The fact that it snowed yesterday which meant, though I should be back in Columbia, I get an excuse to stay here in St Louis and get spoiled just a little more.
The fact that our house smelled like Thanksgiving all day, cause my mom started making her TURKEY SOUP!
The fact that my super domestic mother, while making her soup, made APPLE PIE! (and my mom makes DANG GOOD pies!!!)
The fact that I made a HUGE last 5 days at home to-do list and have gotten almost half of it crossed off!
also...2 songs that have been playing in my head over and over...not sure why....just like 'em Enjoy!
Recent-ish discovery. Big fan!!!
I'm not sure who did this first, TJ McCloud or Stephen Speaks...either way....I like both...but I just discovered TJ's
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nope! My parents just liked the name :)
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Really crying not eyes welling up almost crying?? Last Friday while talking to my mom about some rough things that have happened in my life in the past couple of months. (PS--that was the first time I had cried in 2.5 months...aka a crazy long time for me!)
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
NO! it looks like a man's and its too messy...its just overall un-cute!
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
?? what kind of question is that?? Turkey or Ham I guess I like good salami too and roast beef
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Do inanimate objects count?? No...ok then nope
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Depends on the day. I like to think I would be
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
YES! too much in fact. I am trying to cut back
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes...I have been told they are huge..but take a look in my lil sister's mouth. YIKES!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I wasn't terrified of heights...and hadnt just watched that one girl almost die in Africa...yeah I would
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
at breakfast time wheat chex. but for a late night snack? Cap'n Crunch for sure. I have a thing about sugar cereal in the morning. It needs to be bland and filling!
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
yes...i didn't used to, but I usually do now
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
emotionally or physically??? Physically--NO! Emotionally??--No comment ;)
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Cookies and Cream....or Double Fudge Brownie
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
I don't really look a specific thing. I look at the whole person and try to figure out what stereotypical person they are based on their overall look and "aura". And then as I get to know them better I like to see how they surprise me....or how spot on I am :).
15. RED OR PINK?
Hmmmm..I like pink...light floaty pink more than hot pink. And I have a red dress I love. But hmmmm....prolly pink
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
physically? I REALLY don't like my nose. otherwise? my frequent lack of motivation
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
thats a hard one because I miss a lot of people I love who are far away from me right now...all for different reasons. But I guess since you are asking....my baby brother who is on his mission in Ghana Africa
18. WHAT IS THE PAUL MCKENNA TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
The what??? Wikipedia please? Hypnosis? Increasing power....its all a bunch of huey!
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I am inside..I strive to never wear shoes when I am in the house....too uncomfortable
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Homemade Spaghetti...LOVE being home!!!
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Hotspur Heads/Tails...AMAZING SONG I just discovered
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
I don't know...prolly some shade of blue. Cheerful but calm
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Gardenias, chocolate baking, Baby shampoo, Japanese Cherry Blossom from BBW, the cologne an old bf of mine used to wear haha
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
hmmm...prolly a car salesman
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
oooo...rough. I love beaches and the warmth and the sun. But there is something kinda romantic about a rustic cabin in the mountains. I'll take both please and thank you! I just love traveling and being on vacation with people I love.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
hmmmm...I love watching anyone I am invested in. But I would prolly have to say watching on TV...if you put a gun to my head...college hoops. Watching live I like almost everything
27. HAIR COLOR?
natural or currently? I'll throw you both....lightish brown and dark dark brown
28. EYE COLOR?
brown for sure...like mud....very exciting....NOT!
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
nope! 20/20 vision!
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
You cannot make me pick. Although at this moment? Something I don't have to make or pay for
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings FOR SURE!!! I HATE scary movies
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Love Happens. kinda depressing to be honest haha
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey with gold lettering
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Again..both have their pros and cons....I need to live in a place with all four seasons. And I always want the opposite when I am currently in the other :)
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
The candy?? or for reals?? hmmm this could get interesting.
I prefer the complete chocolateness of kisses...that is all I will say ;)
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Cheesecake of all kinds :) Or chocolate :)
37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Cardio...but lets be honest I don't really like working out at all
38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Prolly computer. I watch my shows online so I can not be ruled by the network's schedule :) Plus I blog on my computer :)
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Just finished The Choice, by Nicholas Sparks yesterday. Next up? The Book Theif
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
I'm on a laptop..so no mouse pad for me
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
The sound my phone makes when I get a text. Usually it means someone likes me :) And who doesn't love that little self esteem boost!
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
BEATLES for sure! is there seriously a debate??
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
couple thousand miles prolly
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
No. I am completely talent-less. Wait...does being annoying count?
No but really I am slightly psychic. Not in a creepy way. I just know/predict that couples will end up married. I'm pretty good
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Virginia--right outside of Washington DC
47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Columbia, MO....but my real home is in St Louis, MO where my parents live
48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
I live in an apartment...which is cream and brown.
My home is white with dark blue shutters
49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
That depends on the events of the next month or so :D
50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?
eh...guess it could have been worse :)
How did you like reading it?????
So..... guess what? I really really really like this song. For anyone who knows me is prolly not surprised....I am kind of a pretty big fan of a good Girl Power rock-out :)
(Also..ps...the REAL American Idol....Kelly Clarkson...better than any one of the posers since.)
You know the bed feels warmer Sleeping here alone
You know I dream in color And do the things I want
You think you got the best of me Think you had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone Think you left me broken down
Think that I'd come running back Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
You heard that I was starting over with someone new
They told you I was moving on, over you
You didn't think that I'd come back I'd come back swinging
You try to break me, but you see
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
Thanks to you I got a new thing started. Thanks to you I'm not the broken-hearted
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking about me
You know in the end the day you left was just my beginning
In the end...
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
So yeah maybe its a song mostly for the girls. But guys this could be for you too.
Trials and hard things can make you a better person on the other side...if you let it. If you choose to stand a little taller, if you turn yourself into a fighter.
Life can get you down sometimes.
The going can get pretty rough.
Yes yes it is. (I feel like this title is far too much like that stupid Friday song...dum duh!)
Sundays are interesting days. Sometimes they are very relaxing and full of naps. Other times they are insane with lots of meetings, visiting and home teaching and other social events.
Every so often church is astounding. Usually though it is just alright. I don't mean this in a bad way. There is always something to be learned and there is power in the habit of weekly church attendance. But not every week has to be/or usually is this overwhelming amazing spiritual experience. Those I have found are generally few and far between.
But usually there are still a few moments of clarity. Moments of "oh that is good" "that's something I want to remember" "I've never thought about it that way" Little light bulb moments. Not exactly flood lights...but a little glimmer.
My favorite light-bulb of the day? In RS we were discussing the personal creed George Albert Smith created for himself.
The leader of the discussion (aka the teacher haha) suggested that we think about the forest not just the trees.
We so easily think about how we are not doing this right and we fall short in that area. But what about overall?? Yes..true you can't build a forest without trees. But one or two slightly unsightly trees doesn't kill the forest.
So yeah work on getting those trees beautiful like the others....but remember you are a forest of beautiful trees!
So its winter...and I am feeling withdrawals. Withdrawals from my favorite show on television. Even the wonderful return of the Bachelor has not given me relief from my withdrawal symptoms.
(I know I know...you watch that trashy thing?? Yes....grudgingly...Callie did it! Its not my fault! She got me hooked...stupid addicting dumb reality show!)
ANYWAY! So to pacify my jittery hands and inability to concentrate...I bring you...
THE BEST OF SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this dance! The story behind it??? Pretty basic....he left her. And just when she was getting it all back together....he's back. Will she let him back in? Or will she turn him away?
OH SO COOL!!! I love LOVE the movement in this one. The kick turn at 23 seconds...EPIC!
This is REAL DANCING!!! The more recent seasons have the weakest ballroom numbers you have ever seen. DISAPPOINTMENT! This is the good stuff! Oh the old days...when the dancers on this show really stepped up and went out of their comfort zone and truly wowed us
EPIC!!!! sooooooo sooooo good Favorite moment..minute 1 :) And seriously? Could Sabra be more flexible? OUT OF CONTROL!!!!! :)
This was the real beginning of lyrical hip hop. Back in the good old days with Shane Sparks. Love the synchronized section! Allison..best dancer to ever be on this show in 8 seasons Ivan....one of the cutest...and the most improved. LOVE!
Alright....the best lyrical NapyTab number. The heart beat? SICKNESS!!!
ok maybe this one is the best. its just soooo sweet!
Hope this brings a little dancing joy to your day. And never fear....more SYTYCD posts will soon be coming to a computer near you!!!
I have been debating (for several minutes haha) whether or not to post this.
But I feel like it is important. And I want to make a slightly grandiose gesture. And since I get a fairly large number of pageviews a day (hopefully its not my sisters hitting refresh haha) it will end up being pretty grandiose.....I hope.
In the time that I have been blogging several misunderstandings have occurred.
Many people have mistakenly thought that I have been speaking of them, and therefore been offended.
If this has happened to you..I apologize. The possibility (as in the three situations that have been directly brought to my attention) is high that the post you thought was about you...wasn't.
I write about lots of people.
Sometimes something that seems to be written to one specific person, is written to several people.
Sometimes it is written in general, and a name is given to allow for simplicity.
Sometimes I write about people in my life. Sometimes I write about people from my past. Sometimes I write about people my friends and/or family interact with.
Point is....not everything is what it seems. This is a blog is not about my life exactly. Its not a journal of all that happens in my life. It is me being a bad writer... but pretending to be a good one. And that means I take from all my experiences...throughout my entire life. I also take from the experiences I watch those close to me have.
I try to make people laugh, and make people think..see things from my perspective..and understand the wide expanse of feelings that are part of the human experience.
I have thought about not blogging anymore, because of these misunderstandings. I do not mean to, nor do I want to hurt anyone.
It is a difficult battle between taking responsibility for the reactions and interpretations of others and making what other people think not my problem. I don't know the answer. I wish I did.
So for now, I will say this. Please don't assume. I will never tell the whole story, so you will never know it.
And if you are one who has been hurt, I apologize. I do not know if you were actually written about, or if you feel our interactions are eerily similar. Either way, please choose to not be offended. I assure you that I do not mean to offend. I merely wish to share my view of the world, and my interpretation of life's experiences.
So today I was told by my most loyal follower that I had to post something. When I explained nothing exciting happened to me today...I was told I needed to do more exciting things so I would have something to write about :)
But I haven't done ANYTHING exciting today. Slept late...called the bank...worked on a budget...took a nap...watched some TV.
But I also did a lot of thinking. And a lot of music listening. And this one had become the song of the day!
In talking to people since my post yesterday...most have been concerned that I am bitter and jaded and unhappy.
I prefer to think of myself as enlightened. Seeing things in a new, more realistic light. And mostly? FREE
Now I look good for myself...instead of to get the attention of a boy who isn't even worth my time.
I dyed my hair...and a cut is in the plans...cause I want to, and I think it is gonna look good.
I can focus on school...cause I won't be spending so much time trying to be in the same places as the guy I have my eye on.
I will get so much more sleep...because I will stop staying up late texting/fb chatting etc.in an effort to maintain contact with people who I shouldn't contact in the first place.
I will have time for chick flicks, mani/pedis, facials, deep conditioning and long bubble baths because I will not be flirting my way into Friday and Saturday night dates.
Ok seriously...girls does this sound like a bad life?? I'll be doing what I want to be doing...when I want to be doing it. Not compromising for anyone....not for girls....and ESPECIALLY not for guys.
I feel great. My tears have dried and you can see my brown eyes....full of dreams and ambition.
Its a whole new chapter for me. And I am excited for it to start :D
Its a little selfish maybe. But its time for a little me-time!
For a little something special, I thought we would go back through the delightfully interesting (like a mental condition) year of 2011 and examine the ups and downs of my dating life. Remind ourselves of the key players and the major happenings.
And what better way to do it then with a tribute to my former 365 Song Blog.
Here we go 2011---Triumphs and Heartbreaks
ps...don't forget to check out Elise :)
dear pretty blue eyes
I knew this would end up happening. So I ran before it could. THANK GOODNESS
It meant we could stay friends. Miss you!!!!
love
girl who got weak in the knees everytime you wore that sweater ;)
dear missionary boy
Interesting times for you and me. Midnight on New Years texts....late night hang outs. But really all the heart ache you gave me was of my own creation. So congrats -- you are off the hook. Although this song will always remind me of you!
love
always your friend
dear chicken boy:
You get 3 songs...well really you could get a whole album. But you will get these ones...The beginning...the middle and the end
When I got on that plane in May...remember what I said? That I was walking away from the best thing I had ever had. Turns out...I was wrong. I'll always hate you for what you did to me. But I think I have finally gotten to the point where I don't resent the good times. And you sure taught me A LOT
love
finally over you
dear enigma
Thanks for being there for me when I needed you. When I lived in Provo you were always there. When I moved to Columbia you were always there. Until you weren't anymore. And that broke my heart. Telling you that I was happy for you and your soon-to-be-fiancee...one of the hardest things I've ever done. Of course I'm happy for you...but I'm jealous beyond belief of her. She is getting one of the best guys I have ever known. This is my song for you. Maybe I should have told you on that one walk we took...remember? On 7th North...by the cute townhouses? You asked me who I liked....I can tell you now since I didn't have the courage to then....Minute 3:10
love
girl who will always love you
dear boy next door
You were my best friend. You got me through some rough times. And then things changed. I'm still a little bitter...a little broken about it. You said some pretty unkind things. And didn't really treat me very well. But its time to move on. You have started being nice to me again. Which has kinda thrown me for a bit of a loop. I'm not totally positive if I am ok with this. This is your song:
love
girl next door
dear clark kent
Hmmmm a song for you.....its been interesting with you and me. You were there to make me laugh and smile when I needed it most. But you had a girl friend. And I had a boyfriend. But then both those ended. And we never really got on the same page after that. Not too surprising....it was kinda never gonna work out. But I'm gonna just remember the good times k?
I can't think of a song for you....oh well.........
love
suzy
dear farm boy
You came at the perfect time. You made me smile and laugh and remember that life doesn't have to suck. You made me feel worthwhile again.
Who would have thought we would never speak again.....I certainly didn't....should have....but didn't. It was kinda a rocket ship situation. And I should have known we would crash and burn. You broke my heart and I am still getting over it. I miss you. But someday I'll move on. Hopefully
love
brokenhearted buttercup
dear all other boys of 2011
You guys painted a pretty pathetic picture of yourselves this year. You have left me just a little bitter...pretty jaded....and very unlikely to trust any of you EVER again!
But though this sounds all depressed...I'm really "strangely...up-beat" (name that movie!) about the whole thing. Now I get to focus on me. Its gonna be good. I'm gonna learn to knit. :)
By popular demand....I am going to all tell you all about my most universally correct theory. Some of my others have flaws and exceptions. But this one....IRON CLAD!
So FIRST let me define FRINGE
Fringe is your acceptance/rejection of things that are sketchy/ not completely in line with the standards of the Church
(ps...this is ambiguous if you are not Mormon...so please feel free to ask if you want more explanation...I LOVE to answer questions)
FOR EXAMPLE: Lots of fringe:
watches R-Rated movies and doesn't have a big problem with it Medium fringe:
doesn't watch them...but also doesn't care if others do No Fringe:
doesn't watch them...and is very upset by others watching them
Lots of fringe:
"Sabbath Day? Its just like any other day" Medium fringe:
"Disney movies are ok...and the Super Bowl" No Fringe:
"Scriptures and church movies are for me"
And of course it is a continuum from fringe saturation to complete lack of fringe.
Fringe levels are based on individual beliefs and values and every person has a different level of subscription to various items. You might have a very un-fringey view on the Word of Wisdom, but you have a more fringey view of modesty.
In general...some people are simply more fringey than others.
(In my opinion, either extreme is usually not optimal. But its not my place to judge.)
ANYWAYS....so you are wondering what this has to do with boys. Because lets be honest, all my theories have to do with boys and dating. And honestly the dating application is the practical aspect of this theory.
You need to date someone with the same amount AND type of fringe as you.
(relates slightly to the Theory of the Flares)
And when I say date...I mean court. (see future post for that explanation haha)
If you have lots of fringe--you want to try and find someone with a lot as well....and the opposite is also true.
Most people fall somewhere in the middle of the continuum. This means you need to find someone who has similar individual fringe levels as you.
EXAMPLE: you both care a lot about boys serving missions, but both are flexible when it comes to dating before you are 16.
Think about the practicality of it. If you are married which level of fringe is the family going to go with? What if your kids want to go to a friends birthday party on a Sunday....and you and your spouse have different fringe levels about Sabbath Day observance. PROBLEM!!!!!!!
Now I am not saying that conversations and compromises in the engagement and early marriage periods won't assist in preventing these issues. But you can only realistically compromise when you are just a little off. If you are WAY far apart on something...it's gonna be a lot of work.
Plus....people who have different values and beliefs than you are going to eventually drive you crazy. Yeah you may like them as a friend...even a good friend. But remember. You have to live with this person...FOR ETERNITY...which is a mighty long time if they drive you kinda crazy!
So there you have it...the theory of the fringe :)
So now the question is...how much fringe do I have??
So this is He is We......I like them. I like them lots.
My sweet 490 buddy Rachel introduced me to them a while back
And of course I have to give you their acoustic versions...its more legit....plus you can it really proves the abilities of the singers
So close your eyes and pretend its summer. You are wearing a cute sundress. Its warm and sunny...but there is a breeze...so you aren't hot. You are on a blanket...with a glass of lemonade in your hand. Cause you are now at an AWESOME summer concert in the park
This one is my favorite of theirs....LOVE LOVE
kinda inspiring...motivating....I'm making all my own plans..throwing all my old ones away
Cute :) You ever felt this way???
PS LOVE LOVE LOVE her hat :)
The concert in the park is over...you drive home windows down....and you get to listen to these ones
According to Dan Bova the executive editor of Maxim.....wow even better credentials than the last one!
Dear Yahoo homepage...thank you so much for your entertaining and insightful articles that you some how manage to pass as news......a topic for discussion on a future Wednesday perhaps......
Be definitive
Don’t let him be the last to know your feelings
Don’t do it online
Steer clear of using fake excuses
Be brief in your explanation
Avoid feeding any drama
Don't know what he means by this. I guess let them get it all out and don't turn it into an arguement?
Secure a breakup buddy
DO YOU HAVE YOUR EXIT BUDDY????? haha name that movie. You did like the guy at some point or you wouldnt have to break up with him cause you wouldnt be dating. So you need to have someone to talk to after that isnt him. Thats super hard I know...cause if you are anything like me...friendship turns into more and then suddenly the person you talk to about this kind of thing is the thing...hahaha (clear as mud right?) But talking to him doesn't help you...and it doesn't help him.
At least according to.....
Kimberly Dawn Neumann a New York City-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Maxim, and Marie Claire..... and therefore a complete expert in the field :)
Don’t just pull a disappearing act on her
YEAH! It may seem easier to you to just kinda ride off into the sunset never to be heard from again. But really.....women need closure. It hurts less to just say "Hey this just isn't going to work out" instead of saying you will call...and then never calling.
Consider the timing before breaking the bad news to her
Is there ever a good time??? I mean really! Yeah maybe its not super nice to tell her when she just got fired. But at the same time....I've been laid off before and it took me a little while to get over it. How long do you want to fake it for?? Is that very fair???
Don’t rely on technology to do the deed
Give her adequate face time
Choose your breakup location wisely
Don’t freak out if she gets emotional afterward
Stay strong in your assertion that it’s time to end things
Don’t be cruel in the name of honesty
Don’t use that “It’s not you, it’s me” line on her
End things properly with her before you start seeing someone else
It’s OK to agree to keep in touch (on special occasions only)
