Something that Produces Results

I feel like I've had a very productive day. A long day followed by a perfect night. I worked eight hours among the crazy boxing day shoppers (who need to practice their literacy skills. If it doesn't say "take an extra x% off, then the price is as marked!). After that, my tired eyes and tired legs came home and I enjoyed some yummy shrimp cooked up by brother. What could make this night greater? "Gilmore Girls" whilst scrapbooking. For Christmas, I decided to make my sister and brother-in-law a wedding scrapbook. But, I wasn't able to finish it before Christmas, so I'm working on it now. I was able to finish two layouts and I think they turned out pretty well. Using all the lovey-dovey type embellishments, I was inspired to make a card for my guy since our anniversary is coming up in a few weeks (two years!). Making this evening even more productive, I prepared my lesson that I get to teach in Relief Society tomorrow. I'm actually pretty excited to teach. I'm the secretary in the Relief Society presidency, so I don't get to teach very often, but since the regular teacher wasn't able to, I was asked to. I love teaching. I'm crossing my fingers it goes well! 

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"I'm in one ear... and I'm in the other!"

Picture this: Bob and Doug. Twelve Days of Christmas. How does it get better than that? I'll tell you. Right ear: me. Left ear: David. Since we could only hear Bob (me) or Doug (David), we decided to repeat everything we heard for a cohesive effect. This was driving home from the Live Nativity Pageant last night. Mom thought we were doing it from memory. I wish! Merry Christmas all! I am very jealous that I am not currently in a living room a few hours from here, listening to the wonderful voice of someone I love very much. But, it's okay. I can wait. I am very blessed to have the family I do, and that we always have such a good time together.Thanks for the laughs. (Name types of paints: red and blue!)

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Fineto!

I am done! Done. Done Done! I had my last exam today! I am so thrilled to be done! Now, I get to read whatever I like, and I won't feel guilty! During my month off (yes, a month!) I plan to work work work, spend a lot of time with my family, read novels not on my reading lists, read some Shakespeare (since I still have that class next semester), write lots of letters, and patiently or not so patiently await the beginning of Winter semester because I am truly a nerd who needs her learning, lecture halls, and books to make her happy! Also, besides the end of the semester, this day is great for some other reasons. My brother is in town (and he is awesome!), I got a package from Justin yesterday (he sent me enough candy to last me until he is home!), and it was a beautiful day out today! I didn't have to wear my winter coat, and no gloves. I love chinooks.

 

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Dear Jack

I need to thank two boys who decided to play "Banana Pancakes" at the my first EFY. That was my first experience with Jack Johnson, and I am so glad for that. Jack Johnson has a special place in my heart for many reasons. Hearing that soft acoustic guitar makes my spirit feel light, and reminds me of listening to my guy strum his guitar. Doesn't his music just make you want to jump a plane to Hawaii, have a bonfire party on the beach then catch some waves in the morning? That's how I feel. Love just melts out of me when I hear that voice. Not only are his melodies beyond beautiful, some of his lyrics are definitely on  my list of "I wish I wrote that". For example, "If I had eyes at the back of head, I would have told you that looked good as I walked away". I just love the simple genius of that. 

Here is Jack Johnson and Matt Costa (another one who melts my heart) singing "Lullaby".

Same Girl

This is me about eighteen years ago. I've changed a little bit. No more blond hair, the chubby cheeks aren't so cute anymore, and I won't be sporting the overalls anytime soon.
But, I think I'm still as happy. I still love being on a swing at the park, and I'm pretty in love with life. Sometimes, it's not so fun. But, it will get better ... until it gets worse. But, then better. And I'll just keep learning. Because being able to learn from my trials is the greatest blessing my Heavenly Father could have ever given me, besides the amazing people I get to share my life with. 

ps: Happy fiftieth post!

Cursed.

I have a curse. I have suffered from this curse for a very long time. And it doesn't look like it will soon become one of those "blessing and a curse" deals any time soon. What is this curse? Expensive taste. For the longest time I have been plagued with a love all things that I can never afford. And it's getting worse! I have recently discovered Christian Louboutin. I want to wear his shoes every day! Every single day. However, one pair cost about the same as I make in a (good) month. But I really, really want them.
Aren't they fabulous? And that signature red sole? Love.

And these Valentino peep-toe pumps? If only money grew on trees. Or even better -- shoes!

Rule Breaker

By nature, I am not a rule breaker. But, today I broke one of my rules. I have a rule for myself that while I'm in school, I don't read any books unrelated to my courses. As an English major, I have plenty of reading to do throughout the semester so adding a 'just for fun' book to the mix is generally not a help. However, last week I picked up a copy of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and with the snow we've had the past few days, I couldn't resist taking it on the train this morning. So far, ten pages in, I love it. And I keep picturing the characters as the muppets since "A Muppets Christmas Carol" is my favourite. I plan to break this rule all week. I'm a true rebel, I know. 

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"We're after the same rainbow's end"

Who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn? Really. If you find that one lone person, sit them down and make them watch (and ENJOY!) one of my all time favourites. Breakfast at Tiffany's. You haven't seen it?! You must watch it! You've already seen it? Watch it again! That's my plan for the evening. My heart just aches (in a good way) every time I hear Audrey sing "Moon River". Holly Golightly, you are a girl after my own heart.

"You gotta swim"

I have a lot of favourite songs. They change almost daily. Today, the prize goes to "Swim (Music Box)" by Jack's Mannequin. It's been my anthem of sorts this week. Once again, Andrew McMahon makes life worth living. 

"You gotta swim,

Swim for your life,

Swim for the music,

That saves you,

When you're not so sure you'll survive,

You gotta swim,

And swim when it hurts,

The whole world is watching,

You haven't come this far,

To fall off the earth."

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Love from California

After ten days without a letter, I finally got one! Two actually. Not talking to Justin has been so hard these past eight weeks. Since the day we met, we have had some sort of communication every day (minus a week), so my withdrawal experience has been a painful one.
He is doing well, though he has his challenges. But he works through them, and he is growing so much. I wish I could be there with him. It sounds like such a beautiful place. But, he has promised to take me to California when he gets home. We've talked about living there too. I've always had this fascination with California since I was a little girl. It's always been my dream to go there.
I've learned a lot these past eight weeks. I've learned about my strengths, my weaknesses. I've realized how much the gospel, and my family mean to me. And, I've learned that I really miss this guy. But, who wouldn't, with a face like this?

Opinions Needed

As I have mentioned before, after a year of keeping my hair short, I have decided to grow it out! I miss my long hair (though I love my short hair!). But, I tend to get bored with my hair, so on Friday, I decided to cut myself some bangs. Thoughts? (please give your opinion. I miss having comments!) 

And, tonight, I have found that I am having success! I can now put most of my hair into a ponytail without having to attack it with bobby-pins! I'm sure you all understand what a breakthrough that is! 

Applied

I did it! After three years of saying I would, I did. What is "it" you ask? I applied to be a counselor for EFY! I've been saying I would for years. But, after talking to my good friend, Chantelle, about it I decided that this is the year. So, we'll see what happens! (Fingers crossed!) I only have two summers left to do it! Hopefully after that, I will no longer be eligible to do it (ie. married!)

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Better Open the Door

I got two letters this week. With pictures! I love letters. I get so excited when I get mail. It's ridiculous! Seriously. Ask my family. For example: last night. My brother picked me up after work (because we had a fireside to go to: with Elder Richard G. Scott speaking!) and we had to get gas before going to the chapel. So, I'm sitting in the passenger seat, minding my own business, and David puts the letter against the window. I was so excited, I couldn't think. I couldn't remember how to open the door. It was quite hilarious. I fool people with my smart brunette locks.

 

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Love.

During the past eight weeks, I have developed a deep and abiding love for poetry. Poetry of all forms, but mostly sonnets. I love sonnets. Along with my love for poetry in general has come the love of this man. 

E. E. Cummings. Genius. I am not a fan of all of his work, but I am a fan of a huge chunk. For instance, this sonnet. 


i carry your heart with me(i carry it in


i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) 

Let's Dance!

I was looking through some pictures that my Uncle James took at my sister's wedding reception and I stumbled across this one. Meet Tyler. He was my favourite dance partner of the evening. Ty is three years old (soon to be four!). He is my cousin Sarah's oldest boy (his younger brother Jake is quite the dancer too). He is such a blast. I love hanging out with this kid. This boy has moves! 

The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot

Meet Jesse Lacey. Music love of my life. When I was fourteen, I heard about this band named Brand New. After hearing their song "Sudden Death in Carolina", I instantly fell head over heels in love. People always say that there was a specific band or album or novel that changed their life, and it seems like it couldn't be true. I never believed it. But it happens. It happened to me. (Actually, it happens all the time). Brand New was such a big influence on me as I was going through my adolescent years. I began to appreciate the art of music so much more when I listened to them. True, Jesse Lacey has some serious anger issues ("Seventy Times Seven" anyone?), and could use some quality time with a professional psychiatrist, but he is immensely talented (if you forget their newest album... what's up with that?!). Really, truly. Find Deja Entendu, sit on your bed, and fall in love. It will make your heart happy.

ps. Is anyone else seeing the resemblance to Morrissey here? I think it may have been planned.

Listen. Watch. Love.

Letters, The Bard, E-mail and Hughes

I love Mondays. Love, Love, Love! "With a capital 'L'!" as Justin says. 
Today, I got an e-mail. A letter. I got to sit in my Shakespeare class and soak up the genius that is William S. I heard and read the beautiful, and moving poetry of Langston Hughes. It was a good day.

 

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Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

I just want to write a quick note to give an update on my missionary! I got an e-mail on Monday and a letter today.

Justin is serving in a city called Yucaipa (You-KI-pa), California. He loves the weather and the palm trees! He didn't tell me much about the people or about his ward that he is serving in. But, I know that he is doing well, and that he is enjoying his mission. I look forward to getting more letters about the people that he will be teaching and serving.
And, tonight, my dad brought me supper at work, and a letter too! As I read my letter, it made me think of Saturday's Warrior when Benji is making fun of Julie for crying while writing Wally. "When she gets a letter from Wally, she blubbers! When she writes a letter to Wally, she bluuuubers!" That's me. Completely. I want letters every day! Or even just the weeks when I get more than one letter! Maybe this week will be one? No, not likely. But, a girl can dream! He's really growing, and I can see it already. Yesterday was the four week mark, and tomorrow is the one month mark. I've survived one month. Twenty-three more can't hurt, right?
Oh, and yes, I am still waiting for Justin. I've already had people ask me that! Even a few days after he left! I am definitely still waiting. Also, on that subject. Justin is still my boyfriend. No, we are not going on dates, and we're not seeing each other for the next two years, as that is sort of frowned upon. But, I'm not giving up on him just because he's serving a mission. He's still alive, and I'm still his. Some people can be really amusing with their views at times. 
And for your viewing pleasure, here's a video that my friend Tat showed me the other day. I hope this never happens to me!

My married sister Marni and her married husband James. Nutso!

I realized that I have not yet said anything about my big sister's wedding! Shameful, I know. Well, 16 days ago, my older sister, Marni married her man, James. It was an incredibly cold, cold day for October, and there was snow! But the happiness radiated off those two like nothing else. I haven't seen either of them so happy before. I got to be her maid of honor, and I was utterly thrilled to pieces to have that responsibility -- ask anyone! I got to throw Marni two showers, which were both great successes, and I got to help in a lot of the preliminary planning -- which I loved! I've been able to plan most of my wedding while planning hers too! Ha ha. So, with the cold, cold, cold temperatures, it was a little difficult to take pictures, but we did. My older brother, David, a promising photographer, did the pictures. He did a really good job. I haven't seen the finished products yet, but I saw most of them before they were edited, and they looked great! He's already booked to do mine. I am so happy for my sister, and my new brother-in-law! It's still so weird to say that. My sister is married. Weird! But, good. She's a good example to me, and I am so happy that Marni and James started their life together by being married in the temple! I love you guys! 

My brother, sister and I. I think David and I pull of the pink well. What do you think?

The happy couple. The Scotts. Married for time and all eternity. October 10, 2009. (I believe these pictures are courtesy of my Uncle James -- not to be confused with my brother-in-law James)

Living in Your Letters

After fourteen very, very, very, very excruciatingly long days, I heard from my missionary! In fact, I received one e-mail, and two letters! I guess he likes me! Ha ha. I decided to check my e-mail this morning before class, and when I saw the name "Justin Marshall", I might have squealed! I was so excited that he e-mailed me today. I wasn't sure if he would. So, I cried for like ten minutes as I read it. Happy tears. I don't think my heart would have been able to take another day without hearing from him. Then, when I came home from class today, there were two letters waiting for me!  Heavenly Father answers prayers in a really big way.
So, here's an update of what Elder Marshall is up to:
He has been in the MTC for two weeks today. He flies to California next week to begin his mission in Riverside. His companion is Elder Cornia, and they are rooming with two other missionaries. They are all American, and they treat him like he is "super foreign". He's amused by that. In his district, there are eight other missionaries that will also be serving in Riverside. On his second day in the MTC, he was called to be the senior companion. He is learning a lot, and working really hard. He's going to be a great missionary these next two years. I can already tell how much he is growing.

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