Miracles

The past few years, it has been hard for me to get into the Christmas Spirit. For some reason I have had other things on my mind, or maybe I'm just growing up and those silver bells are through tinkling for me. Whatever the reason, this year feels different. My Folks Family has made it easy by inviting me to make gingerbread houses with them, talking about wish lists, playing Christmas music, and all those other holiday traditions that I've fallen away from. So even though I couldn't go with them to chop down a tree on the Arizona strip, my Grandma and I decided to put up our own tree, brought out of storage and pre-lit. As I was fluffing the branches, I started to think about the miracle of Christmas. It is incredibly bizarre, when you think about it... the way God created us, gave us a choice to love Him or not love Him, then solved the problem by sending himself as a human sacrifice to atone for our bad choices, having known since the beginning exactly how it would all play out. Then I started to think about some of the other miracles people believe in. Whether we admit it or not, all religions, all non-religions believe in some kind of miracle. Something that goes against the laws of nature, like the atheists have to believe either in something from nothing, or some sort of eternal matter. Reincarnation, for many religions, or a spiritual realm outside of ours where the soul is destined after the body dies. There is the miracle of logic- the idea that one can know right and wrong through inference. When you take the most common worldviews, and follow them back to the original miracle that is the basis for all other concepts in life, they all turn out to be pretty bizarre. I guess that's what makes it a miracle. Anyways, I'm not here to prove or disprove anyone's journey of faith. All I'm saying is, examine what you've been taught and choose your miracle wisely. That's the beauty of being human: we have the freedom to choose what we believe, and no one can blame their choices on anyone else.

Weddings and Wine

I'd like everyone to know that I am reading up on my wines, and by this time next week, I will be THE number one source in America on all wines, worldwide. So far I have tried one of the superbly limited wine selection here at the STATE LIQUOR STORE in St. George. We're serious about regulating our alcohol. It was an Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon. A young wine, which I could tell by the deep purple color, but surprisingly rich and oaky. Since one bottle will last me approximately two years, I'd be much obliged to anyone who feels the desire to take me out wine tasting so I can enjoy a little more variety in a smaller time frame. This was all sparked by the fact that I went to a WEDDING last week, and it was the first time I was asked what kind of wine I would like.

BY the WAY, the wedding was UH-mazing, and I'd love to show you photos but seeing as how I didn't take a single one and I don't like to be a thief, I guess you're out of luck. But the run-down: I drove down to Phoenix on Wednesday, got myself all gussied up, and then continued down to the Bride's house in Maricopa. We were picked up in a limo, popped some champagne, and arrived about forty minutes later at The Melting Pot in Scottsdale where we enjoyed some... I don't really know how to describe this food. You must try it for yourself. When we got back to Maricopa, Anjali and I went over to her house and packed up her stuff for the honeymoon, then drove back to her parents house to spend the night. It was just like being little again. In the morning, there were suddenly ALOT of people in the house, and after eating apple pie for breakfast, we began putting together the bouquets and boutonnieres for the bridal party. We somehow managed to get everything we needed for the wedding in the car and drive it up to the venue, which was Ocotillo Country Club, where the rehearsal included meeting the groomsmen, walking up and down the grass in heels and trying not to think about Anjali getting Married. After that, it was back up to Scottsdale for the rehearsal dinner at Patrick's parent's house (Patrick was the groom) where we ate MORE rich food and took a lot of pictures. It was pretty late when we finally checked into the hotel about five minutes from the venue, and Anjali, two of her sisters and I all fell asleep watching "Hitch." The next morning, (this was now Friday, Wedding Day) another limo came to pick up all the girls, and we checked into Dolce Salon to get our hair and makeup done. Now let me tell you, I have never met a family who knows how to get Dolled Up like the Hagers, and they have fun doin it. I have also never met one family with so many good lookin girls in it from so many different countries. Of course, beauty like that takes time, so we arrived fashionably late to the country club, and spent an ample amount of time getting into our dresses and taking pictures in the ladies room. Finally, the big moment came, and we all lined up with our escorts and filed out the door. I'm not a crier. Ask my friends, but as soon as I saw Anjali's father standing there, waiting to take her down the aisle, the tears started to flow. I think it was a combination of the fact that Anjali has been waiting for this moment since she was little, and that I knew her Dad was pretty torn up about giving away his baby girl. Anyways, it was really hard to stand still up there because I was crying and also my nose started to run and I forgot my tissue and my heels were sinking into the grass. But the ceremony was pretty short and sweet, and from there all I remember was pretty much dancing. I pride myself in being the first on the dance floor and the last to leave, and though my moves may leave a little to be desired, I've lost my high school insecurity. So that's about it. Happy Fall, Everyone!

Here begins No Shave November. Celebrate Wisely.

Halloween

This is what a lazy Sunday typically looks like for me: http://www.hulu.com/watch/1397/saturday-night-live-snl-digital-short-lazy-sunday

I mean, not really. I usually go to church and my raps are slightly more offensive, (contradictory, you say?) but if I were to have a perfect day, it might look something like that.

Today is Halloween, but since I live in a town that is chiefly dominated by religious conventions, everybody celebrated last night. I don't know, maybe it was like that everywhere since it was Saturday night and that's typically a better night to party and such. Anyways, my aunt and two of my cousins are here, so we went all out. It was the first time I really got into the Halloween spirit. We carved pumpkins, Mark and Sarah dressed up, and I passed out candy to children against my better judgment. Oh, on that note and since I'm highly qualified to give parenting advice, seeing as how I've raised a few of my own, here's a little tip to parents from my purely loving heart: If you can't stop your kid from screaming, DON'T TAKE THEM OUT IN PUBLIC. I don't care what the story is, nothing ruins my day like a messy, screaming, whiny kid.

Woof

Here's some more blues. I need a lot more Ray Charles in my life. Baby please don't go back to New Orleans... I'll be your dog. Woof. When I grow up I'm going to be one of those back-up singers With SOME Hair.

Silly Putty. That's all I have to say today.

Dream Homes

Drove up to Cedar City today, hung out in a coffee shop and perused a used book store, signed a lease on a room, checked out the D.I., sold a box of old clothing and books....signed a lease (did you hear that part?) and I now have a PLACE TO LIVE! Yyyeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaooooo! It's just a room in a house with some other girls, I only met the landlady today but it's clean, two blocks from the college, and it's about time I start paying rent and buying my own food. DUH.

It stopped raining today. mmff. And I'm starting to get pumped about college. Almost as pumped as This Lady. I know, I know what you're saying to yourself: "Kara, this is Kristin Wiig OVERKILL. You need to get over that lady." But trust me, it's not. It's potato chip overkill. Emma Stone needs to quit eating chips or she will get fat. Alrighty then.

OH. MY. GOSH. I saw these boots and was about to snap them up when I noticed there is only size FIVE left! As far as I know, humans aren't made in size FIVE, but for the love of fanciful shoes, if there are any fairies out there (they have tiny feet. I read it in a fairy tale once) who periodically splash in puddles, please buy these. I'll be your best friend because if I can't wear these, I want to be seen with someone wearing them.

Moving on. I LOVE RAIN and here is a good rain song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_oLCJIYOVU

She Gone, Gone, Gone.

I couldn't find a song called the "My Momma Gone" Blues, so I have no post today, sorry. She came, she loved, she left. It's really true that you don't know what you got till it's gone. I have been used to being away for a while now, but every time I see my family, they leave a little melancholy hole behind when it's time to say goodbye. And of course it starts to rain. Perfect dramatic timing.

So, in other news, I bleached my hair tonight. Well, Elizabeth bleached it- she's the one who cut my hair last time. Here's a picture: (taken with my webcam)

The face is because I'm not really sure yet how I like it, but I'm pretty sure I'm just not used to it yet. It's just hair though. I was tired of Darkness.

I miss people. Gooooooooooooodnight.

Robert Johnson

This is classified as Delta Blues, based on his location in Mississippi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkftesK2dck&feature=related

Oh and I just found THIS GUY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THBucj4bnrQ He is Swiss. I wonder if he is single....?

Liberace

This is pretty fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrR_JK3PxoA&feature=related

I like how happy he looks. And how bouncy his hands are.

Mahalia Jackson

Now this woman.... if anyone could make me cry it would be her. I'm deviating from the Blues, but Gospel has a big influence on the later music, and these classics are worth listening to. If I didn't believe in Jesus Christ, I'd say Mahalia Jackson could save my soul. Listen to her sing Precious Lord, too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eiI52WluF0&feature=related

And on a lighter note, check out Matt. I'm truly inspired by this man, and I hope to someday have danced in a fraction of these countries. Thanks to Erik for this site. http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/

P.S.

It's still raining.

Howlin Wolf

OH MAN I could listen to this song Aaaaaaaaaaaaall day long. I think I will. It's still raining today, thank the sweet sweet cloudy Heavens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBYZkBLVFPQ

Last night I drove up to Cedar City to go to a concert given by my future piano professor. It was raining so hard on the drive back that I had to open up the swimming paddles underneath my truck just to get through the flood, but we made it. The concert was all romantic, a tribute to Chopin and Schumann because this year is their bicentennial. He played Polonaise Militaire, Fantasie in F Minor, and the rest was 17 variations of an Etude by Schumann. I must say, I have always been in love with Chopin (I don't know a classical musician who isn't) but I never had much of an appreciation for Schumann. He's a pretty cool guy, I guess. I don't know if he's as awesome as Howlin Wolf; I'm guessing he didn't have such a soothingly gravely voice, but he wrote some kick-butt piano for his lovers. Thank you and goodnight.

Blinded by Lemon

If you can't tell, I'm really diggin the blues right now. I'm starting early and I'll progress to modern music, but listen to Blind Lemon Jefferson- mmmmmmm this guy is REAL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S8Rjwwo2g4

Crazy Blues

The first commercial recording of vocal blues by an African-American singer: Mamie Smith's performance of Perry

Bradford's "Crazy Blues" in 1920. According to Wikipedia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaz4Ziw_CfQ

I want to be a blues-singin hobo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYrVwGxlcFA&feature=related

Home Schooled

For those of you who don't know, I was home schooled for the first 13 years of my life. That was a joke because everyone knows I was home schooled. If you can't tell by looking at me, I'll tell you because I want to make sure everyone I meet knows exactly what they're dealing with: a super genius. It has come to my attention that there are many myths surrounding the idea of home schooling, and most people don't know any home schoolers since- you guessed it, they're all at home- so they simply buy into the stereotypes and assume that everyone with their shirt tucked in is a socially awkward study freak. Well, as a real, live, former home-schooler who also went to private school and one semester of a State University, thereby accruing a few much-needed social skills, I want to address some of those myths in this post. So here's the deal: they're all true. Most home schoolers are at least slightly awkward when it comes to everyday social encounters, most are far more well-read than the average public schooler, and most either don't really interact with the opposite sex, or if they do, they stress out about it A LOT. They are also really knowledgeable about American History and often dress from a different era. When I started high school, it took me a long time to learn that spouting off information is not usually a good idea, but that it's helpful at test time. It took me much, much longer to understand the sexual banter that goes on CONSTANTLY in high school hallways. (I asked a lot of questions, and let me tell you, that story always ends in embarrassment for all parties involved) It took me a very long time to realize that sometimes people lie to me and I shouldn't always do what the grown-ups say. It took me until probably this year to figure out just what my fashion sense really is, and it's still evolving. I once asked a boy why his eyes were so red and wondered for days why he got so uncomfortable and wouldn't answer me. Oh, and I sometimes used a dictionary to look up cuss words that I didn't know. That being said, I had a very strong academic base, and the switch from home to high school was probably no worse than any other kids graduation from middle school since most 14 year olds are pretty insecure regardless of their background. And somehow, despite all the people who take themselves so ridiculously seriously, I learned how to laugh at myself. I always wonder if people can still pick me out in a crowd as a home schooler. So we're different. Sue us.

Rolling Stone

I really wish I knew how to embed a song because I want to post a daily song on here, but I can't figure it out so I'll do the next best thing which is post a youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2hygHu8CI Sooooooo, that's what I'm listening to today.

This morning, I Participated (said with a lisp) in a 5K with Sarah Folks- it was her first one ever and guess what, it is only 81 degrees right now at 1:00 pm. We ran together every morning this week and we plan to be marathoners by the time this year is out. As with all things, there are pros and cons to this situation. (curse words, now every time I say that word I think of "the situation," whose fake name I refuse to capitalize, and NO, I don't watch Jersey Shore, I just happened to see a picture of this guy's mediocre abs with a label underneath it) Ok so the pros are that I'm actually motivated to get out and run when I have a partner, and also the Folks often feed me after we run. The Cons are that the Folks often feed me after we run so I'm pretty certain I'm actually getting fatter instead of skinnier. Oh well, I need to pack on the weight for hibernation this winter.

California Curls

Hurrah! So since I can't seem to take pictures with my own camera, Erik was nice enough to send me some of his from my California trip. We spent the last day wandering around San Fransisco, mostly in the Golden Gate Park, where we experienced the Conservatory and various other botanical wonders free of charge. Then we drove around a lot of other streets which I can't remember the names of and ate some delicious ice cream and hipstered it up in a park (his words). Oh and there were burritos. Scrumptious ones.

There was also this church. And there were people inside doing yoga in a circle.

And before San Fransisco, there was Berkeley, and Tahoe, and Santa Cruz. There was a kite, and sandwiches, and fun friends, and Redwood trees, and rivers, and hiking, and cooking, and family, and maybe another scrumptious burrito, and pie, and Ponyo, and rain, hail, thunder, and lightning, and tons and tons of good music. I believe there is nothing better than sharing adventure with a good friend.

In the Conservatory. Carnivorous plants.

Lily Pads. You can't really see them, but behind these ones

were the largest lily pads I've ever seen. They grow in the

Amazon and they can support the weight of a grown man.

According to the plaque.

Tiny, Captivating Orchids.

Here is an airplane window photo of my own:

Well if anyone out there even believes this is a real blog anymore, this is for you. I have not been in a rut, or experiencing writer's block, I have simply been having way too much fun to slow down and put words together in actual sentences. So. Where to begin, Where to begin. Here I go again, selfishly writing about my own adventures when there are things going on in the world like starvation and rape. Well, ya know what they say, "write what you know," so I'll go ahead and expose my incredibly narrow and self-centered lifestyle to you, hoping for minimal judgement.

Ok so in the month of August, I will have taken THREE, yes, THREE trips on which I had the most amazing time of my life. And come into, or realized my own life philosophy. Are you ready for this? Didn't think so. Ask me my favorite..... anything. Color. The answer? The colors right in front of me. Best place I've been to? The one I'm in right now. That's right, the ST. G. "But how could that be better than Switzerland," you ask? Duh, because I'm not IN Switzerland right now, therefore it is NOT all that exciting. Sitting in my room, Blogging and listening to my cousin play the guitar is exciting. So What Do You Think Of That?

Alright, Moving on. The first trip I took was to Phoenix, for 10 days. Super Great. The second trip I took was to Berkeley, Tahoe, San Fransisco, and various In-Betweens. Super Great. The third trip, which I am about to take, is once again to Phoenix, for 5 days, on which I will be reunited with THE most beautiful and marvelous red-head I have ever met, and also the most beautiful and marvelous Brunette I have ever met, and also turn 21. Oh and the puppy. That's important too. I wish I had some photographs to share with you. Hold on why I try and dig something up. The truth is, I am horrible at remembering to take pictures, so maybe I should go out and get a super-huge camera that I can't forget about. Cause I do love to have my life documented. Alright can't find a rat's patooti to show you. I'll do better I promise.

Zumba this morning. I forgot how good it feels to get up early and work out!

Zumba

I really think there may be no better way to spend an hour than Zumba. I went with some girlfriends last night; it was one of the most intensely FUN things I've ever done. (To all former English teachers, including my mother, yes FUN was the most appropriate word for the occasion) It was held in this huge, dark room (so no one can see when you accidentally make up your own moves) with pounding music and the instructor made you want to be JUST like her. In fact, if I graduate from music school and discover it's completely useless, I think I'd like to be a zumba instructor. I know I always say I could never be a teacher, but cut out the messy stuff like forming relationships with your students, or trying to make something boring into something fun, and it may just be my kind of job. Ya just learn the steps and shake your booty! I was drenched by the end of the hour and didn't even realize I'd been working! And to cap off the night, we watched Anchorman, which, come on can anybody think of a more enjoyable evening? I can't.

countdown

oops I messed up on my counting so two days later the number is

Travel Dreams

Ok most of my friends probably already know this about me but in case you don't, I am biding my time till school starts, and one reason I'm SUPER excited about school is that it means Vacations, like Summer, for instance, which are opportunities to Travel, which is what I'm obsessed with. Hence the new Airplane layout, to remind myself of my goals in the next few years. I want to visit my brother in Sweden, go back to L'abri for another term or two, roadtrip across America, and perhaps go on a mission trip to a Non-European country. Oh, not to mention that trip around the world which will not involve airplanes. But they are a symbol of travel, and they take you where you want to go for the most part. And I will now begin the countdown to my trip home, which is the most travel I'll get in the next couple of months. Starting at

Days

Two More Months and Second Day of Summer

Exactly two months till I turn 21. Not that I'm counting, but that makes 61 Days or 8 weeks and 5 days. So. There ya have it. Going to find the tin can tamales today- it's a little drive to the farmer's market so gotta go. mmmmmmmmmmmm homemade tamales.

Six More Months and Father's Day

I realized a few days ago that my year here in St. George is almost halfway over. It's so strange to see life passing by- even though my goal is to start school in Cedar City, I've been enjoying this so much that I almost don't want it to end! Not quite though. I am really looking forward to college because I like to have short-term goals (like tests and papers) and VACATIONS in the Summer. Oh not to mention that I'll be studying piano non-stop under this fantastic Russian man and maybe, despite my reluctance, I'll actually make friends my own age who have similar interests? So, in six more months I'll be starting this venture, and I know it's going to feel like one month because that's what the past six have felt like. Boy oh boy oh boy this is going to be fun!

Another thing I want to tell you, because yesterday was Father's Day, is that I have the Best Father in the whole entire world. I can't really share with you all the funny memories, and the times he comforted me when I was sad, and the camping trips, and the track meets, and the times he tried to teach me to dance, and the birthday breakfasts, and the Sunday breakfasts, and the way he prays for me, and the Christmases, and I could go on forever, but suffice it to say that the man has given everything for his family, and continues to do it every day, with love. I don't think I've ever met a more generous, smart, loving, Godly man, and I hope that some day I can give back to him even a fraction of what he's given to me. I am incredibly humbled by the gift of a wonderful father, because I know it's rare in today's world, but for some reason, God gave him to us and so I just want him to know he's loved.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

New Post.

I am not feeling motivated to write a whole lot, but here's some pictures of what I've been up to. Enjoying life, mostly. My Grandpa came for a few days and we visited the dinosaur tracks and rode the shuttle through Zion, and then the next week a certain young man made the long trek up from Phoenix to see me ( I know, I'm special), and we hiked Angel's Landing and saw the sights around St. George.

The View From The Top! (oops I went backwards)

The View From The Bottom.

Part of the Trail

We were pretty sweaty by the time we got to the top. And I'm not sure why

this is blue and underlined I am not technologically advanced.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand, the prickly pear. It was amazing.

SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER

I woke up this morning with the delicious feeling of knowing it's Saturday. Which means two things: One is that the farmer's market is open at Ancestor Square, and the other is that it's my last day of work before SUNDAY, which is my favorite day of the week. So I lounged a bit over breakfast and then went straight for the vegetables. My Grandpa is here for a few days so I've got to get my cook on- let me rephrase that: I am super excited that my Grandpa is here because it gives me an excuse to COOK. (also I love the man) I'm going to try Ratatouille because, yes, because of the movie and the pixar version looked soooooooooooo delicious. I'll let you know how it goes. I am thinking pie too. C-c-c-can't wait to get off work tonight. xoxo

New Garden Pictures

A baby Lemon Cucumber that I transplanted from beneath the heavy shade of the zucchini plant! Durst I cling to the shadow of hope that it'll live?

Oregano

Zucchini flower

Tomatoes

Can fruit be cute? Look at it just peeking out from under the leaves like a shy little puppy! I could just eat IT UP! Ha

If you want some, come visit me.

I'd like to give a shout-out to MEN'S RAZORS. Why oh why are they so much better than women's? Sexism, I say. Although I have this really awful sneaking suspicion that maybe Men make Men's Razors, and Women make Women's Razors? NAY, I say razor companies have grossly uneven budgets, giving a disgusting majority of money to the improvement of Men's products. Although, it would be to the advantage of men everywhere for women to have high-quality razors because ask any man, they don't appreciate stubble. So why the discrepancy? No one will ever know.

I know you're dying to know what's been on my mind since that last happy post, so I'll tell you. For some reason a great deal of bitterness has been surfacing lately, so like any well-adjusted woman would do, I have been taking it out on the people around me. Curses upon my hypocrisy. Ok maybe it's not bitterness, I think it's more like good old-fashioned frustration at... well if I told you I'd have to kill you. And we all know there are THOUSANDS of riveted readers who follow this blog, so while I'm deeply dedicated to population control, I can't at this point in my life take on such a prodigiously messy task. I digress. A bit lighter subject matter, perhaps?

Your wish is my command. Ignore the fact that I made that wish, and not you. It's only five days till my little brother turns the big ONE-EIGHT. That's really weird. Siblings will always be children when they're together. Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo, Happy Birthday, Alex! Hope it's a good one.

Fun Fun Fun

I want to write you something so ridiculously and hillariously funny that you are rolling on the floor crying and peeing your pants. But I can't think of anything. Sad. I am going to find a funny movie to watch now. Maybe a Jim Carrey one because I am definitely in a laughing mood. And I'll be so healthy when it's over!

Books. Again.

Latest development: I am no longer going to read any book anyone hands me. My previous philosophy was to read people's books to find out about them, especially if they claimed to be readers, but from now on I'm just going to read the titles. Yes, in the very truest sense of the phrase, I will now be judging books by their covers. I have a stack of books up to the ceiling that I am slowly but surely wading through, but at the rate I was going, I'd never make it. Always allowing myself to be diverted by these trifling stories- and in order to defend against those who may accuse me of being a hypocrite, I'll tell you that there is really only one book I want you to read, and I only give it to people I really like. A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. And this is because it changed my life. It's a love story, true, but it is so much more than that. It is the story of two people were so in sync that together they figured out exactly what they wanted, devised a plan to make it happen, and then followed the plan until they had accomplished almost all of the things they were after. They were purposeful in the way they lived, planning carefully, and yet they weren't afraid of anything. They didn't conform to any standard but their own, and later when they discovered Jesus, they did their best to serve Him, conserving nothing for themselves. The book is full of drippy poetry and silly letters, but amongst all the romance, there is a love for life that I want to have. Alright I'm done with that tangent. Thanks, Mal, for giving me that book. So anyways, basically I've decided that I'm better than you- yes, you- at picking books. For myself, at the least. Mostly because I know what I like. Sorry. (Gilly voice)

In other news, there are baby zucchinis on my zucchini plants! HA! I'll take pictures tomorrow. Maybe.

It's Where You Are, Not Who You're With.

As promised, a list of things that make me happy. There are so many more of these than angry things, but i'll try to keep it brief.

1. The open road. Actually, although driving is a great way of getting around, I get excited about any mode of travel because... well, it means going somewhere!

2. Saturday Night Live. My current favorites are of course Andy Samberg and Kristen Wiig, But I can appreciate the old guys too, like Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell. Just kidding they're not OLD! I meant John Belushi and Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner. I LOVE her.
3. Books. You can never have too many or read too many books. There is no end to the worlds you can enter and the treasures you can discover. It's a Reading Rainbow! Did anyone else watch that show as a kid?
4. Lipstick. A lady can never have too many shades of lipstick, and I'm a fan of mixing them. Rules: Never match your lipstick to your clothing, and never touch a metallic. Blech. All it takes is a bit of lipstick to make me feel glamorous, no matter what I'm wearing or where I am!
5. Roses. Cliche? Perhaps, but that doesn't diminish the beauty and fragrance of a rose. A vase of Roses I could pass up any day. Get me daffodils or daisies, but in a Garden? NOTHING BETTER than roses everywhere.
P.S. I took all these pictures, Just kidding I took none of them, Just kidding I took one of them but you'll never guess which one, Just kidding I don't even have a camera, Just kidding I do but it's a toy and it doesn't take real pictures, Just kidding of course it does, Just kidding toys are for kids, Just kidding Trix are for kids, Just kidding Trix are for rabbits, Just kidding rabbits don't eat cereal, Just kidding they do but only if they're domesticated, Just kidding my cousin had a rabbit who ate cereal, Just kidding he didn't, Just kidding he did and it had rabies and it bit him on the lip and he had to go to the hospital and get lots of shots and he was there for three weeks, Just kidding I don't even have a cousin, Just kidding I do but he doesn't have a rabbit, Just kidding, Just kidding, Just kidding....

Till I'm Blue in the Face.

Please, dear readers, allow me for a moment to stand on this little thing I like to call my soapbox, and preach to you. HA that's a JOKE. More like RANT. I'd like to post today a list of things that make me angry.
1. Feelings. No, not just feeling them, that's normal. What makes me angry is when people make decisions based on their emotions. Little ones, sure. Having a rant, fine. (since that's what I'm doing I have to justify it) But basing your belief system on a FEELING??!! COME ON PEOPLE. Quitting your job cause your boss ticks you off? I want CONSISTENCY. Wake up and use yer noggin and start caring about the truth!
2. People who don't fight back. Here is one of my biggest pet peeves. I love to argue, and if I make a ridiculous statement, well golly then slap me in the face! I will only be as mean as you let me be; by criticizing you or your ideas I am only challenging you to come up with a response. At least think of a good comeback!
3. Voicemails. Good grief if you're just going to say "call me back," don't bother. That's why cellphones show a missed call. If I see you've called, it's pretty obvious that you wanted to talk to me, and I'll call you back! Eventually. Leave a message only if you're going to give me information.
4. Girls who hate Girls. Now, I used to be one of these. (ok maybe I still have some bad tendencies...) I only wanted to hang out with "the guys" because they aren't so catty, and also they pad the ol' self-esteem. But ladies, we are only perpetuating this stereotype! Yes, we can be mean to eachother over a guy or a percieved popularity contest, but that is why I am friends with my BFF. She calls me on it. She tells me the truth, and she doesn't BACK DOWN.
5. Ok last one. LEG HAIR. No matter how many times I shave it.... Arrrrrrgh!

P.S. If I offended you, please- fight back. Otherwise, leave a comment and let it out! I know you're angry about something too.
P.P.S. I promise to post happy things tomorrow.

Long Weekend

Ok here's what I've been doing. Went dancing, went hiking, bought a marathon training book and got too intimidated to open it, swam across this lake: (cellphone picture, sorry for the blurriness)
It took a long time. If you can't tell from the picture, that lake is about 10 miles wide. Ok, five. Fiiiiiiiiine, it's only about a quarter mile, but I think I'm just about ready for a triathalon now. Also, celebrated Mother's Day (come to find out it's an extremely pagan holiday) with my Grandma, went to a tea party, put on some lipstick and heels to watch Roman Holiday, wrote a song about the weekend, and listened to Britney Spears. (Not necessarily in that order) And amidst all of this activity, I've been doing alot of thinking about where I am and where I'm going. To say the least, I am happy. Happier than I've been in a long time, and SO excited for the next few years. I'll leave it at that. Happy Mother's Day to Donna Johnson, and to all the mothers who have been a part of my life. (This includes but is not limited to: Joy Boydston and Heidi Folks)

Dragonfruit.

May I take a moment to explain to you how incredibly profound I am? Doesn't matter what you say I'll do it anyway. (rhyme) You know when you are driving or eating or talking to someone and some little quip pops into your head and you either don't have a pen or can't take your eyes off the road long enough to write it down? Well that happens to me at least 17 MILLION times a day and although I can't think of any of them right now, I wanted you all to know how lofty my thoughts are. I'm thinking about getting twitter so that I can share them all with you via my phone, since I have that around pretty much all the time. JUST KIDDING I know it's not that important, but do you have this frustration too? It's kinda like being ridiculously beautiful and walking around with a bag on your head. Of course, sometimes it would get me in trouble, like when I think of a super-clever but super-harsh comeback and have to bite my tongue till it bleeds. (Sometimes they just slip out...) BAD.

Completely unrelatedly, I had a WONDERFUL visit home to see my family and friends. Well, friend. Ha you'd think with all my charisma I'd be more popular. We saw "How To Train Your Dragon," in 3D. When I heard about people experiencing depression after seeing Avatar, (because of the fact that the world is Made-Up, DUH people) I pretty much laughed my head off, but I think I understand now after seeing this movie. I want a dragon for a pet. Daddy get me one of Those!!!!

A Trip and A Song

I woke up late today and almost didn't make it to work on time. I had to go the entire morning until 12:00 with no coffee, and it hurt. I'm not one to beg for pity, but.... FEEL SORRY FOR ME. Am I the only one who thinks it's ok to whine on the Internet for the public to read about trivial things like a caffeine headache? Also in case you're wondering why I talk about coffee so much, it's because I feel super cool that I have an addiction, and someday you can all have an intervention for me and send me to rehab where I'll start lots of drama, make some hard-core friends, recover, then have a relapse and never come back. Then maybe I'll write a Song about it and become a rock star. With a tattoo. It all makes me feel so very grown-up, which I am obviously not since I need to reassure myself with things like coffee and driving. I love driving and it may sound pathetic to you, but it's partially because I feel like an adult in my truck. Don't get me wrong, I get high off the view of the open road and the feeling of freedom and all, but secretly, deep down, I am still 16 with a brand-new license and I can't wait to use it. Thank you, Thank you for being bored enough to read my nonsensical rambling. It means so much to me. Now get off your computer and go get some work done.

ZION

The Watchman

Pausing at the roadside Market


Indian Paintbrush. Blooming in Profusion this year.

Grafton. Yeah, that's the whole thing.

ZION is where we went on a Sunday Afternoon Hike/Picnic yesterday. (The Folks and I) We stopped at a tiny ghost town called Grafton on the way in, and it just so happens that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was partially filmed there, and partially in Zion. I took lots of pictures, as it was an absolutely PERFECT day. Then after our outside dinner we drove home and watched said film, commenting on the scenery.