Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sabrina

Every time I watch it, I remember why I love the movie Sabrina.


It's so romantic, sweet, artistic, and beautiful. I love the way Julia Ormond talks; she has the most beautiful voice, and her character has the most beautiful things to say. When she says this, it just takes me to another place: "It's turned cold out, but I don't feel cold. Across the street, someone is playing La Vie en Rose. They do it for the tourists, but I'm always surprised at how it moves me. It means seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Only in Paris where the light is pink did that song make sense. But I'll have it in my pocket when I come home, and I'll take it with me wherever I go from now on."


And then there's Linus. He's so wonderful himself. Aloof, calculating, and hardened, yet one personSabrinacan change him. Even though he's trying to "deal with her," he finds himself being changed. The following line occurs at the Larrabee cottage on the shore. "Here? Lousy. So far, I'm more affected than she is. I damn near cried twice." That's one of my favorite lines!


It's here that Sabrina says this: "Every time I look through a camera, I'm surprised. Like finding yourself in the middle of a story, like you just did. 'What kind of a guy takes a job keeping a lighthouse?' I think I've been taking pictures all my life... long before I ever had a camera."

Also, I just have to share this one for laughs: 
David: "You're talking about my life."
Linus: "I pay for your life, David. My life makes your life possible."
David: "I resent that."
Linus: "So do I!"

Have you ever watched something that when it's over you don't want to return to real life? You just want to stay still and soak it in? That's how I felt tonight. It's such a delightful story.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Rascal Flatts - Pieces

I put my music on shuffle the other day, and this song came on. Suddenly I remembered how fantastic this song is, so I've been listening to it over and over since.


Something about it is just so right! It liberates my soul.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Kids are the Worst

Some things can really make you laugh even when you perhaps aren't in the best of moods. Take this for instance. :-)

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Zion

I had the best weekend.

A group of friends and I rented a vacation home and explored Zion National Park this past weekend. Our time there included but was not limited to the following.

  • Food
  • Comfy beds
  • A wrap around porch/patio
  • Nerts
  • Hot tubs
  • Freezing cold pools with fun slides
  • Intense hiking
  • Mild hiking
  • Wet hiking
  • Peanut butter M&Ms
  • Breathtaking views
  • Fearless chipmunks and squirrels
  • Deer galore
  • Stars
  • Big screen TV and DVR so we could watch the football game later
  • Movies
  • More food
  • Laughter
  • Smiles
  • Soreness
Basically, it was amazing.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from the trip.


It certainly was a good time with some great people. :-)

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Vertical Stripes

I'm wearing blue and white stripes, which for some reason is like, my favorite thing ever. I just had a pink lemonade Jolly Rancher sucker, and I'm going to hang out with some awesome people all weekend, climbing on rocks and eating food and stuff. The little things, my friends. Life is good.


Saturday, September 22, 2012

Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars - Safe & Sound

It's probably a little embarrassing how many times I've listened to this song. I listened to it on repeat on the way back to work from lunch yesterday as well as to Sports Authority and back and while I was getting ready for bed! It's just so greatkind of indie, kind of soulful, kind of heartbreaking. And it probably helps a little that it's by my girl Taylor and from the Hunger Games.


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Kate Earl - Melody

So the other day I got kind of sick of the playlist I always listen to, so I went searching through my phone for other music. I was actually going to listen to the song Merry Happy by Kate Nash, which is one of my favorites, but then I saw "Kate Earl" right above her. "What? Kate Earl? Who is that? What stuff do I have from her? I must know!" I thought. So I hit play. I still have no clue where I got it, but I really like it. I'd describe it as modern, chill, happy, and lightly Jamaican. What?! It is, okay. And I enjoy the album artwork too! It's bold, colorful, and chic. I'll have to see what other stuff this girl's got in her arsenal.


Thursday, September 6, 2012

Pentatonix - Somebody That I Used to Know

Katie and I went to an a cappella outdoor concert several months ago.


We had an awesome time, and Pentatonix totally blew me away. They are amazing! I wanted to join an a cappella group myself! After the concert, I watched this video. Oh, man, so good. Even if you hate this song, watch it!


See, told you so.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The Bachelorette

Usually, I don't watch The Bachelor or Bachelorette, but I went over to a friend's place the other night and watched the "men tell all" episode of the current season of the Bachelorette. I have to say that I am very impressed with the kind of girl she is. She seems to be bright, kind, and down to earth. I really like that. So when this happened, she totally won me over, and now I have to watch the finale. (Stupid TV shows! I hate getting hooked!)


Monday, July 16, 2012

Lennon and Maisy

I don't know who these girls are or where they came from, but they have the most beautiful voices. Together, their harmony is simply divine. Also, I used to do that cup thing at girl's camp.



I know this came out a while back, but when something is so good that it keeps coming back to mind, I know it belongs here on my blog.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Strawberries

Who doesn't like strawberries? Man, they are good, but usually I can't eat them all before they go bad. However, yesterday I bought a carton, and today I ate a few as part of my lunch/dinner. Maybe I was famished. Maybe it'd had been too long since my last strawberry experience. Maybe it was just a particularly delicious bunch, but THEY WERE SO GOOD. I finished off all of them right then and there. 

They looked a little something like this (except it was Valley Fresh Produce, not Giant.)

Yep, I ate the whole pound and delighted in every one. 

My Job is Paper Craftastic

Several months ago, I started working at Paper Crafts magazine. By golly, I love this place. Yes, I just said "by golly." (By the way, we don't do scrapbooking (or origami???), as that seems to be everyone's first question. Our sister magazine, Creating Keepsakes, covers scrapbooking, but we focus on cards mostly, but also stamping, gift bags, home decor, etc.)

It's basically the job that I couldn't even imagine because it is so perfect for me. I get to work with several super fabulous people; we all get along so well and laugh a lot. Plus, I get to not only edit, but write! I manage a blog, so I get to interact with exuberant crafters. I get to make people's days by sending them crafting goodies too! And I love crafts myself, especially making cards, which is something we do together about once a month. I also get to work on our constant flow of magazines, and sometimes I update the website. One of the best perks is that I get free stuff quite often. And I've used that stuff to make things to show on the blog or cards to be featured in upcoming issues. (I have two cards awaiting publication! Yeah!)

My first week, we took a business trip to Anaheim (in JanuaryYESescape the cold!!!) to go to CHA, which is basically a huge craft convention. I was blown away by all the craftiness I saw, and it wasn't even the biggest show they'd had!

This is our editorial team (minus Cath) and Maile, a contributor to the magazine, at CHA.


Even though it was a bit overwhelming and I tend to be quiet and usually steer clear of large crowds, I had a good time and got to meet a lot of cool people and familiarize myself with many companies.




Can you find me in the masses? (You can click on it to enlarge.)


And here's one of Kerri and me in the House of Blues in Anaheim. I just love this one!



And let's not forget our photographer, Brian, who looks like the last guy on The Bachelor and also shoots like a boss. That good, Brian? ;-)


Now fast forward a few months. This is when we had our yearly editorial meeting where we plan for the next editorial year, and we just had to get dessert at Sweet Tooth Fairy! Oh, and look! Cath's in this one!


That's Melinda, Windy, Cath, Kelly, Ahtanya, Betsy, yours truly, Kim, Susan, Teri, Julie, and Kerri! Jennifer is taking this photo, but you can see her in the first picture of the post, second to the right. She loves the spotlight. ;-)


But this is my natural work habitat: my cubicle. I'm posing for a picture we took for a blog post. I needed something with my name on it, and I knew I could find something in my Christmas stash.


I really like my job, and I'm liking it more and more as I'm getting to know more people in the industry and getting used to a groove.

One fun fact for you though: believe it or not, even though I have been working here for almost 6 months now, I have not worked here from a full start to finish of a magazine. Yep! Crazy! That's how far in advance magazines are concepted before they are actually published and sold.

And since Christmas is such a big card-making and gift-giving holiday, it's big with our audience, so we are constantly thinking about Christmas in some form or fashion. If you're one of those people who thinks it should be Christmas all year round, just work for Paper Crafts.

Summary: job is great. I work with awesome people. Anaheim is a great alternative to Utah in January. I like crafts. Christmas never ends.

Toodles!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Independence Day

I have always loved this holiday, but this year was a particularly fun 4th of July, except for the fact that I missed the balloon festivities (though I did snap this pic on the way to the Freedom Run). 


Speaking of the Freedom Run, I was kind of dreading it in a way, but I got up very early to run my first ever 10K with my awesome friend, Michael Koecher. My goal for the race was to simply not walk any of it, but I definitely didn't think I'd be able to do that with how dry and smoky it's been and how I totally failed on my previous run.

I started the race going uphill. It was tough, but I took it slow. As we turned onto University Avenue, I realized for the first time that we would be running through the parade route that hundreds of people were there for. My first thought was "Man, maybe I should have put some makeup on this morning." As if anyone cares.

Then we split from the 5K runners again to do a loop up Center Street. During this loop, the song "Can't Breathe" by Leona Lewis started playing. I had to crack a smile.

As we turned to head back up 9th East again, I could see up the street and thought, man, I've already come about 5 miles without stopping. I am NOT stopping till I cross the finish line. So I didn't. Even though it was about 9 blocks. I even RAN a bit at the end. I can't believe I did it. I am so proud of me!

Afterwards I had my first Fatboy, some Powerade, and a free 5-minute massage. Here's a picture of Michael and me in line for that.


That massage was heavenly.


And then we went home, I called my brother to wish him a happy birthday (shout out to Ted for his 26th birthday!) and I showered and took a nap. (And woke up somewhat paralyzed.)

Later I limped down the stairs and walked to Stadium of Fire with Mike, David, and Emily. The show was fantastic! Who knew the Beach Boys were so stinkin' cool?


Did I go home and buy the Beach Boys greatest hits? You bet your bottom dollar.


Also, I almost cried during the Pledge of Allegiance and The Star-Spangled Banner. My patriotic little heart just couldn't take it! And I simply couldn't soak in the awesomeness of the fireworks like I wanted to. It was so amazing. Pictures never do fireworks justice, but here are a few from the evening anyway.





It was a great day, but the patriotic festivities weren't over for the week. Last night a group of us got together and lit some fireworks.



It was the first time I had ever lit fireworks. Crazy, right? What kind of American am I? I probably wouldn't have even done it but Mike and David prodded, so I caved. (Thanks, guys!) Also, sparklers are pretty cool to play with. I still want to experiment with long exposure shots with them. Another day. :-)

These things were great fun, but this holiday means more than fireworks, music, and a day off of work. I am seriously so blessed. How can anyone be ungrateful when we live in a country with so much freedom? We must never forget that freedom isn't free. We must never forget what principles this country was built on. Our lives are so wonderful. I hope you had a great Independence Day too, and God bless America!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Introversion

Some people are shocked to find out that I am an introvert. I don't really see how this can come as a shock to anyone. I mean, I enjoy spending time with close friends and getting to know people, but spending time in big groups or with people I don't know or even with extreme extroverts totally exhausts me. I try to act like I'm totally comfortable, but I probably fail often, and it takes a lot of energy out of me. That's how introverts are. They like quiet time and alone time, and they prefer smaller groups or one-on-one interactions to bigger crowds. They aren't necessarily shy. And they aren't boring or dumb or handicapped in some way, as I feel extroverts (and even introverts themselves) tend to think.

This speech I've posted below by Susan Cain is the most insightful thing I have come across about the issue thus far, though I would like to delve into it more. Our society is made for extroverts. We value those characteristics. As Susan Cain says, our classrooms and workplaces cater to extroverts even though introverts make up nearly half of the population and are generally smarter and wiser, and in many cases more capable.

I find it fascinatingly unjust that introverts go so unappreciated in today's world and are made to feel like outcasts in our society. (For heaven's sake, I had the word "lame" thrown at me twice just this evening for choosing to go back home rather than go to what we young-single-adult Mormons call a "Munch & Mingle," which is basically when we flock over to a small apartment packed full of 20-something strangers and eat sweets, which most of us could really go without, and try to ask and hear and cleverly answer the redundant questions we tend to ask each other. Wait, so why is that fun? Exactly.) But enough of my thoughts. Please watch this video. It's about 20 minutes, but every minute of it is gold.

If you don't want to watch the video and would rather skim a short list that is also very insightful, read 10 Myths About Introverts. But really, you should also watch the video because for those of you that are introverts, it is very helpful in understanding yourself and appreciating yourself in a world that doesn't show its appreciation for you. And for extroverts, the video and the link will help you understand why introverts are the way they are, which will help you know how to interact with us!

Click here to view it from the source (since I can't seem to make the video proportionally smaller).


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Stranger than Fiction

This could possibly be one of my favorite lines ever.


Seen this movie? It's pretty snazzy.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Geraniums

My mom tells me she can't see a geranium without thinking about how her grandmother would wear them in her hair every Sunday.



Now I have my own, and I love them.

(And I'm trying not to kill them! (And so far succeeding!))

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Sara Evans - Alone

I listened to this song on the way to work this morning. It explains about how I feel about a certain situation in my life right now. But probably not the way you would think. Anyway, it's simply a song I connect with currently.


I also find it slightly humorous that the last song I posted was also titled "Alone." Is this an omen? o.O

Sunday, June 3, 2012

I Believe in Christ, So Come What May


The last several times I have sung "I Believe in Christ" in church I have not been able to sing the last full verse because I am filled with emotion. The whole song is wonderful, but every time, that last verse gets me, perhaps because it's exactly what I need to hear . . . again and again. Perhaps it's what you need too. This is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rendition of this beautiful hymn.



1. I believe in Christ; he is my King!
With all my heart to him I’ll sing;
I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.
On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised.

2. I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!
As Mary’s Son he came to reign
’Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ, who marked the path,
Who did gain all his Father hath,
Who said to men: “Come, follow me,
That ye, my friends, with God may be.”

3. I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I’ll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.

4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Three Lessons I Learned from To Kill A Mockingbird

I watched To Kill a Mockingbird this weekend. What a fantastic movie! I particularly like Scout's spunk and Atticus's quiet strengthhe is most admirable and respectable. Anyway, I thought I would share a few lessons I learned.


1. Sometimes kindness calms the most stubborn souls. I can't find a clip, but there's this part in the beginning where Scout says "hey" to an older lady she passes by who is sitting on her porch. The lady immediately lashes out at her saying she should say "Good afternoon" and "Weren't you taught good manners?" Scout ignores her and finds her father, Atticus. They walk by her again the other direction and before the lady can get a word out, Atticus says "Good afternoon" and comes up to her, complimenting her extraordinary garden and saying all sorts of niceties. With a tip of his hat, he and Scout go their merry way. All are appeased. Did the lady deserve that sort of kindness? Probably not. Did Atticus have to say anything to her? No. But it showed that Atticus was a good man, choosing peace over pride.

2. Some of the most powerful things can be said with silence. I wish the whole scene were here because it's more drawn out and much more intense. You can sense how much Atticus despises this man, yet he's so in control he does nothing to harm him. Atticus remains unmoved by a man of whose main weapon is to frighten and intimidate others, and I believe that Atticus's unflinching manner unnerves this horrid man.



3. My personal favorite: sometimes innocence can do what wisdom can't. This is when Atticus knew there would be trouble at the jail so he spent the night in front of the innocent Tom Robinson's cell in order to protect him. What bravery Atticus and his son have, but in the end, it's Scout's innocence that saves them.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

My Voice

I have been thinking lately how grateful I am for my voice. Seriously, of all the things I treasure in this world, my voice is toward the top of the list.

I love to sing. I always have. My mom could tell you that there was usually a song being sung in the house, and 95 percent of the time it was coming from yours truly. In sixth grade I joined choir and stuck with it all through high school. In college I had to remind myself not to sing while I was walking to class (because only that weird kid who wears a cape around campus does that) or hum while my roommate was trying to sleep (I try not to annoy my roommates). I think singing is my default mode.

I have a pretty long commute these days. I'm in the car 50 minutes every day, and I honestly don't mind it that much for one reason: I get to blast my favorite songs and sing along.

The cool thing about singing is you don't need any musical instrument. Everyone can sing, and a voice doesn't cost anything. How amazing is it that you can make beautiful music with your own bodyno purchase necessary?

Years ago I read (I think on one of those old-school facebook flair things) "Music is what feelings sound like." I agree completely. So often I have feelings that I am itching to express. At times I feel I am going to burst! But music and singing is my outlet; it calms and soothes me. I absolutely adore it.

What would I do if I couldn't sing? What would I do without music? What would I do without my voice?

I don't even want to think about it.

(Now if only I could sing in front of other people....)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Kelly Clarkson - Alone

Okay, people. I have to share this song because it's super fun and 80s-esque and makes me want to get dressed in some crazy 80s outfit and learn some swank 80s moves. And if you know me at all, you know that's really saying something. I don't like the 80s much, and I don't like to dance much either. It's that fantastic. So now, listen!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Cherry Blossoms

So, I have to say that I live in the best apartment come the first few weeks of April. This is what I see out of my bedroom and living room.


And it makes me happy.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Rodney Atkins - Take a Back Road

This has been one of my favorite, favorite songs for the past several months. You may even see me on I-15 rocking out to this sometime. But today when this song came on, I couldn't help but adore it even more than usual. It's been one of those weeks. Man, I would love to put a little gravel in my travel. And man, I love this song.




Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Banana Bread

When asked what my favorite food was as a kid, without hesitation I would reply, "banana bread." If ever I heard the eons-old greenish-yellow KitchenAid running, I would immediately stop whatever I was doing to help my mom make something delicious. Often it was banana bread.

I would pull up a chair and do what I could to "help." Usually, mom just had me mush the bananas. Sometimes I would beat the eggs for her. I always licked a beater. Whatever it was, I was content.

Tonight I made some banana bread for the first time by myself. Why it took me so long, I will never understand.

Want to try my recipe?

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
2 bananas
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp soda

Cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs and add one at a time. Mix in mashed bananas. Add baking soda and flour. Mix for five to ten minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Easy, right? Try it! It's awesome.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Sweat, Tears, or the Sea

This is kind of weird, but today I am posting on my blog a link to another blog. I love reading this blog. Some posts are long and thoughtful. Others are short and silly. It's so organic, so real, and yet so beauteous it just makes me want to cry at times. Check it out here.

Purple Boots

So...I found some great boots online for a fabulous price, and, well, I couldn't resist. There were a few different colors, and I was trying to decide between taupe and purple. In the end, I decided I am always too practical. I wanted purple! So I bought them, and they make me so happy! Everyone should have a pair for the joy they bring!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Nice Chat

This week I got a couple of unexpected and unnecessary phone calls--one from my oldest brother and one from the youngest. Both times, I hung up feeling really happy. There is something about those calls that makes me feel so good. I guess family relationships are really important to me, and I like feeling like I'm friends with my siblings. It's really a blessing, so I just wanted to express my gratitude for my family. Thanks, bros, for keeping me a part of your busy lives. :-)