I have lots to say. And like zero time.
First of all, I don't have internet in my apartment yet. So I'm in the little internet zone in the lobby of my apartments.
Speaking of apartments, I'm stoked about this one.
I have a 12th floor balcony that looks out at the city of Arlington, VA.
I have a doorman who helps people carry up their things.
I have a business center where printing is FREE.
I have a gym on the top floor with big big windows.
I live about a block from the metro and a giant super fun mall.
All the bedrooms have giant walk-in closets and huge mirrors in the bathrooms.
I'm still the only person here-- there will eventually be eleven of us. I think someone else is coming tomorrow. We will have two apartments between us, and I think I'm going to be in the one that I'm not in right now. The second one isn't available until next week. So, the 12th floor thing might change, unfortunately. But I'll still have a balcony. And maybe an even bigger apartment! (because it's the 3-bedroom rather than the 2!)
Last night and today I roamed around the district and fondly remembered my old stomping grounds. I have already covered Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter, and a lot of Crystal City. The Mall is next on the list (it would have been first, but I have to follow Stephanie's plans because she is only here for a couple of days. She flew out with me, btw). I love it too much. I'm so happy to be here!
ALSO, tomorrow I am going to NYC for NYE. Yay Times Square. Look for updates on THAT!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Rain, rain, it finally went away.
Until today, it rained in like the whole state of Utah EVERYDAY. And gosh, I hate rain. I don't know how I'm going to survive Washington, DC. Eek.
1. I feel like the weather, though, reflected my own inner turmoil as I finished my finals and packed up to leave Provo for the foreseeable future. I don't have specific plans to go back... which means that I no longer live in Provo and am done with BYU. It's a depressing thought, really. I have loved my time there more than I can possibly say, and it just breaks my heart to imagine never going back to that life. But I have come to terms with it. I'm excited to see what happens next-- I know that I will love the next stage of my life just as much as I loved my years at Brigham Young University. (look ahead to a post about BYU and why I love it so much. It may not come until April, though, when I actually graduate). I packed and cleaned, said good bye to A LOT of people that I love, and admittedly cried about the whole ordeal kind of a lot. It was hard. I didn't want to leave.
2. Meghan Newby and Lorina Binning are back from their missions!!! I had the privilege and honor to visit Meghan in the Salt Lake airport during her layover there last Thursday. And I cried like a baby when I saw her. It was embarrassing. I tried to explain that I was just emotional because of all the crazy things of that week, but really it was just good to see her. I was happy to have been able to see her because she'll be back at BYU, but I'll be in DC and won't see her or Lorina at all. The airport was my one chance. But I'm excited to be able to talk to them and catch them up on everything.
2. Anyway, it rained on Saturday. Rachelle's wedding day. And despite the poor weather, the day was beautiful. The temple was lovely (even though everyone's hair was all messed up in pictures), the luncheon was perfect, and the reception was charming. The wedding, like the packing and moving in the days before it, was an emotional, draining experience (as was reflected in the rain). I have had many best friends get married. This was actually my 5th time as a bridesmaid. But I do have to say that it was one of my most meaningful experiences as a bridesmaid. Rachelle and I have been through a lot together. We've been friends for a long time. It was painful to lose her. I have to admit that I panicked a couple of times in the process of her courtship and engagement to Brad and some tears were shed. But I am so happy for her, and I can't wait to see where life takes her. I just hope against all hope that we can maintain some of the closeness that I love about our friendship. I just love that girl.
3. On Sunday morning my family drove up to Ogden for some family stuff. It rained the whole way. The whole way for real. That night we had our family Christmas party, and I was struck by the fact that my family is extremely understanding and accepting of everyone. My extended family (on my dad's side) is a hodge podge of people, many half-related or not even officially married-into our family. It can get very confusing. But everyone is loved and welcome. I'm so grateful for that. We all love each other. And our once-a-year get-together is very well attended. Everyone comes. And it still surprises me when a cousin who is never heard from except on the day of that party every year, shows up with new children and/or a new significant other. And everyone is welcome. I love it.
4. On Tuesday night my family went to the basketball game between BYU and Weber @ Weber. We are a Weber family. My parents went there. My grandpa has worked there for like 60 years. He is actually in the Weber State Athletic Hall of Fame because he announced all the athletic events for like 30 years. He was "The Voice of the Wildcats." And while we were at the game and I had dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins (and even siblings and parents) rooting for Weber, I held true to my own school. (The Beach Boys song, "Be True to Your School" comes to mind). I yelled for my Cougars. It was the last time I'll see our BYU boys play (live) this season, because of my silly decision to move out of state. I really am upset about this. And if I hadn't been so excited about the game and our win, I maybe would have shed a tear out of pure nostalgia for the game of basketball and the joy that our boy Jimmer has brought me. :)
And today, the rain is gone. The sun came out, and the mourning I have felt for my past life is over. I am cleansed and ready to move on, seriously. I am extremely anxious for Washington. Cause, you know, it doesn't even feel like it's an exciting thing that is about to happen. Or like I'm doing anything unusual. It just feels normal. So meant to be. Like, of course I would do my student teaching in Washington. Living in DC feels normal. And good. And I'm anxious to fly out there and begin it all. To re-live the fairy tale, but in a different way.
1. I feel like the weather, though, reflected my own inner turmoil as I finished my finals and packed up to leave Provo for the foreseeable future. I don't have specific plans to go back... which means that I no longer live in Provo and am done with BYU. It's a depressing thought, really. I have loved my time there more than I can possibly say, and it just breaks my heart to imagine never going back to that life. But I have come to terms with it. I'm excited to see what happens next-- I know that I will love the next stage of my life just as much as I loved my years at Brigham Young University. (look ahead to a post about BYU and why I love it so much. It may not come until April, though, when I actually graduate). I packed and cleaned, said good bye to A LOT of people that I love, and admittedly cried about the whole ordeal kind of a lot. It was hard. I didn't want to leave.
2. Meghan Newby and Lorina Binning are back from their missions!!! I had the privilege and honor to visit Meghan in the Salt Lake airport during her layover there last Thursday. And I cried like a baby when I saw her. It was embarrassing. I tried to explain that I was just emotional because of all the crazy things of that week, but really it was just good to see her. I was happy to have been able to see her because she'll be back at BYU, but I'll be in DC and won't see her or Lorina at all. The airport was my one chance. But I'm excited to be able to talk to them and catch them up on everything.
3. On Sunday morning my family drove up to Ogden for some family stuff. It rained the whole way. The whole way for real. That night we had our family Christmas party, and I was struck by the fact that my family is extremely understanding and accepting of everyone. My extended family (on my dad's side) is a hodge podge of people, many half-related or not even officially married-into our family. It can get very confusing. But everyone is loved and welcome. I'm so grateful for that. We all love each other. And our once-a-year get-together is very well attended. Everyone comes. And it still surprises me when a cousin who is never heard from except on the day of that party every year, shows up with new children and/or a new significant other. And everyone is welcome. I love it.
4. On Tuesday night my family went to the basketball game between BYU and Weber @ Weber. We are a Weber family. My parents went there. My grandpa has worked there for like 60 years. He is actually in the Weber State Athletic Hall of Fame because he announced all the athletic events for like 30 years. He was "The Voice of the Wildcats." And while we were at the game and I had dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins (and even siblings and parents) rooting for Weber, I held true to my own school. (The Beach Boys song, "Be True to Your School" comes to mind). I yelled for my Cougars. It was the last time I'll see our BYU boys play (live) this season, because of my silly decision to move out of state. I really am upset about this. And if I hadn't been so excited about the game and our win, I maybe would have shed a tear out of pure nostalgia for the game of basketball and the joy that our boy Jimmer has brought me. :)
 |
| this'll be me again soon. |
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Once again, it's finals week
...and all I can think about are things to write on my blog.
1. Costco paper towel manufacturers are cheaters. My roommates and I collectively purchased a giant package of paper towels. We have gone through several rolls incredibly fast. I realized today why that is. The individual paper towels are GINORMOUS. They are much larger than is necessary. But, those people at Kirkland are making a ton of money off of their giant paper towels. Larger paper towels= less on a roll= more rolls used per household because one roll runs out really fast.
2. I went to The Nutcracker last Saturday with two of my sisters- Stephanie and Elise. We went to dinner beforehand and we were all dressed up and kind of matchy-matchy. It was adorable. And I loved the Nutcracker. The Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy were my favorites because they have very very sparkly tutus and they are just so beautiful. They looked delicate and perfect and I wanted to be them.
Anyway, while we were there, I remembered something funny. I went to The Nutcracker once before when I was 9 or 10. I remember that earlier in the day, before going to the ballet, I somehow acquired a new box of crayons. These were not any crayons, though. They were glow-in-the-dark. And I was obsessed with them. What is a 9-year-old girl who loves crayons and colors more than life itself to do when she has evening plans and a new box of crayons? Bring them with her. And watch them glow in the dark theater throughout the whole ballet. Yes, that is what I did. And actually, the glow died out during the first half, so during intermission I ran into the bathroom and held my crayons up to the light to re-charge them.
Brilliant.
3. Rachelle's bridal shower. It really was a blast. Just about everyone who was invited was able to come. And we ate pizza and delicious cupcakes that Kaitlin made from scratch.
I realized while throwing this shower that the point of the whole thing is to socialize and chat and give the bride good presents, but really it is for the bride to feel loved and appreciated by her best friends. So I hope that's what we accomplished. Rachelle, we threw that shower for you because we love you and we want you to know how much we appreciate you.
4. I met a boy at a party the other night who said he wanted to be a history teacher so he can coach football. We make jokes about those kinds of people all the time in my program. We despise those kinds of people. The boy actually said this, "yeah, I figure I should do history instead of one of the real, hard subjects like biology. History just isn't as important, so I figured that would be a good idea." And I actually said, "wow. Watch who you're talking to when you decide to bash history." Seriously, kid. Not cool. Not cool at all. And if you ever read this post, please do every child, every history teacher, and the beloved subject of history itself, a favor, and please please please do not become a history teacher. I'm way to passionate about history and the way it is taught to allow someone who could care less about the subject but just wants to coach football to let this happen. Anyway, it made me really mad. How can someone be so stupid?
5. Dani got engaged. Yes, ma'am. She is to be wed. To Michael James Everton. In March maybe? read the whole story on her blog.
6. BYU basketball now 10-0, AND we're ranked #16 on the AP poll. If we keep moving up in the rankings, imagine the possibilities!!!! We could get a good seed in the NCAA tournament, play crappy teams in the first couple rounds and actually go pretty far in the tournament. Wouldn't that be just so so so exciting!!?!?!?
7. About an hour ago I was in the Terrace of the Wilk eating my last hot bread and honey butter as a student at BYU. I sat across the table from two boys deeply engrossed in conversation that I couldn't help but listen to every word of. Eavesdropping. A favorite Terrace pastime.
Anyway, these boys appeared to be discussing some sort of court case they were planning. I assumed that it was for a moot court final in some class. Which is cool. They used very expert terminology and really sounded like they knew what they were talking about. One boy was smiling and looked very happy about something, and the other (who was dishing out most of the information) looked very smug. They were both wearing Newsie hats, and the smug one was markedly more attractive than the other (who was on the unkempt, in-need-of-a-shower, and chubby side)
After a while of listening to their banter I noticed some unusual terms. To quote: "Alario," "the six gates," and "overhill." Suspicious. I became even more suspicious when this conversation took place:
(Happy, chubby one) "What if I told you that I informed my superior of all this?"
(Smug, attractive one) "By superior, you mean your father?" (tone was incredulous)
(Happy, chubby one) "Yes my father. The king."
(Smug, attractive one) "You mean the king knows the location of the gate? I can't subpoena the king!"
Conversation followed by intense laughter from both parties regarding the idea of forcing the king to the stand in trial.
They also discussed the possibility of putting one "Ryden" on the stand.
Smug, attractive one exclaimed in surprising animation, "but he doesn't know the location of the 6 gates!" The other then countered, "What if I told you that Alario wrote a letter to Ryden about the gates, and I have the letter." (Smug one answered) "Hmmm. Even so, we would have to prove that Johnathan has a good reason to keep Alario alive. Alario is in Johnathan's custody."
Alario appears to be the man on trial. For murder I think. Or maybe he killed someone to cover up the crime that he committed regarding the 6 gates. I couldn't make sense of it all. Either way, Alario is an evil villain, and the sentence prescribed by smug boy was to put him on the front lines of some battle that was supposed to happen so that he was forced to fight.
Before getting up I asked them what in the world they were talking about. I couldn't resist. I was hoping they would say dungeons and dragons. They said it was a role-playing game. They were vague. And then one of them started to explain what an RPG is. I quickly said that I was familiar with the term. I told them they were nerdy but funny to listen to (in a nice way). They laughed and resumed their deep and important discussion while I walked away, smiling to myself and carrying a handful of notes that I had taken on their conversation.
Adios.
1. Costco paper towel manufacturers are cheaters. My roommates and I collectively purchased a giant package of paper towels. We have gone through several rolls incredibly fast. I realized today why that is. The individual paper towels are GINORMOUS. They are much larger than is necessary. But, those people at Kirkland are making a ton of money off of their giant paper towels. Larger paper towels= less on a roll= more rolls used per household because one roll runs out really fast.
2. I went to The Nutcracker last Saturday with two of my sisters- Stephanie and Elise. We went to dinner beforehand and we were all dressed up and kind of matchy-matchy. It was adorable. And I loved the Nutcracker. The Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy were my favorites because they have very very sparkly tutus and they are just so beautiful. They looked delicate and perfect and I wanted to be them.
Anyway, while we were there, I remembered something funny. I went to The Nutcracker once before when I was 9 or 10. I remember that earlier in the day, before going to the ballet, I somehow acquired a new box of crayons. These were not any crayons, though. They were glow-in-the-dark. And I was obsessed with them. What is a 9-year-old girl who loves crayons and colors more than life itself to do when she has evening plans and a new box of crayons? Bring them with her. And watch them glow in the dark theater throughout the whole ballet. Yes, that is what I did. And actually, the glow died out during the first half, so during intermission I ran into the bathroom and held my crayons up to the light to re-charge them.
Brilliant.
3. Rachelle's bridal shower. It really was a blast. Just about everyone who was invited was able to come. And we ate pizza and delicious cupcakes that Kaitlin made from scratch.
I realized while throwing this shower that the point of the whole thing is to socialize and chat and give the bride good presents, but really it is for the bride to feel loved and appreciated by her best friends. So I hope that's what we accomplished. Rachelle, we threw that shower for you because we love you and we want you to know how much we appreciate you.
4. I met a boy at a party the other night who said he wanted to be a history teacher so he can coach football. We make jokes about those kinds of people all the time in my program. We despise those kinds of people. The boy actually said this, "yeah, I figure I should do history instead of one of the real, hard subjects like biology. History just isn't as important, so I figured that would be a good idea." And I actually said, "wow. Watch who you're talking to when you decide to bash history." Seriously, kid. Not cool. Not cool at all. And if you ever read this post, please do every child, every history teacher, and the beloved subject of history itself, a favor, and please please please do not become a history teacher. I'm way to passionate about history and the way it is taught to allow someone who could care less about the subject but just wants to coach football to let this happen. Anyway, it made me really mad. How can someone be so stupid?
5. Dani got engaged. Yes, ma'am. She is to be wed. To Michael James Everton. In March maybe? read the whole story on her blog.
6. BYU basketball now 10-0, AND we're ranked #16 on the AP poll. If we keep moving up in the rankings, imagine the possibilities!!!! We could get a good seed in the NCAA tournament, play crappy teams in the first couple rounds and actually go pretty far in the tournament. Wouldn't that be just so so so exciting!!?!?!?
7. About an hour ago I was in the Terrace of the Wilk eating my last hot bread and honey butter as a student at BYU. I sat across the table from two boys deeply engrossed in conversation that I couldn't help but listen to every word of. Eavesdropping. A favorite Terrace pastime.
Anyway, these boys appeared to be discussing some sort of court case they were planning. I assumed that it was for a moot court final in some class. Which is cool. They used very expert terminology and really sounded like they knew what they were talking about. One boy was smiling and looked very happy about something, and the other (who was dishing out most of the information) looked very smug. They were both wearing Newsie hats, and the smug one was markedly more attractive than the other (who was on the unkempt, in-need-of-a-shower, and chubby side)
After a while of listening to their banter I noticed some unusual terms. To quote: "Alario," "the six gates," and "overhill." Suspicious. I became even more suspicious when this conversation took place:
(Happy, chubby one) "What if I told you that I informed my superior of all this?"
(Smug, attractive one) "By superior, you mean your father?" (tone was incredulous)
(Happy, chubby one) "Yes my father. The king."
(Smug, attractive one) "You mean the king knows the location of the gate? I can't subpoena the king!"
Conversation followed by intense laughter from both parties regarding the idea of forcing the king to the stand in trial.
They also discussed the possibility of putting one "Ryden" on the stand.
Smug, attractive one exclaimed in surprising animation, "but he doesn't know the location of the 6 gates!" The other then countered, "What if I told you that Alario wrote a letter to Ryden about the gates, and I have the letter." (Smug one answered) "Hmmm. Even so, we would have to prove that Johnathan has a good reason to keep Alario alive. Alario is in Johnathan's custody."
Alario appears to be the man on trial. For murder I think. Or maybe he killed someone to cover up the crime that he committed regarding the 6 gates. I couldn't make sense of it all. Either way, Alario is an evil villain, and the sentence prescribed by smug boy was to put him on the front lines of some battle that was supposed to happen so that he was forced to fight.
Before getting up I asked them what in the world they were talking about. I couldn't resist. I was hoping they would say dungeons and dragons. They said it was a role-playing game. They were vague. And then one of them started to explain what an RPG is. I quickly said that I was familiar with the term. I told them they were nerdy but funny to listen to (in a nice way). They laughed and resumed their deep and important discussion while I walked away, smiling to myself and carrying a handful of notes that I had taken on their conversation.
Adios.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Audrey's early politics
At the gym (about 10 minutes ago), I was watching CNN while listening to my Motown #1's. On CNN there was a breaking report about how Bill Clinton supports Obama's new tax something or other. And I remembered something.
When I was in 3rd grade during the 1996 presidential election and Clinton was campaigning for re-election. My elementary school was full of excitement-- all the classes took a poll and we kind of ran our own election. There was a giant graph in the hall that showed the polls and everything. Elementary kids in Utah were largely in favor of Bob Dole, token republican of the campaign.
I, however, was 100% behind Bill Clinton because for some odd reason, I thought that President Clinton had been in charge of the opening ceremonies at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and I was obsessed with those Olympics and their opening ceremonies.
Seriously. My political views of age 8 were directly correlated to the grand show I had seen on my little television set several months earlier.
I remember that very specifically. And all the other 3rd graders thought I was crazy for liking President Clinton.
The end.
When I was in 3rd grade during the 1996 presidential election and Clinton was campaigning for re-election. My elementary school was full of excitement-- all the classes took a poll and we kind of ran our own election. There was a giant graph in the hall that showed the polls and everything. Elementary kids in Utah were largely in favor of Bob Dole, token republican of the campaign.
I, however, was 100% behind Bill Clinton because for some odd reason, I thought that President Clinton had been in charge of the opening ceremonies at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and I was obsessed with those Olympics and their opening ceremonies.
Seriously. My political views of age 8 were directly correlated to the grand show I had seen on my little television set several months earlier.
I remember that very specifically. And all the other 3rd graders thought I was crazy for liking President Clinton.
The end.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Still
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Happy Pearl Harbor Day.
I celebrate this memorial day in two ways: 1) I generally wear a patriotic pin on Pearl Harbor Day, but I couldn't find mine this year. 2) I watch the movie. Compelling history+Ben Afflek+Josh Hartnett+a confusing love triangle=a very good idea.
But mostly I just like to remember. I like to remember how it affected our nation. Today in my history teaching methods class a group presented their project and did a little bit on Pearl Harbor and September 11th. The parallels they drew between the two were fascinating. I swear, I got the chills probably 4 times during their lesson. It was powerful. And I was so glad to remember both Pearl Harbor and September 11th. They were important times for our country, and I think that many people often forget that.
Also, today I did some research on the more militant side of the Civil Rights movement for the unit plan I'm working on It was fascinating and I can't stop thinking about it. Probably my favorite character of the movement was Stokely Carmichael, a college student and head of the Student Non-Vionlent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) for a couple years in the mid-1960's. He's just an interesting character. His involvement in the 1960s Civil Rights movement began with adherence to innovative non-violent forms of protest. Eventually, though, as he began to see the violence and pain that he and his followers were subjected to, he began to be more militant. He actually coined the term "black power" as it applies to the Black Power portion of the movement. He stepped down as head of SNCC (well, they kind of kicked him out because he was too much of a celebrity) in 1967, and joined the Black Panthers. In April of 1968 he played a significant role in the DC Riots following Martin Luther King's assassination.
Anyway, I think he was interesting. And a little crazy. :)
And I have, for your viewing pleasure, a clip of the speech (I think) in which he first used the term, "black power." It's incredible. He was such a good speaker.
Some other things of today:
1. New Michael Jackson song available on Ping (a new music social networking thing on iTunes). It's a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz, and I really like it. It was recording during the Invincible sessions, and ya'll know how much I love what came of that.
2. I realized that I wear some sort of blue most days of the weak. I have a lot of blue clothes. Especially navy blue. I like to wear navy blue and white.
3. I decided that no matter what, pea coats are actually not comfortable at all. I will always be more comfortable in a sweatshirt or puffy down coat. Seriously. I like pea coats and I think they are adorable, but they are not cozy and comfortable. I can't stand wearing one with a backpack. Can't stand it. At all. Lame, right? Why do I have to dislike scarves (they choke me), boots, and cute coats? It seems as though all the things that girls like about winter I don't like.
4. I leave Provo a week from tomorrow. Such limited time it's freaking me out. But I'm getting really excited too.
5. Rachelle is getting married in 10 days.
6. I don't get enough sleep. Ever.
7. I went to the American Crafts warehouse sale this morning with Elise and Audrey P.
8. Now that I'm done with my last research paper of the forsee-able future, I'm kind of sad. For real.
The end.
But mostly I just like to remember. I like to remember how it affected our nation. Today in my history teaching methods class a group presented their project and did a little bit on Pearl Harbor and September 11th. The parallels they drew between the two were fascinating. I swear, I got the chills probably 4 times during their lesson. It was powerful. And I was so glad to remember both Pearl Harbor and September 11th. They were important times for our country, and I think that many people often forget that.
Also, today I did some research on the more militant side of the Civil Rights movement for the unit plan I'm working on It was fascinating and I can't stop thinking about it. Probably my favorite character of the movement was Stokely Carmichael, a college student and head of the Student Non-Vionlent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) for a couple years in the mid-1960's. He's just an interesting character. His involvement in the 1960s Civil Rights movement began with adherence to innovative non-violent forms of protest. Eventually, though, as he began to see the violence and pain that he and his followers were subjected to, he began to be more militant. He actually coined the term "black power" as it applies to the Black Power portion of the movement. He stepped down as head of SNCC (well, they kind of kicked him out because he was too much of a celebrity) in 1967, and joined the Black Panthers. In April of 1968 he played a significant role in the DC Riots following Martin Luther King's assassination.
Anyway, I think he was interesting. And a little crazy. :)
And I have, for your viewing pleasure, a clip of the speech (I think) in which he first used the term, "black power." It's incredible. He was such a good speaker.
Some other things of today:
1. New Michael Jackson song available on Ping (a new music social networking thing on iTunes). It's a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz, and I really like it. It was recording during the Invincible sessions, and ya'll know how much I love what came of that.
2. I realized that I wear some sort of blue most days of the weak. I have a lot of blue clothes. Especially navy blue. I like to wear navy blue and white.
3. I decided that no matter what, pea coats are actually not comfortable at all. I will always be more comfortable in a sweatshirt or puffy down coat. Seriously. I like pea coats and I think they are adorable, but they are not cozy and comfortable. I can't stand wearing one with a backpack. Can't stand it. At all. Lame, right? Why do I have to dislike scarves (they choke me), boots, and cute coats? It seems as though all the things that girls like about winter I don't like.
4. I leave Provo a week from tomorrow. Such limited time it's freaking me out. But I'm getting really excited too.
5. Rachelle is getting married in 10 days.
6. I don't get enough sleep. Ever.
7. I went to the American Crafts warehouse sale this morning with Elise and Audrey P.
8. Now that I'm done with my last research paper of the forsee-able future, I'm kind of sad. For real.
The end.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Woes of the 490 paper that I should have worked harder on.
So it's finally due today. Today is the day. THE day.
I've been waiting for this day since my first semester at BYU when I was being murdered by my History 200 paper and learned that I would have to repeat the experience x10 when I took History 490-- the last history class I would be required to take before graduation. I filled with dread and actually changed my major for a semester to avoid this one class.... the dreaded 490.
Well, I've written a lot of papers since HIST 200 and am no longer scared of writing more than 20 pages in a paper. I've done it multiple times and really, I don't care that much about if my teacher thinks my paper is awesome and worthy of publishing or not. Just don't care. I've stopped associating my success in school with my value as a person and the strength of my character (my habits are much healthier these days).
So I've done minimal work. At this point my paper stands 20 pages with 4 additional pages of bibliography, a total of 63 citations (ridic, I know), one map, and a killer (fine, it's boring) title page. But I think I've produced a pretty good paper. I mean, really, I am excellent at organization, topic sentences, tying in quotes, and analyzing primary sources. My weaknesses lie in being too wordy or making up words. I also like to have really, really long paragraphs. I'm quite long winded if you already couldn't tell just by reading my blog. Also, my conclusion is super cheesy and my introduction is NOT attention grabbing. But it does the job. My historiography is a solid 5 pages but is really just what I gleaned from scanning through my sources, it's hardly an in depth analysis. I know that my first argument is weak. I lack the primary sources. I know that section 2 of my third argument is weak. It actually doesn't tie very well to my thesis. But that's a secret. None of my editors noticed- not even my professor- so I'm hoping it'll slide in the final draft.
My paper is lacking. But I'm turning it in anyway (because it's due in less than 2 hours). I think it's good enough.
But I want to talk about the drama of today a little bit. First, I was up until 3 working on all sorts of homework for my marriage and family class (despite the interesting discussions I ultimately regret taking that class. It's going to shoot down my GPA for the semester simply because I didn't care.) I got up at 8 and came to campus and have been working on my paper ever since (besides an hour at work in Special Collections). Unfortunately for me, I forgot my computer power cord. I had heard somewhere that it was possible to check them out at the library. So, close to noon, when my computer was about to die, I ran up from the first floor (where the serious studiers are) to the third to ask the information desk where I could find a power cord. They directed me to the LRC, on the 4th floor. I ran up those stairs, got the power cord, and then went to the 2nd floor to Dani's locker to get all my books about the Mormon Battalion for my research. I couldn't remember the locker combination. So then I went back to the first floor where I had left my stuff, looked up the combo, plugged in my computer, then went back up to the 2nd floor, went to the bathroom, got into the locker, pulled out my stack of 11 books, and then proceeded back down to the 1st floor where I am now writing this blog post while I should be cleaning up my paper some more so that I can turn it in in less than 2 hours.
I am just ridiculous. And I know I'm being dramatic about this.
But the point is, I'm turning in my paper today. And I could not be happier about completing this enormous hurdle in the process of my education.
edit: It's 1:36pm and I'm about to print of the dumb thing and turn it in. I thought I should save some photos, you know, just to keep the memories of this semester-long saga.
A screen shot of the final product in print preview:
I had to pull out all the post-it notes that I used to mark important things in all my 11 books about the Mormon Batallion. I'm not kidding, probably 200 post-it notes. And those things were my lifeline. They labeled everything. It was surprisingly painful to take the post-it notes out. I had mini heart attacks with each one- small pangs of panic-- it felt like I needed to leave them in there, cause what if I needed to know where something was again??!! To comfort me in this process I listened to Freddie sing, "We Are The Champions" and I felt like a champion.
And that's all.
The End.
I've been waiting for this day since my first semester at BYU when I was being murdered by my History 200 paper and learned that I would have to repeat the experience x10 when I took History 490-- the last history class I would be required to take before graduation. I filled with dread and actually changed my major for a semester to avoid this one class.... the dreaded 490.
Well, I've written a lot of papers since HIST 200 and am no longer scared of writing more than 20 pages in a paper. I've done it multiple times and really, I don't care that much about if my teacher thinks my paper is awesome and worthy of publishing or not. Just don't care. I've stopped associating my success in school with my value as a person and the strength of my character (my habits are much healthier these days).
So I've done minimal work. At this point my paper stands 20 pages with 4 additional pages of bibliography, a total of 63 citations (ridic, I know), one map, and a killer (fine, it's boring) title page. But I think I've produced a pretty good paper. I mean, really, I am excellent at organization, topic sentences, tying in quotes, and analyzing primary sources. My weaknesses lie in being too wordy or making up words. I also like to have really, really long paragraphs. I'm quite long winded if you already couldn't tell just by reading my blog. Also, my conclusion is super cheesy and my introduction is NOT attention grabbing. But it does the job. My historiography is a solid 5 pages but is really just what I gleaned from scanning through my sources, it's hardly an in depth analysis. I know that my first argument is weak. I lack the primary sources. I know that section 2 of my third argument is weak. It actually doesn't tie very well to my thesis. But that's a secret. None of my editors noticed- not even my professor- so I'm hoping it'll slide in the final draft.
My paper is lacking. But I'm turning it in anyway (because it's due in less than 2 hours). I think it's good enough.
But I want to talk about the drama of today a little bit. First, I was up until 3 working on all sorts of homework for my marriage and family class (despite the interesting discussions I ultimately regret taking that class. It's going to shoot down my GPA for the semester simply because I didn't care.) I got up at 8 and came to campus and have been working on my paper ever since (besides an hour at work in Special Collections). Unfortunately for me, I forgot my computer power cord. I had heard somewhere that it was possible to check them out at the library. So, close to noon, when my computer was about to die, I ran up from the first floor (where the serious studiers are) to the third to ask the information desk where I could find a power cord. They directed me to the LRC, on the 4th floor. I ran up those stairs, got the power cord, and then went to the 2nd floor to Dani's locker to get all my books about the Mormon Battalion for my research. I couldn't remember the locker combination. So then I went back to the first floor where I had left my stuff, looked up the combo, plugged in my computer, then went back up to the 2nd floor, went to the bathroom, got into the locker, pulled out my stack of 11 books, and then proceeded back down to the 1st floor where I am now writing this blog post while I should be cleaning up my paper some more so that I can turn it in in less than 2 hours.
I am just ridiculous. And I know I'm being dramatic about this.
But the point is, I'm turning in my paper today. And I could not be happier about completing this enormous hurdle in the process of my education.
edit: It's 1:36pm and I'm about to print of the dumb thing and turn it in. I thought I should save some photos, you know, just to keep the memories of this semester-long saga.
A screen shot of the final product in print preview:
I had to pull out all the post-it notes that I used to mark important things in all my 11 books about the Mormon Batallion. I'm not kidding, probably 200 post-it notes. And those things were my lifeline. They labeled everything. It was surprisingly painful to take the post-it notes out. I had mini heart attacks with each one- small pangs of panic-- it felt like I needed to leave them in there, cause what if I needed to know where something was again??!! To comfort me in this process I listened to Freddie sing, "We Are The Champions" and I felt like a champion.
And that's all.
The End.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Everything I ever need to know...
....I learned from Jennifer Josephine Wandalla Bowler McDonald.
She has a long name, but Moe and I like to call her Jo, Jenn, Jen (I always seem to leave off the second "n," which she definitely prefers), and Jenny (she actually doesn't like being called that too much. But I insist).
1. Jenny taught me about manual cars. Did you know that if you push a manual car (that won't start) down a hill, it will start? Yeah, I know, it's kind of a miracle. We had to do that once to get home from our friend Heather's house. We just pushed that car right down that hill, it finally started, and we all jumped in the car for the ride home. I can't believe we made it. Jenny used to have a little cream-colored car named Sir Walter Raleigh. We were sophomores when she had that car. She got it from her older brother, Ben, who had purchased it for literally ONE DOLLAR from a co-worker at Frostop. And that car liked to die at stoplights sometimes. We would stroke the dash and say nice words, and Sir Walter would lovingly spark back to life and get us safely home. We gave that car a dignified name so that he knew we respected him.
2. She taught me about Frostop and how a life is never complete without it. Jenny used to work there. And when she was working, Moe and I would go visit. And I would order a mint oreo shake with cookie dough sprinkles on top because I could never completely decide between oreos and cookie dough chunks. Jen was the sweet employee who liked to do special favors for me. Jenny also introduced me to the too-amazing-for-words picadilly chip. Those things have more grease than that philly cheese steak I ate in Philadelphia that got all over my clothes. But boy are they delicious.
3. Jenny taught me how to be wrong. During the first months of our best-friendship, we were often at odds with one another. I definitely thought I was a smart cookie and I didn't like to back down or be wrong or do anything that showed weakness. Eventually, after several awkward car rides home from school (that Jenny so generously offered me), I learned that it's okay for little things not to matter. I learned that every little thing didn't have to be a big deal, and that my friendship with Jenny was worth way more than being right about something. And, I learned that I acutally was wrong a lot of the time. Jenny and her wisdom was actually very powerful- quite a formidable force.
4. Jenny taught me about The Carpenters. 9 times out of 10, the Carpenters were playing from the tape deck in Sir Walter Raleigh. But I don't remember listening to any songs on the tape except for "Close To You." I daresay that song is the theme song of our sophomore year. And still, when I hear it, I can feel the heat of a springtime St. George afternoon, can smell the rotting foam seats in the car, and can picture Jenny sitting there, her hand on the steering wheel, probably arguing with me about something that I haven't learned to me wrong about yet.
5. My friendship with Jenny taught me how to be a hard worker. I don't think I know anyone who is a harder worker than Jennifer Bowler McDonald. She always had a job in high school, she became a CNA after taking college classes our junior year of high school, she went to school early morning for both color guard AND jazz band, she played in the pit in all the high school musicals, she seriously worked all-night 12 hour shifts at the hospital before and after we started college, she has always had really good grades, she graduated with her RN like 2 years after high school, and now, she takes care of husband and baby and never complains. Somehow Jenny has always been able able to juggle everything and be successful in everything. She really is a hero. She has taught me that it's totally okay- and worth it- to work and sacrifice for something that you really want.
6. Jenny taught me how to make friends a priority. Throughout my 6 years since legally being able to date (wow it seems way longer than that), I have gone through many a time when a friend or roommate gets many a boyfriend, and the story is almost always the same. Said friend gets in a relationship and for the most part, forgets about you. Boyfriend because priority number one, and best friend/roommate (me) gets very crudely left behind in the dust, wimpering and lonely (I should add that I'm not complaining, I totally get it). I said "almost" because Jenny is the exception. I will never ever never ever ever forget what Jenny did for me our junior year of high school. Moe was currently dating a boy and she had forgotten us almost entirely. We had resorted to scheduling disciplinary friend hearings with her just to have a conversation (we really did that. We left the court order notice on her car. We got annoyed, okay? But she's all forgiven now. Loved her always). So then, Jenny started dating a boy at school too. I got really scared because then it would just be me, awkward, chubby, and alone all the time with no friends. But Jenny understood my pain. She very fairly and kindly divided her time between me, the best friend, and him, the boyfriend. She hung out with me despite her likely (though never confirmed) preference to be with the boy toy because she knew that I needed her. She made me a priority, and I felt that. It was so.... nice. So good. I knew that I was important to her and that she knew that I would be permanent, while said boy may not be. Because Jen and I will always be friends. Best friends.
7. Jenny introduced me to Lord of the Rings. Moe helped too. But we watched them all at her house, and she loaned me the books to read. And her little sisters were obsessed with watching the special features on the extended version DVDs. The Bowler house, for a little while there, was overcome with Lotr mania. But I loved it. Those books and movies changed my world, all because of Jenny. And Moe too.
8. Jenny very lovingly fed my Harry Potter addiction and made it seem very much okay. She taught me to appreciate my crazy passion for things. She used to help me with my parties and such. One specific time, actually for the preparation party before book 7 came out, Jenny came to Pebbles in my Pocket in St. George, while I was working, carrying notebooks and literally all 7 Harry Potter books, and sat by the counter for several hours to write the jeopardy questions for the party. We wrote like 20 questions for each book. It was insane. But little miss devoted Jenny was with me every step of the way. And she gave up her day to sit, while I got paid, to make up questions for the party that I was throwing.
9. Jenny taught me that a person could look absolutely perfect and gorgeous without wearing any makeup. She is one of those very naturally beautiful people that you see and wonder how a person can be so beautiful. And her hair is so stinking thick and amazing!
10. Kind of a sidenote: Jenny has this amazing little library in the basement of her parent's home that was the source of most of my for-fun-reading in high school. I would sneak into that closet, pick a book, read it, and then pick another one. That is actually where I got most of the Tennis Shoes books. I never would have thought to finish that series if Jenny didn't have the books.
11. Jenny taught me how to have more fun at girls' camp that I ever thought possible, despite my already brimming obsession with it. Jenny and I, being in the same stake, were able to go to camp together as YCLs two years in a row. The first year, at Beaver High, Jenny and I managed to be the first girls to climb that horrible, wobbly, giant ladder. Teamwork, baby. It was all us. The second year, at the stake camp on Cedar Mountain, Jenny and I prepared weeks in advance for awesomeness. We sewed Batman capes. Yes, Batman capes to wear at night when we were out and about pulling pranks on people so that we could hide under them in the darkness and not get caught-- plus, we looked really cool. We also brought Batman bandaids and an entire extra tent and plastic tote bin to hold all our supplies. We set up the extra 2-man tent in the middle of the forest so that no one would find it. It was the designated "Bat Headquarters" and we used it as a secret place to plan our schemes. The extra tote was for toilet paper, shaving cream, water guns, etc., for pranks. Worked like a charm. we had a blast with out our secrets, and no one ever caught on. That same girls camp year was the year of the glowing toilet. Creepy, right? But Jenny and I had an unhealthy amount of fun together at camp. If I had to live through camp without Jenny, I would still love it, but not nearly on the same level.
12. Jenny taught me that it is totally acceptable to attend the same movie at Flood Street multiple times in one week. I'm pretty sure we did this too many times. Pirates, Cinderella Story, Sahara, Phantom of the Opera, etc. One night we convinced her little sister, Angie, to see Sahara with us. She had been like, "I think I've read that book. I don't want to see the movie." And she described the entire book/movie plot (which was the same thing) and we told her straight up that they were entirely different and that she would love the movie. We convinced her they were separate entities. Why we lied and forced her to come to the movie with us, I'll never know. But it was fun.
13. Jenny was a staunch advocate of ice cream in all forms. Frostop, Iceberg, Dairy Queen, you name it. We hit a different place every day. For real.
14. Jenn taught me how to clean her room. haha. I swear, most weekends Moe and I would get to her house to do something, and she would still have to clean her room before being allowed to go anywhere. So, we would help her. I remember that she always had random piles of tithing money everywhere, so we would have to combine all of that, fold clothes, stack up all her books, make her bed, hide the laundry in the closet, etc. I should mention, however, that a lot of the time, Moe and Jenn were waiting on ME to get there. I was the inconveniently late one, and that was especially ridiculous considering the fact that I lived about 5 blocks from Jenn, while Moe lived solid 15-20 minute drive away. Jenny's room, by the way, was the headquarters for our little game, and many hours were spent in there scheming, planning, not sleeping despite the late hour, eating pizza and caramel treasures and mint oreos, etc. Moe, Jen, and I used to sleep cross-ways on her big bed so that we all fit.
Jennifer Bowler is one of those people who knows what her priorities are. She knows who and what is important, and she makes sure that they know that. She cares and she guides and helps and rescues. And really, I wouldn't be the same person today without my Jenny. She is just really good a being a friend. She knows how to listen and she gives good answers. She really just taught me what it means to be a friend- priority, loyalty, caring, acceptance of oddities (haha), etc., and all of that by example.
Love you Jenny. Happy happy birthday, 7 days late.
She has a long name, but Moe and I like to call her Jo, Jenn, Jen (I always seem to leave off the second "n," which she definitely prefers), and Jenny (she actually doesn't like being called that too much. But I insist).
1. Jenny taught me about manual cars. Did you know that if you push a manual car (that won't start) down a hill, it will start? Yeah, I know, it's kind of a miracle. We had to do that once to get home from our friend Heather's house. We just pushed that car right down that hill, it finally started, and we all jumped in the car for the ride home. I can't believe we made it. Jenny used to have a little cream-colored car named Sir Walter Raleigh. We were sophomores when she had that car. She got it from her older brother, Ben, who had purchased it for literally ONE DOLLAR from a co-worker at Frostop. And that car liked to die at stoplights sometimes. We would stroke the dash and say nice words, and Sir Walter would lovingly spark back to life and get us safely home. We gave that car a dignified name so that he knew we respected him.
2. She taught me about Frostop and how a life is never complete without it. Jenny used to work there. And when she was working, Moe and I would go visit. And I would order a mint oreo shake with cookie dough sprinkles on top because I could never completely decide between oreos and cookie dough chunks. Jen was the sweet employee who liked to do special favors for me. Jenny also introduced me to the too-amazing-for-words picadilly chip. Those things have more grease than that philly cheese steak I ate in Philadelphia that got all over my clothes. But boy are they delicious.
3. Jenny taught me how to be wrong. During the first months of our best-friendship, we were often at odds with one another. I definitely thought I was a smart cookie and I didn't like to back down or be wrong or do anything that showed weakness. Eventually, after several awkward car rides home from school (that Jenny so generously offered me), I learned that it's okay for little things not to matter. I learned that every little thing didn't have to be a big deal, and that my friendship with Jenny was worth way more than being right about something. And, I learned that I acutally was wrong a lot of the time. Jenny and her wisdom was actually very powerful- quite a formidable force.
4. Jenny taught me about The Carpenters. 9 times out of 10, the Carpenters were playing from the tape deck in Sir Walter Raleigh. But I don't remember listening to any songs on the tape except for "Close To You." I daresay that song is the theme song of our sophomore year. And still, when I hear it, I can feel the heat of a springtime St. George afternoon, can smell the rotting foam seats in the car, and can picture Jenny sitting there, her hand on the steering wheel, probably arguing with me about something that I haven't learned to me wrong about yet.
5. My friendship with Jenny taught me how to be a hard worker. I don't think I know anyone who is a harder worker than Jennifer Bowler McDonald. She always had a job in high school, she became a CNA after taking college classes our junior year of high school, she went to school early morning for both color guard AND jazz band, she played in the pit in all the high school musicals, she seriously worked all-night 12 hour shifts at the hospital before and after we started college, she has always had really good grades, she graduated with her RN like 2 years after high school, and now, she takes care of husband and baby and never complains. Somehow Jenny has always been able able to juggle everything and be successful in everything. She really is a hero. She has taught me that it's totally okay- and worth it- to work and sacrifice for something that you really want.
6. Jenny taught me how to make friends a priority. Throughout my 6 years since legally being able to date (wow it seems way longer than that), I have gone through many a time when a friend or roommate gets many a boyfriend, and the story is almost always the same. Said friend gets in a relationship and for the most part, forgets about you. Boyfriend because priority number one, and best friend/roommate (me) gets very crudely left behind in the dust, wimpering and lonely (I should add that I'm not complaining, I totally get it). I said "almost" because Jenny is the exception. I will never ever never ever ever forget what Jenny did for me our junior year of high school. Moe was currently dating a boy and she had forgotten us almost entirely. We had resorted to scheduling disciplinary friend hearings with her just to have a conversation (we really did that. We left the court order notice on her car. We got annoyed, okay? But she's all forgiven now. Loved her always). So then, Jenny started dating a boy at school too. I got really scared because then it would just be me, awkward, chubby, and alone all the time with no friends. But Jenny understood my pain. She very fairly and kindly divided her time between me, the best friend, and him, the boyfriend. She hung out with me despite her likely (though never confirmed) preference to be with the boy toy because she knew that I needed her. She made me a priority, and I felt that. It was so.... nice. So good. I knew that I was important to her and that she knew that I would be permanent, while said boy may not be. Because Jen and I will always be friends. Best friends. 7. Jenny introduced me to Lord of the Rings. Moe helped too. But we watched them all at her house, and she loaned me the books to read. And her little sisters were obsessed with watching the special features on the extended version DVDs. The Bowler house, for a little while there, was overcome with Lotr mania. But I loved it. Those books and movies changed my world, all because of Jenny. And Moe too.
8. Jenny very lovingly fed my Harry Potter addiction and made it seem very much okay. She taught me to appreciate my crazy passion for things. She used to help me with my parties and such. One specific time, actually for the preparation party before book 7 came out, Jenny came to Pebbles in my Pocket in St. George, while I was working, carrying notebooks and literally all 7 Harry Potter books, and sat by the counter for several hours to write the jeopardy questions for the party. We wrote like 20 questions for each book. It was insane. But little miss devoted Jenny was with me every step of the way. And she gave up her day to sit, while I got paid, to make up questions for the party that I was throwing. 9. Jenny taught me that a person could look absolutely perfect and gorgeous without wearing any makeup. She is one of those very naturally beautiful people that you see and wonder how a person can be so beautiful. And her hair is so stinking thick and amazing!
10. Kind of a sidenote: Jenny has this amazing little library in the basement of her parent's home that was the source of most of my for-fun-reading in high school. I would sneak into that closet, pick a book, read it, and then pick another one. That is actually where I got most of the Tennis Shoes books. I never would have thought to finish that series if Jenny didn't have the books.
11. Jenny taught me how to have more fun at girls' camp that I ever thought possible, despite my already brimming obsession with it. Jenny and I, being in the same stake, were able to go to camp together as YCLs two years in a row. The first year, at Beaver High, Jenny and I managed to be the first girls to climb that horrible, wobbly, giant ladder. Teamwork, baby. It was all us. The second year, at the stake camp on Cedar Mountain, Jenny and I prepared weeks in advance for awesomeness. We sewed Batman capes. Yes, Batman capes to wear at night when we were out and about pulling pranks on people so that we could hide under them in the darkness and not get caught-- plus, we looked really cool. We also brought Batman bandaids and an entire extra tent and plastic tote bin to hold all our supplies. We set up the extra 2-man tent in the middle of the forest so that no one would find it. It was the designated "Bat Headquarters" and we used it as a secret place to plan our schemes. The extra tote was for toilet paper, shaving cream, water guns, etc., for pranks. Worked like a charm. we had a blast with out our secrets, and no one ever caught on. That same girls camp year was the year of the glowing toilet. Creepy, right? But Jenny and I had an unhealthy amount of fun together at camp. If I had to live through camp without Jenny, I would still love it, but not nearly on the same level.12. Jenny taught me that it is totally acceptable to attend the same movie at Flood Street multiple times in one week. I'm pretty sure we did this too many times. Pirates, Cinderella Story, Sahara, Phantom of the Opera, etc. One night we convinced her little sister, Angie, to see Sahara with us. She had been like, "I think I've read that book. I don't want to see the movie." And she described the entire book/movie plot (which was the same thing) and we told her straight up that they were entirely different and that she would love the movie. We convinced her they were separate entities. Why we lied and forced her to come to the movie with us, I'll never know. But it was fun.
13. Jenny was a staunch advocate of ice cream in all forms. Frostop, Iceberg, Dairy Queen, you name it. We hit a different place every day. For real.
14. Jenn taught me how to clean her room. haha. I swear, most weekends Moe and I would get to her house to do something, and she would still have to clean her room before being allowed to go anywhere. So, we would help her. I remember that she always had random piles of tithing money everywhere, so we would have to combine all of that, fold clothes, stack up all her books, make her bed, hide the laundry in the closet, etc. I should mention, however, that a lot of the time, Moe and Jenn were waiting on ME to get there. I was the inconveniently late one, and that was especially ridiculous considering the fact that I lived about 5 blocks from Jenn, while Moe lived solid 15-20 minute drive away. Jenny's room, by the way, was the headquarters for our little game, and many hours were spent in there scheming, planning, not sleeping despite the late hour, eating pizza and caramel treasures and mint oreos, etc. Moe, Jen, and I used to sleep cross-ways on her big bed so that we all fit.
Jennifer Bowler is one of those people who knows what her priorities are. She knows who and what is important, and she makes sure that they know that. She cares and she guides and helps and rescues. And really, I wouldn't be the same person today without my Jenny. She is just really good a being a friend. She knows how to listen and she gives good answers. She really just taught me what it means to be a friend- priority, loyalty, caring, acceptance of oddities (haha), etc., and all of that by example.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
WOAH.
Okay, I know you're all getting sick of Jimmer madness by now, but HOLY COW!!!!
Jimmer. On the cover of Sports Illustrated. In superhero comic-book animated form.
What could possibly happen next?
Yes. March WILL be Jimmer time. Because you know what? It's Jimmer time ALL the time.
Jimmer. On the cover of Sports Illustrated. In superhero comic-book animated form.
Yes. March WILL be Jimmer time. Because you know what? It's Jimmer time ALL the time.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Jimmer
Definition: verb meaning to "do something extraordinary with no apparent effort, and to look good while doing said amazing thing. " Example: "I totally jimmered the heck out of that test."
"Jimmer" can also be used as an adjective: (something happened that was totally cool) "That was so JIMMER!"
and a noun: (in reference to a boy who just walked boy smelling very nice) "he is such a jimmer."
We love Jimmer Fredette. Why? Perhaps because of his outstanding basketball skills? The fact that he was named to like 5 all-American teams this year? Maybe his nice nice shoulders and arms? Or maybe because it's just so fun to turn a classmate who you might actually see walking around campus into a celebrity?
Yesterday was the season opener. Rachel so graciously went to wait in line outside the Marriott Center around 3pm. Dani took her place at about 4:30, and I arrived at 5:00, just after they let everyone in to the building. We sat at our seats excitedly for two hours before the game started, and Jimmer made two appearances. The first time he walked in, everyone cheered, and he just raised his fist in the air.
So Dani made a shirt for the game. It said, "I LOVE JIMMER more than his girlfriend does." Before the game started, two cheerleaders made their way up the stands to us and one of them asked Dani if she could have a picture with her and the shirt. Dani was like, "wait, are you...?" And she said, "yeah, I'm his girlfriend." EEK. Embarrassing. A little. But also VERY hilarious. Haha, I about died while Dani's face turned red and she posed for the picture. As the two girls walked away, I realized: "Dani!! Jimmer is going to SEE THAT PICTURE!" Said girlfriend will be like, "hey Jimmer honey, look at this girl who is in love with you!" It might even end up on Facebook. ahahahahahaha.
The game started with a bang, they turned off the lights and dropped the sheets for the introduction. It was amazing. The first couple minutes of play were. a. mess. A little bit of a disaster. We were all over the place and there was a foul like every 10 seconds. Not an exaggeration. But then we hit a rhythm, and at one point, we were up like 39 points. The game ended 83-56.
For a more detailed report on the game, check out this article in the Washington Post. Check out the headline. Even people in Washington love Jimmer.
I love basketball season. As much, perhaps more than football season. Basketball games are just such a blast, and there are TONS of them!! It just spreads the joy over several more days of the year.
This week we have two games scheduled: Wednesday vs. Utah State, which is going to be a huge game. We lost to them last year, and the anticipation is killing me! Dani and I are even going to camp out on Tuesday night to make sure we get awesome seats (there are already like 8 tents in line. crazy byu kids). Then, on Saturday there is another game against some team I've never heard of. But don't you worry. I'll be there.
But I'm excited.
Anyway. We love Jimmer and the basketball joy he brings to BYU through his inherent awesomeness.
"Jimmer" can also be used as an adjective: (something happened that was totally cool) "That was so JIMMER!"
and a noun: (in reference to a boy who just walked boy smelling very nice) "he is such a jimmer."
We love Jimmer Fredette. Why? Perhaps because of his outstanding basketball skills? The fact that he was named to like 5 all-American teams this year? Maybe his nice nice shoulders and arms? Or maybe because it's just so fun to turn a classmate who you might actually see walking around campus into a celebrity?
Yesterday was the season opener. Rachel so graciously went to wait in line outside the Marriott Center around 3pm. Dani took her place at about 4:30, and I arrived at 5:00, just after they let everyone in to the building. We sat at our seats excitedly for two hours before the game started, and Jimmer made two appearances. The first time he walked in, everyone cheered, and he just raised his fist in the air.
So Dani made a shirt for the game. It said, "I LOVE JIMMER more than his girlfriend does." Before the game started, two cheerleaders made their way up the stands to us and one of them asked Dani if she could have a picture with her and the shirt. Dani was like, "wait, are you...?" And she said, "yeah, I'm his girlfriend." EEK. Embarrassing. A little. But also VERY hilarious. Haha, I about died while Dani's face turned red and she posed for the picture. As the two girls walked away, I realized: "Dani!! Jimmer is going to SEE THAT PICTURE!" Said girlfriend will be like, "hey Jimmer honey, look at this girl who is in love with you!" It might even end up on Facebook. ahahahahahaha.
The game started with a bang, they turned off the lights and dropped the sheets for the introduction. It was amazing. The first couple minutes of play were. a. mess. A little bit of a disaster. We were all over the place and there was a foul like every 10 seconds. Not an exaggeration. But then we hit a rhythm, and at one point, we were up like 39 points. The game ended 83-56.
For a more detailed report on the game, check out this article in the Washington Post. Check out the headline. Even people in Washington love Jimmer.
I love basketball season. As much, perhaps more than football season. Basketball games are just such a blast, and there are TONS of them!! It just spreads the joy over several more days of the year.
This week we have two games scheduled: Wednesday vs. Utah State, which is going to be a huge game. We lost to them last year, and the anticipation is killing me! Dani and I are even going to camp out on Tuesday night to make sure we get awesome seats (there are already like 8 tents in line. crazy byu kids). Then, on Saturday there is another game against some team I've never heard of. But don't you worry. I'll be there.
But I'm excited.
Anyway. We love Jimmer and the basketball joy he brings to BYU through his inherent awesomeness.
Friday, November 12, 2010
This guy.
New boy on Glee (which is a show that I don't watch anymore) who is super adorable and has my new favorite voice (for today anyway) = Harry Potter in the Very Potter Musical on YouTube that is certifiably hilarious.
What else is new?
What else is new?
Michael Buble, you save my life.
A new EP: "Hollywood"
I haven't had this fun much while writing a torturous paper at 2:21am, like, EVER. And it's all thanks to this song.
I haven't had this fun much while writing a torturous paper at 2:21am, like, EVER. And it's all thanks to this song.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Over soon.
Yesterday I had class at 8am. Came straight home at 9:15pm and got ready for my practicum. Drove to Lehi. Taught some 8th graders. Drove home by 4:00pm. Was at the library by 5:00pm. Worked on my senior capstone paper until midnight. Walked home in the cold darkness with my furry hood around my face, a backpack with my notebook and laptop in it, and literally 11 books in my arms.
It is days and moments like these that make me excited for when it's all over.
It is days and moments like these that make me excited for when it's all over.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Breaking News
Unfortunately, there is some controversy as to whether it's actually Michael's voice on the track. Which, if it's true, would be more tragic than I can say. The first time I listened to it (just moments after it became available on michaeljackson.com on Monday), I was confused. My first thought was, "this doesn't sound quite like the Michael I'm used to..." As I listened, I was convinced that it was Michael, but that the backtrack vocals were not him, probably because he didn't finish recording the harmonies. I could be wrong, but after several listens, before even hearing about the controversy, this is the conclusion that I came to. I at least noticed something was a messed up. And after several more listens, I want to add some more reasons why his voice sounds a little bit off: age and processing.
First, the last studio recording that was fully produced by Michael and his crew was released on 2004's "Michael Jackson Number Ones" greatest hits compilation album. The song was written by R. Kelly and titled, "One More Chance." He undeniably sounds a bit different in this song that in previous recordings that the general populace is very familiar with. Now, he died in 2009, dating the recording of "Breaking News" as many as 5 years after "One More Chance," the last time the world heard Michael sing on a recorded album. SO, his voice could have aged and slightly changed in the meantime (plus he passed the landmark age of 50).
Second, this MTV article about the subject mentions the fact that recording technology has changed dramatically in the last several years, and that the processed sound that it adds to natural voices can change things. In fact, to quote the article: "processing might be Jackson's voice's biggest enemy." I do quite agree- we love the natural, live Michael the best. We don't want the touch ups. BUT, the song does sound processed- and that may have been done with or without Michael's approval. He wasn't really around stop it or anything.
However, many of Michael's relatives are claiming that the voice on the track is not him. But who is to really know? Admittedly, his family and friends probably will know more than anyone. BUT, if there really are hundreds of unfinished and unpublished songs in his collection (like there was rumored to be following his death), why in the world would record executives fabricate a song and release it as original? It simply makes no sense. The same relatives who claimed the song was a fake also say that other songs on the album are 100% Michael's voice. It seems strange that Epic Records and MJJ Productions would release a fake song that they produced with some Michael sound-a-like before releasing a real one. If they were caught (kind of like they have been, if accusations are real), then they have ruined their credibility before the album is even released. That would destroy sales and really would never be a good business plan. Sheesh.
What I am getting at is that in my expert opinion (and as an avid listener and follower of Michael Jackson, I think I've earned the "expert" status), the song is real. This could all come crashing down on me, and I may eat my words soon. But whatever. I can be wrong.
In my heart of hearts, though, I really hope it's real. Really really really really I do. It was so comforting to hear the song. And to know that more is coming. I hope they don't take that away from me.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Chapter 188: The meaning of Halloween (2010)
The number one best thing about Halloween: dressing up as something you're not. Or simply dressing in a costume that a normal, socially acceptable person wouldn't wear on an average day to school or work.
Halloween equals creativity and planning a special outfit. Perhaps sewing something or creating something from scratch. It means applying make up and doing hair differently than usual.
Some people equate Halloween with words like "fright" and "scary." That concept of Halloween has never been in my schema or Book of Audrey.
And as I have been known to say, "I don't believe in looking ugly on purpose." Which, I think, is a good mantra and should be applied to all people in all situations.
Boy Meets World defines Halloween as "the one holiday that brings loved ones together." And, when my concept of Halloween is considered, the BMW definition is entirely logical. Families can dress up together, go to parties, creatively carve pumpkins, bake treats for their neighbors and leave a little ghosty in the window, and trick-or-treat to get lots and lots of yummy candy that brings happiness and joy for weeks to come! Halloween is a joyous occassion of yummy treats, pretty costumes, and being with people you love.
Halloween was originally a Celtic holiday, or so Wikipedia suggests. It was the day of the year that the "veil" was the thinnest, and families could invite the spirits of their deceased relatives home for dinner, but with that they had to ward off the bad spirits. It was a celebration, but also a slightly fearful one. They used Halloween to honor and remember the dead.
Now, because of Memorial day, we no longer have the need to honor the dead on Halloween. So now it is just a fun day. And a significant one in the world of Harry Potter. (aka the day that You Know Who killed the Potters but failed to kill Harry, the day of Nearly Headless Nick's deathday party (when Harry first heard the basilisk in the wall, etc.). That is all. Not scary.
(I might add that this explanation was necessary because this year I happened to encounter several people who hate Halloween because it's "scary." They refuse to dress up and go to parties or whatever because they don't like Halloween. My argument is that a refusal to acknowledge Halloween because it is "scary" is illogical and kind of a fallacy. It doesn't have to be scary. Only fun.
This Halloween my roommates and I took the call to have fun on Halloween very seriously. It occurred in two stages:
1. Stake Halloween party on 10.29. Friday. It was also the day of a BYU basketball season preview. I missed it. For the party. We dressed up and went to dance and hang out with fun ward people. The dance was full of costumed Mormon kids who strictly followed the "no cross-dressing or masks" policy, and still obeyed the honor code dress and grooming standards. It was a wholesome, blast-and-a-half activity. I was a peacock (a really lame but cute one), Lene was Bones from the TV show, Sarie a cowboy midget (I promise it was more politically correct than it sounds), and Dani was Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Dani and Lene, I think I should say, actually love dressing up scary for Halloween. Dani obsesses over it a little bit. (refer to this post from last year) But I like them anyway. :)
2. SHAKE YAH MONSTER MASH PARTY at our house on 10.30. Saturday night. It rocked the socks off any other Halloween party, ever. At least I had a blast. It was probably partly because throwing a party is like gathering all of the people who you like the most at your house in one night. You get to talk to all of your favorite people (excluding the ones who live far away and couldn't come), get all dressed up, dance to fun music, and have people exclaim to you about how fun your party is. Really, ya'll should try it sometime.
To assemble the party, Dani and I first planned out the decoration, food, and scheduling details. Then, Lene, Sarie, and I had a late-night planning session at which assignments were distributed, and each party-planner was given a list of things to do.
To get the word out, we announced the party together at ward prayer and gave everyone candy. Then, we sent out Facebook invitations.
Dani wrote the Facebook description of the event (which may or may not have been my favorite thing about the whole party):
"Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this [party] in no way endorses a belief in the occult."
-Michael Jackson
for optimal facebook taggage, come between 8:30-9:30 for the PHOTOBOOTH and the consumption of delicious foodstuffs.
at 9:30 will commence Project: Shake What Yo Mamma Gave Yah.
to paint a mental picture:
-black lights (yes, we really REALLY love these things)
-taio cruz
-glow sticks
-wicked halloween decor
-special guest appearance by justin bieber. for realz this time.
costumes: mandatory :)
see all of you party animals there!
Then, on Saturday, the day of the party, we decorated and prepared for the party, which included:
-covering our entire living room with black trash bags to make it look like a giant black, never ending cave. The corners of the blackness were covered in giant spider webs (compliments of Dallin Henrie, the best spiderweb constructor on the planet)
-Adhering a 12-foot long piece of white butcher paper to the wall in the kitchen for signing with highlighters during the black-light portion of the evening (this was my other favorite part about the whole thing)
-Setting up the photobooth, complete with gray backdrop covered in a giant black spider web, nice camera (thanks Rachelle!!) on tri-pod, and spotlights for good lighting.
-Making the food: brownies, apple cider in giant cauldron with dry ice, bloody (white chocolate died red) popcorn, slimy (green jello) popcorn, edible teeth (apple slices with small marshmallows held between them with peanut butter) and loads of tootsie rolls. (Thanks to the ovens in both Banbridge 5 and 9).
-Borrowing and assembling speakers with the help of Jonathan Meacham (who reads my blog) and Brett Gladsen, ex-wardies but still friends extraordinaire.
-Removing ALL of the living room furniture and hiding it in the corners of our apartment, the one across the hall, and in the stairwells (this might have been the trickiest part of the whole thing) (Dani's Michael aided in the removal and BB9 very kindly allowed us to hide our couch in their apartment)
-Assembling a playlist (thanks Dani) complete with requested Jackson 5 songs.
-Setting up our entertainment center and TV outside of the door to play the "Thriller" music video on a loop throughout the whole party (my other favorite thing). (Made possible by the contribution of Lynne's extension cord).
-Preparing for the blacklights. We had to remove the tube lights from the hallway (which we aren't technically allowed to mess with), switch out the kitchen lights, borrow standing lamps from BB9, and switch all the light bulbs.
-getting ourselves costumed and ready. Stephanie had to come do my makeup at 5:00pm, in between getting herself and other friends ready.
And then the party started at 8:30, and TONS of people came. I always get really nervous about throwing parties. I mean, you really go out on a limb. You prepare all of this stuff, but then what if it's lame and no one comes? You put yourself in a vulnerable position when you plan things, but really, the stress is worth the reward.
Some of my favorite photos from the evening: (you can pick out the photobooth ones)
For more photobooth pictures, see THIS blog.
And I'm so thankful for all the random (but not so random) help we got. So many people contributed little things. It just made me realize how much I care about my Provo friends, and how much they care about me and my roommates. And when people came to the party who I invited but didn't really expect, I was so surprised and so happy! It makes you feel so good when people accept your invitation. I just really appreciated all the people who took the time to come to our party and make all the work worth it.
You see? Halloween really does bring loved ones together.
Halloween equals creativity and planning a special outfit. Perhaps sewing something or creating something from scratch. It means applying make up and doing hair differently than usual.
Some people equate Halloween with words like "fright" and "scary." That concept of Halloween has never been in my schema or Book of Audrey.
And as I have been known to say, "I don't believe in looking ugly on purpose." Which, I think, is a good mantra and should be applied to all people in all situations.
Boy Meets World defines Halloween as "the one holiday that brings loved ones together." And, when my concept of Halloween is considered, the BMW definition is entirely logical. Families can dress up together, go to parties, creatively carve pumpkins, bake treats for their neighbors and leave a little ghosty in the window, and trick-or-treat to get lots and lots of yummy candy that brings happiness and joy for weeks to come! Halloween is a joyous occassion of yummy treats, pretty costumes, and being with people you love.
Halloween was originally a Celtic holiday, or so Wikipedia suggests. It was the day of the year that the "veil" was the thinnest, and families could invite the spirits of their deceased relatives home for dinner, but with that they had to ward off the bad spirits. It was a celebration, but also a slightly fearful one. They used Halloween to honor and remember the dead.
Now, because of Memorial day, we no longer have the need to honor the dead on Halloween. So now it is just a fun day. And a significant one in the world of Harry Potter. (aka the day that You Know Who killed the Potters but failed to kill Harry, the day of Nearly Headless Nick's deathday party (when Harry first heard the basilisk in the wall, etc.). That is all. Not scary.
(I might add that this explanation was necessary because this year I happened to encounter several people who hate Halloween because it's "scary." They refuse to dress up and go to parties or whatever because they don't like Halloween. My argument is that a refusal to acknowledge Halloween because it is "scary" is illogical and kind of a fallacy. It doesn't have to be scary. Only fun.
This Halloween my roommates and I took the call to have fun on Halloween very seriously. It occurred in two stages:
1. Stake Halloween party on 10.29. Friday. It was also the day of a BYU basketball season preview. I missed it. For the party. We dressed up and went to dance and hang out with fun ward people. The dance was full of costumed Mormon kids who strictly followed the "no cross-dressing or masks" policy, and still obeyed the honor code dress and grooming standards. It was a wholesome, blast-and-a-half activity. I was a peacock (a really lame but cute one), Lene was Bones from the TV show, Sarie a cowboy midget (I promise it was more politically correct than it sounds), and Dani was Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Dani and Lene, I think I should say, actually love dressing up scary for Halloween. Dani obsesses over it a little bit. (refer to this post from last year) But I like them anyway. :)
 |
| Roommates. My makeup looks funny. |
 |
| the wardies. I'm peeking out from behind Belle. Notice the very tall Hagrid in the background. He's funny. |
2. SHAKE YAH MONSTER MASH PARTY at our house on 10.30. Saturday night. It rocked the socks off any other Halloween party, ever. At least I had a blast. It was probably partly because throwing a party is like gathering all of the people who you like the most at your house in one night. You get to talk to all of your favorite people (excluding the ones who live far away and couldn't come), get all dressed up, dance to fun music, and have people exclaim to you about how fun your party is. Really, ya'll should try it sometime.
To assemble the party, Dani and I first planned out the decoration, food, and scheduling details. Then, Lene, Sarie, and I had a late-night planning session at which assignments were distributed, and each party-planner was given a list of things to do.
To get the word out, we announced the party together at ward prayer and gave everyone candy. Then, we sent out Facebook invitations.
Dani wrote the Facebook description of the event (which may or may not have been my favorite thing about the whole party):
"Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this [party] in no way endorses a belief in the occult."
-Michael Jackson
for optimal facebook taggage, come between 8:30-9:30 for the PHOTOBOOTH and the consumption of delicious foodstuffs.
at 9:30 will commence Project: Shake What Yo Mamma Gave Yah.
to paint a mental picture:
-black lights (yes, we really REALLY love these things)
-taio cruz
-glow sticks
-wicked halloween decor
-special guest appearance by justin bieber. for realz this time.
costumes: mandatory :)
see all of you party animals there!
Then, on Saturday, the day of the party, we decorated and prepared for the party, which included:
-covering our entire living room with black trash bags to make it look like a giant black, never ending cave. The corners of the blackness were covered in giant spider webs (compliments of Dallin Henrie, the best spiderweb constructor on the planet)
-Adhering a 12-foot long piece of white butcher paper to the wall in the kitchen for signing with highlighters during the black-light portion of the evening (this was my other favorite part about the whole thing)-Setting up the photobooth, complete with gray backdrop covered in a giant black spider web, nice camera (thanks Rachelle!!) on tri-pod, and spotlights for good lighting.
-Making the food: brownies, apple cider in giant cauldron with dry ice, bloody (white chocolate died red) popcorn, slimy (green jello) popcorn, edible teeth (apple slices with small marshmallows held between them with peanut butter) and loads of tootsie rolls. (Thanks to the ovens in both Banbridge 5 and 9).-Borrowing and assembling speakers with the help of Jonathan Meacham (who reads my blog) and Brett Gladsen, ex-wardies but still friends extraordinaire.
-Removing ALL of the living room furniture and hiding it in the corners of our apartment, the one across the hall, and in the stairwells (this might have been the trickiest part of the whole thing) (Dani's Michael aided in the removal and BB9 very kindly allowed us to hide our couch in their apartment)
-Assembling a playlist (thanks Dani) complete with requested Jackson 5 songs.
-Preparing for the blacklights. We had to remove the tube lights from the hallway (which we aren't technically allowed to mess with), switch out the kitchen lights, borrow standing lamps from BB9, and switch all the light bulbs.
-getting ourselves costumed and ready. Stephanie had to come do my makeup at 5:00pm, in between getting herself and other friends ready.
And then the party started at 8:30, and TONS of people came. I always get really nervous about throwing parties. I mean, you really go out on a limb. You prepare all of this stuff, but then what if it's lame and no one comes? You put yourself in a vulnerable position when you plan things, but really, the stress is worth the reward.
Some of my favorite photos from the evening: (you can pick out the photobooth ones)
 |
| Ryan. Joey. Steve. Me. Lynne. My favorite part is that Joey is Peter Pan. |
 |
| Dani and Michael looking purposefully awkward but so so so adorable as Jack and Sally |
 |
| Washington Seminar alumni. |
 |
| Rachelle and Brad looking hot as Mr. and Mrs. Smith |
 | |
| love love love this one. |
 |
| ELISE! |
 |
| you can get an idea of the crowd. and the black walls. |
 |
| The Jackson 5 minus 1. Love these boys. |
And I'm so thankful for all the random (but not so random) help we got. So many people contributed little things. It just made me realize how much I care about my Provo friends, and how much they care about me and my roommates. And when people came to the party who I invited but didn't really expect, I was so surprised and so happy! It makes you feel so good when people accept your invitation. I just really appreciated all the people who took the time to come to our party and make all the work worth it.
You see? Halloween really does bring loved ones together.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Announcements, announcements, ANNOUUUNNNCEEEMEENTS!
I, Audrey Spainhower, will be doing my student teaching in Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, next semester. I'm not sure what school, subject, or grade, but it's officially happening.
After the aforementioned student teaching, I will fly back to Utah to walk in the commencement services at Brigham Young University, where they will hand me my diploma. It will be an end to happiness and joy and a beginning to the absolutely unknown.
I love both the Backstreet Boys and Michael Jackson. Lucky for me, there are exciting things for both of these artists (despite the non-living condition of one party) on the horizon.
First, the BSB are launching a tour in 2011 with New Kids on the Block. Yes, you read that right. I just watched the official announcement on Oprah.
Second, By the end of this year I will own the new "Michael Jackson Vision" DVDs that contain ALL music videos and short films, some of which are very rare. AND, I will also own A NEW MICHAEL JACKSON ALBUM, titled, Michael. It is a compilation of songs recorded before his death that were never made into an album. It officially goes on sale on December 14. That is 40 days away. I almost shed a tear when michaeljackson.com sent me the news a mere 10 minutes ago.
Last, the new Cirque Du Soleil show is Michael Jackson themed, and it is going to tour the United States. It's coming to Utah on November 29, 2011 (I think). I have to go.
Hold your breath ladies and gentleman. This is all just going to be way too much fun.
After the aforementioned student teaching, I will fly back to Utah to walk in the commencement services at Brigham Young University, where they will hand me my diploma. It will be an end to happiness and joy and a beginning to the absolutely unknown.
I love both the Backstreet Boys and Michael Jackson. Lucky for me, there are exciting things for both of these artists (despite the non-living condition of one party) on the horizon.
First, the BSB are launching a tour in 2011 with New Kids on the Block. Yes, you read that right. I just watched the official announcement on Oprah.
Second, By the end of this year I will own the new "Michael Jackson Vision" DVDs that contain ALL music videos and short films, some of which are very rare. AND, I will also own A NEW MICHAEL JACKSON ALBUM, titled, Michael. It is a compilation of songs recorded before his death that were never made into an album. It officially goes on sale on December 14. That is 40 days away. I almost shed a tear when michaeljackson.com sent me the news a mere 10 minutes ago.
 | |||
| the new album cover. It reminds me of Dangerous. |
Hold your breath ladies and gentleman. This is all just going to be way too much fun.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Dodge Barrage Mirage 2010.
This post is about a month overdue. The magnificent event occurred on September 18, 2010. My big brother's 25th birthday.
Throughout the day my brother was known to proclaim, repeatedly, "THIS IS THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!"
And well, it should be.
Andrew and his friends organized a dodgeball team to compete at the Dodge Barrage, a tournament sponsored by Deron Williams and Kyle Korver for some unknown charity. It was a big tournament all day that culminated into the championship in the afternoon. Andrew's team made it into the top 8, which is pretty good, out of more than 64 teams. BUT, the championship game was played between an all-star lineup of:
Deron Williams
Kyle Korver
Al Jefferson
Ronnie Price
And lots of these four professional athletes' friends
(I have to add that the Jazz team wore light blue ghostbusters T-shirts, little red shorts, and red sweatbands around their heads. And tall tube socks with their sneakers. They were cool.)
And these guys:
Yep. This team of rag-and-tag 80's styled Dodgeball professionals, flown in from the exotic land of California. Their shirts literally say on them, "The Charles Bronson Make a Death Wish Foundation." And the back of their shirts say, "Dodgeball4life.com" Check it out.
But guess. who. won.
The latter.
That is probably my favorite thing that happened all day.
Oh, and also this thing:
 |
| Deron Williams. With the fam. |
We went to dinner afterward for Andrew's birthday:
 |
| Andrew and Mallory have now been married for a year. Woohoo! |
After dinner we all drove back to Provo. Andrew and Mal stayed at Stephanie's house, so me and Elise met everyone there. We watched "Dodgeball" (an appropriate choice after the day's festivities) and ate brownies and ice cream- more birthday celebration.
I just remember that all day, we all kept repeating, "this is SO MUCH FUN!" Cause seriously, one could not have predicted how much fun it is to watch a dodgeball game. It's really fun, okay?
My Aunt Judy, cousin Nicole, and Grandpa Don and Grandma Karen all joined us at different times during the day, and fun was had by all. AND, the Dew Tour was going on at Energy Solutions, and we were at the Salt Palace, so I was able to go and visit Rachelle and Brad at the Dew Tour just after they got engaged!
It was a great day, and seriously, I a little bit love dodgeball now.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Me, a BYU grad?
Just moments ago, I applied for graduation from Brigham Young University.
I will walk on April 22, 2011. Convocation will be on April 21.
Literally 6 months from today, I will no longer be a student at the BYU.
It's tragic because I love this place so much, but it's kind of exciting.
And I'm freaking out a little bit.
I will walk on April 22, 2011. Convocation will be on April 21.
Literally 6 months from today, I will no longer be a student at the BYU.
It's tragic because I love this place so much, but it's kind of exciting.
And I'm freaking out a little bit.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"It's mine. I bought it."
Quoted: Justin Bieber
I share his sentiment. In this funnyordie.com video, he buys a club so he can do whatever he wants with it. That just happens to be turning it into a Chuckie Cheese. Noble decision.
So I realized today that it actually really bugs me when people take my candy. Well, not just people, but boys that already bother me and then they take my candy without asking. Why would I notice this trend? How is it possible that it would have happened to me enough times that this would register on the list of Audrey's pet peeves?
Well, it only had to happen twice.
1. In 9th grade, students were given a candy bar for their birthday in seminary. On my birthday, I was super stoked to receive a Snickers bar, my favorite favorite candy bar. I opened the package and took one delectable bite. Then, it was time for the prayer. I folded my arms, still holding the candy bar in my fist, bowed my head, and closed my eyes for the prayer. During said prayer, my candy bar was STOLEN out of my hand, bitten off of, and placed back in my fist. And this was all before the prayer was over. I looked behind me to see my nemesis: an unnamed rude boy and graduate from Dixie High School, class of 2006. A boy who when I think of him, still puts a bad taste in my mouth. I had to break off another large piece of my candy bar to get his cooties off it, and was left with less than half a candy bar. And I had only been able to take one bite. I was seriously annoyed. And angry.
2. Today I brought mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups to my practicum class for part of the lesson I had to teach. I left the bag open on my desk when I went up to the front of the room to get something, and when I came back, the obnoxious, too-smart-for-everyone boy that sits in front of me was EATING A REESES! I actually gave him a stern, annoyed look, took the bag from off my desk and placed it in my backpack, away from stupid boy who thought it was okay to steal my candy. Not okay.
Unreasonable? I think not.
So annoying, candy stealer boys: Remember, the candy is mine. I bought it.
I share his sentiment. In this funnyordie.com video, he buys a club so he can do whatever he wants with it. That just happens to be turning it into a Chuckie Cheese. Noble decision.
So I realized today that it actually really bugs me when people take my candy. Well, not just people, but boys that already bother me and then they take my candy without asking. Why would I notice this trend? How is it possible that it would have happened to me enough times that this would register on the list of Audrey's pet peeves?
Well, it only had to happen twice.
1. In 9th grade, students were given a candy bar for their birthday in seminary. On my birthday, I was super stoked to receive a Snickers bar, my favorite favorite candy bar. I opened the package and took one delectable bite. Then, it was time for the prayer. I folded my arms, still holding the candy bar in my fist, bowed my head, and closed my eyes for the prayer. During said prayer, my candy bar was STOLEN out of my hand, bitten off of, and placed back in my fist. And this was all before the prayer was over. I looked behind me to see my nemesis: an unnamed rude boy and graduate from Dixie High School, class of 2006. A boy who when I think of him, still puts a bad taste in my mouth. I had to break off another large piece of my candy bar to get his cooties off it, and was left with less than half a candy bar. And I had only been able to take one bite. I was seriously annoyed. And angry.
2. Today I brought mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups to my practicum class for part of the lesson I had to teach. I left the bag open on my desk when I went up to the front of the room to get something, and when I came back, the obnoxious, too-smart-for-everyone boy that sits in front of me was EATING A REESES! I actually gave him a stern, annoyed look, took the bag from off my desk and placed it in my backpack, away from stupid boy who thought it was okay to steal my candy. Not okay.
Unreasonable? I think not.
So annoying, candy stealer boys: Remember, the candy is mine. I bought it.
Monday, October 11, 2010
My current choice of study music:
Favorite track: "Cool Cat"
I bought this album and kind of didn't like it. After about the 4th run-through I fell in love.
I listen to it in a loop while I study. It's fantastic.
PS, there is a boy in my ward who reminds me of Freddie Mercury so much that every time I see him I am tempted to tell him to grow a bushy mustache. I always refrain.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Season Opener.
November 12.
One month and one day.
And I will be at the Marriott Center, two hours early, anxiously awaiting the arrival of this man:
And the rest of the team of course.
I love BYU basketball. So much.
One month and one day.
And I will be at the Marriott Center, two hours early, anxiously awaiting the arrival of this man:
And the rest of the team of course.
I love BYU basketball. So much.
Friday, October 8, 2010
My lovely Sugarpop.
I call my little sister Moriah a mixture of names: Mojo, Baby Jo, Sugarpop, Sugardoll, Banjo...
Some recent things about Moriah that reminded me of how amazing she is:
1. For the past month, literally every night before she goes to bed, she texts each of her siblings and says something to the extent of: "Good night best sister in the world! Sleep so neat!" or "I love you so so so much! Sleep so nifty!" The girl is hilarious/awesome/sweet.
2. She just turned 15 and got her young womanhood recognition award. As a reward, the 5 or 6 girls in the stake who got their award at the same time got to go up for Saturday general conference in the Conference Center, AND they got to go to President Uchtdorf's office and meet him. What a dream, right? Needless to say, Moriah loved it.
3. She is an excellent student and is involved in several clubs at the middle school. She's on the GYC council and in NJHS, played tennis at the high school this past year, and goes to drama class up at the high school with Mr. Saxton every other day. She wants to be involved in everything.
4. On Friday when I was in St. George I saw Mr. Saxton and talked to him for a bit. He commented on Moriah and how great she is. He said, though, that he asked her to take a part in a short scene from "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Shakespeare festival competition because the girl who was going to take the part dropped out. Moriah had said she didn't think she could memorize the lines fast enough and told him no. So I said to Mr. Saxton, "you want me to tell her to do it? If I'll tell her, she'll do it." (I recognize my authority...) He nodded and said that was a great idea. So when I saw Moriah, I made my proposition and told her she should do it. It took some coaxing, but I convinced her that it wouldn't be that hard. Together, we identified the scene she was to learn, and the part, and printed off 2 copies of the script (it's a good thing I know that play so well. All Moriah had to do was tell me that Beatrice and Margaret were in the scene and that Margaret said something about "heels"). Then, between sessions of conference on Sunday, we went on a walk around the neighborhood and read lines. I prompted her and explained the scene to her, and together, we memorized the scene. It was a lot of fun. Later that day, she came to me and said, "Audrey, thanks for helping me remember that I'm not just a regular student. I'm an overachiever too."
Could anything be sweeter? Could I have done a better job on my little protege?
I love this sweet girl more than I can say. And I'm so proud to be her big sister.
And also, I just have to say, Moriah is the reason that I still love the Jonas Brothers, Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and Sonny With a Chance. Well, maybe not the only reason, but a big reason.
Some recent things about Moriah that reminded me of how amazing she is:
1. For the past month, literally every night before she goes to bed, she texts each of her siblings and says something to the extent of: "Good night best sister in the world! Sleep so neat!" or "I love you so so so much! Sleep so nifty!" The girl is hilarious/awesome/sweet.
2. She just turned 15 and got her young womanhood recognition award. As a reward, the 5 or 6 girls in the stake who got their award at the same time got to go up for Saturday general conference in the Conference Center, AND they got to go to President Uchtdorf's office and meet him. What a dream, right? Needless to say, Moriah loved it.
3. She is an excellent student and is involved in several clubs at the middle school. She's on the GYC council and in NJHS, played tennis at the high school this past year, and goes to drama class up at the high school with Mr. Saxton every other day. She wants to be involved in everything.
4. On Friday when I was in St. George I saw Mr. Saxton and talked to him for a bit. He commented on Moriah and how great she is. He said, though, that he asked her to take a part in a short scene from "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Shakespeare festival competition because the girl who was going to take the part dropped out. Moriah had said she didn't think she could memorize the lines fast enough and told him no. So I said to Mr. Saxton, "you want me to tell her to do it? If I'll tell her, she'll do it." (I recognize my authority...) He nodded and said that was a great idea. So when I saw Moriah, I made my proposition and told her she should do it. It took some coaxing, but I convinced her that it wouldn't be that hard. Together, we identified the scene she was to learn, and the part, and printed off 2 copies of the script (it's a good thing I know that play so well. All Moriah had to do was tell me that Beatrice and Margaret were in the scene and that Margaret said something about "heels"). Then, between sessions of conference on Sunday, we went on a walk around the neighborhood and read lines. I prompted her and explained the scene to her, and together, we memorized the scene. It was a lot of fun. Later that day, she came to me and said, "Audrey, thanks for helping me remember that I'm not just a regular student. I'm an overachiever too."
Could anything be sweeter? Could I have done a better job on my little protege?
I love this sweet girl more than I can say. And I'm so proud to be her big sister.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Footloose
Been listening to this soundtrack on a loop for the past couple days. I forgot how much I love Footloose. It was an 8th grade obsession of mine.
Also, I had a crush on Kevin Bacon as an 8-year-old watching Apollo 13.
Below is the cover for the album version that I wish I was cool enough to have.
Monday, October 4, 2010
4 weeks into school.
(this is an old post-- I wrote it about two weeks ago and felt it wasn't complete quite yet, so I didn't post it. But now it's old and irrelevant. I'm posting it anyway)
This is my last semester and I feel like I have a million decisions to make.
Movies to watch:
1. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
2. Me and Orson Welles (it should have come from Netflix TODAY!) I've been waiting for this for like 2 years. I can proudly admit that I have been watching Zac Efron's IMDB page for updates on all his movies, including this one. For two years.
My new favorite song: Just A Dream by Nelly. When I heard that song I gasped with happiness. I don't know, it just felt right to have him singing to me, like I was brought back to happy teenage days of Country Grammar, Ride Wit Me, Over and Over, and Dilemma. And yes, Grillz. Just keep singing, Nelly, and keep providing me with clean versions.
30Rock started yesterday. Paul, Rachelle, and Brad came over for the event.
Rachelle and Brad are now betrothed. They got engaged last weekend, and it's already on her blog, so I figured I could say something about it here. But I am SO happy about this. I couldn't have asked for a better man to give my Rachelle away to. And seriously, he has adorned her left ring finger with a solid, whole carat diamond. A girl can only be so lucky. I think lovingly back to the day of Senior Showoff when Rachelle glided down from the ceiling of the auditorium in a slinky green dress singing, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend."
A couple of weeks ago I was told by my good friend Christopher that he had met two new people in our ward who LOVED Michael Jackson. One boy and one girl. I knew from that moment that I had to find those people. First, because I could use that commonality to bond with them, and second, because I had to assess how big of fans they were. What exactly were they claiming, you know? Well, last night I met them. We were all three excited, and immediately the boy, Marcus, asked me what my favorite song was. I said that currently, but not of all-time, my favorites were "Keep the Faith" and "Speechless." He looked at me blankly. So did the girl. Neither of them knew those songs. I WON.
Don't worry, I'm still the master Michael fan in the ward, and I have yet to be threatened in the Provo area. (Except for that one Australian rugby player who knows more about MJ than I do. He's the champion. But he's also foreign so that doesn't really count).
So I have a question. Why do people claim to be big fans of someone or something if they haven't done the proper research? Preposterous.
This is my last semester and I feel like I have a million decisions to make.
Movies to watch:
1. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
2. Me and Orson Welles (it should have come from Netflix TODAY!) I've been waiting for this for like 2 years. I can proudly admit that I have been watching Zac Efron's IMDB page for updates on all his movies, including this one. For two years.
My new favorite song: Just A Dream by Nelly. When I heard that song I gasped with happiness. I don't know, it just felt right to have him singing to me, like I was brought back to happy teenage days of Country Grammar, Ride Wit Me, Over and Over, and Dilemma. And yes, Grillz. Just keep singing, Nelly, and keep providing me with clean versions.
30Rock started yesterday. Paul, Rachelle, and Brad came over for the event.
Rachelle and Brad are now betrothed. They got engaged last weekend, and it's already on her blog, so I figured I could say something about it here. But I am SO happy about this. I couldn't have asked for a better man to give my Rachelle away to. And seriously, he has adorned her left ring finger with a solid, whole carat diamond. A girl can only be so lucky. I think lovingly back to the day of Senior Showoff when Rachelle glided down from the ceiling of the auditorium in a slinky green dress singing, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend."
A couple of weeks ago I was told by my good friend Christopher that he had met two new people in our ward who LOVED Michael Jackson. One boy and one girl. I knew from that moment that I had to find those people. First, because I could use that commonality to bond with them, and second, because I had to assess how big of fans they were. What exactly were they claiming, you know? Well, last night I met them. We were all three excited, and immediately the boy, Marcus, asked me what my favorite song was. I said that currently, but not of all-time, my favorites were "Keep the Faith" and "Speechless." He looked at me blankly. So did the girl. Neither of them knew those songs. I WON.
Don't worry, I'm still the master Michael fan in the ward, and I have yet to be threatened in the Provo area. (Except for that one Australian rugby player who knows more about MJ than I do. He's the champion. But he's also foreign so that doesn't really count).
So I have a question. Why do people claim to be big fans of someone or something if they haven't done the proper research? Preposterous.
Today.
- I successfully made it to school and back twice without slipping on the wet, rainy ground.
- I found out that in Hungarian, "agy," pronounced, "audge" means "brain." I hope that's significant.
- They used 42 piglets in the filming of Babe.
- I decided what I want to be for Halloween while sitting in my LDS Marriage and Family class today while listening to a lecture on "Dating vs. Hanging out."
- I worked EXTRA hours today, and I finished rehousing a collection that I have been working on since July. I still have to encode it and do the last minute processing things, but then I will be DONE. FINALLY. This current collection might be my least favorite ever. And guess what I get to work on next? The George Romney papers. He's practically Mormon American royalty.
- I reaffirmed my opinion of boots today. They are still ugly.
- Sarie made some delicious soup, and I think she is a miracle.
- We played "Don't Eat Pete" in FHE. It's my favorite game from my 7-year-old Primary class. We played it after the lesson when we were good primary kids.
- I watched an episode of Friends and laughed out loud probably 16 times.
- I woke up early to finish homework.
- I have checked my email a mere 6 times. That's unusually low.
- I didn't even complain when my shoes got soaked through while walking in the rain.
- Lene posted 4 new albums on Facebook (that makes her facebook album total 96. that girl is out of control. but I love it), and when I checked my email, I had notifications for 46 new pictures tagged of me. So. Check them out. Feel free to avoid the video she posted.
- I got back from St. George late last night after enjoying a weekend with my family, conference, and the 100 degree sun. It was heavenly. I even got to go to a Dixie High football game. (And can I just say, I don't remember high school boys being that small).
- It was the first time that I had gone home for a St. George weekend and honestly did not want to go back to Provo. I was seriously in no rush to come back. I don't know. I might be getting over it a little bit-- which is good, because I'm graduating soon and I will probably not be staying in Provo for another year. Or maybe I just miss my summer ward. I loved those guys.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A mix.
A quick something.
JK Rowling was recently on Oprah. I meant to watch it (because I always know when she has an appearance coming up), but unfortunately, I forgot. But, I caught the recap. And with the help of my friend Liz, I found this out:
1. Quoted from a news report: "Fans, rejoice -- J.K. Rowling offered a bit of hope on Friday that, perhaps, the final Harry Potter story has yet to be told. "I could definitely write an eighth, ninth, tenth," the celebrated author, 45, told Oprah Winfrey during an interview scheduled to air Friday. "I'm not going to say I won't. I don't think I will ... I feel I am done, but you never know."
My reaction: You know I love Harry Potter. But. I don't think there should be more. However, if the brilliant Ms. Rowling things there should be more, well then, there should be. I trust the woman.
2. Quoted from the same article: "However, Rowling mentioned that she did turn down one opportunity -- when Michael Jackson said he wanted to make a musical based on the books."
My reaction: I'M SORRY. WHAT??!? I had heard the rumors about a musical, but it was never public knowledge until Friday that it was MICHAEL JACKSON'S IDEA!!!! Now, I'm not sure that those two things- Harry Potter and Michael Jackson- should EVER EVER mix, but STILL!! Imagine the possibilities. WORLDS COLLIDE!
Here's the article if ya wanna read it:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/10/01/more.harry.potter.ppl/index.html?eref=rss_showbiz&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_showbiz+%28RSS%3A+Entertainment%29
And another one about Michael's idea:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/J-K-Rowling-rejected-Michael-Jacksons-idea-of-Harry-Potter-musical/articleshow/6670974.cms
Neither are very informative, but it's the best we can do. Very little information available.
Adios.
JK Rowling was recently on Oprah. I meant to watch it (because I always know when she has an appearance coming up), but unfortunately, I forgot. But, I caught the recap. And with the help of my friend Liz, I found this out:
1. Quoted from a news report: "Fans, rejoice -- J.K. Rowling offered a bit of hope on Friday that, perhaps, the final Harry Potter story has yet to be told. "I could definitely write an eighth, ninth, tenth," the celebrated author, 45, told Oprah Winfrey during an interview scheduled to air Friday. "I'm not going to say I won't. I don't think I will ... I feel I am done, but you never know."
My reaction: You know I love Harry Potter. But. I don't think there should be more. However, if the brilliant Ms. Rowling things there should be more, well then, there should be. I trust the woman.
2. Quoted from the same article: "However, Rowling mentioned that she did turn down one opportunity -- when Michael Jackson said he wanted to make a musical based on the books."
My reaction: I'M SORRY. WHAT??!? I had heard the rumors about a musical, but it was never public knowledge until Friday that it was MICHAEL JACKSON'S IDEA!!!! Now, I'm not sure that those two things- Harry Potter and Michael Jackson- should EVER EVER mix, but STILL!! Imagine the possibilities. WORLDS COLLIDE!
Here's the article if ya wanna read it:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/10/01/more.harry.potter.ppl/index.html?eref=rss_showbiz&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_showbiz+%28RSS%3A+Entertainment%29
And another one about Michael's idea:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/J-K-Rowling-rejected-Michael-Jacksons-idea-of-Harry-Potter-musical/articleshow/6670974.cms
Neither are very informative, but it's the best we can do. Very little information available.
Adios.
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