Thank You...

Sara Evans and Carrie Underwood are getting me through these days. Sometimes music really just reads your mind and says exactly what you're trying to say.

For a good listen:
"Stronger"- Sara Evans
"Good in Goodbye"- Carrie Underwood


... also, if I could have Carrie Underwood's legs all would be right in the world.

Matilda

Today was a day set aside for laundry, homework and other "to-do's". But then I saw that Matilda was on netflix. So obviously all that stuff went out the window so I could eat some of my birthday chocolates, play sodoku and watch Matilda. Procrastination and avoidance at it's finest!

I must say though- the Trunchable is terrifying. And it's assumed she killed Miss Honey's father!? What!? But it's still great nonetheless.

as an introvert...

i feel this is completely accurate. I discovered it on pinterest and felt I had to share it because it hits on some of my personality quirks that can be attributed to my introverted-ness. Oh so accurate.

Friendship

As I watch Runaway Bride for my homework (no complaints here!), I'm struck by the friendship between Maggy and Peggy. Throughout all their lives they have stuck by each other. I'm one of those girls who really treasures her girlfriends. There's some magic in that bond. I've watched my mom stick close with her various groups of girlfriends- from high school, college, singles wards, family friends, other mothers etc.

I've also been lucky enough to have my own girlfriends. My lifetime friends, college friends, work friends, high school friends, family friends. I am so incredibly grateful for my friends and I love the portrayal of friendships like those I have in movies.

Where would you be without your friends? The people to lift you up when you need lifting? We come from homes far from perfect, so you can end up almost parent and sibling to your friends- your chosen family. There's nothing like a really loyal, dependable, good friend. Nothing.

The Kardashians

Today in class we talked about reality shows and why we like them so much. I wish I had a better answer than, "it's just a guilty pleasure" but that's really just it. I'm entertained and I love my reality TV. Topping the list are The Biggest Loser, The Bachelorette, and Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

But really- I love the Kardashians. I don't know why, I just do. No matter what show they're on these days. Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Khloe and Lamar, Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, and all the specials in between.

Love you dolls.

"Lucky"

On my recent trip to Phoenix (yay Julie Hardy!), my mom met me there and when we were returning to our respective locations, I had a few hours to kill in the airport in Phoenix. I hadn't really brought all that much to do because it was only an hour and a half flight and hadn't prepared for a whole days worth of activities. 

So I went on the hunt for a new book to read. I perused the small selection the airport bookstore had and used my BookScanner app and chose "Lucky" by Alice Sebold. It's her memoir recounting her rape as a freshman student at Syracuse University. I essentially was reading that book until my plane landed back in Salt Lake.

I'm starting to feel like I'm creepy with my fascination with this topic. Not only this book but my love for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Maybe I should be a detective or something? Maybe a counselor for rape victims? Well, I think it's easier to learn about it than deal with it. 

Blog Obessed

I admit it, I am obsessed with blogs. After going out of town or being away from my computer for a few days I always come back and my google reader stresses me out. I feel the need to constantly be up to date on all the blogs I read. Some I really don't even care for it's just another post to scroll through. It's kind of a problem. But I love it! I love seeing new outfit ideas, fun people with fun things to say, and I kind of feel like we're friends. Even though- I know all about their lives but they don't know me from the next faithful reader.

My main obsession is with Sydney from The Daybook. I discovered that she lives in my hometown so I always know what she's talking about when they run to Panera or Potbelly's for dinner. Plus she's just so darling with her cute family and fun style. So to you Sydney- I'm a faithful follower, love you.

The Bachelorette

It's that time again: a new season of the Bachelorette. I always have a battle with myself about whether or not I'll take the time to get invested. But you know what? I have plenty of time and could use a good love story. With a little drama and some ridiculous people on the side.

Maybe this season I'll end up feeling hopeful and blissful rather than frustrated and annoyed. But it probably won't work that way. But Emily- I want the fairy tale just like you do, I just won't have 25 guys vying for my love.

Airplane Entertainment

I went home last weekend and because home is Virginia- It means a pretty long travel day. I flew United and one of their big luxuries was the option of DirectTV on the flight. Oh but you have to pay like $10 for it. Usually, on a long flight like that I would cave because if there's a screen on the seat in front of me and really- what else do I have to do?

But this time was different. I was determined to entertain myself using the things I brought on the plane and not waste my money. I succeeded and after all my flights, connections and layovers I felt quite proud of myself. But I found it interesting that we've gotten used to needing that screen time to pass the time. New goal: have more productive things to do on the plane.

A Lifetime of Reading

I blogged about reading over here awhile ago.

Favorite book as a teen: "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" [disclaimer: still love this book]

I loved this book because at the time I had a group of girlfriends that I felt identified directly with the Ya-Ya’s. Some of the childhood experiences and growing up stories that were included in the book reflected some of the things that had happened throughout our lives. It took the love that I had for these friendships and really helped it to grow and establish a sense of belonging. I also loved that these women’s friendships had endured for so long and it gave me hope that the same thing would happen for my best friends and I.

Favorite book now: "The Happiness Project"

I enjoyed this book because it made me feel in control of my own happiness. Rubin established rules as she worked towards happiness and one of them included, “the only person I can change is myself.” I’ve clung to that lately as I’ve had some heartache and some frustrations. It’s important to remember some of those “splendid truths”, as Rubin deems them.

"we read to know that we are not alone"- c.s. lewis 

General Conference

There are two times of the year that I rush out to buy a magazine. Once in May and once in November because it's the General Conference edition of the Ensign. Conference weekend itself is it's own kind of wonderful but there's something great about having that tangible edition of the conference session and having your highlighter in hand. It's hard to listen and comprehend every talk while watching it live, so it's one of my favorite things to relive and really remember the things that were so fabulous to hear just a few weeks ago. 

So far- I'm loving Elder Scott's talk, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life." I'm sure there will be more remembered favorites as I continue to read. 

To read all the talks go here

I'll Be There For You

I'm sitting here watching Friends- like I always do on weeknights while I make/eat dinner, and I was shocked to discover an episode that I've never seen before! My freshman year at BYU, I had a roommate who owned all the seasons but had misplaced a few discs so it must be an episode on one of those lost discs.

Hanging out with Chandler, Phoebe, Monica, Joey, Ross and Rachel is just a normal night in my apartment. If only they actually knew that we're friends. They'll figure it out someday. But for now, it's just a great way to unwind, laugh, and relax at the end of the day with my friends.