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Sunday, December 30, 2012

The Scarfbraid #wastingtimeoverchristmasbreak

I have been looking for this forever! About a year ago I saw the scarf braid somewhere, but I could not find it anywhere on the internet, and I couldn't figure out how to do it myself. The other day, it just popped up, presented itself to me as a late Christmas gift #sohappy #fasionblogs #cuttingedge. I have to say that selfishly I don't want to share it because soon enough it could be everywhere #notsocuttingedge. But also, I want my ten or so followers to have fun with their scarves too #ihavesomanyfollowers #imablogger. Anyway, here it is, the scarf braid. It can create a few different looks depending on the scarf and how tight the braid is made.

Here is the site I found it on. They also had lots of other cool scarf knots.



Monday, November 12, 2012

Poem a Day: Haiku

I am here, always,
and if you should disappear,
I will stay for you.

By Tyler Knott Gregson

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

For you, a thousand times over

What I have been reading: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini


Why you should read this book:
  1. To better learn about the modern world outside the United States, and to better understand what happened in Afghanistan.
  2. To see (and feel) Hassan's selfless friendship toward Amir.
  3. To redefine sacrifice, and see both sacrifice and trials in a way most Americans don't understand. 
  4. To know that failing to act or not doing something can be just as bad as doing something or committing a wrong. 
  5. To really understand my favorite line: "For you, a thousand times over."

Why you should not read this book:
  1. It is heart-wrenching. In my opinion, it was not too graphic, but the horrors that were portrayed are devastating.
  2. You may lose some innocence in exchange for reader-experience and a better understanding of the world.

New List of Life Item: Watch a kite fighting festival in real life.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Prezi

Thursday, October 11, 2012

This post is two-fold.

1. Have you ever played the whipped cream game? Perfect for silly freshman who should be studying or sleepovers or late night holidays. You spray a bit of whipped cream on your wrist then move one arm up toward the sky and use your other hand to stop the motion by hitting it. Whipped cream goes flying. While it is in the air, you try to catch it with your mouth. so fun.

2. This is one of my best friends, Carolyn Brown. She is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS church or Mormon church) in Dallas, Texas. Just want to say, she is an amazing missionary! I have been seriously impressed with her success and dedication to the work. I know it is because she is an instrument in God's hand helping bring truth and happiness to the people of Texas. So why do mormons go on missions? and why do I keep posting about the church? Basically, because it is true! The Gospel is true. Not only that, but it brings so much happiness and growth to my life. It is the answer to every life problem. What a wonderful secret that shouldn't be a secret. Everyone should know about it.

Whenever I check the stats for this blog, it tells me what posts are most popular and who sees them. The most popular post are always the posts about the church, especially this post here. It is consistently seen by people from all over the world. Do you know what this means? People really want to hear about the Gospel. I am so grateful for people like Carolyn and all other sorts of missionaries who are sharing the truth and helping people feel God's love.

Also, missionaries can leave at 18 now! (19 for girls.) What a wonderful blessing to everyone really.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

First Day of School #newroomies


      

What I have been reading (and writing)

English 362 - American Literature from 1865-1914

Today we read some Dickenson. Poems number 5, 28, 39, 48, 637, and 1425. Check them out if you are interested. Then I wrote this shabby piece.


In Dickenson’s water whole
My soul estranged
Breathes
—Sometimes water—
“What and if indeed
There were just such a coffin
In the heart instead?”
Don’t die, little bird, I cry
For there is no coffin in my heart
So if you die, there will be no place
To put you. It will be empty
And I will be treading
For shore, as you fly
Fly, fly
Your melodies
you once gave to me, but no
they’re thine

First piece of poetry on the blog. No judging. Just sappy-should-be-studying-too-many-people-in-the-library type of poetry. 

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Hello Utah


Why Everyone Should Hike Timp, Top Ten

1. It is underrated. It is way more challenging then people make it seem, which I love.
2. You have cell service the entire way. So, if you want, you can surprise your other friends who are hiking Timp and tell them where you are.
3. It gives you a new perspective. You can see everything from up there, but you don't really know what is going on anywhere in Utah Valley.
4. You can meet cool people at the top who tell you they will give you free In-N-Out or that you did an awesome job working as a sports camp counselor that summer.
5. You just keep hiking not even realizing how close you are until you are twenty seconds away. Just keep taking little steps and you will get places.
6. At the right time of year, there are lots of wild flowers. You can even pick your favorite and kiss it.
7. Since you see all the different parts of the mountain, you can choose your favorite. I like the waterfalls.
8. From the summit, you can make thank you videos or even promotional videos in a way chill setting.
9. You could even become a TimpPro.
10. Because everyone else does it. And there is a good reason everyone does.

Monday, July 30, 2012

The Truth of the Truth

Just feeling very grateful for Christ's atonement.

I am continually amazed by how perfect and healing God's love is for each individual person. I am so grateful to both my Father in Heaven and my Savior for the atonement. Not only does it make it possible for me to live with God again, but its grace also strengthens me every day. I can feel His love and comfort surrounding me. I trust in Him completely, and what I want most is to love Him and His children and to serve Him by building up His kingdom. I know He lives. He is always there for me. I am so grateful that He has shared His love with me. Check it out: mormon.org.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Sports Camps

What did I do with my summer? Sports Camps! Here is a picture of a bunch of wonderful soccer counselors. This year, I am a dorm counselor, so I don't have a group of girls, but I am over a group of counselors. I miss being a regular counselor and having a group of girls, but I have learned so much as a DC, and I am so grateful I had this opportunity.


The biggest thing I learned:
A good leader loves those she/he serves. Love is the only way to have an good influence on others and inspire change for the better. This love comes from Christ's atonement in which we must rely on for every thing. The counselor who loves her girls, makes a difference in their lives. I was so lucky to work with so many great counselors who did exactly that.

Here is the fam. Well, most of them. For Independence day we made T-shirts. Taylor's wins the most patriotic award.


Ready for a 9:30 meeting in David John Lobby? Yes, this is an awkward couch picture. We girl DC's stick together like glue (or something like that). But, in all reality, I have loved working with each of these girls. They all have very unique gifts that bring so much to the table, but the one thing they all have in common is how freely they love those around them. I am lucky to rub shoulders with them.


Now, it wouldn't be sports camps without a little bit of personality. AKA: ostriching contest. And this isn't the least of it.


And finally, a small little greeting from the Head Counselors. I was often impressed by how well they handled situations and made everything run smoothly. A huge thanks to them and all their hard work. 


I may have made it sound like sports camps are over for the summer. Surprise, they're not. Two more weeks for me! 




Thursday, June 21, 2012

Gold List

Life as a sports camp counselor equals the occasional hospital run. Hospital duty. Today I took twelve year old Lee to the hospital because he had jammed his finger played some bball. He was a pretty cute kid and had lots of questions. Like how does insurance work and what is life insurance. He also had some opinions about spoiled kids and told me about a classmate back home who never does his homework. He was great.

But here is why he goes on the Gold List. Later that day, he gave me a high five as I was riding my bike past a group of him and his friends. Small. Simple. Made a huge difference in my day. Gold List for sure.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Gold List

So every so often there are these people who make a huge difference in my life and have no idea. Of course there any many people making a difference in my life every day, but there are some people who seriously don't even know me or realize that they impacted my life. From now on, these people are going on The Gold List. Starting Now.


  • The girl who passed me pushing my bike up the hill behind the SFH. She gave me the most genuine smile and told me I was almost there. Pushing my bike up that hill wasn't that hard, but other things in life are, and I am so grateful for the little bit of life that she gave me.
  • Maura in my SCED 353 class. Anytime that I come up to sit at her table she makes eye contact with me, smiles, and pushes out the chair for me. She does this for everyone, and it makes you feel loved and part of the group. She doesn't realize how much I needed that some days.
  • Last year this boy named Mark, a freshman, struck up a conversation with me as I was walking to class. Even after he found out I was a junior, he was still very genuine and fun to talk to. He even walked me all the way to class and got the door for me before leaving to go to work. He had no ulterior motives except to be nice to me and make my day. He did.


I am sure there are more, and I plan to keep adding to the list. It reminds me to smile more at strangers and talk to people I don't know. You never know how much they might need it. And if you still haven't read this talk, What If Love Were Our Only Motive?, do it. It doesn't matter who you are, or what you believe about life, you will at least enjoy this talk if it doesn't change your life.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Prezi

Because I know you are all dying to cite your MLA paper correctly.

Check out my Prezi.


Monday, June 4, 2012

Harry Potter

So maybe I will just always love Harry Potter because it is a part of my childhood, and I felt as though the whole world stopped every time a new book came out. Yes, I was one of those kids who thought maybe, just maybe I would receive a letter on my eleventh birthday. I knew spells by heart and tried out homemade butter bear recipes. Not that I was that different than many other kids my age. Even now, the most obscure Harry Potter references are appreciated by many of my peers. But the real reason I love Harry Potter is because I think it is good literature - and I am a tough critic.

Amidst the many sub-themes, the standout idea in Harry Potter is the power of love. In the series, it is so powerful that it saved lives, makes the impossible possible, and destroys all evil. Now if good literature is a reflection of reality, I would say that is pretty much right now. Love is the most powerful thing I have ever experienced. And I believe that love is only made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. God's love for us is so perfect that He sent His son to die for us so that we might be able to live with Him again. Through the atonement, we can come to love God and each other in a pure selfless way. I am amazed at how much my life has changed for the better as I have tried to turn it over to God and love as He loves. Here are some talks about love that I really like:

The Love of God by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
What if Love were our only Motive? by Russell T. Osguthorpe

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Having a bad day?

I don't know what it is, but this always makes me feel better.

       Click that smile ----->               :)

I came across this while I was supposed to be studying. Now I just want to share it with anyone who is ever having a bad day.

p.s. I did not create this. I only found it, and enjoyed it.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Gospel; It's the Truth

Honestly and sincerely, I just want to tell the world that this Gospel is true. The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. But don't take my word for it. Check it out yourself here. It really honestly is true and brings me so much happiness that I just want to share it!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Spring/Summer

Yaaa, it is finally summer. Here we go baby: GOALS aka LIST OF SUMMER LIFE

1. Read all twenty of the YA books that I have to read for English 420.
2. Paint my nails lots and do some crafts.
3. Read three books I am not reading for school.
4. Hike to the top of Y mountain.
5. Write a lot, even if it is bad, sappy writing.
6. PR in the 5k and rock regionals.
7. Be a super great sports camp counselor.
8. Meet a new person every day.
9. Sew some skirts and other things maybe.
10. Become a New Testament scholar.
11. Climb trees and have picnics.
12. Hike Timp.
13. Jump in Lake Powell.
14. Go to weddings and bridal showers!
15. Memorize scriptures.
16. Do a triathlon.
17. Go on a trip.
18. Write letters and cards.
19. Float the river.
20. keep adding to this list and work on my real LIST OF LIFE

Friday, April 27, 2012

What I currently understand about differences; I am sure I have a lot to learn.

I found this picture online claiming that it was the border between the Baltic and North seas, but with a little more research, I think it was taken in Alaska. Some of the water is fresh water that has been created from glacier melt. Because of the differing densities, the bodies of water are mixing much slower, so much that is appears as if they are not mixing at all. I don't know how valid this argument is, but this picture really got me thinking.

America is all about borders - that law in this state and this law in that state, moving west and pushing forward the frontier, this race/color verses that race/color. Why can't these boarders mix?

This is apparently the border between Belgium and The Netherlands, right along side a cafe. Can you imagine eating your lunch in The Netherlands and then stepping over to Belgium to take a stroll? What if it were like this between California and Mexico? Maybe you are thinking: that is not the same thing - Americans and Mexicans are just different. How different? (2 Cor 4:18) Seriously, let's think about what really matters. (Weightier Matters, Dallin H Oaks)

I am an English major emphasizing in teaching and therefore, American literature. The more I read, the more I feel sick when people talk nonchalantly about slavery or color. The more I read, the more frustrated I get with causal descriptions of what race is. Do you know what race is? Seriously, think about it. In my multicultural education class we learned that Race is a social construction that categorizes people based on physical appearance. Ethnicity explains where each individual comes from. So what race am I?

When I was little, I always thought I was White. Actually, I thought everyone whose skin wasn't really dark was White. Then my Asian and Mexican and Middle Eastern friends told me they weren't White. I came to find out that at one time in American history, people who came from Ireland were not considered white, or people who came from Bohemia or Italy - anyone who came in as an outsider, an "other." The definition of white has changed over time, and it really isn't just about the lightness of ones skin. What a racist term. I don't want to be white.

But then, am I Caucasian? Someone told me Caucasians came from the Caucus Mountains. I didn't come from there. A quick skim over the Wikipedia page confirmed my opinion that Caucasian is about as racist a term as White. So what race am I?

Who cares what race I am; that is not what it is all about anyway.

This is a picture of the class divide somewhere in Brazil. How could you seriously sit in one of those balcony swimming pools, look down on all that poverty and seriously enjoy yourself? Things like this, interactions between people who are different from one another, don't have to be like oil and water.


Now I am not saying we are all the same. We are not. We are all very different from one another. But I have come to the conclusion that engaging with "the other" is the only way to truly express one's self. A community of people function like a body (1 Cor 12:12-26). If you begin to draw a stick figure and only draw the circle, the drawing does not reach its full meaning until the body is attached. Each of us with our differences makes up a part of a beautiful whole (for more, look into relationality).

So regardless of what race society says you are or what race your neighbor is, I want to always remember that society made up these classifications, and God made up people who look different, talk different, act different - all in different beautiful ways - but all with the same amount of worth as children of God with divine potential. There doesn't have to be borders between us unless we create them.

For more: No More Strangers  by Alexander B. Morrison and Concern for the One  by Joseph B. Wirthlin

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Everyone shares love differently, but no matter what, love heals.


I saw this last night with a group of friends. It was beautifully done, intensely sad, but expressed so much love in such a broken way - very postmodern (accepting that life is broken fragments and enjoying what is there). Although parts of it did break my heart, I would recommend it with a little bit of reservation.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sarah Sample

Went to a little local concert. Love her music. Sweet personality too. Check it out.

Retro Perspecto

My mom keeps this Rubbermaid of old fabric that she might want to use for sewing. I was looking through it this Christmas break and came across this gem. All I am saying is that my mom used to wear these! I only wish you could try them on yourselves.


But, ya know, this got me thinking...who can pull these off? Could I pull these off? Maybe without the running tights underneath :), but really. I am not going to lie, I was tempted to wear them to school. Maybe I could even bring a typewriter or some quills with ink or parchment or ya whatever else is out there. Maybe tomorrow, ya know?