It's A Southern Thing - You Wouldn't Understand

Ode to a Greek Pot

2011-12-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

My final assignment for my Humanities class was to decorate an ancient Greek pot. This was by far the worst project I have ever had in my entire lift. Luckily, I have the best man a girl could ask for and he helped me paint it. All in all, I spent over 12 hours on this thing (writing a paper included). There was a lot of Dr. Pepper involved.....However, it was all worth it in the end when a got a 95! But still, we are going to smash it later.
I decided to post pictures of this great pot in progress.

Beginning - Vase purchased at Michaels

Handles molded out of clay

7 Layers of terra cotta paint

Side 1: goddess Athena

Side 2: chariot race

The Power of Scripture

2011-10-21T23:22:00.000-07:00

I started reading talks from this past General Conference, the very first one is "The Power of Scripture" by Elder Richard G. Scott. I loved it! One of my favorite quotes:

"Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior."

Because of this talk I have committed to a CHALLENGE: I will start and finish the Book of Mormon by New Years! I feel like I always get stuck in the middle, but I a determined to not get distracted!
I love the Book of Mormon, I really really do but I admit that I have only read it through all the way twice in my lifetime. I hope to change that by the end of the year

What It Means to Be A Cougar

2011-09-14T17:49:00.001-07:00

I just like the part where it says "If you're going to be a cougar, you're gonna have to shave off that facial hair." HA!

Exotic

2011-09-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

I really love unique animals so I thought I would make a list of all the pets I would like to one day have.

1. A Duck

2. Slow Loris

3. Hedgehog

4. Fennec Fox

5. Alpaca

6. Miniature Pig

HALLOWEEN!

2011-09-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, I start planning my Halloween costume months in advance.
I've narrowed it down to a few options and I would like your help voting.

1. Minion - Despicable Me
Will everyone get this?

2. Kat Von D. - L.A. Ink
I just think it would be cool to draw all over myself and wear leather!

3. Kissing Booth

I don't have a picture, but I would wear all black, red lipstick and create some sort of box that I would wear???

Help me out!

Open 24 Hours A Day

2011-06-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

I've been having trouble sleeping lately (which I found out runs in my family!) so yesterday at 1:30 am I was wide awake. So I decided to make hot spinach and artichoke dip. Off to Smith's I went. I discovered, grocery shopping after midnight is AWESOME! Here's why:

1. Rockstar parking (because the lot is empty)
2. It's quiet and not crowded inside the store -- I had nice, peaceful, thinking time
3. No lines at checkout
4. They were stocking groceries so I had everything fresh!

Pretty much, I will do all my shopping at 1:30 am from now on....

I bleed Blue and White!

2011-05-30T01:36:00.000-07:00

Well actually it was more a purplish/redish/blue color.
I gave blood the other day. AND I didn't pass out...but the girl next to me sure did. Then she started crying. It was all very eventful. I like giving blood: it's quick, painless, you save lives, and the best part is the free cookies and juice!!

Also, when it's hot outside I don't like my long hair. It's annoying and sticky. Plus broadcast requires short hair so I hacked out 3.5 inches this weekend!

To My Little Man

2011-05-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Gavin,

Happy Birthday! Today you are 3 years old. I can't believe you are growing up so fast. It feels like only yesterday when we were teaching you to walk...bribing you with Reese's Pieces :)
I want to say that to me and our family, you are the world. I have never met anything so precious. You are a special little boy born into a family who adores you. I want nothing but the absolute best for you. You are unique and will develop talents given to only you to further the gospel. You will bring light, peace, and compassion to many people. Never forget how much I love you. I would do anything for you, anything. I will always be here for you.
I Love You!

Aunt Elizabeth

Fathers be good to your daughters*

2011-04-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

*That's my dad and I's song!
It's been a while! My Mom came to visit me in Provo a couple of weeks ago (still waiting for those pictures mom..) and then my dad just recently came up! It was amazing.

My dad came up to campus while the Women's Conference was going on. Therefore Provo was swarming with ladies! BYU was crazy crowded but I ended up getting some cool free stuff.
We went to the Carl Bloch exhibit and it was phenomenal.
The bookstore had tons of authors, painters, and singers for the conference and I actually picked up two free paintings: one from Greg Olsen and Liz Lemon

Liz Lemon signed it for me too!

Greg Olsen's. He was at lunch and unable to sign it :(

My dad also bought me a new sweatshirt!

Then on Friday my dad and I went to temple square, Deseret, and had dinner at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It was amazing and so beautiful!

I'm so glad my dad got to come visit. We had so much fun! I LOVE YOU DAD!

If he loved you with all the power of his soul for a whole lifetime, he couldn't love you as much as I do in a single day.

2011-02-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

-Quote from my FAVorite book: Wuthering Heights
I am in the midst of MIDTERMS and last night /today I lost it. Broke down in tears - I had had enough! I was angry/frustrated/stressed/upset and a myriad of other emotions. I needed to get out of the house - so I got in my car and ended up at D.I.
As long as I can remember, I have hated D.I. Maybe it's the smell of b.o. and old people - or the actual homeless people that wander around there that scare me. Regardless, I wandered over to the books section and there I spent almost an hour and half! I found my stress relief. They have an awesome book collection! It's like 5 aisles. I found bestsellers in hardback and paperback. They have everything from Shakespeare, Nicholas Spark, and yes even Twilight and Harry Potter. I went through every single book. It relaxed me so much. I cannot believe how much in LOVE I am. I adore books and I could have spent another 2 hours searching. AND none of the books at D.I. are like over $6.00
My Purchases:

All under $5.00

Then I smelled pizza and went to Little Caesars for Crazy Bread. Little did I know that if you have your student ID, breadsticks are. 99 Ahh!!!

So I started the day in utter despair and ended it with a good book and 99 cent crazy bread.

IT'S MY PARTY AND I'LL CRY IF I WANT TO

2011-02-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, there were no tears on this girl's birthday!

I got to sleep in late and hang out with my roomies while millions of family and friends called! THANKS!

Then we went to dinner at Olive Garden. We ended up waiting over an hour.........but Gina went and got some breadsticks for me to eat while we waited :)

Then we went home and got ready for my party! We invited the whole ward but only made enough food for like 10-15 people. I really didn't expect that many people to show up. Low and behold we had like 80 people in our apartment an hour later. It was amazing, I felt so loved! My girls made drinks for everyone and Gina did a grand birthday toast. We had cake, chips and dip, brownies, and pancakes. I think I gained like 34290234 pounds. After the party was the after-party - we played scene it for like 2 hours with the Taj boys and Spencer and Chris! After the after party.....was the roommate party!! Wow.
Thanks guys for everything! I love you all!

Olive Garden

Beautiful Flowers my dad sent me!!!

Me and my roommate "Splash"

Such A Tease

2011-02-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

Current Temperature: 53 degrees. :)
I can't handle it. I'm ready to bust out the shorts and go bathing suit shopping. I'm so ready for SUMMA!
There's just something about warm weather that puts me in a good mood.

Things I love about Spring and Summer

pedicures and flip flops
picnics and long walks
laying out
boys who work out without their shirts on (I'm only human ;)
slurpees and ice cream
SWIMMING
summer love.......... :)

BUT it's supposed to go back down to the 20s and snow next week. Even if the weather is just teasing me for a while, I will gladly accept it.

I had the most amazing birthday weekend, but my computer died 2 weeks ago and is currently being repaired on campus, so pictures and videos soon to come!

My Latest Obsession

2011-01-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

QUESADILLAS!!!!!!!!

I have eaten one AT LEAST everyday for the past two weeks. I use Mexican Taco cheese and its delicious. It's also quick and cheap.

Oh I love being a college student!!

Christmas!

2011-01-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from CHRISTMAS. They are all of Gavin cause let's face it...he's the cutest one in the family!

Gavin in his BYU hat I got him! Cute small, yah?

Opening the BIG ONE!

It's a plastic Toy Story chair! Gavin Size!

Grandpa and Gavin in their new BYU hats!

He liked Grandpa's hat better! I love how he can't keep his eyes open when he says "Cheeesee"

UTAH - The greatest snow on Earth

2010-12-29T20:59:00.000-08:00

When I moved out to Provo to go to school, I never thought I would call Utah home. But here I am in Va wishing and wanting to go back. I think this is for a couple of reasons. 1. My independence. Making my own decisions, doing what I want and when I want. Thats not saying I do bad things, it's just hard to be own and then come back home to your parents -- especially when your the baby. 2. I dont know the people here anymore. I was so sad the day I left, I had so many friends. I had all these people who came to my going away party- that said they would keep in touch..... I even had a ton email/facebook/texts saying they couldnt wait till I got here for Christmas... you know how many of them have called since I've been here...NONE. I literally have seen none of them. I miss my roommates, I love those girls, they actually care about whats going on and are truly there for me. I called one of my best friends in VA today when I really needed someone and they actually said they were busy playing ping pong. I saw what was important, and it wasn't me. 3. My stuff is in Utah. That's what feels like home. I don't feel like this is my room anymore- no pictures, books, clothes, etc..
I will always love the east coast and I'm moving straight back the minute I graduate but for right now Utah is my home and I miss it.

and p.s. i wrote this whole thing on an ipad......quite an accomplishment if you ask me...have you ever tried to type on one?

Go Go Power Rangers

2010-12-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

So last week I noticed that on facebook people started changing their profile pictures to cartoon characters. This continued on for a couple of days, and I was totally lost. Finally yesterday one person posted the reason:

Change your FB profile picture to a cartoon from your childhood. The goal is to not see a human face on FB till Monday, December 6th. Join the fight against child abuse!

This morning I was studying in the Wilk when I overheard a bunch of freshman talking.

This one guy said: "Yeah dude I saw your FB picture - Sweet! I loved the power rangers."

Other guy: "hahah yeah I saw everyone else changing their picture, so I changed my picture too. Dunno what it's for, but oh well."

PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THIS DOES FOR CHILD ABUSE. I think it is ridiculous - what does posting a picture on a social website DO (as in an ACTION) in the FIGHT for child abuse. NOTHING. It makes people feel better about themselves because they think they are doing something to help the world. Get involved. Go talk to the local government, social services, see what you can do. Volunteer, give your time - not your facebook picture. Talk to James Baird - everyday he works with at risk teens to help them. I am taking an internship at the Orem Women's Center to help rape victims. Get outside the comfort of your bedroom on your computer - get your hands dirty and DO something about child abuse. It is a sad depressing thing that these precious children - God's children are victims of abuse.

I hope that when you get to heaven, when you see one of these children, you can say more than "Hey, I made my profile picture a cartoon for you."

STRESS TIME!

2010-12-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

It is officially finals week for me. Let two weeks of no shower, no sleep, and lots of stress and caffeine begin!! The most depressing thing I did this weekend was calculate what I need on my final exams to get A's in my classes.........

On the plus side, I have 90% of my Christmas shopping done!! So when I'm in Virginia, I can just play all day every day!

My favorite thing about the holiday season right this very moment: ELF. I have officially watched it four times since Thanksgiving. It cracks me up every time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyCfRHumHU&feature=&p=8FAB8BF06A93DB43&index=0&playnext=1

Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-11-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

I woke up to about a foot of snow this morning.

So naturally I decided to drive to church. BIG MISTAKE. I know people in Utah grew up with snow, but that doesn't automatically make you an awesome driver. So you've driven in snow all your life, that doesn't make black ice suddenly visible to you. I hated all those Utah drivers going FASTER than the speed limit, or tailgating me. I will not be driving my car again until Spring.

My thanksgiving break was nice and relaxing. I slept in, did my puzzle, and ate junk food. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Under my Umbrelllaa!

2010-11-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

I hate that song. I really do. But today was a cold, rainy day in Provo and I want to write about the cornucopia of umbrellas that I saw today. I really wish I had my camera, I would have taken pictures of all them. I promise in the future, I will have it with me at all times, as to capture these unique experiences.

1. The first thing I noticed was a few guys carrying umbrellas. I didn't know that was acceptable or cool. But I think it's dumb not to carry one just cause you're a guy. So I commend you males that had an umbrella today. Plus, you could probably use it to pick up girls who didn't have one.

2. GOLF umbrellas. They are called GOLF umbrellas for a reason. They are so big so that they can cover the golfer, his clubs, and sometimes the caddy too. They are for GOLFING. Campus is already too crowded. We already feel like cattle being herded into the barn. I almost got knocked out twice today by one of those huge things.

3. This girl had an an umbrella that instead of extending width-wise, it went down length-wise. It was like her own personal bubble. She was reading a book..It was pretty cool.

4. Then there was this elderly man - probably 60s. Looked like a pretty legit professor (probably religion by his dress) carrying a hot pink umbrella with purple swirls. Bless his heart, I'm pretty sure it was his wife's. He was using every ounce of dignity he had to carry that umbrella. I wanted to give him a hug

I thoroughly enjoyed the array of umbrellas on campus today. I never realized people could express their personalities in such a way.

P.S. My umbrella is hot pink with black zebra stripes. Thanks Ash ;)

For one of my best friends!

2010-10-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

I remember sometimes when I was sad or upset, you would hold me while I cried and sing:

"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

Thanks for that.

"You should write a book, How to Offend Women in 5 Syllables or Less"

2010-10-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Name the movie that quote is from, and you will be my hero! Hint – It’s animated.

This week was probably one of the toughest of my life. Friday night hit rock bottom, so Saturday morning, I got up and I drove. And I drove and I drove, 4 hours until I reached St. George, Utah. Thankfully my Grandpa Smith and Neva welcomed me without much notice! I loved St. George. First, it was warm!!! Provo is cold and rainy, snow is coming! 2^nd, it was gorgeous! I loved the high red mountains and rocks. I can’t wait to hike at Zion soon. I have never liked Utah, I’ve always thought it was hideous. But I want to live in St. George! Grandpa and Neva took me out a delicious dinner (with all the breadsticks I could eat!! My favorite), and then showed me around. It really made me appreciate God’s creations even more. The temple was stunning. It was brilliantly white, huge, and in the middle of the city. It really was picturesque. We drove the skyline and the view was breathtaking. Then Neva stuffed more food in me – peppermint ice-cream and I watched movies. I have been lonely in Provo, so it was nice to have someone dote upon me. The atmosphere was open and refreshing, a much needed break from crowded Provo. Thank you SO much Grandpa and Neva, ya’ll are amazing! I love you both so very much, and I will be back VERY soon!

I learned that I have a tendency to run away from my problems and fears. The drive to and from St. George gave me some quality time with myself and my Savior. I know that the rest of this semester will be tough, I will have to make big decisions and learn about who I am and who I want to become. The Lord really wants me to be patient, and learn to rely on not only him, but myself.

I wish I had taken pictures, but alas, I will have to resort to Google

Goodbye My Almost Lover

2010-10-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

These are some things I've learned since I've been in college:

*I can sleep ANYWHERE: I have slept on those hard wooden benches, in an empty classroom ON THE FLOOR, sitting at a desk with my head straight down, etc. You learn that when you need a nap, it doesn't matter where you are.
*Free food is AWESOME: When there is free food on campus, I am THERE. So far I've gotten free hotdogs, papa john's pizza, jamba juice, and donuts. I feel so good when I don't have to spend money to buy lunch that day.
*I set three alarms everyday: my talking Mooshi alarm clock, my ihome, and my phone
*Complete strangers can instantly become your best friend. Case: Last week when I couldn't find the McKay building, I asked some random guy. I went on a awesome date with him last weekend, found out he was in my Stat class, he tutored me and BAM 94 A on my test!! Case: I yelled at some guy to hold the elevator for me and my roommate, come to find out he was in my church that day, fresh off his mission, and now I LOVE THIS GUY. He's awesome!
*My ipod makes walking to campus so much more entertaining. Half the time, I put in my headphones and don't turn anything on.....it's weird what people will talk about when they think you aren't listening.
*Bringing food to the testing center is essential, especially when it's for Stats!

Nothing Like Dry Cereal

2010-10-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

I don't have any milk! Or any other food, so dry TRIX it is!
So big choices, big choices I'm thinking about. I THINK I've narrowed down to two choices for majors. I can do Exercise Science (specifically athletic training) or Family Life (specifically Human Development). I want to work with abused women and rape victims, or with athletes. Big difference huh? I just love doing everything. I've definitely learned a lot since I've been here though. Heavenly Father has taught me so much, in a little period of time. When I was first called to teach Relief Society, I laughed. I had been in Nursery for 3 years! I knew nothing about teaching Relief Society. But already, my testimony has grown so much, as well as love for my sisters. I've learned to rely on Heavenly Father and that I can't do it without his help. I went to the Provo temple this week and it was amazing! Although being in happy valley is very spiritual, there's no where else in the world that gets you closer to heaven than the temple, even a busy one like Provo. It is a little small for me, though.

And I have lost weight, going up and down those dang stairs! Someone told me it's like 104 stairs, and I go up and down them at least twice a day. AGH! I have to leave 30 minutes before class starts, just so I don't get all sweaty walking to campus.
For the first time since I've been in Utah, I feel like I made a best friend. Too bad, he doesn't live here. hah He's an RM who has been home a total of 5 DAYS! haha I know, but he's amazingly smart! I felt like part of my brain was shut off, and he totally activated it. He shared the gospel with me in a way that went deeper than most people, and wasn't dorky. I've never met anyone who has such a passion for the gospel and for other people. He makes me want to serve the WORLD!
So I'm making progress!! It's getting cold here too, which is a bummer. 8 am religion class is like 40 degrees! But I'm buying all my snowboard gear this weekend, so I'm stoaked. That was one of my goals this semester: master snowboarding! Hopefully videos will come soon!
Thanks to everyone who reads this, and has given me advice. I love you all!!!!

These three videos have stood out to me this week! Elder Holland and Uchdeforf (sp?) are my two favs!!!

Testimony of The Book of Mormon

Patience

Our True Identity

2010-09-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

I started a blog a few years ago, but only to keep up with my married friends and family members. However recently, I read some blogs that have....inspired me to say the least. Don't expect these deep insightful entries though. I'm not great with words, or expressing my thoughts, but I would like to try.

Here I am, thousands of miles away from home at BYU in Provo, Utah. I don't know anybody here, and I'm always searching for a familiar face to bring me comfort. I loved Virginia. I was comfortable in Richmond, at VCU, and in the Singles Ward. But for some reasons I don't fully understand, the Lord wanted me here. Growing up on the East Coast, I stood out. I was that girl everyone noticed because of the way I dressed, spoke, and acted. Here, I feel just like everybody else. I blend in, and fall into the cracks. I didn't grow up like these girls out West - knowing how to tease my hair, do my makeup, and "get" guys. So I decided to focus on my academics and studying theater and dance.

I grew up around theater, and it's something I've always been in love with, whether I was the star of the show or backstage. However, I didn't start dancing seriously until way later in life. I was involved in everything performance wise in high school and I knew I wanted it to be a career. Then I came here. I found out - I'm not good. There are people here that are way better. That know the ins and outs of dramatic literature, that have had acting coaches and trainers. I was in class the first week and didn't have a clue what they were talking about.
Then there is dancing. Girls here having been dancing since they were 2 and definitely outshine me. I have the love and passion for it, just not the technical ability. I can't kick as high, stretch as far, or leap as long.
I don't know what to do. I thought I had everything figured out. I'm a Senior, I should be graduating soon, and I don't know what to major in. Once again, I was in the top of my class back home, I thought I was smart! I come here, and so is everyone else. I don't know what my talents are now. I don't know what I'm good at. I'm afraid to end up as one of those girls in el ed, that don't ever finish because they are just here to get married. I feel like everyone has their niche, except me. I don't want to lose my ability to stand out, but I feel like I'm barely treading water here. SCARY!

Hopefully writing my feelings will help me learn where I want to go. My goal here is to find out who I am and flippin what I should do with my life. I need to find some good friends. It's hard not having anyone to talk this stuff through with. I've tried to be optimistic and reach out to people, but no responses yet; super lame. But I won't give up. I'm here because I'm supposed to be, and I will make the best of it.

To the people who actually are reading this, thank you. Thanks for making me feel like you care. I promise, my future entries will be positive!