of that fact that I receive daily.

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I love how our church uses technology to our advantage.

 Daily inspiration with a touch? Yes, please. 

Sunday Girl

Ah, what a day! As I've mentioned a few times, Sundays are one of my favourite days (next to Mondays, of course). I love going to church, feeling the spirit, spending time with family and not working!
Today was an extra special day, because I got to go to my parents' ward for my (distant) cousin Colby's mission farewell. I still can't believe he's old enough to go on a mission! Yikes! After a very spiritually uplifting sacrament meeting, I got to entertain a primary class of kids 5-7 while Candi spoke with the Bishop. Five kids trying to beat me at Rock, Paper, Scissors is definitely entertaining!
After church, the Crapo's had a family potluck which was wonderful! When David and I went up to get our food, we were a little taken back by the great assortment. I am not used to potlucks of that grandeur. I am used to the kind where I am left with my plate half full because I am really skeptical of nearly everything on the table -- not today! Halfway through the table, my plate was already full. Delicious! It was great to just sit and talk with family and enjoy the Sabbath day.
And, I got to end it by hanging out with my big brother and watching The Princess Bride. Perfect.

Oh, and ps. Happy belated birthday to my dad who had his birthday yesterday! We went out for Chinese after work last night. Again, delicious! I have definitely been spoiled in my meals this weekend.

Black Dresses

It's here! Did you hear that squeal of delight about three hours ago? That was me. I'm just a little thrilled that my new dress came today. And, bonus: it fits! 

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Inspiration

Sorry. Another post. I had to post this video though. I know some of you read NieNie, and I think that everyone needs to watch this video. Amazing. Stunning. Inspiring.

Dress Up in You

Anthropologie has some wonderful pieces this season. I am in love so I needed to share! For example, this sweet and simple little navy dress. Imagine this paired with a white shrug, and bright flats. This dress is begging me to take it on vacation. Paris, anyone?

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All About Me

Today, I thought I would share a little bit about myself. Here are a few things you may not know about me.

1. I am a list girl. I make lists for everything! Everything. What to buy. What to pack for a trip. Movies to watch. Names of my future children. You name it, I've made a list for it.
2. When I first started university almost three years ago, I planned to become a writer. Having a novel published has always been on my 'bucket-list' and I really hope to cross that off one day. I would still love to become a writer, but we'll see. Ideally, I would live in New York and work for a fashion magazine. A girl can dream, right?
3. I have watched every single episode of Gilmore Girls at least three times. Season three has been watched a few more times than that. And even though I have watched every episode so many times, I still love it. I have even been known to finish a whole season (20-24 episodes) within a weekend. Funny story, one Christmas, my sister and I both made shirts with a quote from the show for each other.
4. I have always dreamed of owning my own clothing boutique -- something super unique with one of a kind pieces. And lately, I've been thinking of doing a boutique/bakery. (Mom gave me the idea for that one).
5. I was going to say for another point that I have lived in the same city all my life, and then I realized that that isn't completely true. When I was two, I lived with my family in Phoenix for two months while my dad was going to school. I don't remember it though.
6. I love to clean -- but only when it's my decision and I have time to devote the energy to it.
7. I have always had an obsession with Europe. I think London was my first love -- even though I've never been there. My new European love is Italy. Talking about Italy in my Art History class last semester made my heart hurt because I wanted to be there so badly! One day.
8. Since I was about seven years old, I have wanted glasses. But, despite the fact that everyone in my family needs glasses I have been blessed (or cursed) with perfect vision, probably thanks to the huge amount of carrots I ate as a child. However, a lack of need for percription glasses has not stopped me from owning a few pairs of glasses. I love it when people ask when I got glasses or comment that they've never seen me wear my glasses and assume I wear contacts. Funny.
9. I read magazines back to front.
10. I am probably one of the most indecisive people you know. Take me to a restaurant and it will take me at least ten minutes to decide what I want to eat. I've been searching for a new comforter for my bed, but I haven't bought one yet because I can't decide what I want. However, even though I can't decide about the simple things, the important things are definitely easy for me to commit to.

Story time

Good evening, friends. I thought tonight would be a good night for story time. Ready?
Let's go back a few years to the summer of 2007. I had just turned eighteen, graduated high school, was having my first experience being in a YSA ward and looking forward to my first semester of university. And oh yeah, I didn't fit in -- anywhere. I still felt really young in my ward and around my friends who were all at least a year older than me, but I also didn't fit in with my friends that were a year or two younger than me because I felt too old. I was excited for what the next few years of my life would have to offer, but I had no idea what life had in store for me. Previous to the summer, I had registered to attend EFY (a youth program put on by the church) in August. I had only had the chance to attend two other times, so I thought I would want to go one last time. As the date grew closer, I was excited, but was feeling afraid that I would be the oldest one there, or a loner because all of my friends in my stake were attending the week after. But, I thought it would still be a good opportunity for me and that I could at least have a good spiritual experience if I couldn't have a social one.
August 6 2007 came, and there I was white EFY shirt in hand, room key and butterflies in my stomach to keep me company. I had no roommate that year, because she didn't show up, so my loneliness was only expanded. And then we met as a group and I met my Fisher ladies. I felt a little better, and could see that I might have a good week. Then, my favourite part of the week came -- meeting the boys. I was not looking for Prince Charming as I had the two years previous, but was excited to meet more people. Looking back on that day, I feel like I should have had a feeling that my life was about to change, but I didn't. So, as we come to meet our boys, we turn the corner and there they are, ready to escort us to our company spot. I was first in the line, and this cute boy extends his arm to me. I wish I could remember that moment with greater clarity, but I didn't know how important it would become. I learned that this boy was named Justin and happened to know my distant cousins who live just outside of Edmonton. I didn't think much of that, but was glad to have someone to talk to. Justin was really easy to talk to, and super sweet. Over the next few days, we somehow bonded and then pow! I realized I kind of had a thing for this guy -- even though he was a year younger than me! Yikes. (It seemed like a big deal back then).
So, after a week of beginning a friendship, I knew that I liked him and wanted to keep in contact. And lucky for me, I have a brother living in Edmonton so I thought maybe we would be able to go on a date -- which he suggested at one point during the week. Each day after that week, I made an effort to send Justin a message on facebook. That "kind of like" that I was feeling on Saturday morning as we said goodbye turned into definitely like!
We went on our first date on September 22, 2007 and continued to go on a date every month after that. I am so glad, so so glad that I met Justin that day. Sitting here today, nearly three years later, I can't even remember what my life was like before I met him. I often forget that I haven't known him all my life -- and I kind of love that.

Here we are on banquet night at EFY. It's a good thing we had fewer guys in our group than girls and were able to convince Justin that he could take me as well as Laura. Oh, young Kristi. If only you could see how amazing your future would be!

I hope you enjoyed the story, friends. I might have to make this a regular thing. I love story time.

Missionary update

Another six weeks have come and gone and as promised, here is an update on our favourite missionary!
I was so excited to get home from work today and find an e-mail from my guy. He has finally been transferred out of Yucaipa (where he has loved serving for the past seven and a half months) and is now with Elder Fry in Hemet, California (just south of where he was previously). He is always so optimistic about his mission experience and is working so hard! I am so proud of him! Two more weeks and we will have reached eight months! We're almost 1/3 of the way through!

Ah, I love my missionary. 

Weekends

Busy does not even begin to describe what my weekend was like! It was full. I feel full from it. Not stomach-full, but heart-full. I was busy participating in busy things, which is the best.
Yesterday morning, I was privileged to witness a historical moment. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Calgary Alberta Temple (oh, I love how that sounds!) happened yesterday and I got to be there! I never expected there to be a temple in Calgary, so I am so excited that this is happening! I am so excited for it to really begin!
Then, right after the ceremony, I along with my mom, sister and brother-in-law drove down to Cardston for my cousin's daughter's baptism. I am so happy that we got to go! Even though we were only there for a few hours, it was well worth it! I still can't believe that that little baby I held eight years ago is old enough to be baptized! But, I suppose that if I am getting older, other people will be getting older too!
I am definitely counting my blessings today. I love the sunshine, and I love my family!

My mom and I with B. (Thanks for taking the pictures, Sarah!)

ps. tomorrow is transfers for our missionary! So come back to find out what his story is!

Help, please!

Friends, I need your help.
I might be in a need of another part-time (or full-time) job. So, please keep your eyes and ears open for me! And let me know if you have any suggestions of places for me to apply!

Spring, Spring, Spring

I think spring is here! Really, truly here.
This morning I was awakened by the sound of the streets being cleaned. Every year, when I see those signs on the street at the beginning of May, I get a little excited. It's one of the signs that spring is really here, and (maybe, hopefully) here to stay!
I love spring. I think (along with fall) it is the most beautiful season. Spring means new life. Spring means sunshine (but not sunburns). Spring means walking to work without frostbite, and without sweat. Spring means light rain and the intoxicating smell of newly blossomed flowers. Spring means going outside without a jacket. Spring means love (but for me winter, fall and summer mean love too).

Beautiful lilacs at the Legislature in Edmonton. May 2008. 

Spring and I are pretty much best friends. 

Belated

I just realized that today is May 10, which means I missed a very important day six days ago.
Happy birthday, Ms. Audrey! If the wonderful Audrey Hepburn were still alive today, she would be 81 -- the same age as my Papa!
She really was an amazing woman, and I am sad that I didn't know about her until after her death. But, lucky for me, I did discover her and she has become a continuous fountain of inspiration to me. Oh, how I want to be just like her!

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Happy Mothers Day!

If you think you have the best mom, you are mistaken (unless you are my sibling), because I have the best mom -- hands down. I love my mom. She has always been there for me whenever I needed her for the past twenty-one years (I'm including my time in utero). My mom has a very tender heart and has always been sympathetic to my experiences -- whether it has been missing my missionary, being frustrated with classes, or just my innate impatience with everything in life. My mom has taught me so much and has always practiced what she preached. My mom (along with my dad) taught me to pray, how to read, how to be a good friend, how to work hard, and how to put the Lord first.
I love my mom very much, and feel so blessed to have her in my life. Even though I would love to be more financially stable in my life right now and be able to move away from home, I am happy that I get to stay and learn more from my parents and grow to love them more.
Today, as I was reflecting on the lessons my mom has taught me throughout my life -- whether by word or action -- I felt much like Helaman's stripling warriors. My mother has taught me the truth and I do not doubt that she knows it.
I am definitely looking forward to the day when I get to hold a baby of my own in my arms and put into practice what my mom has taught me. If I anything that my mom has taught me has really sunk in past the surface, I know I will be just fine.

I love you, mom! Happy Mothers Day!

Have you laughed today?

Do you need a laugh tonight? If you do, you've come to the right place. I love this video. Candi and Chantelle definitely do a better rendition though. Hours of laughter.

The List

There are a few blogs of people that I do not know personally that I read daily. One of these is Lauren at busybeelauren. She is so talented and creative and always has perfect hair. Today, she posted her top ten favourite things about yesterday, so I decided to do my own version.
Here is my top ten favourite things about this week so far.

10. Working out every day. I actually really love to exercise, but often lack motivation to do it. Two weeks ago, I bought a new workout DVD (Cardio Pilates!), and I love it! I am just waiting for the weather to be happy again so that I can go for a good jog. My running shoes are feeling a little neglected so far this month.

9. I ordered a few things from Forever 21 this week, and the package arrived yesterday. New headbands. New necklace. New glasses. Love. (I also love that they have a Canadian store so that I don't have to worry about currency conversion or extra shipping costs).

8. My hair cooperated three days in a row. This sounds silly, I know. But last week, I decided I needed a trim very badly, but it didn't go the way I wanted so Sunday and Monday were very bad hair days. Then Tuesday my hair decided to be friends again.

7. I got to pick out the classes I want to take in the fall (but I have to wait until June to register). I am excited to go back to school, especially after the awful semester that just ended. I need to be excited about my education again!

6. This week is the Celebrity Invitational Tournament on Jeopardy. I love Jeopardy and I love Jeopardy tournaments!

5. I ate a veggie-infused dinner every night this week. I am definitely feeling healthy.

4. I was reminded many times of how much I love my guy. I love little things that make me think of him, and of us. It makes my heart happy.

3. I had the opportunity to go to institute twice this week with two of my favourite people. ("Jazz body", anyone?)

2. I got a very sweet letter from my very sweet missionary. A letter with lots of "I love you"s, and lots of encouragement. I think he encourages me more than I do for him.

1. On Monday, I was on the computer while Justin was on to do his weekly e-mails. I always try to be online at that time, and it has been such a blessing that we get to catch each other and e-mail back and forth for a bit every week. I really treasure those times. I am so lucky.

All in all, it has been a good week. I'm glad I took the time to reflect back and see how good it has been. Often I forget how lucky I am and focus on what I don't have, rather than what I do have. Ah, I am so blessed!

512 days. 512 days. 512 days.

So Jealous

Sunday is Mother's Day. Of course I am looking forward to that day, because I get to celebrate the fact that I got the best mom. But, a teensy-tiny part of me (well, it's a big part of me at this moment) is sad that Mother's Day is coming. Why? Mother's Day is the day (along with Christmas day) that missionaries are given permission to call their families. So, on Sunday, Justin gets to call his family and they get to hear his voice. I am so jealous. I would give anything to hear that voice for just a minute. Of course his family has dibs on him, but sometimes I forget that. Maybe I didn't learn my lesson as a child, and still have issues with sharing. I love his family, and am really happy for them that they get to hear from him in four days. I'm just sad I don't.
Okay, pity party over.

I miss that face.

"I love your funny face"

I love to watch movies while I bake -- especially Audrey movies (fun fact: I was making muffins the first time I watched Breakfast at Tiffany's). So, on Monday while I made my dessert for FHE potluck (strawberry shortcake which turned into a makeshift trifle), I watched Funny Face. I have been itching to watch it for a few weeks, but didn't want to watch before going to sleep, because I didn't want to fall asleep. This movie is too good to fall asleep during.

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Fred Astaire, you can dance outside my hotel room in Paris while I watch from the balcony any day!

Nerd

In case you were unaware (and obviously living under a very heavy rock), I am a nerd. A very big nerd. Today, I checked to see what my enrolment date for Fall and Winter semesters was, and found that the class lists are up! So, obviously I picked my course for next year. I am pretty excited. After having a really empty and awful semester this winter, I am looking forward to some challenging, but interesting classes. And apparently, I like the Brits. All of my classes (besides my psychology classes) are about British literature (or history). But, I think it's pretty safe to say that they do it better than anybody. Shakespeare. Keats. Shelley. Austen -- need I say more?

September 13th could not come sooner! (And, bonus! Around that time, we will have reached one year!)

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ps. I am planning to take "British Literature 1950-present" and I think it would be so amazing if I could read some Sophie Kinsella. What do you think the chances would be?

Choose this Day

Happy Sabbath, friends!
Sometimes I get the feeling that Heavenly Father is trying to tell me something. Today, that feeling was pretty powerful.
At my weekly lesson with the missionaries on Friday, they shared another video from Mormon Messages with me. It was exactly what I needed, a little spiritual push to do what I need to do. And today, I decided to go to my parents' ward today and in Relief Society, the teacher shared the same video clip and made it the theme of her lesson. So, I definitely paid attention.
Here is the video. Enjoy!