Christy Marie

Who Are We Fooling?

2012-02-02T13:09:00.004-08:00

My mom told me to look up this song. She described is as heart-breaking and beautiful.

Thaaaat is exactly what it is.

(this song is in no way a reflection of HER marriage ps)

...I hope.

Hhaha just kidding, I'm sure it's not. Haha she's probably gonna read this and freak out.

Anyway, all you emotional push-overs out there.. Give this a listen and have yourself a good cry.

Haha Happy Thursday!!

"But it ends with them arm in arm turning away from the edge--so that's kind of good. I like how their failures and faults are what make them a couple. Real love is hard love..." -Madre

Weird how this kid keeps sending home EXACTLY what's been on my mind..

2012-01-30T12:56:00.000-08:00

"I think we underestimate the details of our lives. I’m realizing a little more all the time that the experiences and circumstances of our lives are guided for eternal purposes. I believe that we are always divinely guided."
-Elder Brian

Confessions

2012-01-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

Do you ever accidentally go on a vimeo wedding watching spree and find yourself moved to tears by the love stories of complete strangers...?

Yeah, me either...
#needmyownlife #asap

Discouraged.

2012-01-10T16:22:00.001-08:00

Someone please help.
I feel like quitting college.
Srsly.

Quote of the Day

2012-01-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

"Grace is not the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s the light that moves us through the tunnel. It is not a finishing touch; it is The Finisher’s touch. It is not the absence of God’s high expectations; it is the presence of His power. When we depend on grace we don’t discover, as some would say, that Christ requires nothing; we discover why he requires so much."

-Elder Brian

.2011.

2011-12-30T19:01:00.000-08:00

Favorite Moment of 2011:
Probably sending Thuglas off on his mission this spring...I felt about a million different emotions during that time. I was sad to see him leave and bummed to lose one of my best friends, but also so so excited and proud of him and just felt an out pouring of love within our family right before he left.

Least Favorite:
I was working at dear old Iron Gate Grill over St. Patrick's day...they had this live Irish band come play and I felt like I was in a scene from PS. I love you....buttt as the night went on the customers just got more and more hammered and we were working later and later into the night (we usually closed at 11 and it was like, closing in on 2 in the morning by the time we went home) It had been a way stressful shift and I was exhausted and upset that I had been there so long...Just then, some inebriated young lass puked all over on her way to the bathroom and guess who my miserable manager sent to go "take care of it?"......this girl. I was scooping up vomit with a dustpan and thinking to myself....I'm getting paid like, 2 dollars an hour for this..
Total low point. Sent me straight back reminiscing about the dorms at Iowa Western...*shudders*

Music/Movies/Books: This year I was lovin' on the Civil Wars, the Black Keys, Noah and the Whale, Ray Lamontagne, Kiersten Holine, Sara B, Justin Vernon, and Angus & Julia Stone.

Umm, in the cinema category; I was thrilled with HP 7.2, and JB's Never Say Never, The Help, the newest Sherlock Holmes annnd 17 miracles.

Books: Finally made it through Jesus the Christ this summer. Then Articles of Faith, Divine Signatures (on Brooke's recommendation) annnd over Christmas break I've just been plowing through the BOM trying to get done before the end of the year. So. Not a lot of recreational reading :/ your suggestions would be appreciated for 2012...

Love Interests:
1) The old seed of faith/parasite growing in your heart guy.
I thought we ended on good terms, but he's mad at me lately and I don't really know why. I wrote him a christmas card to apologize but I never sent it. I never really knew what I was apologizing for...?
2) The Roommates.
Stalked the one, got asked out by the other. Tried to make it work....but just...no spark.
3) The kid from Dad's ward.
He's so sweet. But I'm worried its another Chavez situation.

Good people, no dice. Dating gets real discouraging sometimes.
But, you just gotta keep. moving. forward.
...right?

Resolutions:
I can't really remember what my resolutions were.
I know I wanted to get a job. And get more involved on campus. And read through the Book of Mormon. And probably get a boyfriend. Ha, so I'm sitting at about 2.7ish out of 4.
meh.

Regrets:
Ohhh nothing is really coming to mind.
I kinda wanted to on a mission this summer but it's not really eating away at me. I think I made the right choice.
No regrets :) Happy to report it.

2011...thanks for the memzz.

Wishing You and Yours a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

Sincerely, Me.

And Mine.

This semester at USU..

2011-12-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Interviewing & Counseling with Dr. Barcus

Dr. Barcus grew up on an Indian Reservation in Montana--so naturally, she also has a native american alias. She is known to all her native american compadres as, Bear Woman. (picture the cutest little old lady..like 90 something) Hilarious. Bear Woman. Cute-little-old-lady-Bear-Woman said the F word approximately, ohh 30 times this semester. It shocked me all. 30. times.
She specialized in counseling for rape and sexual assault victims. Her age seemed like it was gonna be a realll setback the day she couldn't figure out how to use the doc-cam for 20 minutes and rolled out an overhead projector, but it was fascinating to hear about all the experiences she'd had over the course of her life. Twice in her class I straight up started crying as she relayed stories of her past clients.
I don't want to be a professional counselor, but I think the communication skills I learned in this class will benefit every interpersonal relationship I will have for the rest of my life. Being a good listener takes some effort. Who knew? Here's somethings she talked about this semester that stayed with me..

"You can never change with words what someone learned through experience"
A counselor's job is not to fix people, it is to help them discover what they want and how to get there.
Dr. Barcus said she had two goals for every client that walked through her door, 1) to be able to have responsibility in their life 2) to be able to have intimacy..to have worthwhile relationships that bring life meaning.

Natural Disasters with Blair Larsen

Holy cow this class was misery. The lecturer was just kind of a dud..She did just what was required of her and nothing more. She had no passion for the subject material or for how what she was teaching would benefit her students. We had a guest speaker a couple weeks ago and it was the highlight of the semester having him come in and talk about Global Warming.
I'm honestly having trouble remembering something that stood out to me...

Oh! I know, get this, a hurricane weighs more than 365 whales. And you can take that to the bank. Thanks Blair!

Educational Psychology for Teachers with Carrie Madden

This night class was just once a week. Monday nights. I had the hardest time remembering it..Ha, but it didn't matter because it was painfully easy. Again, I was disappointed in the teacher for not having a bit more passion and investment in her students--I find this subject matter FASCINATING! But somehow she put me right to sleep every Monday night.
I learned....um....what NOT to do when I am a teacher someday. Thanks Carrie!

Consumer Health with Donna Gordon and Adolescence with Camille Odell

These last two classes I took online, and what I learned was, if you take an online class, its like paying for an A. You do zero work and the tests are a breeze. But that is one expensive A...

Institute

God requires things of us. We can't be saved just because..I don't how how some people contend so strongly against this. It seems like such a plain and simple truth to me.
There is such a thing as absolute truth. There is right and wrong. No matter what Lady Gaga says..
I love the scriptures..? I don't know if I've ever been able to say that so honestly in my life. Ha, I have never been as dedicated and diligent in my scripture study as I have this semester and it really has made a difference. I look forward to my time in the scriptures instead of just doing it out of a desire to be obedient. Huh. Whaddyaknow.

So there ya go...another semester down, feels like forever still to go..

I did some other awesome stuff this semester but I'll have to blog about that later because I'm tired and I'm sure you're probably tuckered out too from all my ramblings..back to studying for finals..sigh.

PeaceN'Blessins.

Country Swing. Ya'll.

2011-12-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

Surprise of a lifetime:

I may or may not have gone country swing dancing with some girls from my old ward last night.

..and liked it?

The first 30-35 minutes were an epic fail. I sat on the wall and felt like a total tool for being there.

Eventually, I awkwardly made my way to the dance floor and clumsily tried to pick up the steps..

Next thing I know I'm swinging my legs up over some guys head and getting flipped and spinned and dipped...

It was so fun.

Country Swing Dancing..
never thought I'd see the day.

Go Aggies.

I heart C.S. Lewis.

2011-12-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

Recently I heard someone use an analogy from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to teach a principle, and it has really stuck with me so I'd like to share it. In honor of the Christmas spirit :)

One of the kids, I don't know...lets say Peter(?) Shows up in the Winter Wonderland..Narnia? ..Right? (Sorry if I botch names, I actually haven't read the book since elementary school..but anyway) So he runs into Azlan (the Lion guy) and they are so excited to be reunited because they haven't seen each other in a while..
Azlan comments on how big Peter is and how much he has grown in the last year...and then Peter remarks how much bigger Azlan is as well...and asks, "Azlan, have you grown a year older too?"
"No, I have not," Azlan replies, "yet each year you return, you will find me bigger."

C.S. Lewis intended for Azlan to typify the Savior. Knowing this in the context of that little dialogue makes it so much more meaningful. At least it really hit home to me. Each year I grow older, Christ does grow bigger in my eyes. He is God, and is unchangeable. He is already all-knowing and all-powerful, and He does not grow any bigger...yet every year, as I learn more, and as I am better able to recognize my dependence on Him, as He strengthens and carries me through all my life's experiences... I continue to find Him bigger and bigger.

This year is no exception. As I reflect on things I've learned this last semester, the more I know, the more I realize I will never know the depths of His love, or his power, or his mercy... My testimony of Jesus Christ is that He is everything He said He was, and that He has done all He said He would do. And that His hand is outstretched still. He will never, ever give up on any of us. Ever. We can all look to Him, admire Him, worship Him, and rely on Him without any reservation because He is perfect in every way.

I hope this doesn't come off cheesy, but I think this is what Christmas is really about. And I think it's important to share.

As we wind up for the holidays, I just hope that the real reason for it stays in the forefront of our minds...

Merry Christmas!

Flying Dogs

2011-12-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

So I was sitting in Natural Disasters class learning about what caused the epic 102 mph winds down in Davis County...and I thought shoot! I hope my family is okay...so I texted my little sister.

Me: Hey Jamie, so I heard its kinda windy down there or something...?

Jamie: Uhhh yeah, understatement of the year

Me: Well did a lot of stuff get ruined?

Jamie: No, I woke up and told mom and dad in time, but the roof at Davis High was coming off so it wasn't safe to leave there, some cars got messed up, and semi's were tipping over on the freeway, lots of other people had trees tip over..oh, and our dogs literally almost flew away when we let them out.

Haha, after that last part I put my phone down and just started having a shake fit because the thought of my dogs flying away in the wind was the funniest thing in the world to me for some reason.

So naturally, I got on youtube and started looking up videos of flying dogs...haha maybe you had to be there? But I could not stop laughing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0GiTRlU-eU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=651UYYxrfh0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj8NeoCxJe4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU-wVM-QsHA

And that's why you should never playyy with flyyying dwaaawwwwgggs.

Two of my Favorite Artists of All Time.

2011-11-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

Life Fail.

2011-11-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

I got out of the bus on campus today and looked down to see this....

Officially losing my mind. Thanksgiving Break couldn't get here fast enough.

Freaking Weekend.

2011-11-20T23:39:00.000-08:00

The countdown's finally over! My lovely Ms. Cate got married on Saturday!

Not gonna lie, I teared up a little at her dinner while her slideshow was playing..Catelin is the friend who taught me how to play hand-clap games when we were little like, I had a boyfriend Patty, Hello Operator and Ms. Mary Mack. (Anyone remember those?) We used to have the funnest sleepovers ever and had the coooolest secret club in her dirty laundry closet. I have so many fond memories growing up with her playing mario party or sliding down her staircases on a mattress..and then next thing I know, I'm sitting on the top floor of the Joseph Smith building crying. And she's all, hey, I'm somebody's wife. wtf?

But seriously, the wedding was so, so beautiful. (Kim Kardashian status.) It took my breath away walking into the room. Instead of doing a big reception she just did a dinner-dance and I loved how intimate it was. During the ceremony Layna, Tara, Jamie and I had our hands full with all the Tingey grandkids. They were adorable. Even baby Bo who scream-cried THE entire time. Still love him.

Thennn, we did this embarrassing musical number Our side of the family could probably appreciate us acting like total idiot's but I'm sure the grooms' side just felt awkward...ha...so...that's funny I guess.

My wonderful parental unit drove up to rescue me Friday night cause I was too scared to drive through the canyon in the snow. Bless them. I love hanging out with them.

The only damper to the weekend is, upon my return to Logan, I realized that guys named Dan everywhere are trying to ruin my life and woo my best friends' hearts. Somebody stop the madness! Or find me a Dan of my own. Either way..

Also, I have way too much crap due tomorrow to be blogging... You know where to find me on the top floor of the Library.. ;)

Body Language : Queen

2011-11-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

This song came on my grooveshark playlist while I was studying at a table by myself on the 4th floor of the Merril Cazier.
So naturally, I started dancing, by myself.
Never felt so good about it.
Instant great mood.
Even though I look like a hot mess today and I've been studying all morning for my test this afternoon and of COURSE I run into that kid I desperately want to date right after eating some curry and wearing my brother's way too big for me sweater.
Yikes.
Also, I just found out I cant go home today because I have to work tonight and I have an interview in the morning.
Boo.
But then,
Body Language.

It's all whatever.
I feel great.

Everyone, I dare you to dance your heart out to this song and not feel great about life.

Dear _ _ _ _ _ _

2011-11-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

You are laughably immature. Get over yourself.

Love, Chris

Mucky Mucks.

2011-11-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

My dear friend asked me if I would go to a luncheon with him after his board of trustees meeting today... So I was thinking like, "...blah blah..meetings...blah blah...important people....blah blah.. fancy *free* luncheon...sounds awesome."

Yes please.

I just got home from said luncheon. Yikes, I was so out of my element.

We drove over to the Dean of Utah State's immaculate second mansion, and sat at a beautifully set table under a sparkling chandelier, whilst some asian piano master tickled the ivories and delighted our ears with his angelic melodies. No joke. As we ate, I looked around and realized I was rubbing shoulders with some of the most powerful, influential, amazing men and women in our community. These guys were all CEO's and Provosts and Executive This or That's..

Wanna know what surprised me the most about them? Almost every single one of them (and their wives) took time throughout this luncheon to seek me out and approach me, ask my name and get to know me. Me. The one single person at the whole luncheon who had absolutely no right to even be there. What the heck?

It really made me reflect about what it takes to make a good leader or a person of influence in this life. So here's my two cents blogworld.

It doesn't require any special background or qualifications to be instrumental to a community or society. It takes drive and determination. And it takes character. That's it. Anybody can decide to be a person of character. I want to be a person of character.
The best leaders, have great vision and great ambition, but the key to reaching those far off goals is to pay attention to the one. This thought has been on my mind a lot lately and it really just got driven home today with this experience. Individuals matter. Relationships matter. Pay attention to those two things and before you know it, you're in some meeting sharing your ideas and moving metaphorical mountains.

So anyway, brb I'm just gonna go conquer the world.

SYTYCD

2011-10-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

Been a loyal fan since like...2006.
Going to see them perform on tour this Wednesday!
Seriously. I can't wait.
I just watched a bunch of youtubes and I feel giddy with excitement.
I have never been an awesome dancer--probably never will be.
But I am in AWE of what these people can do with their bodies.
Bless my mom for getting tickets!
So so so excited!

Pure Joy: Me, before the show

To No One in Particular...

2011-10-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been reflecting on my past relationships... You should know, ours is the only one I ever really count. You are still the only one I've ever given any significant piece of my heart to. When people ask me to think back to my happiest moments, I still think of some of our moments.

Today I am sure we are exactly where we need to be. I don't know if you'd believe me if I told you, but I really am glad things turned out how they have. I am so happy you found your intended. I think you two are perfect for each other. I even think she's perfect for you in ways I never was. I'm sure you'd question my sincerity if I ever actually summoned up the courage to say it to you, but truly, I feel 'happy you're happy.' That's all I'll ever want for you.

I'm content with the lives we're living and the choices we made. But I miss the way things were somedays. I'm still so grateful for those experiences.

Thank you for all the times you cheered me on from the sidelines. You made me feel like I could do anything. Thanks for overlooking my stubbornness. You made me feel like I was worth the wait. Thank you for making my heart race. Thanks for buying me flowers, for making long trips to see me, and making a special effort to surprise me. I felt like I was living out a fairytale. Thank you for all the times you tickled my back and played with my hair on the drive home. I've never felt more adored and cared for, or more perfectly content. Thanks for noticing and appreciating so many of the little things. Thanks for the talk in your backyard after that fight with my dad. Thanks for letting me hide behind you after I fell on my face getting on that ride (in front of alll those people.) Thanks for refusing to let go of me on the tube at Bear Lake. I always felt so confident with you by my side. Thanks for taking my hand and calming me down when I almost lost it in that haunted house. For holding me after Chandler died. Thank you for making me a part of your family. I will always love them, I wonder if they know that. Thank you for helping me make that sign for the parade. Thank you for always, always trying to do what was best for me. Thanks for that time I had cramps and you got me a cup of ice at the theater. You were always so concerned for my well-being--so desperate to put me at ease and make me comfortable. Thanks for taking me to all those concerts. Thanks for all the times you wrestled with me. Thanks for the food fights and the impromptu water fights. Thank you for the way you made me laugh. The joy you brought into my life is immeasurable. Thanks for taking the risks and making the leaps of faith when I hesitated. It meant more than I can say. Thanks for being an endless source of encouragement and support. Thanks for inspiring me and motivating me. Thanks for coming to me for advice.

To this day, I'm so grateful for the way you loved and respected me. I'm so grateful for the way you still loved, cared for, and protected me even after everything fell apart. You are one of the most wonderful men I have ever known. Is it still okay to admit how much these experiences meant to me? You are not the love of my life, but you taught me what to look for and never to settle. Can you understand how grateful I am for you? I hope someday you will. On days like today, I don't feel bitter. I don't feel remorseful. If I could go back and re-live my past I wouldn't change a thing. On days like today, I'm just grateful for the life I've lived...and even more excited for the life ahead of me.

And I guess I have you to thank for that..go figure.

.Seven.

2011-10-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Am I sitting around on the interwebz just wasting time? Of course I is, Ms. Booth. Here's 7 fun facts about moi for my 3 adoring readers and all my friends in Stickham...

1. I want to have a pinata at my wedding. And a legit outdoor concert.

2. I love mint milanos and sour patch kids. (not together, duh) And Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider.

3. Most recent goal: trying to be less cynical/critical/judgemental of others. Recently I've noticed I think a lot of mean things. Too often I assume the worst of people, too often I jump to my own conclusions. I watched this today and it kind of restored my love for humanity at large and reminded me what we're capable of. People are wonderful.

4. I ran out of Burt's Bees a week ago and its DESTROYING me.

5. When my close friends/family leave on missions I save a voicemail from them on my phone so I can still hear their voices every once in a while during those 2 long years. You know that awkward moment when you're around sketchy company and you feel nervous..so you pull out your phone and pretend you're having a conversation? I'm just listening to these old voicemails...

6. Tomorrow I'm going to sing/play the ukulele for a restaurant full of strangers.

7. I'm currently listening to "Makin' Out" by Pomplamoose, "I Want You Back" by the Civil Wars, and "Postcards From Italy " by Beirut on repeat. Those 3 over and over and over..

Tag: Kelsey, Brooke, uhhh guess I need more blogfriends?

Thank you Ms. Tarbet.

2011-09-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know if she knows this, but I've listened to this song approximately 739284302 times since Brooke showed it to me. It's one of the most beautiful things my ears have ever heard.

ps. Dear blogging wizards, how do I get my picture up there to be less blurry? Please help.

Perfect Day

2011-09-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Its been forever since I blogggged, so here's some updates for all my blog friends..

School is back in session. Logan is dreamy as ever in the fall.

I finally get to live with BT, its gonna be beautiful. I love her. Always have, and always will.

Yesterday I spent the day out on the lake with some friends--kind of a last hurrah to send out the summer. I cant think of anywhere else in the whole world I would have rather been yesterday. Pineview was gorgeous all day--the weather was phenom. The drive up through ogden canyon took my breath away. Spent all day on the lake laughing and listening to music and just hanging out with people I love in a beauutifull place. We drove home right before sunset--I was all alone singing in my car to some sweeeet sweet music and the sunlight was streaming in through my open windows and blinding me so I couldnt see a thing, and I felt like I was smiling from the inside out. I started laughing out loud, alone in my car...because I just couldn't contain how happy I felt.

I'm gonna miss days like this.

I hope there's more to come...my friends keep getting married and dropping off the face of the planet.

OMEN: my two besties both went to weddings this weekend, and BOTH caught the bouquet....fml.

This just might be my favorite song of all time..

2011-08-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

I will never ever, ever get sick of this song.

Chills.

Every.

Time.

Lets go see her in concert this month? Mmk.

Love. My. Friends.

2011-08-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

"No woman is more persuasive, no woman has greater influence for good, no woman is a more vibrant instrument in the hands of the Lord than a woman of God who is thrilled to be who she is. ---I like to think of us as the Lord's secret weapon." -Sheri Dew

Summer in Pictures

2011-07-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Spent the first week of summer in Powell with some funny kids.

My dearest roommate Olivia got married! So did my lovely little cousin Logan.
Being a bridesmaid is fun to do, to do, to do.
I really love weddings.

I spend my days in the sun teaching little ninos to swim with my bestie.
Greatest gig ever? I think so.

So far this summer, Ferg & I have gone to see Noah and the Whale and Sondre Lerche.
NATW: was fantastic as expected.
Sondre Lerche: kiiiiind of a let down
Hopefully I will have more concerts to report on later...

Another round of Lake Powell with the Fam over 4th of July weekend.

Check out that sexy robotic leggg!

Dan came to Lake Powell round 2.
He's kiiiind of hilarious and we had a lot of fun.

Annual Bear Lake trip with Dad's ward.

Pickleville Playhouse is always a highlight.

Annnd ofcourse the beloved cardboard box boat race..

I'm embarrassed to admit how long it took me to upload all these, and I still cant figure out how to make them bigger or get rid of the little frames though...so...hope this is enough for now.

Summer is wonderful. I'm a lucky, lucky girl.
over & out.

Daily Motivation

2011-06-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

When I watch this video, I feel happy of myself.

Its Later:

2011-05-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

(Disclaimer! This is a lonnnng post that was mostly theraputic in nature...if you get all the way through it, kudos to you. )

The Why I Shoulds:

1) Desire. (D&C 4:3)
This, didn't exactly appear out of no where as Elder Brian gave his epic homecoming address..this little desire has been growing in my little heart since primary...since "I hope they call me on a mission," and "We'll bring the world his truth."
I just can't think of a more wonderful work to be a part of, or something that would be a better use of my time or effort. I cant think of a single thing I feel more passionately about than the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would absolutely love to share the gospel, full-time. I would love the chance to learn and the chance to teach. I would love the chance to watch the gospel change lives. Plus, the possibility of a serious change of scenery is nice. Kind of exciting. Also, learning a new language is on the life to do's..whether I go or not. Bonus if that happens.
Bottom line: Being a missionary for Jesus Christ is the greatest job on earth. A chance to be a tool in the master's hand and work with the spirit on a daily basis and focus on others instead of myself for 18 months.. I would be absolutely honored to be a part of it.
Desire. (D&C 4:3) Check.

2) Timing
Its been easy to brush aside thoughts of a mission before because I would just tell myself I could figure it out later...plennnnty of time. But. I feel like the stars are aligned...right, now. I'm finally 21. I'm just ABOUT to start my program but the most convenient time to take a break with school would be right, now. Doug's been out a couple months and if I hustle we would be coming home together. If I could hurry and get a call before summer ends I could come home right as another semester is starting...I'm not dating anyone. (Ha. Dating.) I'm don't have a job tying me down.
I don't have anything tying me down.
Right.at. this. moment. I feel like I could drive down to provo and knock on the front door of the MTC tomorrow. This unique circumstance will never happen again. I take it, now, or miss it, forever.

3) Blessings
There is seriously soo much to be gained from serving a mission. Exhibit A: pull any RM off the street and ask, try to catch some of what they say as they break down and start crying trying to tell you how much it meant to them. But seriously. Here's some of what makes me most excited...

FLOOD of learning. about the gospel. about the scriptures. about people. about myself.
Love. for companions. leaders. investigators. everyone at home. so. much. LOVE.
Hard work. I know I would be forced out of my comfort zone and could GROW so much.
Sense of ACCOMPLISHMENT..the kind of accomplishment that impacts eternity.
Learn about how to connect with and genuinely love PEOPLE.
Learn how to be a better TEACHER
Be more CONFIDENT with the scriptures
Learn to be more organized and effective with my TIME
Learn more about the big wide world OUTSIDE of Utah.
I could go on and on with this list...my head is starting to spin just thinking about all the blessings that could come from missionary service.

So...?

The Why I Shouldn'ts:

1) Things I'll Miss

Graduating Class of 2012 (big whoop...probably wasn't gonna make it on time anyway..)
Potentially..I could miss a lot of friends' weddings. I would be sad to miss those..
A really great waitressing job. Ha.
Going to classes....Ha.
Hanging out with my friends. Watching a lot of animal planet with my roommates..
Dating. (Part joke..but part serious. I might go crazy not going on a single date for a year and a half)
.......but overall, are these sounding completely lame to anyone else?

2) Fear
Lets be real here...a mission is no walk in the park. Part of me is scared that I really have no idea what I would be getting into. I'm famous for being a ''bad orderer" my expectations and reality hardly align. ever. at all. I'm scared to be let down with what missionary work is really like. But then...who has ever sacrificed anything for the Lord and then regretted it? No one. That's who.

3) Not in my "box"
A couple of semesters ago, one of my favorite Institute teachers at Utah State, Bro. Harding, gave a lesson about personal revelation. We were reading from the famous DC 9:8..."study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right." Brother Harding helped me see this scripture in a totally new way that day. We talked about how the question "ask me if it be right" doesnt translate to, "should I or shouldn't I?" The question is whether its right or wrong. Bro. Harding drew a box on the board and said all good things would fall inside of Heavenly Father's 'box' and would therefore be 'right' and things that were wrong are not in His 'box.' Are the things you are asking for good/'right'? Is it in harmony with what he's revealed through the prophets and in the scriptures? Is it in the box?
If it is, the only question left to ask, is whether or not its in YOUR box of what is 'right' for you, individually. A mission is definitely a good/'right' thing, but is it in my box? I choose whats 'in' my box. (As long as my box is in His box) Heavenly Father who sees all, and knows exactly where I'm going and what I need, can help me to know what is right for my box as well. So I asked him. I told him how I felt about a mission. I prayed and I cried and I 'studied it out in my mind' and he helped me feel what was right for me.

And its not a mission.

*sigh* But, I whole-heartedly believe you don't have to be a full-time missionary to be a tool in our Heavenly Father's hands, or to have the spirit with you on a daily basis. Or to forget yourself and serve others. There is a great work to do wherever we're at. As Elder Uchtdorf put it, we all just need to 'lift where we stand' and I'm sure Heavenly Father will bless us as we serve in our own very unique, personal, and important capacities. So, to all the ladies out there who are maybe going through something similar...I hope this kind of helps. Its not important how or where you serve, if you are a full-time missionary or a good friend, sister, or mom...Its just important that you do your part. Never underestimate your ability to build the kingdom of God on a daily basis, in whatever capacity you're at. That's all He asks.

(If you got through this entire post you are a champ.)

Contemplating

2011-05-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Collin gave his homecoming address today.
What. a. stud. Seriously, I've never been prouder to be his family:)

It was SUCH a great meeting and the spirit was so strong.

I may or may not have come home and written up a list of why I should and why I shouldnt serve a mission..

It was pretty one-sided.

more to come later.

Elder Brian -- Fresh out of Spain

2011-05-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Three Amigos: Reunited

Missing You Already, D22

2011-05-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

Elder Brian

2011-03-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Bloggers.
Its been a tough week. We finally sent Elder Brian out to the mission field. Can't believe he's such a man..? Weird.

Anyway, most of you who know me, know him, so I just thought you might wanna know, OF COURSE I made a mission blog for while he's gone.

It's like a rite of passage for this time in my life, right? It probably in the missionary handbook that your sister is supposed to do this for you while you're gone. I dont know. Maybe.

Anyway, here it is. douginperu.blogspot.com

This was across the street from the MTC right
before we literally kicked him to the curb.

2011-02-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

This muchacho es mi amigo. I like him. We're friends.

We met at a bowling alley one time about a year and a half ago.

I really love being his friend. He's so fun and I know I can always count on him for anything. He's a stud. I feel lucky to have him in my life.

On a totally unrelated note, I planted an onion seed about 8 months ago. I don't know what I was thinking, because I don't even like onions at all. But, anyway, I grew an onion, and now I don't know what to do with it. It feels like a waste to throw it away because it took so long to grow. So I've just been saving it for a lonng time. I thought maybe if I found the right recipe it could still be good, but it's been a while and I can't find anything to do with it and its starting to go bad.

He loves onions. He says he'd rather have an onion than anything else. He could eat onions every day for the rest of his life. And if he couldn't have onions, he would just look all over the place for the closest thing to onions he could find. He convinced me to try them and I've learned to like onions a lot more than I did before, but there's still no way you could convince me to sit around and eat onions for the rest of my life. Ya know?

So yeah, I guess all I'm trying to say is that we feel really differently about onions, he and I.

The end.

2011-02-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

Confession: Today, I went tanning. (just ONE time mom...)

As I lay there and closed my eyes I pretended I was magically transported from Cache Valley to somewhere warm and sunny and wonderful...

This is definitely my happy place. And lately I'm craving the sun and the red rocks and the houseboat and the waterskiing.....craving it bad.

Its decided. This summer I'm planning a college kids trip.

Seriously guys, its happening. Who's coming?

And how much longer till summer?

..wait, what?

2011-02-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Amigo,

I'm soo over it.
You are cute and nice and kinnnd of an idiot.
See ya later.

Love, Me

ps. my friends have a bunch of nicknames for you that all sound like different STD's...

ps. (blogworld) Logan is so cold I feel like my lips are frozen by the time I get to class. and frozen lips is the weirdest feeling ever.

over and out.

Home is Wherever I'm with You

2011-01-24T19:50:00.001-08:00

Maybe this is SO last week/month for some people, but I didnt pay much attention to it when I first saw it, and now I can't stop replaying it over and over and over.

It makes my heart melt. I love everything about it. It makes me hopeful there's still beauty and love and GOODNESS in the world. God bless youtube for letting me creepily have a peek into this tender moment between a father and his little girl.

I have this thing.

I just, really, really love families. (yeah, yeah, everyone loves their families..)
But I mean, All families. Any family.
Families make me feel safe and happy and like the world's a wonderful place. (People who really know me, know this.)

I think too many people are starting to forget this.

"The earth was created....that families might be"
-Elder Russel M. Nelson

"There is nothing in the world as important as the creation and perfection of family units"
-Elder Bruce R. McConkie

"It is possible to make home a bit of heaven; indeed, I picture heaven to be a continuation of the ideal home"
-Elder David O. Mckay

Employed.

2011-01-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

I could sing.

"Get a job" has been on my to do list maybe since I transfered to Utah State LAST fall.

Haha, ohhh man I suck.

I've been dragging my feet and making excuses about how I dont have time for a solid year maybe. sick.

The application process is brutal and the rejection is nooo fun (thanks Brittany, for not forcing me to bear it alone)

but FINALLY! A silver lining!!

I got a job at a classy restaurant in Logan called Iron Gate Grill. I've never eaten there but there's red chandeliers and zebra chairs. So, = super classy. Obviously.

omgimsoexcited.

2011. What will you do with it?

2010-12-31T15:18:00.001-08:00

"As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been."

"The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed towards the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

"Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has greater things in store for each of us"

"Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life today, tomorrow, and forever. "

-Jeffery R. Holland
ps. Watch this.

December 29, 2010

2010-12-29T19:22:00.000-08:00

Doug's mission call is just miles away from the same town we were at this time last year!! Couldn't be more excited for him!!

Loves of my Life.

2010-12-26T22:54:00.000-08:00

How cute are they!? right?!

These amazing, wonderful, beautiful people have been waiting on my hand and foot for the last week. (Literally, its hard to lift my leg up onto the couch, so one of my siblings comes running to lift it up and tuck a pillow under it for me.)

Maybe no one else cares, and maybe this might come off a little vain or pretentious to people not in my family? I apologize. But what's a blog for, if not to write about things no one else really cares about just because it feels good to throw it out there to cyberspace...?

Anyway.

My little sister brought a christmas scentsy into my room so it would smell like christmas this week while I was cooped up in there.

My older sister, Kelsey, strung about a billion little christmas lights on the palm tree in my room.

Jamie's done up and undone my brace about 800 times.

Jamie will run upstairs to grab my computer, and then downstairs to look for my phone charger, and back upstairs to grab me a shirt to change into, and downstairs for a blanket, and up and down, and up and down....And she never complains, or rolls her eyes, or normal 12 year old kid things--Not even once.

Sean scrambled around to finish the last minute Christmas shopping I couldn't do before the family party.

He brought me flowers when I got out of the hospital.

My mom, has brought me breakfast in bed, for the past 5 days. (and lunch and dinner whenever I want it)

She went to the store to get all my favorite snacks and brought me 3 different movies from redbox. (plus, Doug supplied the 1st season of modern family. SO funny)

My mom brings me things I need before I can even think to ask for them. She's patient and loving and selfless...she's seriously gone above and beyond this week, one of the busiest, most stressful weeks of the year.

(I honestly feel so blessed to have Sue Brian as my mother. Sorry for the rest of the world that didnt get so lucky.)

Doug heard me crying in the middle of the night when the meds wore off and came running to my rescue.

He also came running to catch me when I almost tripped down the stairs on my crutches. Super graceful.

Sean (and my cute grandparents) went to like 4 different stores on Christmas Day to find me some stupid ice.

My dad took extra care to make sure I got to and from our family parties without breaking anything.

He's stayed by my side and watched hours and hours of modern family with me.

He offered to skip work the day of the surgery in case I just wanted him to be there.

He gave me a blessing before I went in, and put me at peace.

I could seriously go on and on and on...

But let me just say, this was a really special Christmas for me.

I felt completely overwhelmed by the love I feel for my family.

I am so blessed.

Throughout this year, for whatever reasons, some friends I really love grew distant. Others just dropped out of my life altogether, and that kind of change is always hard to deal with.

It means everything to me to know these people are a constant in my life. And they always will be.

Forever.

Just Gross.

2010-12-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

(Nicole, did I not tell you I found a wayyy worse one? Just awful.)

PEOPLE!!! I'm freaking out here!! Tomorrow they are gonna slice me right open and play around with my insides!

And these 3 little words won't quit haunting me---6. months. recovery.

6 months recovery.

Oh. My heart just broke. My stomach is sick, and my heart is broke. GREAT.

Anyway, if anyone wants to sit around this break and marathon through every episode of Modern Family with me, you are most welcome.

p.s. any great movie (or series) suggestions? (I've got a lot of sitting around to do)

pss. I wish I was in California with Nicole. Or in Boston with Brooke. And not in Kaysville with...by myself.

one more week.

2010-12-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

Eeeek. I'm nervous.
Also, finals are AWESOME, thanks for asking.
Also, I'm wayyy sick of eating chic-fil-a everyday.
Oh AND, I hope I dont jinx it by saying something...but lately I'm the luckiest person alive. Felix Felicis Status. Everything I need or want keeps falling into my lap somehow...? Amazing? Definitely.
Hope it works on test scores too..

This Semester at USU....

2010-12-08T14:03:00.001-08:00

The much anticipated/dreaded physiology 2420 with Dr. Habashi:

I got more acquainted with the library.

Learned a whole lot about negative feedback loops.

I disected a pig heart.

Spent my fridays daydreaming about me and this super attractive guy in my lab...

Memorized a lot of crap for tests and then promptly forgot, everything.

This class wasn't as impossible as everybody made me feel it would be..

Also, the scientific term for goosebumps is , arrector pili

Psychometrics 5330 with Kyle Hancock:

I learned the word, 'psychometrics.'
(A branch of psychology that deals with test design, administration, and interpretation of tests for the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence or personality.)

Reliability & Validity. Reliability & Validity. Reliability & Validity.

"High school is.. a huge...social conundrum" - Dr. Kyle Hancock

I learned that psychological tests aren't perfect but they are better than nothing at all, and in order to put test information to good use, you need to not be an idiot.

LOVED this teacher and surprisingly grew to really look forward to this class.

Scientific Thinking and Research Methods with Jennifer Grewe:

I wrote a big fat proposal about creativity. I hated it.

Sometimes she brought us treats.

One time we spent a class period watching power rangers to count the frequency of aggressive behaviors and compare our observational differences.

Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Twohig:

Took a whole semester to learn how to correctly pronounce 'twohig.'

Trichotillomania: psychological disorder in which one can't stop pulling their hair

Looked forward to daily "Mustasheo" comments. This crazy older man with a mustache would sit in the back of class and pose the weirdest questions about hippies and ghostbusters and spirit rituals..bless him.

Dr. Twohigs cure to most disorders: "Give life meaning, make it worthwhile, accept yourself. Be active, have people that care about you--you'll do okay in life" Amen, Dr. Twohig, Amen.

Drugs & Human Behavior with Donna Gordon:

Donna, Donna, Donna...bless her and her gloriously easy classes.
Sat in the back and chatted with Kelsey & Sam for a whole semester.
Did some interesting research on prosecuting mothers for their drug addictions during pregnancy..
Highlight was when the Athletic Director came in as a guest speaker to talk about steroid use and was wayyyy too intense about it. Seriously hilarious.

Institute

Reinforced my desire to have a family and be a mother. Cannot wait.

Seemed like the first half of the semester I focused a lot on grace, and the second half a ton about agency...so, spent a good deal of time this semester thinking about that interesting little interplay..

Learned and felt the power of testifying through music.

Couldn't stop thinking about this quote:

"The man who so walks in the light and wisdom and power of God, will at the last, by the very force of association, make the light and wisdom and power of God his own--weaving those bright rays into a chain divine, linking himself forever to God and God to him.....beyond this human greatness cannot achieve" - B.H. Roberts

All in all, a semester well spent.

2010-11-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Blogword,

Tonight my heart hurts.

Here's a beautiful song about that sort of thing...or somethin.

School Whomps.

2010-11-22T15:23:00.001-08:00

Dear Professors,

You know what would be fun?
3 Exams and a Big Fat Paper.

....Tomorrow.

If I survive November 23, 2010 it will truly be a miracle.

You guys are the best.

Love, Me

Happy Birthday Thuglas!

2010-11-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

Doug turns 19 tomorrow. I CAN'T believe he's gonna be leaving on his mission soon! Seems like just yesterday we were making snowmen out of mismatched socks and stuffing each other in the dryer...

When we were little I literally thought Doug was Satan.

Thennn we grew up and he sorta became my best friend somehow along the way. He's such a stud. He's basically good at everthing he tries. And he makes me laugh soo hard everyday. He's an irreplaceable part of our family/my life.
I love how he wears V-necks almost everyday. I love that he reads Stephanie Meyer books and is obsessed with SYTYCD. I love that he knows something about everything--makes him a super fun travelling buddy. I love how he loves to dance. I love his stupid family guy impressions. I love how kids gravitate to him everywhere he goes. I love that he's brilliant. I love how he drives our parentals crazy. I love his taste in music, most of the time. I love how we share the same sense of humor. I love having him up at Utah State with me! I'm gonna HATE having him gone for the next 2 years. Seriously, dreading it.

But he'll make a pretty decent missionary I guess.
Anyway, Happy 19th to Doug :)

Happy Thought

2010-11-14T23:24:00.000-08:00

I've watched this way too many times .
And yeah, I can't stop fantasizing about me and Darren Criss.
So what if he plays a gay guy?
So what if he looks JUST like my best friends' (plural...haha) ex-boyfriend?
So what if he's famous for his youtube Harry Potter musical? (...okay lets be real, that's actually a HUGE plus!)
Dream. Guy.

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

2010-11-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

1. The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

2. Noah and the Whale - Blue Skies

3. The Cinematic Orchestra - That Home

4. Mumford & Sons - Timshel

5. Sara Bareilles - Bluebird

Can't stop listening to these lately....

Four letter S word

2010-11-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

The last week in Logan was blissful. Autumn in allll its glory.

For a WHOLE week!! Seriously, It was magical. But, I knew it was just too wonderful to last..

Today it finally snowed.

The first snow storm sends me into a spiralling depression that usually lasts, oh, for about 5ish months. I hate snow. I hate the cold. I hate how my socks get wet and my feet are FREEZING all day. This weather is miserable. and I miss the colors.

BUT!!! there is a cure to this devastating depression, and it always makes me feel better....I've listed it below. Enjoy :)

All the Single Ladies, All the Single Ladies..

2010-10-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

Some Things We Have Learned Together : Jeffery and Patricia Holland

"Don't rush things needlessly and unnaturally. Nature has its rhythms and its harmonies....Be calm, be patient, be happy with the season you are in.

Life ought to be enjoyed at every stage of our experience and should not be hurried and wrenched and truncated and torn to fit an unnatural schedule which you have predetermined but which may not be the Lord's personal plan for you at all. We probably all get caught thinking real life is still ahead of us, still a little farther down the road.

But don't wait to live!....Don't wait for life to gallop in and sweep you off your feet. It is a quieter, more pedestrian visitor than that. In a church which understands more about time and its relationship to eternity than any other, we of all people ought to savor every moment, ought to enjoy the time of preparation before marriage, filling it full of all the truly good things of life.."

Amen.

Pond Scum...Lower than Pond Scum.

2010-10-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

The other night my "friend zone" friend came over to tell me he'd finally had enough and was peace'n out. (Which is good, because I'm awful and selfish..) But before he left he wanted me to listen to this cheesy country song by Rascal Flatts.
I think he wanted to torture my heart a little bit for what I did to his.

This is way too sappy for blogworld but...there's like 4 girls who read this? So whatever.

Baby look here at me, have you ever seen me this way?
I've been fumbling for words through the tears and the hurt and the pain.
I'm gonna lay it all out on the line tonight,
I think that it's time to tell this uphill fight goodbye.

Have you ever had to love someone that just don't feel the same?
Trying to make somebody care for you the way I do, is like trying to catch the rain.
If love is really forever, I'm a winner at a losing game.

I know that baby you've tried to find me somewhere inside of you,
But you know you can't lie--girl you can't hide the truth.
Sometimes two hearts just can't dance to the same beat,
so I'll pack up my things and take what remains of me.
I know I'll never be, the man that you need, or love..
Its killing me to stand here and see I'm not what you've been dreaming of.

Have you ever had to love someone who just doesn't feel the same?
Tryin' to make somebody care for you the way I do, is like trying to catch the rain.
If love is really forever, I'm a winner at a losing game.

...............Yeahhh, no really, that happened. After he played it we both just kind of awkwardly sat there. I didnt know if he was waiting for an apology or what? Ahhh....anyway, This is my life.

Technologically Retarded

2010-10-15T08:41:00.001-07:00

When it comes to technology I have 4 essentials:

My Phone. My Laptop. My iPod. and My Camera.

Last night I went to get Aggie Ice Cream with my parents who were up in Logan for a ward temple night--My phone was sitting on my lap when I stood up....and accidentally let it fall. to. its. death. RIP little cell phone. Rest in pieces, not peace, because when it dropped, it (along with my heart) literally broke into little pieces. Like this:

The good news is my Laptop runs like a champ--even though last year I completely fried the hard drive somehow and my dad had to basically rebuild it from scratch...it now runs...great. Whenever I put my headphones in the headphone jack, or take them out, my whole iPod resets. It goes to the little apple screen and I can't do anything for like 60 seconds while it does its thing. It also does this when its plugged in or out of the iHome. Or in and out of the cable that connects it to the computer. You can see how this would get super annoying..Its random and weird, only happens sometimes...I have no idea why, but it makes me sad and stressed and worried for her... Last but not least, my camera. --There was one near death experience when I dropped her coming off the team bus in Iowa, but Dad pulled her through and now she's just fine. BUT! I lost the charger. So yeah, haven't been taking pictures lately. At all. (or movies since I can't get my flip to turn on...)

Last week when I went home and mentioned my iPod's weird mood swings to my Dad, (I try to strategically plan out when to bring up my technological questions to him--tact and timing are crucial for not getting in BIG trouble. I had to pick only one of my myriad of problems to present to him because if he knew about ALL of them he'd maybe have an annuerism..)

So anyway, I asked him about my iPod and he just looked at me for a second, (I think stared into my soul) and then he shook his head slowly and said, "Christy, you're hard on stuff. Ya know that?"

:( craaaap. (insert intensely guilty feelings here) Technology and I have proved to be kind of a detrimental duo.

The way I see it I have two options in life:

1) live like an pioneer, or an amish person...sans all things electronic.

2) Or, I just have to marry a man like my Dad.

I need someone freakishly brilliant, and perfectly patient, who knows how to fix anything and everything. Because I will most likely need him to.

Ohhhh Dad, I love you.

Oops.

2010-10-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

You know the evil twin on little mermaid? That almost marries prince Erik while Ariel has no voice...? I feel like that. Like an evil twin.

Recommitted.

2010-10-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Conference is the only holiday that comes TWICE a year.
I love the idea of church in your PJs.
I love having my whole family around all day--a sunday with NO meetings :)
I love how we sit around and eat all. day. long.
I love conference bingo.
I love taking pictures of all my sleeping family members when the last session rolls around.

I love girls night out during priesthood session

I love actually going to conference and feeling the buzzing excitement of members that have come from all corners of the world.
I love the powerful feeling of being totally united as a world wide church for a weekend.
I love to hear counsel and direction that the Lord would have ME know for TODAY, through His wonderful prophets.
I love how the messages shared always inspire me to stand a little taller and be a little better the next six months than I was the last.

I really feel so much love for the prophet and his counselors and the twelve. I really feel like I know them. And I feel like they really know me. Which isn't possible but, sometimes I'm sure they do. They are inspired men and I'm thankful for their lives, their example, their love, and leadership.
I wanted to post some of my favorite quotes but I seem to have left my little notebook in Kaysville..... :( So! More to come soon...

Unpleasantly Surprised.

2010-10-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

3 months ago I was playing soccer in a co-ed rec league in Kaysville. I was lazily dribbling down the middle of the field and I decided I'd try and cut around a defender. As I cut the ball across my body and tried to change direction, I heard the infamous "pop" and went down on the turf. It was a really bizarre feeling. Not the most painful thing I'd ever experienced but, I just had this feeling in my gut that it was substantial somehow and it kinda shook me up.

We had back to back games and not enough girls on our team, so my team was less concerned about my knee and more concerned about our lack of subs. So after a couple phone calls to #1 my dad, #2 my little brother (to bring me a knee brace) and #3 my physical therapist...I let them talk me into going back in for our next game.

....30 seconds later, I got laid out by a girl half my size and I knew I couldn't finish the game. I hobbled off the field and watched the rest of the game from the stands with my friend Kendon and an icebag on my knee. The physical therapist calmed all my fears and ruled out an ACL injury, claiming I had an "end feel" (whatever that means...) He said it was most likely a torn meniscus that would heal itself in time.

Fast forward a couple months to Logan, Utah and the beginning of another fall semester season of intramurals (..all I have to look forward to now in my soccer career) I was SO excited to play again! I was a little concerned about how my knee would hold up, but, not wanting to look like a weenie in front of my friends, I threw on a brace and ran on the field.

....30 seconds later I get laid out by a girl half my size, AGAIN. My knee locked up, and hurt so bad I couldn't even walk off the field---I just rolled my body across the sideline and waited for Doug to run to my rescue. I decided it was finally time to go to the doctor and the verdict is in:

Torn ACL and lateral tear in my meniscus.

I kept a stiff upper lip while the doctor gave me my diagnosis and explained my options..but as soon as I made it to my car I bawled like a baby. I cried the whole way home. I'm nervous and scared for surgery.
I took my laptop to class and watched youtubes of different ACL reconstructions all day long. See for yourself, here's what I'll be getting for Christmas this year...(watch it with the sound off)

Back to Business

2010-09-01T15:24:00.001-07:00

Sooo, the summer was really dreamy. But, (surprise, surprise) not quite what I was picturing it would be like 4 months ago. Prepare yourself for a HUGE post trying to cram alll my summer in, I'll try and keep it as short and sweet as I can, post a couple of pictures, and you can fill in the blanks.

First off, I was STOKED to get back to EFY and be a counselor for 9 weeks...

Ohhh, yeah.. Except EFY didn't get back to me all summer. I didn't get assigned a single week for all 4 months. (cry, cry, cry.) I was honestly so, so disappointed- I really missed it this summer.

When I realized EFY was never gonna call me, I felt really let down and frustrated. I said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to help me find something else to do all summer, and that's when these little cuties came into my life..

I applied to a company called Soccer Shots and got a job coaching 3-8 year olds at day cares and camps. Seriously? Hello, dream job, thanks for falling into my lap.

Me+Kids+Soccer=M.F.E.O.

When I wasn't coaching I got to vacay a pretty decent amount this summer...I took a couple trips to Lake Powell, spent a week in Maui with the whole extended Fam, a week in San Diego, and took off for a couple of short weekend campouts...some great memories :)

Last but not least...the dating prospects this summer. Met some realll winners, but there was mostly 4 that stuck around. The Chronic 1st date, The Premie, Mr. Extremely Nice Guy, and Mr. Temple Trip Date. All Gems. (Temple Trip Guy not pictured, I dont usually take my camera when I go...) I don't know if anything's gonna develop further with any of them but I'll keep ya posted..

I had a realllll nice summer, lots of family and friends and fun. I really do feel "fully content." Hope everyone else had a good getaway from the grind.

Now it's back to business as usual in Logan town.

My bright future/fortune....

2010-04-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today after school,

I. was. starving.

Deleriously so. I couldnt stand it anymore and I jumped in my car and drove to panda as fast as I could. Like, lightspeed. When I got there....I realized there WAS no drive through and that I had no shoes. Eff.

....My second trip to panda was successful though. I thoroughly enjoyed my kids meal and then THIS was the fortune in my cookie:

"You will have full contentment by summers end."

.....%*@# Yeahhh!!! Bring on the summer. I will probably make tons of beautiful memories and lots of money and meet the love of my life...mmm mm mm..

Can't wait.

bad day?

2010-04-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

You know those days where you have so many feelings built up...if you even begin to attempt to describe to someone what you're feeling, you just burst into tears? When you just want to run collapse in your mom's arms and just sob on her shoulder and not have to explain anything?

Sometimes I have days when I get so frustrated with myself and my life. Sometimes all my little worries seem huge. Somedays I look around and can only think about all the things I dont have, or all the things I'm not. I think about the big scheme of things, and where I'm at in relation to where I want to be, and I get discouraged. Somedays I feel like I'm failing... On those days, in my moment of desperation, when I can't get to my mom...

I just watch this. No matter how many times I've watched it, it always makes me feel hopeful, and brings a better perspective. I adore this man. He's wonderful. I hope I get the chance to hug him someday, and thank him for this.

Please ignore the completely awful music in the background, I couldnt find one without it. Its really super annoying....but try to look past it and hear what he has to say.

Guaranteed cure for a bad day.

(ps. my last attempt to post a video was kiiind of a fail so, I hope this works. fingers crossed)

My Dear Friend JCall.

2010-04-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

I watched this over and over all night, and my heart ached. Ugh. Missions are hard.

But, I'm proud of my studly friends serving throughout the world.
Cannot WAIT for the day I get to hear this kid sing in real life again. :)

Crimson Ground in China
May 28, 2009 8:44

Seee Ya.

2010-04-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Six,

Today I burned all your letters.
It felt like moving on for good. :) Thanks for back then.

Yours no longer,

Me

My Wonderful Friends

2010-04-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went out to dinner with my mom and sister and two of my closest, oldest friends.We sat at our table at Zuppa's, (yum! wish we had one in Logan..) and we chatted about this and that... and eventually our conversation turned to conference, and then to our gratitude for the truth. and our concerns for the way the world around us seems to be drifting away from the Lord's standard, and we talked about doctrine, and scripture, and missionary experiences, and on and on...it was just, not your average girl's night dinner convo, right?
Wrong. My friends are the greatest. It was so normal.

As I sat back and listened, I thought to myself, This is exactly why we're best friends!! I love that I have friends who are so excited and enthusiastic about the gospel. I love that I can look to their example as I work at becoming the kind of woman I want to be. I don't know where I'd be without their guiding influence in my life. I'm so grateful.

I'm grateful for roommates who teach me what it means to be a real friend and open your heart to the people around you. Who are constantly lifting and encouraging one another. Who live the gospel, and don't just study it. Who show me everyday what it means to have charity and to be selfless. Who are so caring and compassionate and quick to give of themselves and their talents. Who are so creative, and stylish, and hilarious, and brilliant, and bring so much joy into my life...

Eeek, this is turning so cheesy but I dont know how to express what I'm feeling. Bleh...I'm such an amateur blogger.

I just, really love my friends. I feel awed. Every single one of them has some amazing quality that is uniquely their own that I envy and admire and wish I could master myself.. I feel so lucky just to be around them, and rub shoulders with such remarkable women.

To whomever is responsible for placing these fabulous people in my life, thank you, thank you, thank you. It means the world to me.

Finally..

2010-04-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

"Silence isolates. Strained silent periods cause wonderment, hurt, and most often, wrong conclusions" -Marvin J. Ashton

It was so great to finally get some things off my chest recently. I needed it. I needed to understand and to be understood. I needed reassurance. I needed to feel at peace. I shouldn't have avoided that conversation for so long...

Dear Sir,

2010-02-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

I might have to wait, but I'll never give up--

I guess its half timing and the other half's luck.

Wherever you are, whenever its right, You'll come out of nowhere and into my life.

I...just haven't met you yet.

do do da, da do do do da.. mm hmm mm mmm mm

:)

.FAIL.

2009-11-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was this adorable guy in my ward that home taught my roommate. After a couple dates I sort of had developed this HUGE crush on him. Which is a big deal because for too long I've been dating without every really liking anyone and I reaalllly thought this kid was a keeper. Someone I could definitely see myself falling for, maybe...!? AH! You know that way akward exciting time when you realize you might be transitioning from casual dating to starting a real relationship!?

So, He asked me to go to Idaho Falls with him for his brother's birthday and meet his family. Annnd, that's a big deal..right!? I was stoked..hours alone in the car...just him and me...getting our flirt on......

when WHAM! I get a phone call from my mother and the following ensued...

Hey mom what's up?
Did I miss you guys!? I wanted to meet this Andy* (name may or may not have been changed for his sake) guy you've told me so much about!
Yeah sorry, we left Kaysville a while ago, we're almost to Idaho. Oh, I was trying to remember, is Grandpa from Ashton or St. Anthony?
-Ashton.
Andy, do you live close to Ashton?
-No.
Where is Andy from?
Shelley, just outside of Idaho Falls.
Oh! Ask him if he knows any Ormes.
Andy....do you know any Ormes?
-Yeah! (surprised face) My grandpa's name is Joseph Orme!
-....Mom, is Grandma related to a Joseph Orme?
-I dont think so, she has a brother named Emmett and a brother named JC. (Sigh of relief)
Her Dad's name was Parley, ask him if he knows a Parley Orme.
Andy, do you know a Parley Orme?
-(even more surprised/confused face) that's my great grandpa's name...
-Wait, so....Is your Grandpa's name JC?!? (TERRIFIED face)
-Yeah... Joseph Christopher

..................(stunned silence).......................(My mom and sister laughing uncontrollably in the background)............

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the moment I found out I'd been dating my second cousin.

It was awful. terrible. disappointing. hilarious. He may or may not have announced the whole story to our ward the next day at church. And now I may or may not need to transfer my records because I'm so embarrassed.

I have a big fat, incestual crush on my second cousin.

Fail. Fail. Fail.

Oh..Hi Blogworld

2008-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

Hello bloggers of cyberspace! I'm new here..but I've been reading slash laughing slash crying over some other people's blogs for the past few months. I'm a big fan, but not really a writer...so we'll just see how this goes.

Anyway...I live in Iowa. Its like exactly the middle of America and NOTHING goes on here. Haha, I miss Utah, a lot a lot. But, I owe $186 dollars for going over on my phone bill so I guess the new means of communication will be blogging..? Ha, and I can think of maybe one person who will be reading this :) Which is probably good.

In 10 days I'm coming home for thanksgiving and I am going crazy with anticipation.

Top 10 things I'm most excited for:

10. Mountains. Iowa is flat as a pancake and I never realized how much I loved mountains until they weren't there anymore...

9. Snow. I have never been so cold in my life as it gets here in CB, Iowa. (AKA winter quarters for the mormon pioneers) YEAH. so so so cold. Utah is cold too, but suffering through the bitter cold is bearable when theres a beautiful, winter wonderland to enjoy. Iowa is brown and gray..and gross.

8. Jamba Juice. Theres none in Iowa. And I crave them like its my job.

7. Costa Vida. same. it's killer.

6. I can't wait to go home and drive my car. I haven't driven a car since August, and I admit its kinda nice having other people chauffer me around BUT, nothing beats the freedom of cruising around in your own car, windows down, heat turned on high, MY kinda music blasting out the speakers, going as fast as I want, whenever I want, to wherever I want...I miss Pedro.

5. I miss Utah Church. Okay, okay, so that sounds bad. I know the church is still true wherever you go..but Utah has its own quirky church culture, and once you've been somewhere else you can recognize that. I miss it.

4. I am SO excited to be with my Cousins & the Extended Fam. My family...is pretty much stacked. Seriously, they are aweomse. I love those people. This year's the Brian side for thanksgiving and we know how to have a good time. Can't wait.

3. Mi Amigos. OH MY GOSH. I miss my friends. holyyyy cow. Its outta control. I thought they were pretty cool before I left, but then I went out into the world and realized, friends don't come any better than them. I miss talking to them constantly and knowing every detail of each others lives. I miss our inside jokes and being able to communicate without words. I miss making a good time no matter where we were and what we were doing. Oh my gosh...I can't wait to see my friends.

2. My Brothers and Sisters (and Sam and Lizzie) Oh man. No words.

1. Madre & Padre. WHOA. Life lesson numero uno learned in college, being all free and independant and whatnot...SO overrated. I cant wait to go home and have my mommy take care of me and treat me like I'm 6. YAY THANKSGIVING!!!!

hazzah

2008-07-01T23:17:00.001-07:00

hello. my name is christy. im a blogger