Steady As She Goes

Yes, it is 12:45 am. 

Yes, I should be sleeping.

But I can't. So that means blog post from yours truly! 

I'm going to be SO exhausted by the time tomorrow night is over. I'm sure it's all worth it though.

Pretty sure I've been laying in bed now for close to 2 hours and I still can't wipe this perma-smile off my face.  Life's funny that way. Ever been on Tower of Terror, the ride at Disney Land? I like to think life is like that. Constantly up and down, never steady, always exciting, worth it in the end. It's crazy how quickly things can change. Wasn't it just last night I was balling to my mom and dad in my apartment? Yes it was. Now I'm feeling more content than ever.  One thing I have learned lately is the power of prayer and priesthood blessings.  It is amazing that such a simple thing can bring such peace and comfort. 

Life's been funny lately. Really low lows and really high highs.  I don't even know how to describe it.  All I know is that I would be no where if it weren't for my family.  I've never felt closer to them.

 My sweet sweet mom is willing to come visit me and bring me ice cream because I don't feel like going out.  Not to mention all the other things she brought. A weekly calendar to keep my stress down, magnets, markers, make-up, and even a trashy magazine (she knows me all too well). She's also willing to listen to my crap 24/7.

My hard working, strong and steady dad who is willing to drive clear up to my apartment just to give me a blessing. He gives me the encouragement I need but is also understanding. If that's not enough to make you feel better his humor is sure to do the trick.  I wish I had a book of all the funny things he's said because they are priceless memories and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

My amazing, beautiful, energetic sister.  She may be miles away but she's willing to do anything. Yes, even trying to get me a date by putting the word out through Facebook. She's so happy and is such a great mom to her adorable kids.  She is one of my biggest role models and is always there for me through and through. If I ever need to talk to her she's only a phone call away.

My fun, honest, tell it like it is brother.  He's always the one to give me a reality check and bring me back down to earth. He gives the greatest advice and always pushes me to work harder. He's the one I ask a million questions to, just so I can get a guys perspective on the situation. He's my Party Rock Anthem, Taylor Swift, Plain White T's, and Parachute buddy.

Sorry to go off but I just hope they know how much they mean to me, especially lately.  Even though we are all miles apart, I've never felt closer.

And just for fun this was my reality check from my brother today. It opened my eyes and made me think.

"Going on dates is like looking for a job. It's stupid to get hopes about one and not apply for others. Put your resume out there and when you get multiple offers, choose the best." 

what lies out there no one knows
the tide could bring in anything
so steady as she goes.  

Long Way Down

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" 

The answer is simple. Everything. Unfortunately for the majority of us, it's not that simple. We let results of the past get in the way of our current dreams, hopes, and wishes. Is there a right and wrong time to let go? 

Much of the past we hold on to is polluted with stress and agony we once faced. We carry this baggage around and the only thing it does is prevent us from having a fulfilling present. Letting go of the past can be harder than anyone dares to recognize and we often find ourselves congested with the idea that it could occur again.  Having thoughts like this only hinders us in the lives we live now. Not going after things we truly desire because of this irrational fear. Letting go is crucial if we are to move on with our lives and obtain the things that will truly make us happy. The past is the past. Permanent. We need to realize that it's done and let it go. We did the very best we could at that time and now, because of it, we are better prepared for the future. Dwelling on the past isn't getting us anywhere different.  What will get us somewhere is forcing ourselves to move on. Time will heal and eventually the scars will fade away. This is now and it's up to us to make it what we want.  Take chances, even if you're scared.  If this does nothing else you'll get a good adrenaline rush. There comes a point when you realize you have to make the life you want for yourself. It's not going to come and find you. Go out and pursue it. Build your hopes. Be willing to fall, be willing to risk, be willing to learn, but most of all be willing to embrace the present. 

"Cause it's a long way down when your hopes are high as mountains, and I am worried that I'm falling for you" 

Holy War Weekend

I've always wanted to "hike" the U.  We decided we would finally go last Friday. We were all naive and thinkin' it would be a real hike.

We packed our lunches and off we went.  We drove to the "trail head" and headed down what we thought was going to be a fun little hike.  Well basically you go onto a paved path for about 100 ft.  This dumps you into a neighborhood where you walk along the paved road for another 50 ft and whoa now that you're short of breathe and your legs are trembling from that intense hike... you're finally there! Yeah, what a hike! 

Despite the no hiking it was pretty cool to see it up close. 

That's me. On the paved road. In front of the U. 

The view was pretty cool. 

Me and Jess. . . I'm glad I have no eyes. Courtesy of my hat. 

Well Saturday rolled around and it was game day. 

BYU vs. UTAH

Go Utes! 

Not going to lie.  I was pretty nervous for this game. 

That was until the first 2 minutes of the game when BYU basically gift wrapped a touchdown and handed it to us. 

Final score? 

Utah: 54 

BYU: 10 

Ouch! 

My favorite reaction about the final score came from my cousin. . . 

 BYU got Jimmered! 

Dad was a sport and watched the game with 3 Ute fans.  After the first couple minutes of the game he says, "maybe I should go change my shirt." 

This is him after the game. I helped him with his headwear. 

 Sunday was basically pretty normal. Not much happened.  Jess did help me plan my week though.  This is what resulted. . . 

KC and the who?

Yesterday my mom and I decided to check out the state fair.

It stunk, but only literally. Let's just say I never plan on living on or near a farm. 

We first went and saw the animals.  Cows, pigs, sheep. 

So. Many. Flies.

Then we saw this cute little girl in the cow barn who was just totally content and happy as a lark.  She had her Cabbage Patch doll and was good to go. 

I took lots of pictures of the ferris wheels.  I just think they look really old and cool. 

They had different booths set up selling stuff.  This was the pillow pet booth.  haha

I did end up getting a cool plaque that has my name spelled out with different license plates but unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of it! I'll have to post it later. It's super cool! 

I didn't know actual lemonade stands like this existed outside of amusement park tycoon. Hence why I took this picture. 

Then we went to a free concert. Before the concert this guy (pictured below) came out onto the stage to introduce the group.  Well you can't see very well from the picture but it's the guy who plays Eldon in The Singles Ward movie.  I was probably more excited about seeing him than I was to see the concert.

 It was KC & the Sunshine band.  Yeah, I had never heard of them before either. But I ended up knowing about 3/5 of the songs they performed.  Embarrassing! 

Have you heard of him? Some of his hits are. . .  

- Get Down Tonight

- That's The Way (I like it)

- Keep It Comin' love

- Shake, Shake, Shake (shake your booty)

Welcome to the 70's! 

This guy was so old he was like 60! haha and to make it even better he was more bedazzled than Christian Audigier (Ed Hardy clothing). 

I'm surprised he could move around the stage like he did. 

He comes out and he says "I know there's lots of kids out here wondering who the ____ I am. Well, I was your mom's N'SYNC." Ha, not even close! He then continues to say. "Yeah, that's right, one day Justin Timberlake will look like this." hahaha at least he's funny and knows he's older than a dinosaur. 

The concert was . . . interesting. 

I have never seen so many old drunk people dancing.  These people were seriously having the time of their lives! This concert was seriously a prime people watching zone. Never better. 

Inside my head during the concert: 

• ooo the lights are blue and red. Hey the big game is on Saturday. I'm excited. I hope the Utes win. 

• Hey look, a guy in a Korver Jazz jersey. I wonder if the NBA is still in a lockout.  There better be a season. Maybe it's not too late to talk dad into season tickets. 
• He's (KC) wearing a wedding ring. . . I wonder if his wife knows he's fondling his "back up dancer/singer"
• Ewe, he has an earring.  EWWWE, it's a dangly earring, and it's bedazzled. Gross. 
• The drummers black.  And he has dreads.  I wonder if he's from Jamaica.
• I wonder what the weather is going to be like tomorrow.  Is it still too warm for a jacket? I wish fall would get here all ready. 
• Oh, a Utah state fair sign.  I should take a picture.  

After the concert we got some kettle corn and headed for home. 

I love this picture of the ferris wheel. One of my favorites. 

 Even though I made fun of this guy a lot in this blog post, I must admit I had a ton of fun with my mom.  We laughed a ton and cracked jokes the whole time.  It was a perfect way to spend my afternoon and evening. It's definitely one event I probably won't ever forget! 

I'd highly recommend putting "attend a state fair" on your bucket list. 

A Tourist in Your Own City

I go to institute for the pictures. 

After institute I have a large break before my next class so Jess and I decided to go down to Temple Square.  We started our adventure in the JSB.  A lovely old lady named Ida, yes Ida, gave us a mini "tour" around in the lobby.  It is the 100th birthday of this building this year and it was decked out with its past history and guests who once stayed at Hotel Utah, the grandest hotel west of the Mississippi. We learned some interesting facts such that multiple churches originally built it, the Joseph Smith statue in the lobby was found in a warehouse back east, and the big chandelier in the lobby is brought down twice a year for cleaning. Famous guests included: Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, and many of the U.S. Presidents.

We then said goodbye to Ida and headed over to the temple. It was so nice outside today!!!! 

Our dear friend Ida also informed us that we could go up on the observation deck of the church office building. We thought we'd journey up there and boy am I glad we did.  The view was INCREDIBLE and it was such a clear day. It was possibly the coolest thing I've seen in a while. 

The capital. 

The view up towards the U. (Go Utes!)

The temple square view from up there was breathtaking! 

To end our adventure we stopped at Einstein's Bagels and grabbed a quick lunch and headed back up to school.  

 I was amazed by how much I have passed by all my life and never really took the time to notice.  

Next on my list: tour Kennecot copper mine, tour the conference center, visit the state capitol, mezzanine level of the JSB, go see the daughters of the utah pioneers museum, and when the winter rolls around the lights at temple square are a must! (They were putting them up while we were there today)

It was a great mini adventure and even cooler to be a tourist in your own city. I'd highly recommend it! 

Moments

1st day of school, I'm so excited! Can you tell? 

Come celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary @ the DI! 

This girl cracks me up.  First a cowboy hat, and now these glasses.

Buddies 

You see, here at the 820 parking lot. . . we really like gray Mazda 3s.

Let's paint! 

Mary Poppins!  

Thank you Pintrest for your amazing ideas! 

Mmmm! Chili's chocolate molten cake! 

Mary: I need hydrogen peroxide 

Kylie: I have some. I'll get it. 

Late night hang out.  Gotta love the socks and sandals!