The L.I.F.E of Chanel

2012-02-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

Oh hey guess what I'm doing tomorrow for Valentines Day?

I might not have a hot date with a boy I love that will shower me with gifts and loving words.

But I will still be the happiest girl tomorrow as I watch Lady Antebellum perform LIVE.

I can't wait to hear them sing Just a Kiss, Dancing Away With My Heart, and Cold as Stone.

At least I hope they sing those ones. They are from their new album so it should be a given.

Anyway, pretty sure this is going to be the best Valentines Day I've ever had.

Fingers Crossed, knock on wood.

And here are my Valentine Nails.

Weekend Recap

2012-02-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

This weekend was just a nice relaxing one.

I did quite a bit with Madison which was fabulous.

We painted our nails for Valentine's day, made homemade bread, and homemade beef stew.

SOOOO GOOOOD.

I'm doing the Lazy man to Iron man again for a free t-shirt.

I have a month to run 26 miles, bike 112 miles, and swim 3 miles.

The great thing is that I've learned I don't hate swimming as much as I thought I did.

I went to G's dairy. Yum.

I watched the dumbest show EVER. Save yourself 2 hours and don't watch the show "one day."

Then I also finger painted for a date.

Of course finger painting turned into face painting. I obviously won both finger and face painting competitions.

Then I went to a super bowl party.

It was fun but kind of a let down since no one there cared for either team. They all wanted the 49ers to be in it so that made it less exciting. Not like I really care, I just went to socialize.

And that is my weekend.

Alright gentlemen take notes.

2012-01-31T19:07:00.000-08:00

The other day I got asked on a date and he told me he'd let me know the details later.

I was leaving work and was checking my cellphone and found this message:

"To find out the details for tomorrow night you must go to the second floor of the library and look your name up in the dictionary that is right by the bathrooms. There you will find your first clue"

The biggest smile was slapped on my face.

I got over to the library and found these 3 lovely notes in the dictionary.

It's honestly one of the sweetest things a guy has done pre-date.

He definitely got some extra brownie points for this one.

Hopefully the date turns out just as sweet.

My first Haircut

2012-01-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

What better way to begin the new year then with a haircut.

One brave man let me cut his hair yesterday.

It was quite the adventure and he was such a good sport.

Even though I completely shaved off his side burns.

New trend right?

BUt seriously no matter what I did wrong, he'd be like that's perfect just how I wanted it! You are doing a great job. I know he was lying but it helped me keep going.

Everyone told me I did a surprisingly good job for my first time and for the fact I used everyday huge scissors to trim.

In the end though my room mates friend came over who is going to school at paul mitchell and she helped blend in my trimming job.

So I'm in business. Anyone want a haircut. It's free. I just can't guarantee you won't walk away with bald spots.

His hair before.

Make shift cape. A cut open garbage bag.

This was before I cut off his sideburns but I had finished trimming his hair. I wish we had a close up of his before and after so you could really see how great of a job I did :)

Notice he no longer has sideburns. New trend I'm telling ya!

This christmas..

2011-12-25T17:08:00.001-08:00

Okay I know christmas has long since passed and I should be writing about the new year and all my goals and aspirations but I just needed to post this last one about christmas at school.

This was probably the best Christmas I've ever had at school.

Our apartment was just beautiful.

I loved being inside of it.

Jessica and I slept underneath the tree about 14 times. It wasn't always the best sleep but it wa

s just magical. We even pulled a mattress out and slept in the Hallway twice.

Such great times.

Taking down christmas was the saddest thing ever. It took a lot of will power to start taking down all the snowflakes and lights.

Once it was all down but the tree we had some fun with our snowflakes.

And took some room mates pictures in front of the tree and opened up our stockings.

I'm going to miss these girls so much.

I don't know why we look happy. We had just taken down christmas!

Having a snowstorm in our apartment

Our awesome homemade sweaters

We made home made ice cream. It was comparable to G's dairy.

Last trip to g's dairy.

Sleeping underneath the christmas tree

Sleeping in the hallway. Surprisingly comfy. I wasn't squished or anything. I did bang my head once though.

Bahama Mama

2011-12-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

This christmas I went on a cruise to the Bahama's

It was fabulous.

I'd always heard about the food on cruises but I didn't believe it could be all that.

But it was all that. It felt like there was an endless supply of food and it was always something new. And so much fruit.

And lest we forget the frozen yogurt machine. I think I had 4 bowls for lunch one time.

Only down side was the motion of the ocean was not good for me.

After being home for a few days I still felt like I was on a boat.

We knew we were going to be real party animals when the first night on the boat we went to bed at 8:30... and got up 12 hours later.

If you look at my camera you would hardly know that we were even in the bahamas...

I think I have one picture of the ocean/beach.

We rented some scooters in Freeport which was the best thing we ever did. It was so fun just bombing around going where ever we wanted to.

In Nasa we just took buses where ever we wanted to go. It was kind of a chilly day so we laid on the beach for about an hour then we went to some caves, that we never ended up going inside cause some local guy tried to convince us he was hired by the government and we had to pay to go inside. So we just walked around looking at houses. who knew that the bahamas would have such big beautiful homes. We were really tempted to buzz the intercom and ask if we could come look around their house, but we were afraid they might be drug lord's. It wasn't a risk we were willing to take.

We also went over to atlantis. And mitch jumped off this bridge. The security at the bottom told him he could get a $100 fine. Then a bahamian girl was like that was the coolest thing ever do it again! do it again! And the security guy just looked at him and was like, Yah you should probably do that again. So he did.

The last day on the boat we spent traveling back home and it was such a beautiful day!

We just laid on the deck for a couple of hours, watched some movies, and went out to dinner.

And that was the cruise. Most people probably spend all day seeing all the tourist attractions, playing on the water slide on the boat, hitting up the casinos or dance parties, and all the other activities they have on. But nope not us, we did pretty much everything you could do in America.

You have to make do with the sleeping arrangements the airport gives you

Captain's dinner

Scooter ride. Eric tried to kill me multiple times.

About to embark on our cruise adventure. Sorry eric. My hair took over your face.

Only picture of the ocean and it doesn't even look that pretty.

whhyyyy

2011-12-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

I'm going to whine.

Why does it always seem like the one(s) you like doesn't like you and the one(s) you don't like like you. The one(s) you don't like always do nice things for you, like send you texts that tell you your beautiful or leave notes on your laptop telling you to have a great day. When they see you they light up and give you a hug and just want to sit around and talk to you despite how busy they are. They say all the right things and do all the right things that should make you fall in love with them, but yet, you just don't find yourself attracted to them.

Is it because they like you so much and do everything right?

Then you have the one(s) that you like but for some reason just don't like you. You find yourself looking at your phone every 10 mins hoping they've texted you, telling you how great you look or that they want to see you. You light up every time you see them and your day is suddenly better because you got to talk to them for a brief moment.

I can't help but feel that because they don't like me, it makes me like them more, cause I feel like I want to prove to them they should like me.

Why does this always seem to happen?

Why can't you both just like each other and it be easy, instead of playing all these dumb mind games so that they don't lose interest?

Love shouldn't be this hard.

At least I have these words to give me hope.

4 Wheeling

2011-12-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

This happened quite awhile ago but I just got the pictures for it.

For a big group date we went 4 wheeling.

I was a little apprehensive about it because I'm never gone before and it was a cold day.

But it was so much fun!

Karston is pretty wild on the 4 wheel, but I felt relatively safe and it made it a little more fun.

But it was so beautiful cause we went through this canyon and the sun was setting.

It was the most amazing view ever. I wish we had a picture that did it justice.

Then we played in some old mining caves.

It was a little scary cause the boys were like "oh don't worry if this hole collapses it's our only way out, no big deal right?"

Then after we made a fire and cooked tinfoil dinners.

Then headed back to Karstons for hot chocolate and a scary movie. This just tells you how long ago this was, it was halloween weekend.

Ketchup

2011-12-07T13:32:00.001-08:00

Just some random things.

For America thanksgiving I went home to Canada.

My friend Ross was dying to see the great land of Canada. (I don't blame him)

So he came up with me and spent it with my family. There were many nights of card games, as in every night, great food, and a chance to catch up with some old friends.

Ross wanted to see what Cardston had to offer.

We took a tour of the card home and the courthouse museum. (jennica I wish you could've been the tour guide, I know you would've done a great job and made it exciting)

We also went to waterton and I was reminded of how much I love that place, even when it's covered and snow and the wind is blowing at 70 miles per hour.

Moving on, THe last 2 FHE's have been christmas oriented. Last week we put up a christmas tree. It truly complete our apartment. This last week we made caramel apples and watched Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer in our winter wonderland. It was perfect.

My nails and wardrobe has been christmasified. Everyday I try to wear something green, red, or goldy yellow. Just to show my christmas spirit.

Also campus has been getting more into the christmas spirit. All the buildings have GINORMOUS wreaths hanging from them and almost every building has at least one christmas tree if not more. And main street has the most beautiful lights on the tree's and street lights. It's amazing. I really think this is the happiest time of the year, despite the cold.

Random side note, have you ever seen smaller hand writing?

This is my cheat sheet that I can take into the testing center for my psychology class. I know it looks like it's not readable but when you hold it about an inch from your face it's very legible.

People that see it ask if I've got the whole book written on it.

ANNNNDD. It's almost the end of the semester. I can't believe it. One more week of full classes. Then guess where I'll be? On a boat sailing the seas on my way to the bahamas.

Yup best Christmas ever.

Oreo Party

2011-12-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

There is an APT of boys that have an oreo party every once in awhile on Thursday's.

This last Thursday was their last one for the semester and it was ugly christmas sweater themed.

As some of you may know I'm the queen of ugly christmas sweaters.

Jk not really. Madison is pretty high up there.

Anyway my friend Jason needed a sweater so we went to DI and found a nice but ugly blue one and then hit up the dollar tree and got some Christmas trinkets to put on it.

I had to hand stitch the stocking the back. It made me wish I had taken more Home Ec classes.

But it turned out pretty good.

My friend Merideth borrowed Madison's home made sweater and I used mine.

They were hits!

Also a hit at this party was the mistletoe. Well maybe just for some people.

There was a guy going around and no one was safe. It didn't matter who you were talking to, if you were a boy and a girl he threw the mistletoe above your head. Then everyone started chanting "do it do it! Come it's christmas time, just kiss each other"

I was stunned at how many people actually kissed and they didn't even like each other. This just shows my naivety to the outside world. I got caught underneath the mistletoe with some guy but there was no way I was going to kiss him, even if it was christmas.

That's not awkward at all.

2011-11-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

So today was a day just like any other.

I had just gotten 2 text messages as I was walking into the bathroom so I paused inside the bathroom to read them before heading to the stalls.

After a good 20-30 seconds of reading I look up and realize that I'm staring at a male professor drying his hands.

Then I look to the right and notice the urinals.

WHAT THE HECK!

I quickly whipped around red faced, laughing, and just praying that no one I knew would be outside the bathroom doors. Thankfully there wasn't

I just want to know what was going on in that professors head when I walked in because he didn't say ANYTHING. He had to have noticed that I was a female. I was in a bright red coat, a dress, and had long curly hair. There is no way he could mistake me in a quick glance as a male.

He was probably just standing there laughing to himself saying "I wonder how long it'll take that girl to realize she's in the wrong bathroom. I bet this will be the last time she walks into a bathroom looking at her cell phone or I can't wait to tell my next class about this."

After getting out of there and thinking about it I'm so glad I didn't decide to just finish reading the texts in the bathroom stall cause I never would've looked over and noticed the urinals or the professor washing his hands.

I wouldn't have realized I was in the wrong place until I was leaving the stall and the first thing I see are the urinals and quite possibly a man standing there using them!

How embarrassing.

Oh well it brightened my day because it was kind of dreary up to that point.

I hope this story brought a smile to your face as well!

Winter wonderland.

2011-11-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

I wish everyone in the world could come see our apartment.

I think it's so adorable. I'm sure it pales in comparison to some peoples homes at christmas but for college students, I think it's pretty awesome.

The pictures really don't do it justice but I'm putting some up anyway. Just so you have an idea of what you are missing out on.

Sometimes we just turn on the lights in the middle of the day, sit on the couch, and smile and stare in awe at the beauty of our living room. That probably makes us sound retarded but seriously it's the best feeling ever.

I can't help but walk into my living room and smile.

We spent about a total of 4 hours on christmas. Cutting out snowflakes is time consuming! And then tapping and tying dental floss to everything takes a lot of patience. But seriously the end results are worth it. I never want christmas to come cause I don't want to take it down.

and here is one style of christmas nails. I'm sure there will be lots more to come.

Also you may notice my new button on the right hand side.

Tell your mom, your dad, your neighbors, the ladies in your ward or anyone in general if they want some great food storage products to check out thrive.

I'm not joking this stuff is amazing. Especially the fruit. Oh and they have freeze dried ice cream sandwiches. I don't know about you guys but when there are bombs going off outside my house or raging winds from a tornado I'm going to enjoy sitting in my basement eating ice cream sandwiches.

Patience Is a Virtue.

2011-11-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

This last Sunday my friend Anthony told me he was disappointed I hadn't blogged in a week. I told him I had until Tuesday, but truth be told I was in a bummer mood and in no way felt like writing a blog post that was substantial or insightful.

But upon reflecting on my bummer mood and why I was upset, inspiration hit.

I remembered a talk my friend Karli Low sent me probably a year and a half ago during a rough spot in my life. I found it still saved on my computer and as I read it, I found that it correlated with what we had talked about in Relief Society and Sunday School that day and that it applied to the reason I was upset in that moment.

It was a talk given by Neal A. Maxwell in 1979 on PATIENCE.

He says "Patience is not indifference. Actually, it means caring very much but being willing, nevertheless, to submit to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the "process of time."

Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient we are suggesting that we know what is best--better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. Either way we are questioning the reality of God's omniscience as if, as some seem to believe, God were on some sort of postdoctoral fellowship and were not quite in charge of everything."

I have realized that I am not a patient person. It KILLS me to wait for things to happen. I know there are many times I try to rush the Lords time table for me. I have a hard time just relaxing and remembering that he has a plan for me and that it'll all unfold in the "process of time." I just need to remain faithful and put my trust in Him, which is a lot easier said then done.

In the scriptures there are many examples of where the Lord tried the patience of the Nephites in conjunction to trying their faith. He tried them as he saw fit and we are promised that if we endure it well and cheerfully we will be blessed.

Oh how I needed to read that...and this

"Paul, speaking to the Hebrews, brings us up short by writing that, even after faithful disciples had "done the will of God, they had need of patience" (Hebrews 10:36). How many times have good individuals done the right thing only to break or wear away under subsequent stress, canceling out much of the value of what they had already so painstakingly done? Sometimes that which we are doing is correct enough but simply needs to be persisted in patiently, not for a minute or a moment but sometimes for years. Paul speaks of the marathon of life and of how we must "run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). Paul did not select the hundred-meter dash for his analogy"

We can't just do what we think the Lord wants for a day or two and call it good and think that our trial of patience should be over. To reach full progression we might need to deal with it for months or years.

I know this is getting way to long. I know I don't like reading long Blog Posts no matter how good they are. So I'm just going to end with these scriptures found in James 1:2-4 and 5:10

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing... Take my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering and affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful (compassionate) and of tender mercy"

To me this means be grateful for your afflictions. The prophet Joseph Smith referred to his time in Liberty Jail as a temple. While it was one of his greatest times of trial and struggle the Lord blessed him with an increase in faith and gave him guidance. I know that If you bear your trials well you will be blessed and will end up better off. We cannot know joy without sorrow. The Lord gives us trials because he knows we can handle them and wants to increase our faith in Him and make us stronger. I'm grateful for opportunities to grow and to appreciate joy.

Thanks Anthony for helping me turn my frowny face upside down and looking at the bigger picture of what the Lord might be trying to teach me. I needed that.

2011-11-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I had to give a talk in church.

I did it on Elder Ian S. Ardern's talk in this last general conference called, "A Time to Prepare"

I wish I could say that I had really taken my talks topic to heart but I failed.

I finished writing it Sunday Morning (in my defense it was half done!)

A few nights before my talk I had a dream that I got up to the pulpit and then realized I had completely forgotten to print off my talk. The great thing was that in my dream I was so prepared I didn't even need a printed copy.

That was not the case on Sunday were 15 mins before sacrament meeting I still didn't have my talk printed off.

I should've know that dream was a sign!

So Sunday morning I finish my talk and my room mate says if I just put my talk on a flash drive they can print it at church. So I meet with the ward clerk before relief society but silly me had uploaded my rough draft...So I run home and upload the right one.

I meet with the ward clerk again before sunday school, but wouldn't you know it for some reason the computer won't recognize the flash drive now. So the ward clerk gives me his flash drive and I run home again.

This time I decide to cover my bases. I bring my lap top to church with me and upload the file and decide that just in case it doesn't work I'm going to print it off at the student printer in the Ricks building.

Well I forgot my I-card so I couldn't print it off in the Ricks.

After Sunday School I meet yet again with the ward clerk with fingers crossed that it finally prints.

And Hallelujah it does.

My lesson was learned I need to be better prepared when it comes to writing and giving talks and not wait until the last possible moment to write and print it off because then bad things happen and you almost have to wing it.

2011-10-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Kristen Gibb. You've done it again.

This blog post inspires me.

All you single and even dating ladies need to read this.

A Plea

Out with the new back with the old!

2011-10-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

So I went on this date the other day.

And well this guy was kind of a piece of work.

I wish I could say it was just because he was nervous or something but I had talked to him a few times before and that was my first impression. I was just hoping he'd change it.

So starts off with him going to open my door, which is a nice gesture that I appreciate.

But it was locked so he had to walk over to his side to open it. Once there he said I'm not coming back over to open the door. I figure you can get it yourself.

(I really don't mind opening my door, I just didn't like his attitude when saying it)

Then we are sitting at guitars unplugged and he says I'm glad you weren't already busy tonight, but if you were I would've just asked another girl.

(Uhh.. yah I'm glad to, I also hope I wasn't the fourth girl on your list of options either.)

Throughout the night I don't know if he was trying to impress me with how hot and wanted he thinks he is. He told me about all these girls that wanted to date him and just wanted his body but he was like whoa we've only gone on one date I don't want you to be all over me.

(But guess who was trying to be all over me...)

Then when he's dropping me off he tell me that I'm really pretty....and if I wasn't he would've have asked me out.

SHALLOW.

Basically I felt like an object the whole night.

Another sense I get from him is that he plans on dominating the relationship.

I feel sorry for the poor woman he controls for eternity.

Thank goodness it won't be me.

Sorry for this post has zero value. And maybe you don't think it sounds that bad but you weren't on the date. My description might not do it justice.

Does it get sweeter?

2011-10-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

This blog post is dedicated to my sweet sister madison. I've dedicated posts to her before but she keeps doing things that remind me how awesome she is!

As you have probably noticed from how much complaining I've done on my blog my last week was particularly stressful along with all the ones previously.

Madison being so thoughtful wanted to do something nice for me just because I was being a baby!

She MADE me this earing holder book. She saw it on pintrest and knew it was something I'd like.

But it doesn't stop there. She then bought me 6 pairs of earings and 2 watches.

SERIOUSLY.

I don't know what I did to deserve such a great thoughtful sister.

She is always thinking of others.

She is more then willing to listen to me complain.

She gives the best shopping advice. When I go with her I buy so much more then when I'm by myself....Maybe this is a bad thing?

When we were young I remember making her cry and I just had the whole suck it up attitude.

But then if the roles were reversed she's always come and put her arms around me and try to comfort me. She is just so loving.

I miss her so much when I'm away at school.

It's like I'm without my best friend and I don't like that.

Diagnosis

2011-10-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

(Say this to the tune of 5 little monkeys)

One little girl lifting heavy weights over her head,

did it wrong now her back is dead.

She went to the chiropractor and the chiropractor said,

"You're sacrum, which is a triangular bone in the lower part of your back has shifted down and to the left side of your back. You need to do more stretches and come and see me again on Friday so you can spend 25 dollars for me to pop your back."

Okay so he didn't say ALL of that, but it's implied.

But the first part is really true.

For those of you who don't know what the sacrum is or looks like (i didn't) here is an image.

And here is a brief description of the sacrum thanks to wikepedia. "In vertebrate anatomy the sacrum (plural: sacrums or sacra) is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine and at the upper and back part of the pelvic cavity, where it is inserted like a wedge between the two hip bones. Its upper part connects with the last lumbar vertebra, and bottom part with the coccyx (tailbone). It consists of usually five initially unfused vertebrae which begin to fuse between ages 16–18 and are usually completely fused into a single bone by age 26."

I have a feeling my bones will never fuse together and that I'm going to need a walker by the time I'm 30.

I can't wait!

Physically Impaired. Spiritually repaired.

2011-10-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

So I've got two handicaps.

One is my foot and the other is my back.

Neither make walking or carrying a 10 pound backpack any fun.

This story my seem irrelevant but I promise it isn't. It's background!

Probably almost 2 years ago I dropped a casserole dish from about 6 ft high on my foot.

Sure it hurt but I went to bed and in the morning had forgotten it had even happened

Half way thru work the next day, my foot really starts to hurt and I'm trying to remember if I tripped at some point and kind of rolled my ankle cause I couldn't remember why it hurt.

Then I remembered the casserole dish

By the end of the night I was using crutches because I couldn't put any pressure on my foot it hurt so bad. But the weird thing was it wasn't swollen or bruised or anything.

So how that ties in to my foot problem now is that they other night I was putting on the lid to my water bottle.

It's a contigo so it has a bigger heavier lid then most water bottles.

It fell from my hands and headed for the floor.

So I stuck my foot out to break the fall.

In the 1.3 seconds it took to get from my hands to my foot I remember thinking I should just let it hit the ground. But that'll be loud so I'll use my foot to break the fall, there is no harm in that.

WRONGO.

Same foot and same place as the casserole dish.

My room mate thinks I bruised my foot bone. I can also hear the grinding of tendons or something when I flex and unflex my toes.

Like I said walking around campus isn't any fun.

Next doing crossfit I did one of the moves wrong and used to much back and not enough legs and pulled a muscle, slipped a disc, threw out my back something along those lines. My left lower back is in constant pain. I got home and laid on a bag of frozen peas for an hour.

Not joking, I almost cried in every class I went to because I was so miserable sitting in the desks. I took a shower last night and noticed that I had two long blue veins running down both sides of my legs. It seriously freaked me out. I thought I might wake up paralyzed.

Anyway I know this has gotten long and I really don't mean to complain so much cause it could be worse, I could really be paralyzed or have no legs or something equally terrible.

So this temporary discomfort just makes me appreciate all that my body can do and encourages me to take better care of it.

My home teachers gave me a blessing and there were just things said in there that reminded me of how mindful the Lord is of me in every circumstance. It went beyond just blessing my back.

I know He knows me and knows what is best for me. I know He answers prayers and I know He has the power to heal anything whether it's a hurt back/foot, a broken heart, or a sorrowful spirit He is there for us and will help us if we ask. I'm so grateful for the tender mercies in my life and for moments like this. Even though it sucks and is painful I learn so much about the Savior and his hand in my life.

I love the gospel.

Almost missed it

2011-10-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

EEkkk just remembered it was music monday.

It keeps coming up so quickly.

And I can't believe I almost let it pass me by since I was so excited to share this song today.

Running around in my Dreams- Tyrone Wells

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I just think it's such a tender song.

I hope this is me for someone someday.

2011-10-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm running around in giant circles.

I get to the end of the circle and feel like I can take a breath and enjoy the accomplishment.

But then it starts all over again.

I'm almost out of breath and energy....

In order to conserve energy I deactivated my facebook account for awhile.

It was just one of those dumb things that took up way to much of my time.

I couldn't start or finish the day without checking it and if was my go to when I felt like I needed a break...and 30 mins later started studying again.

Next to go is my cell phone.

Okay it's not literally going to go, but I think I'm going to shut it off for mass amounts of time this weekend so that it doesn't distract me.

Maybe some of you think I'm taking my studies a little to seriously and I should lighten up but I honestly feel so stressed when I think of all the homework and test I have due this coming week. By doing dumb things like going on facebook and texting people I probably waste about 2-4 hours everyday. That's valuable time I could take away from study and actually spend with people in person.

How much nicer would that be?

To re cap the past few days in case anyone cares to here what I've been up to (this is really mostly for my mom and adria)

On Friday I went to the Haunted Straw maze.

It was actually pretty freaky. I don't really get scared when people jump out at me I get most afraid when they keep following me after they jump out! It drives me insane to have them just breathing down my neck!

Then on Saturday I went to this beautiful mansion house.

It was located on a river bank, had a huge green yard and was complete with an indoor heated swimming pool. Hello fun.

Jessica and I watched Seven Brides for Seven brothers and no one can convince me that that show isn't AMAZING. I'm a sucker for impromptu singing about love and the mountains.

I love the sobbin' women and the barn dance.

Gideon is the cutest little red head of them all.

Then last night I went country dancing.

Pretty sure it's safe to say I have zero rhythm (I blame my father)

But it really was fun. And we got hot chocolate with frozen custard in it.

That my friends is an amazing combination and I bet it would taste equally awesome with just your average ice cream.

Okay enough blogging. Time to get back to the grind.

Oh where or where has my blogging time gone?

2011-10-06T13:38:00.001-07:00

I seriously feel like I never have time to blog anymore.

And if I do I usually do on my blog for my class since that's worth a grade.

Sometimes I'm just so overwhelmed with school.

At the beginning of this week I didn't think I would survive.

But I'm still alive.

Last weekend Madison and Eric came down to Rexburg and picked me up and we continued on to Utah for General Conference weekend.

But before we left we went apple picking.

And got G's dairy twice.

And Utah was awesome.

We went bowling, watched "scary" movies, went shopping (bad but good), got kneaders french toast buffet (delicious) and of course watched general conference.

I miss Madison. I'm so excited to be room mates again in the winter

Oh and guess what made my day today?

It snowed.

I'm angry.

It ruins all the fall fun

Like straw mazes, the haunted mill, corn mazes, and walking to school in sweaters.

oh well it's was only a matter of time.

Cross fit.

2011-09-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Major props go out to you people who do cross fit.

A friend from home is going a research project for a class here at BYU-I.

They are testing if cross fit really improves what it claims to prove.

If you haven't heard of cross fit before let me tell you, I think it's worse then P90X.

Well actually I can't fairly say that cause I usually don't finish all of the P90X workout.

The point is, IT"S HARD.

Everyday there is a new routine.

Yesterday we did Cindy

(why they have sweet girl names I don't know, because the workouts are anything but sweet)

For 20 mins straight we had to do sets of 5 pull ups, 10 push ups, and 15 squats.

Some people are ANIMALS and did 15 sets, all the hard way!

As in no girly push ups and they didn't use a box to give them momentum when doing a pull up.

After I got home I could barely life my arms to do my hair and make up.

Instant pain people.

Maybe when I'm finished I'll look like this though!

I don't know why they'd ever want bodies like that.

Disgusting.

Music tunedays

2011-09-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Music tunedays.

It's music mondays but on TUesday. So music tunedays

(I think I'm pretty clever)

Well for all you vampire diaries fans this song is nothing new.

But it is on repeat for me.

Hope my room mates don't hate me for listening to nothing else and singing to it at the top of my lungs in the shower.

Jason Walker- Echo

Hi Blog it's me, Chanel

2011-09-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

WOW.

I feel like I have fallen off the blogging planet.

It's not because I have had a lack of things to blog about.

I really just haven't had time to blog.

Life has been way to full, which has it's ups and downs.

The ups being I went to Utah last weekend, went to ihop at 2 in the morning, went repelling, on a motorcycle ride, watched world of dance, visited and painting my nails with my best friend jennica, and got to see my family.

It was a great trip but it created a lot of downs for this last week.

I had an great lack of sleep, made worse by the fact I didn't do any homework, made worse by the fact I had 2 tests due at the end of the week. Oh and did I mention they were worth 80% ofmy grade? I think I had every reason to feel stressed this week.

But on the plus side. I got to celebrate a friends birthday, went to the driving range not once but twice, my mom came and visited (I have the best mom, she painted my fingers and toes AND massaged my feet while I studied), I did really well on my tests, got to go apple picking with my friend Samantha, and I watched an amazing General Relief Society Meeting.

After Sam and I had finished picking apples we were wandering around the gardens and found tons of raspberry patches. So we just started walking along reading the different types of berries and of course we had to try all the different kinds to find out which ones we liked.

As we were walking back we see a sign that says this "Please don't eat the raspberries, they are being collected as data for research"

We both are praying that we don't die from eating pesticides with unknown side effects.

Lastly I finished my latest painting. It's by the same guy as my last one. Leonid Afemov.

Every last one of his pictures are amazing.

Check them out because my reproduction doesn't do him justice.

Epic fail

2011-09-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Okay so I've been a failure at music monday.

But I've been doing really well with music tuesday.

I wish I had more then just a song to share today.

Like some deep thought provoking question or story.

Or something funny and random to make you smile.

But sorry. All I have is a song today.

Maybe when I don't feel like I'm running on battery power and can recharge I'll do a good blog.

Here is the song.

She got the honey- Matt kearney

Family relations

2011-09-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went to Utah.

This weekend I went to bed at 5 in the morning and got up before nine.

This weekend I played too much and didn't sleep or study enough.

So tonight I am tired.

And guess what?

I started a second blog.

So I don't even feel bad that I'm not really blogging on here.

My other blog is for my Family Relations class.

I'd love if you'd take a look and leave your thoughts and opinions.

That is all for tonight.

The good the bad and the Ugly

2011-09-14T15:00:00.001-07:00

THE GOOD.

I had g's dairy for the first time this semester. Still delicious

My room mates are awesome.

I got into the classes I wanted, well for the most part.

I can still walk outside without a jacket.

I went to wal-mart and saw 5 people I hadn't seen since last semester. I love that.

G's dairy had a deal on their ice cream this week.

Woman's conference, CES fireside, and devotional all in 4 days. AMAZING.

Room mate dinner and game night with 904.

It's Wednesday, which means it's hump day!

I'm going to Utah this weekend. Mt. Timp you are mine!

There is a greater number of more attractive boys at BYUI this year.

THE BAD AND THE UGLY

( I couldn't decipher between what might just be bad and what might be ugly)

I lost $12 at G's. I hope I answered someone's prayers.

I have so much reading to do and outlines to write (so why am I blogging?)

BYUI has WAY too much construction going on at one time. Big detours to get to class.

Come winter I'm really going to hate the walk from the Clark to the Ridge. SO LONG.

The internet at the ridge might be worse then Tuscany and I didn't think that was possible.

I went to sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on my yogurt and the whole lid popped off. I mean I love cinnamon but that was a little too extreme.

While there is more attractive boys I have found a large part of them to be freshman.

I don't have a picture to upload with this and I need to end now and do homework.

opps monday came and went

2011-09-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

I started school yesterday.

It was just kind of busy and stressful because yet again this year my schedule kept falling through.

Wonder what's in store this semester.

Anyway in my haste to get my schedule figured out, for to the ward opening social and complete some homework I totally forgot about music monday.

But I have a good one.

Seems appropriate since it talks about summer and the care free days it brings.

Yesterday ended my summer and with it brought cares and stress of school.

Summer come back.

Dream life, life- Colbie Caillet

Today's Woman

2011-09-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to an incredible fireside here at BYU-I.

There was 2 members from each General board of Relief Society, Young Womans, and Primary.

They talked about knowing our identity, covenants/obedience, and being a woman of influence.

It was seriously amazing.

I'm just going to paraphrase a few points from each topic.

IDENTITY

* If we see ourselves the way our loving Heavenly Father sees us then we can understand our true identity and become who we are meant to be.

*If the Lord were to speak to me in person he would urge me to understand my true identity.

* How can we find out how he sees us? By finding out about Him. Learn of him and seek to know him. Then we can gain a better understand of who we really are.

* Our true identity is that we are children of God

COVENANTS

*covenants require commitment and obedience. They remind us that as we draw closer to the Savior our weaknesses can become our strengths

*Hang on to your covenants. Satan has become more cunning and deceiving as he tries to destroy these covenants.

*Take comfort in the fact that you have been obedient. Whatever else comes your way doesn't matter. You've been faithful in what matters most.

*The purpose of the TASK is to STRENGTHEN the relationship. Whatever the Lord asks us to do our trial that comes our way is intended to strengthen the relationship with those involved and also with our Heavenly Father and Savior.

INFLUENCE

* We have been PREPARED for this TIME. Figure out what your purpose is, why were you saved for this time.

* A covenant woman has the power to influence those around her. Be involved IN the world, but don't be a woman OF the world.

* Who can we invest (influence) in today. Who needs our help to lift them up? As a daughter of God we have a divine quality to help bear the burdens of others and lift them up.

And it was all summed up when the last speaker said. "Care about your identity. Care about your covenants and relationship with your Heavenly Father. Care about who you invest in."

Here are 2 videos everyone should watch.

Significant in Every Way.

Our True Identity.

I know this is already significantly long but I just wanted to add a little something from

M. Russel Ballard's talk in the 2010 April conference titled "Mother and Daughters"

"Speaking to the women of the Church nearly a century ago, President Joseph F. Smith said: “It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the … women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and … purifying to the children of men”" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 184).

"It is, unfortunately, all too easy to illustrate the confusion and distortion of womanhood in contemporary society. Immodest, immoral, intemperate women jam the airwaves, monopolize magazines, and slink across movie screens—all while being celebrated by the world. The Apostle Paul spoke prophetically of “perilous times” that will come in the last days and specifically referenced something that may have seemed particularly perilous to him: “silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts” (2 Timothy 3:1, 6).

He goes on to say that we should model ourselves after our mothers. Not after the woman we see in magazines and movies. They don't share the standards of the Lord. We need to learn from our mothers strength, her courage, and her faithfulness.

I think about how many less problems we might have in the world if girls chose to look up to their mothers then to look up to the woman in the media. Just like was said in the fireside we need to be woman involved in the world, but not woman of the world. We need to dress modestly, respect our bodies and ourselves. We need to nurture and love those around us. We need to be woman of God.

I don't know about anyone else but the world today scares me a little. But I do take comfort in the fact that I can be a woman of influence and that I can change the lives of those around me. I can raise my kids to know who they are and to model themselves after the Lord's example and not the example of the world. How I conduct myself will affect the lives of others. It's kind of a big responsibility that I don't think about to often. But I'm so glad I was reminded of it and can start today to be a woman of influence.

Chief Mountain Part 1 and 2

2011-09-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed... I love hiking.

I can't think of a better way to spend a day off.

Also as previously mentioned I love Chief Mountain.

It's the one hike I don't mind doing over and over again.

It's got so much variety to it.

Forests, hills, rock/boulder fields, shale, rock climbing, and thin ridges for a thrill.

It's seriously amazing.

Everyone should do it before you die.

And if you need a guide since there are no trails I'm your person.

You'd be doing me a favor.

Anyway both times have been interesting.

Reflect back to my post about timing being everything.

Both times we've done this hike, timing has been everything.

The first time we met up with an extraordinary man named Lou,

We met him about 2 hours into our hike and he was coming in from a different direction.

Hello timing?

I'm sure he would've been fine finding his way up the mountain, but he was certainly thankful that we were there to help guide him and also shave off a 2 hours extra on his hike back down.

He was a 60 year old man whose hiked every trail and Glacier and has done many many mountains. I just got a letter from him today with some pictures he took of us and the cutest note. He wants to do another hike with us. Sweet right?

Second time we met up with a group of 4 kids our age at the very beginning. (timing)

They had never gone and were happy to have some guidance.

At the same place we met Lou we met an asian who called himself Butters....?

Turns out him and Eric (old exchange student) went to the same school in Taiwan.

Coincidence? I doubt it.

Timing? Perfect.

If we hadn't arrived at the same time as the group of kids we would never have seen them.

If we hadn't stopped for as long of water and picture breaks we never would've met up with butters, who is now coming to church with Eric.

Timing is amazing.

Like I said before they are simple reminders that the Lord is mindful of everyone.

I hope that my group being LDS left a good impression on the others we joined up with and that they'll always have a positive feeling towards LDS members, especially if they ever come in contact with the missionaries.

Okay here are some pictures.

And sorry for the lack of group pictures. It seems everyone has their camera so I don't pull out mine for the group shots and then it almost looks like I hiked by myself with a personal photographer.

Do you see the chief in the mountain. His side profile is the top of the mountain.

At the very top! Highest point 9567...or some number like that

The gang before Lou

Second round. Planking on a mountain

A little yoga to start off the day.

Infiltrate the world with music.

2011-09-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today is a country music monday since I have found a few gems that I just love.

Ready To Love Again-Lady Antebellum

My Heart Can't Tell You No- Sara Evans

Beautiful Mess- Diamond Rio

And I think I would add more and maybe add some more value to this post but I'm tired.

I hiked Chief again today.

I can't wait to put up pictures and tell about the interesting people we met and experiences had. Such a great day.

Good Night!

Brown, mousy, Green...

2011-09-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

I dyed my hair brown...ish

It's got some blonde and auburn highlights on the top layers.

Right now I'm indecisive on if I like it.

Heres the thing.

I really like the top of it. It looks really pretty.

But of course the top and the bottom can never look the same.

Hair doens't work that way.

So the blonde becomes more dispersed in the brown and the bottom.

Yellow+Brown= Poop green.

At least that's how it feels in certain lighting?

And if doesn't look poop green it looks mousy brown. Neither are flattering.

People say it looks nice but really you aren'y going to tell someone you don't like their hair.

Also, girls tend to like me with darker hair, but boys like it blonde.

Typical.

And I'm not trying to please girls. I value their opinion more then boys but if boys like my hair blonde then I feel like it should be blonde, cause they like it.

But then I read a little quote that went someone like this

"I hate it when girls dye their hair. Why are they trying to be something they are not?

I'm a fake.

I should just want to be me.

And that me has naturally brown hair.

My advice for any young girl. Never dye your hair. You can't ever go back.

Okay maybe I'm being a bit dramatic with this whole post.

But I can't wait for my hair to fade a little bit... then maybe the brown will look brown.

Anyway here are some before and after pictures.

Before as in over a year ago, but it's blonde hair okay.

Notice the bottom. Ugly brown.

I'm open to criticisms of both.

as of lately.

2011-08-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

I think one of my least favorite parts of blogging is creating a title for my blog.

Some people are super creative and funny. Mine are always dumb.

Now that I've pointed it out it's probably all people will focus on when they read but whatever.

SO I'm just going to catch up on my life, minus the Cali trip.

Only because I have no pictures to show you how awesome it was.

This year the pool did a pirate float. I was designated the mermaid. Originally the plan was to wrap me around a pole at the front. So glad that didn't happen.

Best girls ever.

Bridal showers are so risque. Although this was the most fun I've ever had.

After the bridal shower we slept on the pool floor.

Sometimes you are lucky enough to work with girls like this.

Oh just another hiking picture. I promise it's not all I do.

I love Bethany. She is almost a replica of me. She was game for doing all the same things as me. like going on 26 k Bike rides and hiking every chance we could.

At the pool I got EXTREMELY bored. So I decided to make friendship bracelets to speed up the time. Because of this I didn't play solitaire for OVER a week. I don't think anyone understands how big of a deal that was. Except for maybe one family that comes into the pool regularily and would always tease me about playing solitaire. They were so proud of me when they found out I was going on a solitaire fast and would ask me everyday if I had played and then give me a high five and encouraging words when I told them I hadn't. I loved my support team.

I also love friendship bracelets. I've made so many.

Embarrassing story time.

We were going hot tubbing and it was dark outside. There were 5 boys already in the hot tub and no girls yet. I was the first one ready to enter the waters. I already felt super awkward as I dropped my towel and felt like everyone's eyes were on me as I walk over.

So I want to make it less painful and get into the water ASAP.

Next thing I know I'm doing a face plant into the water.

Apparently there was about a 8 inch gap between the porch and hot tub and one foot fell right thru leaving me with that lovely bruise. And the other was on the hot tub which helped me stay up but resulted in my face plant. It was AWESOME.

There you have it.

Utah trip in point formish

2011-08-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

I went to utah this weekend and it was

I'll just give you a little outline of the journey.

We left at 9:30 at night. It's about an 11 hour trip. YIKES.
I got to drive the 1-4 shift. Let me tell you. Never chew grapes 25 times because they become bitter and grimy like. Celery is okay though.
You can drive super fast at night because there are no cops out in the wee hours of the morning.
I have a hate love relationship with GPS. Sometimes they save your life. Other times theytell you to turn left into a farmers field. Whattt??
Utah is beautiful. Went on 2 hikes and it was fabulous.
Sometimes things don't turn out as awesome as you thought. I was really excited for an event. It came and it went and I didn't even care because it wasn't really that great.
1.60 all you can pile up frozen yogurt at mavericks is a must do for every trip.
Sometimes the GPS gets you lost. But it's the best kind of lost cause you see amazing things you wouldn't have other wise.
It's really weird to call previous missionaries by their first names. It's not natural.
Chicken and cheese is cheaper in the states and it's necessary to find a walmart late atnight and buy them. And an apple just because you feel like it.
150 songs is more then enough to get you to utah without repeating.
Being relaxed and spontaneous is key for a trip.
We planned on leaving utah at 8 on monday. But then decided to go hiking and leave at 11. But then we decided that we needed to go shopping. So we didn't
leave till 3. Which meant we got home at 3. Call us crazy.
It should be a sin to not play cards on Sunday. I will never tire of it.
Missionary homecomings are the best.
Oh and my life is the best.
The End.

It's late.

2011-08-23T08:49:00.001-07:00

Okay I know music Tuesday doesn't quite have the same ring to it as music Monday but when you go hiking and shopping all before 2 o'clock and then drive home from Utah you don't really have time to jump on the computer and blog.

So for music "Tuesday" I'm doing an ode to California.

I think I'm going to make a California CD. That only has songs that talk about California like...

Salme Dahlstrom- Hello California

(Start listening at about 1 minute. I actually hate this version of it but I couldn't find the other one. Maybe look it up on itunes. It's great)

Phantom Planet- California

(Must have)

Beach Boys- California Girls

(I don't know that this is a legit music video, but it's pretty sweet)

Mama's and the Papa's- California Dreaming

Rihanna- California King Bed

Okay that's enough for now.

Needless to say I'm soooo excited for california.

I may not blog for the next few days but there will be an awesome one when I do!

Miscommunication

2011-08-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

For some reason my cell phone number is being passed along on the reserve.

I don't quite understand how it happened but it did.

I had left my cell phone at home one day and upon returning from work I looked at it and I had a few missed calls and 7 text messages.

I was like AWESOME, this is what I like to come home to.

Only to find out the phone calls weren't really for me and that 4 of the texts were from people I didn't know.

I called the number back and he told me that he had no idea who called me from that number.

About 30 mins later I get a text from that number that says

"Hey mom, I dropped my cig behind the front car seat and I need you to put it out."

So I replied "I think you have the wrong number. I'm no mother"

and he says one word "HUNYA"

(only people from southern alberta might appreciate that saying)

As for the person who texted me I had to tell her about 10 times that she had the wrong number

She'd text me back things like "oh Debbie I like the way you text" "you're so funny"

"Come on it's me Jessica" "This really isn't Debbie?" and hour later... "Seriously, this really isn't Debbie?"

She finally got the picture.

Then like a week later I get a text that says (this is who it was typed as well)

HeY KriSten. CaN U gEt My SuNgLaSsEs FrOm ThE TeEpEe??? *MoLlY wHiTe HoRsE*

My response " Sorry I can't get them for you, because you have the wrong number"

"SoRrY! mY cUzIn GaVe Me ThIs NuMbEr I tHoUgHt U wErE mY aUnTiE!!!"

Is there a setting on your phone that capitalizes every other letter? Because even just typing that out was annoying. I can't imagine doing it on your phone.

Anyway, I hope I don't get any more mystery texters. They are using up valuable text messages on my texting 2500 bundle. :)

Timing is everything.

2011-08-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

This is a double purpose post.

It's music monday so I will share a song

And my song for today relates to what I've wanted to write about for the past week.

True story. I have an idea of what I want to blog about and I put it off, claiming I'm to busy to write it now even though I'm just playing solitaire or some other lame excuse.
And then you know what??

One of my friends blogs about the same thing and then I feel like a copy cat.

Ally Mullin I promise I'm not copying you. It just so happens that you took the words right out of my mouth.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

From the Country Strong soundtrack.
My fav lyrics from the song are:

I remember that day

When our eyes first met

You ran into the building to get out of the rain

Cause you were soaking wet

And as I held the door

You wanted to know my name

Timing is everything

And I could've been another minute late
And you'd never would've crossed my path that day

And when it seems true love is hard to find

That's when lvoe comes along

Just in time.

You can call it fate, or destiny

Sometimes it really seems like it's a mystery.

There have been a few experience the last week that are small but timing was everything.

Like this one time I was about to leave my house to ride my bike and I ran back inside to tell my mom something and then went on my way. Just a block into my ride I was crossing the street and a car was stopping for me when a guy popped his head and asked where the hospital was.

I'm sure he would've found someone else on the street who could tell him but it was probably convenient that I was on my bike crossing the street at the exact moment.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

Another time on my bike. I was getting ready to go back to work and guarantee I always forget things and end up walking back into my house 50 times before I actually leave.

Also I went down a road I usually don't go on. But I'm so glad I did because pulling out of the church parking lot just as I was riding by was a friend I hadn't seen for 3 years.

Now we've hung out a few times this summer and it's been awesome. SO....

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

Last one. I was taking the pool's bank deposit to the bank and before I left I grabbed a handful of cherries and I told the girls that when I got back I'd have a cherry stem tying contest.

One of the girls said she could do it in seconds so I stopped to have one right then.

As I left the pool and was crossing the street an acquaintance of mine stopped at the cross walk and then started talking to me. We'd only hung out like 2-3 times before over the last 3 summers. But because of timing I helped him fulfill a life long goal to hike chief mountain.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

It just boggles my mind sometimes. And those are just little insignificant experiences but they just remind me that God is truly mindful of us and what we are doing. For all I know that guy was praying he'd run into someone who could tell him where the hospital was.

I know I've enjoyed hanging out with those people I haven't seen in years and it's all because of timing that it happened.

It helps me look at the bigger picture that God sees. Things will fall into place when they should.

They always do. Like Ally's quote on her blog says "Faith in God, includes faith in his timing"
Sometimes I just want things to happen right now or right when I want it. But I don't see the bigger picture. So I guess I'll just be patient and wait it out!

P.S. Check out the new button on the side of my page compliments of Janeen Dittmann.

The HTML code is on her page for anyone who wishes to add it.

P.S.S. I'm sorry if I offend any PC users, but they are useless. Whenever I blog at work I have GINORMOUS gaps between all my sentences. It drives me crazy. I go home and delete all the unnecessary spaces that this computer thought I needed.

2011-08-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

I was going to do one big post on why I love my home but it would just be to long.

So I think I'll just do some blog updates like everyday?

I'm sure no one will complain with that.

First off: The hike that was awesome that we didn't plan on doing.

We had originally planned on Chief, that fell thru.

So we went with Akamina Ridge, but there was to much snow at the top still.

So we settled on Avion Ridge.

We started hiking and were looking for a campground that was suppose to be 8km into the hike.

After a long discouraging 2 hours of trying to find that campsite we decided we must not be on the right trail.

And we weren't!

But that's okay because the hike we went on was still beautiful and 26 km!

There was a waterfall that led down into the snow. So it created a tunnel and we crawled inside.

My knees were dead by the end. It felt like I had a giant bruise on the back of my leg and people were being cruel and pushed on it every time I took a step.

That didn't stop me from going on a little hike the next day though.

It was only about a kilometer long, but a step incline.

We sat on top for 3 hours looking at the stars and making our own constellations.

It's weekends like that where I'm convinced I love Canada and don't want to live anywhere else.

I know the city has a lot of advantages but I just need to live some place close to the moutains.

I just don't know if I can live without them?

Sam.

2011-08-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is not the long post that I promised was coming.

Sometimes funny things happen and you have to blog about them before other things.

There is a group of 4-5 handicapped people that come to the pool.

There is one named Sam and he is quite the character.

He walks around town his is discman in singing along.

He has a calgary flames ball cap and watch and keychain. He's a true fan.

Last week when he came into the pool I could hear him say this to one of his friends

"I dare you to run out naked in front of the lifeguards"

Thank goodness he didn't

Last night he came again.

As he was leaving he was just talking up a storm about random things in his life.

Maybe I wasn't the best person but I was only half listening to him while I did cash out.

I think he picked up on that so he wanted to tell me a real good story.

This is the conversation.

Sam: Do you know who Carrie Underwood is?

Me: Yah she's a country singer

Sam: Yah did you know I saved her life last week? A shark was attacking her.

Me: Really you did?! She was lucky to have you around huh?

Sam: Yah I saved her life, I took out my pocketknife and went POW right into the shark.

It was classic. I love handicapped people. They come up with the funniest things.

My mom watches this disabled lady and I think subconsciously she has a weird fascination with food. Because she doesn't call natural disasters by their actual names.

When the tsunami hit Japan she said,

" Debbie did you here about the salami that hit Japan?"

And when there were all the tornados down east her comment was,

"Did you know that in the east they got hit by a bunch of tomatoes?"

Never a dull moment I tell ya.

2011-08-08T11:06:00.001-07:00

Music monday.

I love the idea. It has a ring to it.

I'm not sure how to copy Janeen's cute little button, I'm not quite that blog advanced yet.

Music choices for today.

possibility- sierra noble

I don't know- Shelly Frayley (not that great of version, but it'll have to do)

All about tonight-pixie lott

That's it for music monday from me. Two of them aren't the most upbeat songs for summer but I've kind of been lacking in the music department.

Which is kind of tragic for me.

Also I have a bigger and better blog post coming soon.

It's just in the process of being written and I didn't want to miss music monday so I put it on hold

ANNNNNDDD I really want to win nail polish from this blog site that is doing a free giveaway.

Part of my wants to tell you not to go look because I want the greatest chance to win possible.

But you can do whatever you want.

Toss up

2011-07-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

I've recently become a fan of vampire diaries right?
Along with that I've become a fan of Damon and Stefen Salvatore.
I just can't decide which one of them I'm a bigger fan of.

Exhibit A.Damon AKA Ian Somerhalder
The darker more cycnical Salvatore brother.

I can see why most people wouldn't like Damon.

He doesn't really care who dies and is rude.

But he is so witty and charsimatic that I can't help but love him.

And his piercing blue eyes and boyish grin don't hurt either.

And deep down I know he cares about people and doens't want to kill anymore.

Exhibit B

Stefan AKA Paul Wesley
Stefan is opposite of Damon.

He wants peace and happiness in Mystic Falls.

He is kind, loving, and sensitive.

But in the show he seems kind of a deadbeat, doesn't like to have fun or be crazy.

He's not too funny most the time either.

But like with Damon, look at that face. It's perfection.

And what girl doesn't love a guy with a sensitive side?

And for you men here is some eye candy.

Elena Aka Nina Dobrev

She is the Salvatore brothers love interest.

Ironically in the show she is in love with Stefan but in real life she is dating Ian Somerhalder. I I think that's kind of funny.

problem solved.

2011-07-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Who knew the pool could provide insight to my life.

Pool Happenings

2011-07-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

Working at the pool has some benefits.

Everyonce in awhile you have a funny or exciting experience.

Like the other day a lifeguard brought a little boy into the back to give him some first aid.

I saw some blood on his back and assumed he'd scratched his back on the wall.

But no, he'd done a front flip into the BABY pool and hit his head.

Cracked it right open.

That created some chaos.

Another day 2 boys had been fighting in the showers.

Boy A came out and told us that Boy B had been swearing at him and threatened to beat him up.

The mom of Boy B was upset and was trying to drag him out of there.

But Boy B was upset himself and was struggling and telling her he didn't do anything.

So the mom's trying to pull him out, telling him not to cause a scene

But her efforts are futile as Boy B screams "Mom I HATE that kid!"

That didn't help his case I'm sure.

Again 2 boys had been quarreling.

One was caucasian and the other Native American.

The Native was upset cause the Caucasian had called him a "Chocolate chip"

The caucasion responded by saying "But he called me a white Chocolate chip!"

I know these are pointless dumb stories. And I don't think people really like to read long blog posts. But it's really the only good things I have to blog about.

Last story was the most dramatic

I thought one of us was going to get beat up.

A girl swore at one of the lifeguards so they kicked her out of the pool.

Her mom came in angry demanding they get a refund.

The lifeguards said they couldn't because she had called one of them a vulgar name.

The mom said that we had been rude to her first. (Lie)

We still withheld.

She said "Just wait until their father comes"

Dun Dun Dun.

He came in maybe a little drunk and really upset.

He pleaded the same as his mom and we told him it was nothing raciest just our policy.

He still wasn't happy.

In the end they won cause our boss wasn't available to come down and help us and

he didn't want any casualties.

That's it. Other then those exciting times my days at the pool consist of

Solitaire, reading books, facebook stalking, and pintrest.

AWESOME

It happened to a friend of mine

2011-07-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

I had this friend.

I only knew her for 4 months and we've lost touch since then.

But she's one of those people who impacted my life.

Helped turn me into the me I am now you know?

She put up a real tough girl act.

But once you got to know her she was the sweetest most caring girl.

I never thought something like this would happen to someone I knew.

Someone I had become close to.

Here's her story.

On a more happy chipper note.

Cutest thing happened at the pool the other day.

Carrie told me she was going thru the girls change room when she over heard this conversation.

Little boy: (mom ignoring him) Mom, mom. That girl. Mom That girl!

Mom: What? What is it?

Little boy: Mom that girl at the desk that helped us... She's really pretty.

That boy is officailly my favorite. Even though I don't remember what he looks like.

But he made my day.

Another happy note.

There was one situation I was hoping to avoid.

I didn't know how I'd handle it.

I thought it would just be awkward and that I'd want to just run away.

And while it wasn't 100% comfortable I did just fine.

and felt really good about how I handled the situation.

2 months ago that situation was my worst nightmare.

I hoped it would never come to pass.

So glad I grew up a little.

Because life happens. You can't control the actions of others, only your actions.

Have a beautiful Wednesday. The week is half over!

weekend fun

2011-07-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was pretty good.

First off. Thanks Jennica and Janeen for getting Madison and I addicted to Vampire Diaries.

I've lost a lot of sleep due to that show.

We watched it while we drove home from thunder in the valley and while we sun tanned.

Saturday was the most eventful day.

We went to WICKED in Calgary.

(2.5 hours away from home to put this into time perspective)

We left at 10:30 got there to the auditorium at 1:30 and our show started at 2:00.

We should've had plenty of time to get our seats but there was a few problems.

Namely I had to go to the bathroom so bad that I felt sick, maybe started hyperventilating, and was on the verge of tears.

Thank goodness we made it when we did.

We got separated from the rest of our family when the person directing traffic

directed us in opposite directions.

Guess who didn't have their tickets?

Thank you Becky for running all over the building to find us so that we wouldn't miss the show.

WICKED was awesome. A lot different then I expected.

I kind of knew the story line but my eyes were opened a lot more.

I'd suggest seeing it to everyone. That means you.

We got home at about 8:00

30 mins later we were on the road again to go to thunder in the valley.

It's a firework show in the mountains. About 1.5 hours away

Another thing I'd recommend going to at least once

There was probably about 5000 people there.

I love that the moment I parked my car on the side of the road

(about 2 miles away from where the fireworks were at)

People that I was going to watch with walked by.

How perfect.

We didn't get home till about 2 in the morning.

Such an exhausting day.

The next morning Madison and I went to the singles ward which is an hour away.

Needless to say, I've had enough of driving.

Don't hate me cause she's beautiful

Sisters at the fireworks

Waiting for becky to come with our tickets.

These pictures aren't really a fair representation of how truly good saturday was.

But believe me people. It was good.

Sometimes I just have to.

2011-07-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

It's so late. So I don't even know why I'm doing this.

Maybe cause I don't have anything to blog about.

And I always enjoy reading these.

You can find out so much about a person

Promise not to lie or erase any of these questions?

That's a scary way to start a survey. Okay.

If you married the last person that texted you, what would your name be?

Bevans....Kind of funny.

Do you know anyone named matt ?

Not really close. But yes.

What smiley face do you use often?

Honestly, have you ever ate raw cookie dough?

Uhm it's better then an actual cookie

Who were you with friday night?

My mom. Playing rook in a hotel.

What is bothering you?

That's a loaded question

Whats your favorite kind of ice cream?

Impossible to choose. Any from g's dairy.

Would you ever get a tattoo?

no way.

Is there a difference between "best"friend and friend?

Big. One you can tell anything the other you just don't.

Do you take walks often?

No. Mostly bike rides

Fluent in?

english

Are any of your friends taller than you?

yes quite a few. I wish more guys were. :)

Do you crack your knuckles?

everyonce in awhile.

Spell your name with out an L:

chane

Do you like hugs?

Very much so.

Who was your last one from?

Miranda

This time last year, can you remember who you liked?

yah.

What are you listening to right now?

The sound of the refrigerator and my dog breathing.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?

Bro. Jensen

Did you copy and paste this survey?

I wasn't about to type it all out.

How do most people spell your name?

Chanelle. they like to make it more complicated. Or spell it channel.

Ever been to Georgia (the state)?

Yes. Beautiful

Does anyone know your password besides you?

I would like to say no.

Have you ever dated a football player?

mmhmm.

Last person to make you smile?

Jake Bleazard

Feel like talking to someone you haven't in a while?

yes and no.

Expecting something to change in a month?

Things aways change.

Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

No.

Is there anything you should be doing right now?

most definitely sleeping

Have you ever gone out of your way to make someone happy?

I'd like to think so and hope that it did.

Do you have a reason to smile right now?

I'm alive right?

Is there someone who can ALWAYS make you smile?

definitely.

Excited for anything?

Yes. School and maybe for the next 2 years to be over.

Has someone recently told you something you didn't want to hear?

Yah, kind of.

Will tomorrow be a good day?

It'll be as good as I make it

Are you sober?

yep.

Are you wearing something that belongs to someone else?

Surprisingly no. I'm usually always wearing something of madisons

Are you in a good mood right now?

I'm just mellow. It's bed time.

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

Of course. I would hope others would give me one so I'd be willing to do the same.

Would you rather get high or be able to fly?

Fly. Then I could be wherever I wanted to be.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?

a mom :)

Do you wish someone would turn up at your front door right now?

another yes and no.

Do you regret anything?

WHo doesn't?

Who was the last person you had a face to face conversation with?

My friends during a game of rook

What were you doing at 12 am last night?

Driving home from raymond

Do you have any tattoos?

nooo.

What's in your wallet?

Cards. change, Pictures.

What's on that way top shelf or in the very far back of your closet?

I don't really have a closet with a shelf.

Do you sleep with anything?

Just your standard blanket and pillow. And my Ipod. Music is a must

Has someone ever called you beautiful?

it's happened.

Are you wearing short shorts?

no sir.

Do you miss anyone?

I miss a lot of people.

Do you like messages or comments better?

Both. Messages are usually more personal so I think I like them more.

What are you drinking?

Nothing at the moment.

Love really is a beautiful thing, huh?

I believe so.

Did anything dramatic go down yesterday?

a moth

Are you afraid to stay home all alone?

Not usually. I embrace the solitude.

Did you ever walk away from someone that was yelling at you?

I don't know if i"ve ever been yelled at.

Do you ignore people when you're mad/upset with them?

I give a good silent treatment

Has anyone licked you in the past week?

no.

When you say you dont care do you mean it?

depends on what it's about.

Do you plan on sleeping in tomorrow?

since i'm staying up so late. You bet your bottom dollar.

How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?

I'm pretty out spoken.

What were you doing at 12:30 this afternoon?

Getting ready to leave for church.

Who do you go to when you need to talk to someone?

Madison.

What is on your wrists right now?

a hair elastic.

Did you sleep alone last night?

yes

Have you ever felt lonely?

from time to time.

How many hours of sleep did you get last night?

Not enough. 8.5.

Reason for the last tear shed?

Not wanting to do something I need to.

Oh finally. It's done.

Hello sleep!

Every time You Lie.

2011-07-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer.

I promise I'm not being a copy cat Janeen.

I had really intended to blog about this topic all of last week.

I agree with the words she said and want to add my own and on kind of a different line.

Why is it that the people we trust the most are the most likely to lie to us?

I maybe have an answer. Or I may not.

I feel like we lie because we care about that person.

We think we are some how "helping" them by not being honest.

Like the question "Does this dress make me look fat?"

We feel we are being a good friend by saying no when really it might not only make them

look fat but it's also a terrible color on them.

Would a good friend let a friend go out looking like that?

I don't think so.

I'm sure we've all been lied to a number of times.

You think we'd get used to it.

Apparently that's not what happens.

Because finding out the truth a year later, still sucks.

You'd think that since it's so far in the past it wouldn't even matter.

But it does.

I wish they'd told the truth in the beginning.

It feels like they never cared at all.

Instead of trying to protect my feelings they just made it worse.

I'm not going to lie. I've lied to protect someone I care about.

But with this experience I've realized I'm not protecting anyone.

My friend might be a little offended that I told her the dress looked ridiculous on her.

But at the end of the day she will probably thank me for not letting her go out

in public wearing it.

You know what I mean?

How true are those words.

Often we tell one lie to avoid getting in trouble or hurting someone's feelings.

That one lie leads to more lies.

Then you have a tangled web full of people who are hurt and no longer trust you.

Just one more reason to be honest.

Anyway. Point is, I'm more determined to tell the truth now.

hey-o

2011-07-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

So this one time about 3 weeks ago I ran a marathon

Okay. That's a lie. It was like 1/8 of a marathon

It was 5k.

I'm still proud of myself though.

Out of 5 woman in my age group I got first.

Not amazing, but I'll take it.

Boston marathon here I come.

I asked Madison to bring my camera to the race.

It made it from my messy bedroom to the kitchen but it didn't leave my house.

So no action shots. Just a victory fist pump.

If you want...

2011-07-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

TO get married, then you should date me. Not because you'll end up marrying me but because the next girl you date, you will end up marrying. This has happened about 5 times now. Seriously. So I've got a pretty good track record. Maybe I could put an add in Kijiji and make free money and go on fun dates. Oh and of course bring others eternal happiness.

Here is a recent conversation I had with a little girl at the pool:

Girl: How old are you?

Me: I'm 22. That's pretty old huh?
Girl: Yes...are you married?

Me: Well no...(disgusted look graces the girls face) I probably should be hey?

Girl: Uh Ya. (Big head nod for extra emphasis)

But in all reality I've lost track of how many similar conversations I've had.
They differ in peoples reactions.

Some just think it's awesome that I'm not a crazy girl who got married young and that I travelled the world and have grown and matured and yada yada yada.

Others don't give me the look or the answers the young girl did but you can sense their sympathy and surprise. "What you aren't married?" "Well you still look good" (are you trying to say that because I still look good there is still hope? Good thing I've got that going for me)

Well there you have it people. Just a silly little post about my life these days.

Be a weed

2011-06-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

From the title of this post you might be a little stunned.

Why in the world would you want to be a weed?

Flowers are obviously much more beautiful and liked by more people

So why not be a flower?

This is my reason why.

I was out golfing yesterday and we were driving on the paved golf path.

On this path there were spots where the pavement was being lifted up to form a mound.

Peaking out from these mounds of pavement were weeds.

Maybe that's not so shocking to most but it always baffles me that a weed will grow anywhere.

They grow on the tops of mountains, the grow out of concrete, it could snow in July

killing all other plant life but weeds, and it seems no matter how many times you spray

weed killer a dandelions little yellow heads pop up the next week.

Weeds are resilient.

They withstand any type of environment and condition they are placed in.

So like weeds, as a person we need to be strong enough to withstand whatever comes our way.

Trials, temptations, heartbreak, or simply a bad hair cut. We need to have

a good attitude and faith to know that things will be okay.

This week we might feel like we are dying but by next week things won't seem so bad

and we'll be able to pop our head out, just like a dandelion

So now I kind of think weeds are beautiful in their own way.

Catch up time

2011-06-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

First things first.

I am now a 22 year old woman.

Weird.

Second.

My birthday weekend in Rexburg was awesome.

I wager I had more fun in Rexburg for my birthday, then I would've in Canada.

My first night there I hung out with my good friend Tyler Minetto.

We went to the new frozen yogurt shop, Kiwi Loco.

(How many frozen yogurt/ice cream places could Rexburg possibly need?)

Then we went to a little game night in some warehouse outside of town.

We played murder in the dark.

It's like they knew it was my birthday weekend, cause I love that game.

One time someone tried to kill me but I crawled away.

In the process I ran into a few chairs and tables.

Result= A bruised eyelid and various sore spots on my forehead.

Despite that it was awesome. Especially when I was the murderer. I dominated

On Sunday my old room mates and I did newspaper nails and ate sweet pork. YUM

The rest of the night consisted of a picnic in the park, game of cranium, and the movie signs.

I don't know why but that's the only scary movie that can get me to jump and gasp.

The next day was my birthday.

I was a little apprehensive since I've never really liked birthdays.

My dear friend Kara Malan has helped reshape the way I look at birthdays.

She loves them. When it's her birthday month you can expect to hear her say "we have to play this game because it's my birthday month." or "Well it is my birthday month so..."

I love that about her.

Tyler took me for birthday lunch at Costa Vida. Then to

Jamba Juice where, since it was my birthday, I got free Jamba!

My sweet sister Madison wrote the most tender post.

Madison, Tyler, Ryan and I all hiked R mountain, which I've been wanting to do

since my first semester. Finally 3 years later.

After we had birthday breakfast for dinner.

Pancakes with strawberries and whip cream

Then it was like g's dairy knew it was my birthday as well cause they had a deal going on.

So of course we couldn't pass that up.

Next on the agenda was Walley ball. We played for almost 2 hours.

It was some of the best 2 hours of my life. So fun.

After that Ross brought by some birthday brownies.

Nothing like warm brownies at midnight.

To wrap up the birthday I went over to Sam's house and had a sleep over with her and Alena.

We feel asleep to Anastasia. I don't think any of us saw more then 5 mins.

Oh and guess what? 2.5 hours later I woke up so that I could be home in time for work.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.

The lack of sleep was worth the fun.

Just wait.

2011-06-21T16:28:00.001-07:00

I will post soon. I will post about my birthday. I will post about the 5K/5M Family Fun Run. I will post my thoughts on life. But there are good reasons why it will have to wait.

1. The weekend was so fun and full of things to do I barely got a spare moment to myself.

2. I feel like a walking talking Zombie. No exageration.

3. I missed a day of work so I had to play catch up.

4. I'm usually not a birthday diva. But I learned from the best how to be and I tried really hard and it just wore me right out.

So just wait till tomorrow. Once I sleep for about 24 hours straight I think I'll be good

I'm a first aider. Can I help you?

2011-06-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

So glad I won't have to repeat that phrase for a long long while I hope.

Finished my first aid course today. It went better then expected.

I also found out that I wasn't late for my last one I was actually a day early.

Opps. I really need to listen and read information more carefully.

I don't know how I'm going to survive in this world if I don't.

Watched Pretty Little Liars tonight.

It's going to be a good season I can feel it.

Jason thing what?

Ian alive WHAT?

So many little surprises.

Also this morning I woke up to hearing the door handle of the camper jiggling.

It was 7 o'clock in the morning so I thought it was Madison needing something before she took off for work. I almost got up but I was like, I have nothing in here she would need. It persisted for about 5 mins before I feel back asleep unconcerned.

In the morning i asked everyone in my house if they were trying to get into the camper.

No one was trying to get in.

Creepy.

Slightly comforting thought.

Eric apparently thinks I'm fearless. Which gives me a boost of courage to sleep out there again

Completely Pointless post I know.

Note to Self

2011-06-09T18:11:00.001-07:00

Dumbest Day EVER!

Let me explain why...

For my sumer awesome job as pool cashier I need to be first aid certified

Just in case I need to help save someone's life.

So I signed up for this weekend.

And have been dreading it...I mean really look forward to it.

Who doesn't love spending 18 hours of their weekend learning how to save people?

So I get there this morning and I was about 1 minute late

(first note to self- Always arrive 5 mins early to these things)

I walk in and the director is like oh we have one more have a seat.

Then a lovely lady from the front row says

"There's a spot in the front next to me!"

Awesome. You are just so sweet. I appreciate it.

Then the director says so as we talked about yesterday...

WHOA hold up.

"UH wait this isn't the first day? I swear I was told it was on friday and saturday"

"No, sorry. So you weren't hear at all yesterday were you?"

"No"

"You need to go to the front office and work something out with them"

I then took the walk of shame.

(second note to self. Never assume that just because the previous course you tried

to sign up with was on a weekend means all the other ones are as well)

Things didn't get better at the office.

The next session was full.

The one after I would be out of town

The next was a sat/sunday

The next for one day I'd be at summer games.

By the time I could actually go take the course it would be pointless.

I messed up big time.

To make matters worse I had driven in with Eric, who was working in Leth till 5.

So I thought I'd be stuck there.

All day with nothing to do.

Lucky for me my sister in law came to the rescue.

She drove the 45 mins to come pick me up.

In that time I took a nap.

And then I got home and went for a run.

And the sun is out finally.

I guess I take it back.

Maybe this isn't the dumbest day ever

This video also helps

The cat came back

2011-06-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

I feel like the cat who came back because she just couldn't stay away.

But I hope I'm not annoying like that cat and that people wished I'd gone away.

I've been to Rexburg 3 times in 6 weeks and if all goes according to plan I'll be returning in 2.

How did I go from HATING Rexburg to loving it so much?

All I know is I'm glad I've made that change.

My weekend there was pretty awesome.

I brought down some of the best things canada has to offer.

Puffed Wheat Squares

Coffee Crisp

Wonderbars

Aero

Smarties

Mr. Big

Ketchup Chips

All Dressed Chips

Some people weren't the biggest fan of the ketchup chips I quote "But they are no different then fries with Ketchup"..."If I want fries with ketchup I'll go get real fries with ketchup" Lame.

I just appreciate Dan for liking them so much.

Also the border hated me for some reason.

Usually I'm so lucky when it comes to crossing the border.

But this time they thought I was sketch.

I had to pull up to garage doors and get out while they searched my car and interrogated me.

After 15-20 mins of them proving to me they were large and in charge they gave me my keys back with no explanation at all. Just "Have a safe drive"...HUH?

Also I stopped at Wal-mart in Helena to get these 2 nail polish colors I absolutely adore.

But what do you know, they were out of those 2 colors!

What are the odds. AWESOME. Because they were out in Idaho as well.

Then I bought 7 single servings of G's dairy and filled up a cooler with ice.

They didn't survive the trip to Canada.

But I don't think I care to much.

They are in my freezer and I have every intention of eating them.

Judge me all you want.

Rexburg in T-56 hours

2011-05-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true I'm going to Rexburg for the weekend.

FINALLY!

I've missed it so much.

There is just something about Rexburg that Cardston can't replace.

Here is a list of things I look forward to about rexburg

1. Madison Beazer. I can't wait to hug and talk about your past few days while eating a bag of frozen peas. ;)

2. Samantha Anderson. Her laugh, her jokes, her EVERYTHING

2. Painting nails with Sam.

3. Watching Harpers Island all night for a 3rd time.

4. G's DAIRY. I've been craving it for far to long.

5. Ridge APT 904 and 310 (thanks ally for clarifying the correct apt's. I thought long and hard and still couldn't come up with the correct ones :) )

6. Playing in Porter Park

7. Hiking R mountain.

8. Seeing as many friends as possible

9. Feeling the spirit of BYU-I

I feel like a child at Christmas.

I can't wait.

Terrible but awesome

2011-05-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

I don't have to much to blog about. I'm just not impressed with my lack of blogging lately.

This week has been terrible and awesome.

Terrible because it's rained for 4 days straight.

Terrible because it has rained so much there hasn't been anything to do at the pool and we've delayed opening until next week.

Terrible because I can't play golf or tennis

Terrible because I never feel like getting ready.

Terrible because it's freezing cold in the motor home now.

Terrible because I get the dumb black 14 (worth 100 points) in canadian salad every time.

I don't have to many awesomes that are out of the ordinary.

Awesome because the girls cannot lose at rook.

Awesome because I beat my usual solitaire score of 4000 and got 6700

Awesome because I got to talk to my sister.

Awesome because I got a new spring nail polish color.

Awesome because I got to go Waterton and hang out with my Bestie, Kimber

Awesome because before the rain, I got in a good run.

You want to know why else its been awesome? Because I have not lost my home or a loved one to a tornado. Whenever I watch the news and hear about more and more tornadoes and other natural disasters that are wiping out towns and destroying lives I am increasingly thankful for the life I live. So what if it's been raining for 4 days straight? At least I have a home to keep me safe and warm and a good family to spend time with. I have a job, despite how boring it can be, that pays me well and helps me prepare for my future. I have the gospel and know that families can be together forever. So even if a disaster was to strike I'd take comfort in that fact.

Yup life is awesome.

Morning Yoga.

2011-05-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

This morning Chase and I did Yoga together.

I see a great yoga master in the making here.

And ignore the super unflattering photos of myself.

Just focus on the baby.

A beautiful day in the neighborhood.

2011-05-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

The weather in Cardston has been treating me well.

I've been able to go for runs or walk around town without freezing my butt off.

Yesterday I took my nephew outside to play in the sun.

He is about the cutest thing I've ever seen.

He has the hugest cheesiest grin.

I love it

I feel fairly confident you'll love it too.

Turns out in all the pictures I took he never really smiled though.

Those blasted beads.

So I stole some off of my sister in law's blog. :)

Dating 101

2011-05-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

If you want to read some interesting opinions on the dating world on how guys see it I'd suggest reading Blaine and Ryan's blogs. Seriously take a look you won't regret it. Maybe you'll even recognize yourself in some of the experiences and behaviors they tell about. I know I did.

I guess I'll add my own little thoughts on dating. Nothing to crazy. Just an opinion that I've developed after talking to various girls and guys at BYU-I (so maybe it's just partial to BYU-I? Who knows) I have had great room mates. Really pretty fun room mates. I've been friends with amazing girls who any guy should be thrilled to just have the opportunity to talk to. But yet, they are single and don't get asked on dates. The biggest question they have is WHY?

Then I talk to boys about girls. And they will describe to me the girls they want to date and eventually marry. And what do you know?! They describe the very girls I'm friends with. So in my head it's not adding up. Then I started noticing the type of girls these guys were asking out on dates and they were NOTHING like the girls they had previously described. So I'm thinking they are the hugest hypocrites and that they don't know what they want.

After more thinking and talking I've come to this conclusion. Guys of course want the perfect girl to marry. But the thing is they will pass up opportunities to date those perfect girls because.... THEY ARE AFRAID TO GET MARRIED. Because of this they will date girls that don't have the qualities they want. Guys think they are "safe" from marriage if they do this. Then what happens? Boys date girls with qualities they didn't really like and then they fall in love and all the sudden they are married. Just what they didn't want and to girls they never thought they would've married.

So then you have girls like my room mates or other friends who are so awesome and want to get married but because of this they have a hard time landing a date. Or at least a second date with that guy. Then as girls we internalize this and think we need to be like these other girls so guys will date us. Tragedy right?

Okay that's my rant. Enjoy this poster I saw at BYU-I.

People...

2011-05-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Remember that one time in my life where I blogged about how boring my life was. Well it's suddenly not so boring. Now mind you I still have lots of time to relax and sit on the computer but working for 8 hours everyday, playing outside in the sun, reading books, or playing with family and friends has kept me rather occupied. I love it. I've come to terms with the fact that my life rocks and I'm so happy to be where I am.

I've kind of kicked myself out of the house. My parents friends dropped off a motor home for us to use while our 4 bedroom house tries to house 10 people. Oh and have I ever mentioned the fact that my house only has one bathroom? Just wrap your head around that for one second. So yah I kicked myself into the motor home. That way when I come in late at night I don't have to worry about waking up sleeping babies or adults. Also it's super peaceful out there. I wake up to just hearing birds chirping softly with little rays of light peaking in. oh and not to mention the mattress is incredible! Best sleep ever. Yah. Im hoping it stays all summer. It also makes a great place to have rook nights. Nice and private.

So I love meeting new people and talking to them. Today I talked to some interesting characters. You reading might not think so since you didn't talk to them and I'm sure me describing it just doesn't do it justice. I've decided that the stereotype that accountants generally have no personality and are awkward is true. It's usually pretty easy for me to have conversations with people, make them laugh, both of us leave with a smile on our face. Not so with accountants. They are Monotone. Straight faced. and fail at attempts for humor. (probably because it was told in a monotone serious voice with a straight face. Not a good combination when telling a joke). I just left the building with a bewildered expression thinking, what just happened in there? Then the next place I go to the guy gives me a donation for the family fun run, and I ask him if he'd like me to bring him a receipt and he says yes you can just mail it.

Let me give you some history as to why this is such an unusual request. I live in a town of 3500 people. I work a block away from him. The town office where I go to take the money and get a receipt is just across the street.... So I say to him "Oh it's okay I'll just bring it over in like 15 mins. It's just across the street"..." No I'd really rather you mail it, I mean I plan on locking the door in the next few minutes and organizing this crazy place. Just take my card and mail it"... I don't know, maybe he had some top secret plans about to take place in there. But I mean I can just come back tomorrow. Instead I'm going to spend 54 cents on a stamp just to get something mailed across the street. Does this make sense to anyone?

Sorry for my lack of pictures lately. I hate blogging without pictures but I just haven't been taking much lately. and my blog posts are just filled with nonsense that really doesn't have pictures to go with it. Maybe I'll snap a pick of my motorhome sometime. But until then I'm going to take a nap.

Hey Mr. Wilson!

2011-05-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today I feel like Dennis the Menace's parents. You know the scene where they are trying to find a babysitter for Dennis and they are going down the phonebook and keep getting rejected. Well that's what I feel like my morning has been like. I'm the regional director for Cardston for the summer games. I'm suppose to get people to be the chairmen in various sports. So I spent a good hour just going through the phonebook trying to get ahold of people that might be able to help me. It wasn't so successful. I'd rather just take all the responsibility and not call anymore people. oh well.

Also today I did something a little embarrassing. I went to Extra Foods and ran into the Assistant manager. I stopped to talk to him and told him that I work with his wife all the time at the town office. Then I did something stupid I said "oh and are you guys having another baby?" He was like Heck no we've already got four kids, that's more then enough. YIKES.

Please Please Please have the common sense to not tell your wife I said that. She'll dislike me more then she already does (since I have to bother her with all of greg's requests, that are sometimes difficult to meet. Like printing a booklet with all different colors of paper and in a very particular order.) In my defense she looks like she has a cute little baby belly. She's a skinny girl and I swear within a week it looked like it popped out more. What else was I to think?

Well and it may come to no surprise to anyone that one of the highlights of my week was playing rook on saturday night at Denny's. Pretty sure the waitress hated us. Not just because we played rook but because she thought we were stupid and she made sure we knew it. No tip for you.

I'm so glad I never have to do Jr. High again. I don't think there would be enough money to even pay me to be a teacher there. I had to return to those dreaded hallways today to talk to the gym teacher about summer games. I've never been so intimidated. Why would kids younger then me intimidate me so much? Maybe it's the fact that they were trendier then I was, bore into my soul with a little smirk on their face (I felt like a loser), and they were so loud and almost obnoxious. Yup I'm glad that stage of life is over with. I feel sorry for any young person who is enduring it right now. I don't really have any encouraging words.

And here is a picture of my adorable niece. I have a feeling she won't smile like that around me anymore since I'm pretty sure my night of babysitting traumatized her. It's not like I'm bad with kids, she just didn't want to go to sleep, and cried for a long time and I wasn't her mom so she didn't want to look at or be held by me. So I let the stroller hold her and took her for a walk and now she is sleeping soundly. Fingers crossed tonights sleep resets her memory and she'll love me again.

Families are the Best

2011-05-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

I know it's mother's day and this post should be dedicated to mothers, but how can I not write about my awesome family when my brothers and their sweet little families are all here for the week.

It's been such a beautiful morning. There has been nothing sweeter then sitting in the living room with the sun shining thru the window and just enjoying one another's company. I wish this moment could last forever and that Adria Mitch and Madison could be here to make the picture complete. We have one oclock church, which is like death since it takes forever to come. I've only been up for 2 hours but yet it's seems like a full day. Good thing my family is here to keep me entertained. My niece Jadyn just loves Chase and keeps trying to kiss him, which he just isn't in to yet. Hopefully it stays that way for the next 23 years. And with Jadyn, well there might not be any hope for her.

Anybody who has been to my house has heard my dog hack. (yes it's appropriate I talk about her in the family post) She's about 16 years old and is on her last leg of life, and she looks and sounds it. My brother Brandon was like when people ask Jadyn what a dog says she's going to go "hack hack." It was pretty hilarious and very true.

Now for mother's day. I have a pretty bomb mom. I know everyone thinks that their mom's are the best and they probably are. Mom's are so special. All of them have amazing qualities. I could make a list of all my mom's qualities and claim she is the best, but it's almost a guarantee that anyone who reads it would see a mirror of their mom. Mom's are the most selfless people. They devote so much to their families. They sacrifice their bodies, time, and sanity to raise a family. They are such great examples of Christ. They are loyal, compassionate, trust worthy, a friend, selfless, loving, caring, charitable and may other things. Where would we be without mothers. I can only imagine a world where we were raised by men in stead of woman. I think it would be slightly chaotic.

Happy Mothers Day. and cheers to a forever family.

Power outage.

2011-04-30T12:50:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-27T17:21:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-04-24T18:49:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-24T18:42:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-20T10:28:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-18T22:00:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-04-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

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)

Oh the similarities.

2011-03-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this email the other day because he knew how much I loved yoga so I wanted to share it. I hope it makes you all smile like it did me :)

The Similar benefits between yoga and drinking

Position of total relaxation.

Position that brings the sensation of peace and calm.

This position calms the brain and heals tired legs.

Position stimulates the midriff area and the spinal column

Excellent for back pain and insomnia.

This position, for ankles and back muscles.

Tones the body, and builds flexibility and helps get rid of 'stress

Happy Wednesday. Smile, the weekend is almost here. J

Best Award Ever

2011-03-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

I just got blog award thanks to Kelsey. Needless to say this is a great day in my life and I owe it all to kelsey, who by the way is one of the sweetest girl in the entire world. And super stylish. I love every outfit she wears. Check out her blog especially on Wednesday as her and Ally do what they call "Wardrobe Wednesday." Genius.

So, in order to receive this award you must do the following:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link them back in your post.

2. Tell seven things about yourself.

3. Award ten recently discovered new bloggers.

4. Contact these bloggers and let them know they have received this award.

Alright now for 7 facts about myself

1. I can't sleep with a fluffy pillow

2. I can't go 24 hours without polishing my nails.

3. When I stand at a counter I pull my foot up onto my thigh, like tree pose in yoga.

4. I love to eat frozen peas.

5. I've never watched Lord of the Rings.

6. I hated Rexburg my first semester, but now I call it home and am sad to leave.

7. I have a gift for procrastinating.

Now for you 10 lucky Bloggers I'm going to tag. (i started tagging people but

10. Liz Dimond

This took me 10 times longer then necessary because Tuscany decided that Blogs were bad and I shouldn't look at them. It was annoying. But now it's over and my post is up.

Jbiebs-you complete me

2011-03-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Okay disclaimer: While I always enjoyed Justin Bieber I never full out loved him. The first time I heard him sing his song one time and saw the name I was a little perplexed as to if it was a boy named Justin singing it or a girl with the name Justin but pronounced Justine singing. I was honestly confused! Any way point being I liked him but I wasn't on the complete Justin Bieber band wagon. That is until I saw the Justin Bieber movie. I never knew it would be so good. I thought I wasn't going to like and mock everyone that loves it like I do everyone that loves twilight (lets be real people. Twilight is not a good movie and never will be.) But then the movie started with funny youtube videos and my favorite bieber song instantly I was hooked! The kid is honestly amazing and lest we forget adorable. I could go on a lot more about Justin Bieber but I'm going to stop here since I know themajority of you reading probably agree with me and already know everything great about JBiebs.

Here's a picture for you to drool over. Have you ever seen such beautiful brown eyes?

Bliss

2011-03-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

I was slightly inspired by this blog post. She is probably one of my favorite blogers to read because she is so real and lays it all out on the table. So definitely check her out. But anyway so I've felt like my last few posts have been rather negative and gloomy. When I focus to much on the bad I don't realize the good and how blessed I am and for all the reasons I have to be happy and the simple things that make me smile. Bliss means "complete happiness" and it's synonyms are enjoyment, happiness, pleasure, and delight. So these are things that bring me bliss:

The fact that today is the official day of spring.

That means summer is right around the corner

I'm going to be home for the summer in 3 weeks!

Divine chocolates in the library

Samantha's laugh when she finds something humorous

When Madison or Katy don't get sarcasm

Waking up a few minutes before my alarm goes off so I don't have to hear it

Ridge Apt 310 307 and 904. Bomb.com as they would say

Birthday weekends and sunday game nights

The fact I go to G's dairy once a week and have tried almost every flavor

Yesterday was my last time playing the piano for my ward :)

I love waking up to birds chirping, sun shining, and no ice or snow on the ground.

Today isn't windy. Bonus.

The smell of new precious babies

Hugs

When I get a new blog follower

Walking out in the morning to heated tile floors

That feeling when you get back an assignment and you did better then you expected

Watching little kids play and listening to the funny things they say

Looking at old pictures and reminiscing about the past

Taking new pictures and thinking about the future.

The word "Ladies"

When you didn't really try to be funny, but everyone thought you were

Getting a compliment on a day you really needed on.

My box of nail polish.

Days when I get to be a snuggle bunny

The idea of getting to be with my best friends this weekend

Gaining insight while talking to someone

When I walk into madison's room with a bag of frozen peas and see her eating the same thing

When you get into your car and the song you've been singing all day is on the radio

When people think that being from canada is really cool

Finding something you thought you lost.

Walking through the cool grass barefoot during the summer time

When it's warm enough for me to wear sandals since I hate shoes

60% off OPI nail polishes. Nuff said

When sun streams through the window and warms you while you sit on the couch

Cardigans.

The feeling that spreads over you when the guy you like sits close to you, looks at you, smiles at you, laughs at something you said, or does anything involving YOU.

Gardening during the summer. Raspberries and strawberry fields forever.

Dance parties in that bathroom with madison

When you say the same words as someone else at the exact same time

Staying up till 2 am talking with old friends and knowing you could've stayed up all night talking.

When a class you had homework in gets cancelled

Hiking,biking, and camping in Waterton

Having so many temples near by that I can go to

Life I love you. Sorry for being sad these last few days.

One word.

2011-03-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

There is one word on my mind right now and that is all over my newsfeed. This one word is tinged with a lot of emotions. Two being happiness and accomplished. Reason being I helped Blaine Burton all week reach his goal. He deserves to hear this word. And while I am happy for other people who get the privilege or hearing this word I can't help but feel a little disappointed and uneasy? I don't really know how to describe it exactly. But one day, this word will be all over my news feed and I'll be elated much like these people are. These feelings of disappointment will be gone. One day, one word.

Congratulations. You got what I've always wanted.

2011-03-16T07:55:00.001-07:00

What's been on my mind these last few days

*My pretzels today tasted like salmon. Not pleasant

*I hate discussion board questions. I always forget them and they don't help

*Birthday weekend= awesome. Forts, Minute to win it, Red Robin, Game nights, Ice cream and Cake. Fun friends. BOMB.COM

* Child 300 tests are ridiculous

* Blaine Burton had better win for president.

* I need a nap.

* There is no point to the Denver II and the HOME test.

* Harpers island-round 2

* Every problem isn't because of white people.

* Wind go away and let me enjoy the sun alittle

* I wish I had more time to devote to my blog.

Sorry this blog post is not very interesting or fun. Here are some pictures to spice it up.

Ryan Doesn't believe in eating vegetables. And I let him use my lap top and he left that creepy santa treasure. So I combined them and told him that's what would happen if he didn't eat his veggies. I'm going to be an awesome mom. Scare my kids to death.

blooog.

2011-03-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

My blog is undergoing construction. So it might be a little bit wonky for the next few hours. Maybe even days as I figure out what I want to do with it.

Not that it really matters...

2011-03-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, I just need to go on a mini rant about the number one thing I've found to bother me at BYUI.
The dress code. DISCLAIMER: I really don't have a problem not wearing shorts on campus, not being able to wear capri's is a little bit much but I can deal with that to. I can deal with their no flip flop rule even though I'd much rather be able to wear flip flops on campus. So now maybe you are wondering what then is my problem with the dress code. My problem comes when I go to work out. Example number 1. Many girls wear leggings to yoga, so one time I decided to along with my room mate. I don't own a BYUI shirt so I always have to go and rent one, and when I did they told me that I wasn't allowed to wear leggings and I'd have to change into their shorts. My room mate was standing right next to me in her leggings but they never said anything to her and then I walked into the yoga room and look around and what do you know there are probably 10 other girls in leggings. How come you are the exception to the rule?
Example 2. This happened today. I had just finished my run around the track and was going to meet up with my room mate Sam (she likes to run on treadmills) in the Exercise room to finish off our workout with abs. I walked in and one of the workers comes to me with a pair of shorts and tells me that her boss says my capris are too tight and I need to change into their shorts. Well like before I do, and as I look around I notice many girls in tighter and shorter capris and shorts then mine. Why are they off the hook? Also let me just point out that during my ab workout a lot more of me was getting shown off then when I wear my "tight" yoga capris.
BYUI I love you, but if you are going to make rules enforce them on everyone. I'm sure the girl told me to change because her boss was there and asked her to, but if you are going to do that go around to every girl that was in the gym before and go ask them to change as well.
I know it's important to be modest, but I don't really see myself as being immodest, My yoga pants leave just as much to the imagination as your usual everyday pants. Many people say that young woman need to dress modest because we shouldn't want to be some young mans pornography and you know I get that part but something my room mate said about this issue makes a lot of sense. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS. If you have a pornography problem don't blame it on me. People can't keep justifing their actions based on other peoples actions, if they do what incentive do they have to overcome their problem? It's a girls responsibility to dress modestly and it's a guys responsibility to not entertain or look at pornography. Also not to justify my tight yoga pants but guys are goig to be bombarded with a lot more suggustive images when they go to a beach or watch a movie so if they can't handle a girls body in clothes good luck in the world outside BYUI's campus.
Okay I feel better. The end.

De-junkify.

2011-03-07T07:59:00.001-08:00

Before I start this post can I just say that the previous post was my 200th post? I can't believe it. I feel like an accomplished blogger. Anyway now on to what this post is really about.

I've been having some technical difficulties the last few days.

1. My iPod wasn't playing any sound, this problem defeats the purpose of an iPod.

2. My microsoft programs aren't running right. ( I open them and they shut down after a couple of minutes. Really inconvenient)

Solutions

1. I plugged it into my comp and then ejected it hoping that would fix the problem. It didn't. So i plugged it back in and the usual message popped up saying there were new software downloads available for my iPod so I thought, why not perhaps thats the problem. Before I started it said it would back up applications and other stuff. I assumed that meant it would save all my music. It didn't. I was really sad when I realized I had to re-upload all my music, bug bradaen hamilton to re-send me some music I got from him, and re-make my themed play lists that had songs pertaining to certain stages in my life. It was like a part of me had been ripped to pieces and I had to glue it back together.

2. With problem 2 it's still unsolved, but originally I thought "Perhaps I just have to much stuff on my computer. I should delete old assignments from last semester, pictures that I don't need or like and music I have never listened to." Like I said the problem is still unsolved but my computer is a little cleaner.

If any of you are still reading you may be thinking what's the point of these two dumb stories. Well this is what I've come up with. Sometimes we just need to de-junk our life. While I was super bummed all my music was gone a small part of me was happy. There isn't any music I don't like on there or have never listened to cause so far I've only put my favorite stuff back on. Therefore I love every song and never have to press the next button. I deleted a bunch of assignments that weren't really doing any good on my computer, just taking up space. They were useless to me. Same with pictures. Some were unfocused, unflattering, or of nothing. They had no purpose. It makes me think of what I fill my life up with. What is cluttering up my life and taking up important space that sometimes causes me to not function 100%? Sometimes I become so focused on all my clutter I don't see the things that are in front of my face. Does that ever happen to you, you are looking for say your debit card on your dresser that is filled with papers, books, maybe make up and jewellery and your card is sitting neatly on top of it all but you continue to search frantically unable to see what you are looking for, just everything else that is in the way. This happens to me on a daily basis. And I see it happening in my life. I'm focused on certain goals, I know what I'm looking for, or what I want. But there is tons of clutter in the way, obstructing my view and reach. I think it's time to de-junkify my life. I would like to reach a few goals while I'm still young :)