Picture Tag

Angela tagged me FOR-EV-ER ago... so I thought I would finally oblige. The rules of the tag are that you have to post the fourth picture from your fourth file and tell the story about it. Then tag four of your friends. Well, the picture I ended up with was one of Angela's very pregnant belly, and I figured she wouldn't want me to post it. So... I decided that since it is the 11th month, I would post the 11th picture in my 11th file and--viola! Here it is:
Wait now-- I can explain! The story behind this one is that last year my roommates and I were driving down to Vegas for a concert. I took pictures all during the course of the trip to document it, and as we neared the city I thought it would be really cool to capture a shot of the Vegas skyline. Talk about timing. I snapped the picture at the very moment we drove past that sign. I never did manage to get that perfect shot, but I kept the picture because I thought it was ironic and funny. And, as anyone who has been there can tell you--its pretty much sums up the whole Vegas experience.

I tag: Shaunalee, Summer, Eli, and Bekah (or anyone else who has a good picture and story to tell!)

Halloween

I know, I'm way behind in getting these pictures up. Oh well.

Getting my "Sarah Palin" on...

(For clarification-- I was Sarah Palin's Facebook profile...)

Val was an exotic bird. We had to open the sun-roof to make room for her hair.

Shannon/Cleopatra and Lara/Vampire

My roommates (and Shannon) and I: Melanie, Shannon, Lara, Val, Me

Friends from the ward

My friend Jeff, who dressed up as the personification of everything girls hate in a guy. (You can't see the blue-tooth in this picture but yes, it was there)

Me and my good friend, Liz.

Proof that Aussie Super Hold really does live up to it's name.

Complicated

I don't really know what I want to write today. I haven't felt like posting much these last weeks, but I know if I don't update this thing I will probably lose the two faithful readers I have left... I apologize in advance if this sounds negative; I don't really mean for it to be. I just feel like my life has plateaued; no, more like it has come to a grinding halt, and I'm neither moving forward nor backward, but simply going through the motions (like tires spinning on ice). And so, in an attempt to snap myself out of this dire condition, I am writing.

I'm not sure what to do with my life. Every time I think I have it all figured out, something upsets the balance and I find myself careening in a totally different direction than what I had planned. I'm not saying this is a bad thing; on the contrary--had this not happened in the past I would never have had so many of the amazing opportunities and experiences I have had. For example, I never planned on going on a mission. I had the next couple years of my life planned out: go to culinary school, open a restaurant/catering business, find my Mr. Darcy and live blissfully, happily ever after... yes, some of my goals were realistic. Some of them still aren't. I had in my mind the perfect scenario for what I thought was happiness. And then, through the course of some significant experiences, I knew I had to do something else. I was scared to death to serve a mission, and had I known all that I would have to go through during that year and a half, I don't think I would have gone. However, I knew that I needed to go, and I have never regretted that I did. My mission opened my eyes to the world in ways I could never have imagined. Helping others to cope with their own suffering alleviated mine, bearing a little of their burdens helped me to appreciate more of what Christ had done, and does, for us. Loving others besides myself helped me realize my own capacity to love and taught me how true love really feels. Striving to have the spirit guide me every day taught me to recognize the absence of it in times when I have distanced myself from the Lord. Seeing miracles occur and receiving powerful and instant answers to prayers strengthened my faith and impressed upon me the depth of our Heavenly Father's love and concern for all of His children, and His desire to help us. To help me. These are just a few of the many things I learned during that time; I guess the point I'm trying to make (to myself, really) is that things did not go at all according to my "fabulous" plan, but they turned out a zillion times better than I think they would have had I continued on my desired course at that time.

I have since realized my dream of going to culinary school, and I really should not be surprised that, yet again, the world seems to be turning upside-down. I do not regret the time I have spent in this field of study, and I know I have grown and changed in positive ways from this experience. But again, I feel life pulling me another direction, only this time I am not exactly sure which direction that is, and I'm afraid I'm going to shatter into a million pieces from the pressure of logic, emotion, fear, and what I think I really want all tugging at me in different ways. I thought I had gotten past this point-- I was going to transfer to BYU and major in Dietetics, and that was that. But a denial of my application to that school threw a wrench into things, and I feel like Harry Potter in book 5 when he and his friends get to the "department of mysteries" and go through a door, only to find themselves in a room with twenty other doors that start spinning around them so that they don't know which way to go, or even from which way they've come. In other words, I'm confused. I know that things will turn out fine, they always do. I know that Heavenly Father knows what I need better than I do myself, and that He will guide me as He has always done. But I also know that I have to start moving in some direction before He can. And I just don't know where to start...

Anyway, I don't really like writing gloomy, rain-cloud-inducing entries on my blog. Its a pride thing, I guess-- I don't like people to know how weak and vulnerable I really am. So, to those of you who haven't died of depression or boredom from reading this: congratulations, you now know that I am human. Haha. Yes, life is not as simple and flawless and seriously so blessed as the blog world would like you to believe. Its better than that. Perhaps it is taboo to write such things on a blog for all the world to see, but I would venture to say that all the difficulties we encounter, all of the pain and struggles we endure, and all of the little ways we find ourselves helped and guided along the way, are what make us truly blessed.

Fakesgiving, Rainy Days, and Cauliflower Soup

The very first Fakesgiving

Ah, Fakesgiving, the most wonderful time of the year. A time for fabulous food, wonderful friends, and family not-togetherness. A time to pause and reflect on fakesgivings past. A time to look within yourself and discover what it is you're truly fakesful for.

Fakesgiving, not to be confused with the American holiday Thanksgiving, was first established in the fall of 2007, and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September (although it is perfectly acceptable to procrastinate and celebrate it a couple weeks late if you wish). It's founders, Quinn and Pam Heiner, may receive due credit for it's conception; however, it must be said that Fakesgiving is what is is today because of the perfection in which it has been celebrated by its co-founders (we deserve that title right?) Kalli Hamilton and Eli McCann. It was they who laid down the historic traditions that would guide Fakesgiving celebrations for years to come. Some of the requirements for Fakesgiving include having green leaves on the table, eating really ridiculously good food--which includes any kind of poultry but turkey-- and expressing throughout the course of the meal the things which you are most fakesful for. The only other rule associated with Fakesgiving is that you can make things up as you go, and just about anything can become an instant Fakesgiving tradition.

Now that you know what Fakesgiving is, I must say that this year's celebration of the holiday was the best ever! (And there have been two of them, so thats saying something...) I have been wanting to cook duck lately, and was able to acquire some through my work (ah, connections...) and it was fantastic! Other menu items consisted of super-creamy mashed potatoes (Eli mashed 'em), stuffing, corn, candied green beans, candied yams, rolls, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin cheesecake, and a side of sarcasm. I'm so fakesful we didn't overeat...

A modern not-family celebrating Fakesgiving

*****
On a different note...

I love the fall! Sometimes I try not to love it too much, because I hate the icy, depressing, deadness of the winter that will shortly follow, but I just can't help enjoying the changing of the seasons and the crisp freshness of the air and the spicy scents that permeate my little apartment as the roommates and I take turns stewing and baking all things fall-ish.

I have spent the last week laboriously trying to catch up on my math homework, which fell by the wayside as I was working overtime the two weeks previous. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty stir-crazy by the end of it, and it was nice to have time to rejuvenate a little after my test yesterday. It was drizzling pleasantly, so I went for a little walk and snapped some pictures. I love the way everything looks when it rains. All the colors seem intensified and more vivid. That, combined with the earthy taste of the air and the soothing pitter-patter of steadily falling raindrops, has got to be the perfect cure for stress. I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father gives us days and moments like that; it cleanses the mind and the soul as well as the world around us. Often when it rains I feel a renewed desire to find balance in my life, to start fresh and even to grow. I don't think its a coincidence that I feel this way-- I am sure that Heavenly Father speaks to us through the day to day things that we often take for granted. If we simply pause for a moment and listen, we can hear and feel him gently guiding us and putting things back into their proper perspective. I don't think I'm quite there yet, so perhaps I will have to take another walk tomorrow...

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Lastly, I thought you all might like to try this Cauliflower Soup I made the other day. I was experimenting, so I haven't really tweaked the recipe yet, but you are welcome to adjust it to your liking. Enjoy!

Cauliflower Soup

Half of a white or yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
2 leeks, chopped
One head of cauliflower, chopped
Olive oil or butter
Chicken stock or low sodium chicken broth (it is very important to use a stock or broth with low or no sodium because it will cook down and intensify in flavor. If there is already a lot of sodium in the broth, when it cooks down that flavor will increase and make the soup too salty.)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/2 to 1 cup half and half or milk

Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pan. Add all of the vegetables and "sweat" them over moderate heat ("sweating" involves cooking the vegetables over a moderate-to-low heat to extract the flavors from them. Heat should be low enough so that it begins to cook the veggies without putting any caramelization/color on them. The best way to tell if the vegetables have "sweated" enough is when the onions become translucent. Usually putting a lid on the pan helps speed this process, but remember to stir occasionally so that you don't caramelize). When the vegetables have sweated, add enough stock to cover them (you can add a little water too if your vegetables are bigger and will take longer to cook). Simmer until the vegetables are fully cooked and tender. At this point you can let the soup cool for a while, or put it right into the blender... just be careful, because if the soup is extremely hot, the steam will escape from the blender by blowing off the lid... I unfortunately know this from recent experience... Anyway, blend until completely smooth, and return to pan. Add milk and slowly stir in the cheese over low heat, so that it doesn't curdle. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add more cheese if wanted. Enjoy!!

Movin' On

First of all, let me just apologize for that last post-- it was very late and had been a long day for me. Hence the total randomness. Not that randomness is a bad thing; I'm pretty sure this post will be a fairly muddled compilation of all my thoughts over the last couple of weeks, so that really isn't much better. Oh well.

I have been living in the same apartment in Provo for the last three years, and two weeks ago I moved. This was difficult for me in many ways, and not just because I don't like change, or that it meant I had to come to grips with the fact that I have a lot of "stuff" (I swear, I could invite half of China over to eat dinner off of my dishes). It was hard because--even though that apartment was small and cramped, and the carpet turned our feet black, and it sounded like we had dancing elephants living upstairs-- I am a different person than the awkward, just-off-her-mission, shell-shocked girl who moved in. (Well, I'm still pretty awkward, but I don't know what to do about that). In that little apartment I experienced some of the greatest growth and learning of my entire life. There I endured the greatest trials, challenges, heartaches, and disappointments I have ever had. But it was also there that I knew some of the happiest moments, met and was impacted by amazing people, grew spiritually and intellectually, learned more about who I am and what I want to be, and formed friendships with people who have impacted my life for good and shaped who I am, and whom I will love forever.

I spent my last day there frantically trying to pack and move out all my things and get the place clean before the designated check-out time. By the end of it all I felt physically beaten down and emotionally drained, and all I wanted to do was leave and put that place behind me. But, as I closed the door and walked away, a sudden rush of memories overwhelmed me and I realized how much the Lord had given me there. I paused and had to thank God for everything Mountainwood #119 has been to me, and even cried a little as I drove away.

So, now I'm in a new place with new roommates, and friends to make, and experiences awaiting me. The unfamiliarity of it all and the loneliness has been challenging, but I am excited for what the future holds because I know that this is where I'm supposed to be. I'm thankful that I get to have these opportunities and that the Lord loves me enough to let me go through difficult times so that I can grow. I know he knows what I need better than I do, and that great things are ahead.

Well, I don't know about you, but I think I've had enough sentimentality for one day. On a lighter note... I really like having my own room!

And I got to go to Sacramento for the wedding of my dear friend, Heather Twistysocks.

The beautiful Sacramento Temple

I took the picture of the chocolate mouse for Trinity...

The fruit tray I did for the reception

Love you guys!!

Can someone just tattoo "SINGLE" across my forehead?

This isn't about me. Let me explain.

After nearly two months of trying to sell my car with no success, I decided tonight to try a new venue and post an ad on Craigslist. I've never used craigslist before, but I know a few people who have bought furniture and other items from the sight, so I thought it was worth a try. After I successfully completed my ad and published it to the site, I found myself back on the homepage. So, like any responsible college student who is really good at finding ways to procrastinate her math homework, I browsed. The list of items for sell was, for the most part, typical; couches, bicycles, cars, musical instruments, etc. But, to my astonishment (and fascination) there was a section devoted to "personals" aka, "women seeking men", "men seeking women", and some other "seeking" topics that I'd rather not discuss. I was shocked that a (somewhat ghetto) classifieds site like that would offer a dating service; my intrigue got the better of me and I clicked on "men seeking women". I was even more amazed when I discovered that people actually post ads on that thing. Everyday! It was like a match.com or eharmony commercial gone seriously wrong. Yes, curiosity did drive me further, and I clicked on a few of them and read their little sales-pitches. But don't worry, thats as far as it went (although I was seriously tempted to reply to one idiot who had the nerve to post that he wanted a clean cut girl with standards or class--apparently you don't have to have both to make the cut-- and that he wanted a picture or you might as well not reply at all. But for some reason the only picture he had posted of himself was actually a picture of...Reese's Pieces??!!! Yeah... I'm not quite sure why he thought that would encourage any girl with standards or class to feverishly log in to her hotmail account and send him the best "full body shot" she could find. And yes, I do think he probably looks like Kip Dynamite).

So, needless to say, it was an interesting and very entertaining ten minutes of my life. I laughed at some, felt truly sorry for others, and mostly thanked heaven that I am not that desperate. And if I ever do get to that point... just don't be jealous because I've been online chatting with dudes all day.

Peace out.

Peach Season is Here!

I know I haven't posted anything in two months, but I've decided not to dwell on the negative. Now, on to better things.

For a little less than a year I have waited anxiously for the time when I would drive by my favorite local fruit stand and see a big sign announcing that the first crop of fresh, juicy peaches had arrived. Saturday was my lucky day, and (as one of my friends would say) I panicked and bought a whole box. They are the best peaches I have ever had, and are destined to become freezer jam by tomorrow morning.

So, some of you are probably wondering what has been going on in my life; why I'm still in the United States instead of being swept off my feet by some gorgeous italian stallion with dark eyes, olive skin, and run-your-fingers-through-it curly hair... well, to make a long story short, going to Italy just never felt right. When it comes down to it, its as simple as that--although for a while it didn't seem like a simple choice at all. The closer I came to going to Italy and the more efforts and preparations I made toward it, the more sick to my stomach and confused I would feel. For some reason, when I made the decision to stay in Provo, I felt peace. And even though I still don't know all of the reasons why I couldn't go to Italy and why I needed to stay here, I know I've been being blessed and that I am where I'm supposed to be. One of those blessings came two days after I arrived back in Provo after my visit home; The Monday after I returned I updated my resume and took it to the one place in Provo/Orem that I could see myself working at. Tuesday morning I was awakened by a phone call from the owner of Culinary Crafts (a catering business located in Orem) telling me that they had received my resume and would like me to start working that day. I had never imagined it would be so easy to find an internship, but I definitely know that the Lord's timing had everything to do with it. I have had a really good experience there; the people are friendly and enjoyable to work with, I don't have to listen to mariachi music, and I work the early morning shift which means that I have afternoons and evenings free to actually enjoy my summer. I really couldn't have asked for a better situation.
Some other blessings I've received:

• The money that was going to go toward my Italy trip was magically transformed into a new car, which I needed even more than I needed the best pizza in the world or a curly-haired womanizer in my life. I've decided to name the car Guiseppe, which is the name of my contact at the place I was going to be staying in Italy. I thought it was only fitting.
  


• I got to go to my roommate/ very good friend Heidi's wedding. It was the most beautiful ceremony I have ever been to, and I'm so glad I didn't miss it!


• I get to be roommates with Noelle Pitcher, who is an amazing person and now a great friend. I think we both needed each other this summer, and our friendship is another confirmation to me that this is where I'm supposed to be.We went to a new art museum. Very abstract.

On July 4th I went tubing with Noelle and her family down the Provo River. It was freezing cold, but a fun adventure!

Chacos rock my socks off. I mean, if I had been wearing socks, they would have... except I would never wear socks with chacos. That would be so offensive...

• My parents and Matti came for a visit, and we had a fabulous time. Matti and I went to the American Idol concert so she could drool over Jason Castro and I could salivate over David Cook. Just a little.Matti riding the Trax... a public transportation nightmare that we'd like to forget, and which eventually necessitated us calling a taxi to take us back to my car after the concert was over. If only the driver had been wearing a turban, maybe we could laugh about it now...At the concert with Mr. Poptart... apparently he's the Idol mascot or something.

Jason Castro

David Archuleta--who, consequently, is to blame for my temporary loss of hearing, and was almost to blame for the murder of the girl standing right behind me screaming with a greater lung capacity than I ever thought was humanly possible. I guess she thought she could out-scream the other ten-zillion fans who were there shouting "I love you!!!!" at the tops of their lungs. She very nearly succeeded.

David cook

• We also went to Park City as a family and had a great time playing there together. First we went on the alpine slides (which are not as exciting as I remembered them being from my childhood).

Then we went through a human maze. I was the first one out, and it took me all of 30 seconds. Not that exciting. However, it was funny when Matti somehow ended up coming back out the entrance after about 5 minutes.

We also tried out the new roller coaster, which was by far the best attraction there. We were pulled up to the top of the mountain on these tracks in a little go-cart type thing. At the top of the mountain we released the brakes and zipped down the mountain (some of us screaming the entire way). Here is a video my dad sneakily took while he was still being pulled to the top:

I know... I'm a dork.

Wildflowers

I had a great time with the fam, and am so glad they were able to come!

• I went to Llama Fest at the Hare Krishna temple with Noelle. Good food, good music, and...Llamas. Does it get any better than that?Tell me how that makes sense?
  
• I've been able to read a few books for fun, including "A Curse Dark as Gold", which I highly reccommend, and "The Host" which I found to be a surprisingly deep and compelling story. I'm currently starting to read "Those Who Save Us", which is about the after-effects of WWII on a German woman and her daughter. Actually, that wasn't a good explanation, but I'll come up with a better one for you once I've finished the book.
  
• I have re-developed a healthy addiction to Speed-Scrabble, and have acquired a new addiction to "Spoon Me"-- a yogurt place just down the road that opened a couple weeks ago. Their yogurt is the real deal, complete with pro-biotics and natural sweeteners. Life is looking good.