Power outage.

This morning I woke up to no power.

I walk down stairs and the first things my parents say is

"Chanel we've been waiting all morning for you to get up. The power is out and we want to play rook!"

I love my life.

So then I got miranda and Travis to come over and we played rook for 2 hours this morning.

Personally I don't think it's ever to early for rook.

Nor is it ever to late for rook since the last 2 nights we've stayed up till 12:30 playing. Never mind that I have work at 8:00. It's time for fun. Sleep can come later.

In case you are interested to know, the keys to a successful rook night are as follows

1. Start playing at 10:00. People start getting a little loopy then

2. Gummi bears from extra foods are a must.

3. Rod Beazer needs to be present at some time.

4. The rook must be played at least once at an inappropriate time.

5. 300 hands in 6 handed are rare but they add a little something to the night.

6. When playing the bird you must "Ca-Caw" and flap your hands.

6. Fun people who love to laugh and have a good time.

Oh and in case you can't tell from the pictures, the girls have been on a winning streak. If you total all the boys final points they still wouldn't beat one of our final scores. Kind of pathetic. But they get an E for Effort.

plague

Not your usual plague of deadly diseases but a plague of what if's, which in their own way are deadly. You know?

What if I had called earlier?

What if I had gone with them?

What if I would've been braver?

What if I said what I really felt?

What if I had stayed just a few days longer?

What if I had thought to give you a Book of Mormon?

What if I hadn't been blinded but what I thought I wanted?

What if I could go back in time and change these what ifs?

That would be awesome.

First Day

Today was my first day of work.

Usually on the first day you try to impress your boss by being early and looking real presentable.

I tried that. Epic fail.

I was suppose to start work at 8. I got up at 7:55...

So this is now the first impression.

"Hi my name is Chanel Beazer and my abilities consist of sleeping through 2 alarm clocks (I SWEAR they never went off) and getting ready in 8 mins."

Impressed?

Thought so.

I felt and looked AWE-SOME...ish.

{Not even joking about the 8 minute thing either. My dad woke me up at 7:55 (thanks dad but next time maybe you could give me more then 5 mins) and I pulled into work at 8:06.}

In other news in my life. The no internet/computer challenge is kind of a hit and miss it. I've definitely reduced my time sitting on facebook or playing online games, but I still use it more then I should.

But give me some kudos. I made a summer book list and I've almost got one of the books crossed off.

I helped my dad outside for 2 hours yesterday.

We burned what felt and looked like 500 pounds of branches.

Needless to say it was a great time. I really enjoy some manual labor. Seriously

And spending time with my dad isn't a terrible thing either. Seriously.

Also, a bird flew into our house yesterday?

It was pretty hilarious watching my mom trying to talk the bird into going back outside.

I tried getting it on camera but she stopped to soon after the thought came to my mind.

But it was fantastic.

It was like when you talk to a baby in that high pitched voice and you expect them to understand or respond to the things you say.

My mother was waving her arms in the arm saying "Come on little birdie, come this way. Go through that door. Come on, just fly down. You can do it."

Anyway we all left the room and did our own thing.

A few hours later he wasn't in the room and we haven't seen him or an evidence of his existence so it looks like he understood my mom and flew down and out the door.

Lastley, I got a 300 hand in rook last night. It felt so good.

I love Technology.

One reason why I love Mondays----- EVERYONE BLOGS SUNDAY NIGHT!

I wake up in the morning with about 10 blogs to read. I absolutely love it.

Welp I've been complaining about how bored I am lately and it's mostly because I've become to lazy to do anything. There are so many things I want to and even need to do but just put them off and sit on facebook or play online games.... Not so productive. I starting today, I'm going to reduce my computer time to only 1 hour a day. I had originally thought of going completely without but a friend brought up the fact that I wouldn't be able to keep in touch with my American friends since my cell (when I get one) will cost to text the States and vice versa.

I feel like technology has taken over the world. We don't really have conversations with people. I think some members of the opposite sex consider texting each other for 2 hours a date. Sure you get to know them, but you aren't really talking to them. There is something so much more personal about talking to someone face to face and hearing the emotion in their voices. Not going to lie, I miss my cell phone. I feel sort of lost without it. I'm embarrassed to admit it but after I left Rexburg I emailed my sister and asked her if anyone texted me after I left (I gave her my phone to use while she is down there). LAME!

Also I don't know about any one else but because I spend so much time on the computer I don't spend as much time reading the scriptures or other church articles. At the end of the night I usually complain how tired I am and read a couple of verses and call it good. But what did I do the whole day? Sit on the computer. I could've spent time during the day learning about the gospel. I don't know where I heard it or who said it but it goes like this "The first few things you do in the morning show the Lord what you consider important." I am so guilty. Often the first things I do in the morning are look at my cell phone, check facebook/blog, and sometimes workout.

One time in my effective living class we were suppose to go out into the hallways/lounge areas of the building and observe people. Blaine and I were just talking and watching people and we commented on how almost everyone in the building was using some form of technology. Students were on laptops, using their iPods, or on their cell phones. It's just part of our everyday life but I think because of technology it keeps us from socializing face to face. I believe at one devotional the speaker told us that when we are walking to our classes to take out our ear buds and put our phones away because we are missing chances to smile and say hello to other people. We are missing out on the chance to create friendships.

On the plus side though technology is amazing when you are in a different state or country from people and you can skype or call them. It does definitely keep us in touch, but from my own experience when I don't have a cell phone and I tell people that I do still have a HOME phone they can call, they won't. They just facebook my instead because for some reason we are embarrassed to just call their house and talk to them? (I'm totally guilty of this too)

Okay one last thing real quick. I can't believe that little kids, like ohh lets say under the age of 12 have cell phones...Really why in the world do you need one? And then going along with little kids a few weeks ago I was over at my Aunt's house and all her grandkids had ipod touches and they would all sit and play games on them. I was blown away with how efficient they were with using them. They asked if they could play games on mine and I was embarrassed to admit that I didn't have any games or apps on mine. I don't even really know how to access that stuff on there. I can't decide if that's a good or bad thing. I think they thought I was pretty lame.

Okay thats my rant. It's not very organized and all over the place but that's me. Anyway I have a feeling it's going to be super tough little challenge for me. Especially since my job doesn't start till Wednesday. But hopefully I get a lot of things done. I've started a list of everything I want to accomplish in the next week and fingers cross I get it all checked off.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

My love for Elder Scott escalated after his fireside.

Who knew he was so witty and funny? I sure didn't.

I have been meaning to post this for over a week so that things he said in the fireside were more fresh in my mind.

Good thing I took notes.

Mind you they aren't perfect, someone else who was there probably remembers things differently, but it's what I got out of it.

He started it off as a question and answer period. First question went along these lines...

What worries you most as you travel around the world and visit other members of the church?

Young men who haven't and ought to have served missions.

Returned missionaries who haven't yet realized that their next mission is to get married.

{Come on young men, get with the program already;) }

What can we do as a YSA to further the Kingdom along, other then getting married?

The best way is by how you live your life and the example you share with others.

What is the most important role as a young sister in the church?

Be a worthy, happy sister, who serves others. It's important to not be a "pickle" sucker.

If we, as young women, aren't getting asked on dates or dating, what should we do in the meantime?

LIVE IT UP!!!...In a righteous way

If the second coming is going to happen soon, then why do we need to worry about the future, like dating and marriage?

Have confidence in tomorrow! I testify as an Apostle, that there are many more years to come and you should look forward to everything that's in store. Your generation is the best generation and you'll have plenty of time to get married and have children.

Enjoy the journey.

{isn't that the most awesome news you've ever heard?!}

Then here are just some cool things he said as kind of side notes to questions

• A date isn't the first step towards eternal marriage. It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know another person.
• Don't do things that are stupid on a date. Going to the movies is the STUPIDEST thing you could do on a date. How are you suppose to actually get to know someone when there is a movie going on. Do something INTERESTING.
• 2 people who really love each other and are willing to make changes can have a perfect marriage
• Don't be concerned with failure. You were prepared for this time in life. When a challenge comes say to yourself "I can do this, I've been prepared for this and I WILL do it.

Isn't he awesome? I loved hearing his wise council and I'm truly blessed to have been able to go.

Retrospect

I love when I'm able to look back at my life and see how things worked out just perfectly.

When I was super bored this last week and went back and labelled all my blog posts

I found this post I'd forgotten I'd even written. As I was reading it I was reminded of the frustration I had as I wrote it, but once I finished reading and started thinking about the past semester I realized that I was dead on. I wrote about how maybe I was suppose to meet certain people in these classes that I hadn't really planned on taking and that was why my schedule wasn't working out. And what do you know, I met Blaine Burton who ironically, was in both those classes.

Fate? Destiny? Coincidence? I think not. He introduced me to a group of students who I loved

and became instant friends with. They are the sweetest girls. I felt like I was back in high

school. The guys were awesome. I have never been to an apartment that had better guys then these. When you were with them you were guaranteed to have a great time. That's one reason I miss rexburg so much. I miss being with people I consider my Best friends and knowing that even if we are just lounging around on the couch in someone's living room, I'm going to have a good time. Anyway I love the opportunity to look back in retrospect and realize that things worked out just the way they were suppose to. And those moments of frustration were totally worth it in the end.

Have you ever seen a better looking, more happy bunch? I think not

Well since I'm talking about fun and friends. Last night I had a blast. It reminded me that I do love being home and that I am going to have a great summer with great friends.

Ramblings

Today I drove home from Rexburg.

Is it pathetic that within 3 weeks I'll have driven home from Rexburg 3 times?

I think that means I love Rexburg. I won't deny it

While driving home to stay entertained my mom and I played a game we like to call "Dead"

It's as morbid as it sounds. It's a competition to see who can spot the most dead animals on the side of the road. Animal lovers, don't hate on us.

You know what else I've noticed as I've travelled and stopped at many gas stations for much needed bathroom breaks?

For some reason the boys washroom is ALWAYS before the women's.

What happened to Ladies first gentlemen?

Don't they know our bladders are considerably smaller and our bathroom should come first and that as a golden rule there should always be more the one stall. ALWAYS.

Also, Montana is a lot prettier then I originally thought.

I also know that I miss Rexburg.

Don't worry people, I won't always blog about how much I miss Rexburg.

Before I know it I'll be back there.

Then I'll probably complain about how much I miss Canada.

It's going to be awesome.

My last few days have been a lot more fun.

I think it's because I've been so bored that anything that even makes me smile is fun.

I think Madison and I have both gotten a little stir crazy.

We have been laughing at the stupidest things, usually done by one of us.

But it's been a great way to spend our last few days together.

I'm sure going to miss that girl.

Yesterday I got a job!

You are looking at the newest employee of the Cardston Swimming Pool.

Now don't get excited and think I'm a lifeguard. I'm definitely not qualified for that.

But I will take your money and I'll do it with a smile.

I also went to the Temple for Institute.

I just love the Cardston Temple. There is something special about it.

Today Madison and I conquered "The Light Temple" We are awesome.

Tonight I'm attending a fireside held by Richard G. Scott.

I love this man. Every conference talk is amazing.

He always talks about his wife in the sweetest ways.

I've heard a rumor about what he's speaking on and considering the way he speaks about his

wife tonight's talk is going to be FAN-TAS-TIC.

I was not aware I had a gremlin for a sister.

Light Temple=CONQUERED

Good looks run in the family, if you didn't notice

Give me something to do

I'm so bored at home.

I didn't think it would be quite this bad.

Thankfully everyone else's school gets out next week.

BYUI just likes to be different and gets out 2 weeks earlier.

Thank goodness for wings Wednesday. I need to get out of this house.

I'm so bored that I went thru my first 100 posts and labelled a bunch of them.

Since I've done nothing for the last few days I'm extra tired. You think I'd have extra energy.

You can only go on facebook, blog stalk, and watch TV for so long before it gets boring

Hopefully I get a job soon. Then I won't have to sit around waiting for life to happen.

Perhaps I'll take a nap. That'll take up at least a good hour of my day

Or maybe I should do something productive, like read a book?

Usually I get bored doing that to though.

I'm a lost cause. Goodbye

SO I'm Home.

And I kind of Love it..

I love a big bed

and a big room..that oddly still doesn't fit all my stuff.

I love a home cooked meal

and anything I want to eat whenever. No more rationing!

I love spending time with family and friends

FInally I can play card games again.

I love seeing people that I know wherever I go,

even if it means I spend way more time out then I planned.

But you know what I don't love?

The fact that sam, madison and I won't be working out together anymore

and I won't be able to eat G's dairy at least once a week

I don't like that I won't get to annoy blaine everyday in our classes.

or have sunday game nights at his APT.

I'm going to miss painting my nails with sam

and staying up late talking and watching movies.

I'm going to miss the third floor of the library. I'm going to be so out of the loop.

I'm going to miss being madison's room mate

and having dance parties in the bathroom.

I don't like that I won't get to be spiritually uplifted every tuesday at devotional.

I don't like that I'm going to miss Rexburg...how did this happen?

TMNT

I have a friend that knows how much I love to paint my nails and always like doing different designs. So he sent me a sweet picture of some teenage mutant ninja turtle nails. I recreated them the best I could. Later I found some sweeter pictures of TMNT nails that I'd do opposed to the ones I did...if I ever do it again

Then yesterday I was helping a friend make a collage when this guy was like Uhmm what's on your nails. I told him TMNT and his reply? YOU ARE MY SOUL MATE. My email address from grade 7 and to this day is john0467_TMNT...(I totally made up the first part cause I forget what it really was. The only thing that matters in this story is TMNT anyway)

Anyways looks like my nails may have brought me somebody to love.

He then asked if he could take a picture of my nails cause he just had to show his brother.

I feel famous.

P.S. I'm always looking for new nail ideas. So if anyone has any send them my way!

Keep Your Fork

In my effective living class the last topic we discussed was death.. Kind of depressing right? She even made us write out a life sketch of what we'd want someone to say about us if we died tomorrow and she had us plan out the day of our funeral. Can't say I particularly liked doing that but whatever, I guess if I do die tomorrow (knock on wood) people will know what songs I want sung and such. But that's not the point of this post. It's actually a lot more bright and cheery.

While talking about death she passed out this little story about a woman who was terminally ill and only had a short amount of time left to live. Her pastor came over to finalize the details of her impending funeral and she told him that she wanted to be buried with a fork in her right hand. The reason being because at the end of church socials and gatherings when people would come and clear your dishes they'd always tell you to "keep your fork" signifying that something better was yet to come. (genius right?)

So it got me thinking about my life and that I need to have this attitude. One part of my life might be coming to a close-like leaving rexburg for the summer- but something better is coming. I have a great summer at home to look forward to and after that "meal" I have Rexburg to come back to. There is no reason to be sad or depressed.

Stealing the title from Kristen Gibb's blog post "Only as colorful as you make it." (P.S. check her out, she is one of the most inspiring bloggers EVER) I put it together with Festival of colors and Life. Madison and I went to festival of colors last weekend in Spanish Fork Utah. Nobody there is dull and grey. Everyone has splashes of bright colors on their faces and clothes and you don't see too many sad faces, cause how can you be sad at such an event like festival of colors? (look it up online if you don't know what it is.)

So the point is, Life is only as colorful as you make it. Sure things might stink sometimes, but that's life and we can either dwell on that or we can try to make it into something beautiful and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I love President Monson's words "Your future is only as bright as you faith" Life is beautiful and full of color. If we have faith our futures are bright and we will realize that the best is yet to come. Sometimes being patient is hard but it pays off in the end. And going back to the beginning about death, make your life colorful! You never know when the end will be so make your life what you want it to be. Choose to act and not be acted upon, by life's events.

G's Dairy

This is the best dairy in the entire world. I love their ice cream. So much that without fail I've gone at least once every week, sometimes even twice! I think I've at least taste tested all their flavors and there isn't one I don't enjoy. Sometimes they have AMAZING deals like buy one double scoop waffle cone and get the second one FREE! How can you pass that up? The thing is you can't.

The whole gang enjoying G's dairy

Grilled cheese sandwich and single scoop of ice cream for $3= love

We all couldn't resist the double waffle cone deal

Please take a chance to notice how extremely LARGE those scoops of ice cream are. Brock pointed out that my ice cream cone was bigger then my head. It seriously was.

NAILS

It comes as no surprise to many of you that I love to paint my nails. I love buying nail polish. I would be perfectly happy if all I got for gifts this year was different colors of nail polish. that is how much I love it. I love finding people that share the same joy and I love creating different ways to do my nails. Since I change them on regular basis I decided I'd take pictures and blog about them. So here is one nail design for this week. (sorry I'm not the best hand model either)