5 Year Old Sarah is HAPPY

Ok, it has been awhile since a movie made me giddy (other than HP #7 part 1). A movie that just flat out makes me laugh really loud, or doesn't even weird me out when the cartoon characters kiss. Well today I saw Tangled and let me tell ya I am STILL giddy. I came home and bought the soundtrack at the drop of the hat, changed my facebook

status to be about it and am now blogging about how much I loved it. I am a little obsessed I know, but I just loved it. Maybe it is the five year old in me but a good princess movie never fails to make me happy. I loved being able to enjoy a good cartoon musical while knowing that there wasn't going to be anything inappropriate in it. I guess I found myself relating to Rapunzel: Her SASS, her long hair, her big eyes, her innocence and trust, she even likes to bake and plays the guitar hahaha!

Here is the song on the credits of the movie...LOVE IT.

Christmas Songs that should NEVER be played...

Now don't get me wrong...I love me some Christmas time! I love the annual cousin's sleepover, the music, the family traditions, the movies, the smell of the tree, the presents, the nativity story etc etc. But there are just some songs I can NOT tolerate at Christmastime...call me heartless or a Grinch but here they are:

1. Grown Up Christmas List...Enough said.

2. The Christmas Shoes...."So I laid the money down!" Too dramatic, I mean it has a great message but it's just overplayed to the point where it is now just cheesy.

3. O Holy Night...No one should sing this song, not in church, not in the shower...Nowhere!

4. Mary Did You Know...especially if Donny Osmond is singing it.

5. Santa Baby...that's just sick.

6.Feliz Navidad...We get it the point but yet the song keeps on going and going and GOING.

7. Breath of Heaven...Over played

8. Feed the World...I don't know if that's what it is called but it's the one that's like "Do they know it's Christmas time at all" and it is so repetitive and annoying and every time I get in the car it is playing.

9. Any Christmas song but Kenny G, Gloria Estefan or Michael Bolton

But Hey! White Christmas never gets old,Silent Night never fails to give me the chills and Elvis's Blue Christmas is my alarm in the mornings! So there are some songs I still like ;)

P.S. My Dad and I made a gingerbread version of Graceland...Check it out.

Right Now, Sarah Jane!

This past weekend my dad bought me and my roomates tickets to go see Peter Breinholt's Christmas concert up here in Logan. Pete has always been a favorite with my family and I was pysched to go. It was a great concert and really put me in the Christmas spirit. There was one thing that stuck out however and it wasn't anything to do with Christmas. He sang a song he wrote for his little boy who auditioned for a part in The Christmas Carol at Hale Center on a whim and got it. It is called "Right Now" and I love it. It made me think that I have been holding off on a lot of things because I was too scared that I wouldn't be good enough or that people would judge me. After hearing the song, I was inspired to do something I had always feared doing...........write a song. And ironically that night I got inspired to write a song for my roomate Kenzy. It hasn't been easy, I am a terrible rhymer and I have never been able to express my feelings well. I found myself listening to other people's songs and being jealous of their talents and close to giving up on the song altogether BUT I finished it today! It is nothing fancy (it only includes 3 chords) but yet I am so proud of the little "ditty" I composed because it wasn't easy and I know it came straight from the heart!

So listen to Pete's song...Maybe it will inspire you too :)
P.S. Don't let the EFY emblem frighten you...it is really good!

Listen! aka Random Rantings by Sarah Jane

--"I don't want to behave myself, I don't care about behaving myself!" Barbara Streisand in The Way We Were
--I have been loving the word LISTEN lately! I got it from my sis and now I use it all the time. My roomates think it is funny!
--Ok I know this is weird, but someday in the distant VERY DISTANT future I want to name my daughter...McCartney...I think it is adorable.
--Our apartment is the most Christmas festival of all the apartments in San Juan and probably everywhere else!
--When the Fast Food Phatties get famous we are making a duets album with famous "dead" people. I dibs Elvis!
--"Hey your teeth are shiny."
--I am shocked I haven't had a major biff on all the ice around her.
--Yeah that is right I have a pinetree printed on the bottom of my boot.
--My frog has freakishly long legs...it kind of creaps me out.
-- NEGATIVE 8 degrees....my nose hairs froze.
--Seriously Brandon...You are a cartoon. You make me laugh and I am glad you appreciate the Beatles.
--"Tomorrow it may rain so...I'll follow the sun."--The Beatles
--Rompin' in the snow!
--Ok I know it is mean but now that I know he lives above me I really want to make noise all night just to annoy him...HEHEHE (Evil Laughter)
--"I'll have a BLUE christmas...without you!"
--Can't wait to be at the Lion House during the holidays...It is chaotic but SO much fun!
--The Emily/ee's are picked on in our apartment, but we love them!
--"What is it I yet lack?"
--"Is it because of father?" "MY HAIR!"
--Facebook stalking during Aural skills...so what if I was.
--"MynameisSarahBoucherandIwillbesingingDehVieniNonTardarbyMozart.My accompanistisRebeccaTanner."
--You thought me being afraid of birds is weird, get this someone I know from the music department is afraid of someone hiding beneath her car and cutting her achilles tendon. How is that for irrational?
--I LOVE CHRISTMAS...AHHHHHHHH!

Simple Little Things

This week has been hard but I have been amazed at how mindful the Lord is of me and how small simple acts of service from others have really helped me make it through!

--When I got back to Logan on Sunday night my roomates had made me cookies and made sure there was a cold Diet Dr. Pepper in the fridge waiting for me.
--I had two sweet notes from my roomates on the door of my room telling me that I was missed!
--Emilee was a trooper! She bought me chocolate raisins, would stay up late watching Harry Potter with me, listen to me if I needed to talk, take me to the gas station to get a soda and just plain take care of me! I am so grateful for her!
--Amy brought me over cookies and a sweet note!
--Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) came out and we went at 3 AM it was so fun!
--On Wednesday, the worst day of them all, I got on Emilee's computer to find that the Beatles are now on I-Tunes and I could complete my collection. Retail therapy is great!
--Not a day went by that someone from my family didn't call or text me to check up.
--A kid in my music class approached me and asked me if I was ok. He noticed I seemed unlike my usual self and was concered. It was really sweet of him.
--I had lots of facebook messages and texts cheering me on and reminding me that it will get better.


I am just overwhelmed by the support and love of those around me! I can't imagine what this week would be like without it! Thanks everyone!

P.S. For more on Harry Potter check out me and Em's blog. In a couple of days we will be able to upload all our pictures from it!

Sweat Pants Sunday

Reasons why I love my brother!

--Every Sunday he makes it a point to celebrate sweatpants Sunday...you put your sweats on and watch a movie or TV show.

--He can tell when I am lonely and will just hang with me.

--He is just flat out hilarious...especially when he makes up what happens in Harry Potter "Harry and Sirius go bowling and get snowcones and THEN Harry's snowcone turns into Voldemort and eats him"

--He has a great taste in music and taught me to appreciate all artists, such as John Denver and Phil Collins.

--He sings to Miley Cyrus...Yep that's right and Shakira...in the proper octave.

--He served a mission and works hard at all he does. Seriously his work ethic is AMAZING.

--He has "much knowledge", spiritually, technologically, street smarts ect.

--He refers to soda as a "bevy" (meaning beverage)

--He can get my mom to do anything.

--He helped me take off my shoes when I was too jet lagg

ed to do it myself in Madrid.

--He does quiet acts of service.

--He's a good and loyal friend.

--I can call him when I can't make the computer/my ipod/the Wii/the TV work.

--He can debate anything...he even pretends he likes Obama just to get a good debate out of it.

--Perhaps the biggest reason today --at this very moment-- is that my brother stepped up to the plate...He opened the door to my room and found me on the floor crying and instead of running for the hills he gave me a hug and gave me the greatest advice. He

knew what to say and how to say it. I love that he gives me advice and that he was willing to comfort me. I was so grateful at that moment that he was there and I know that the spirit really guided him on how to help.

Love you, Ry!

My Best Friend

Roomate #7

Yes, here is San Juan 303 we have an honorary 7th roomate....Her name is Miss Taylor Swift and we LOVE her! On Sunday night we eagerly awaited midnight so we could go to Walmart and purchase her newest CD "Speak Now" without breaking the sabbath. At 12:01 we started to get nervous when no one brought the CD's out. I know it is hard to believe but...we were not the only ones waiting for it. 3 Walmart employees claimed we had the date wrong and that they knew nothing about it so we begged them to check the back. After checking the back twice they finally brought the box out. We got giddy and took pictures. As we climbed into Meg's truck the first song we listened to was "Sparks Fly" it has a line in it about meeting in the pouring rain...and guess what? It was pouring rain! We all quickly jumped out of the car and proceeded to have a dance party to most of the CD, in the pouring rain in the Walmart Parking lot. We were all SO happy to be alive, to enjoy the rain, to be together! It was such a great "girly" experience that made me love my roomates even more! Love you, Emilee, Emily, Callie, Kenzy, Meagan ....AND TAYLOR!

P.S. The CD is AWESOME by the way!

Got Awkward?

Do you ever wake up in the morning and feel like someone entirely different has taken over your body? Well today I was no longer Sarah Jane....I was awkward Sarah Jane. And it wasn't just like one embarassing moment it was that my whole body was overcome by an awkward version of myself. Maybe I have just never noticed and maybe I am always an awkward human. It started out by my appearance...I couldn't make myself not look awkward, suddenly I was having Junior High flashbacks where you never look good. Then there was the way I was walking...It was stiff and mechanically and I couldn't for the life of me change it (believe me I tried...which probably made me look more awkward!) I would try to smile at people I walked by and every time I did this creeper smile came out, I probably scared people. I tripped while crossing the street, it was like my feet were too big for my body. My Ipod got stuck in a plant while I was walking and almost caused me to fall over, then I had to stop and unwind it from the plants grips while people watched. I couldn't carry a conversation at all, my mind was all over the place.

I like to think that I am not awkward at all...It must be the awkward toxins lingering in the air from most (if not all) of the boys that live in San Juan hall. Maybe it is a plot to turn us all awkward with them...Vaccines are needed.

M.F.E.O

That's right "Meant for Each Other"...This phrase is what I would use to describe the relationship I have with my roomates. Cheesy...but true.



How do I know this? Here is why:

--Emilee loves Harry Potter, and we can have long in depth discussion about the symbolism and watch the trailer for the 7th movie about 6 times and almost cry! We are HP nerds together and have made Thursday's Harry Potter Thursdays.
--Last night, me, Emilee, Callie and Kenzy got extremely bored so what did we do....We mattress surfed down the stairs outside of our room. There were a few instances where I nearly peed my pants!
--We all eat peanut butter (except Callie she's allergic) and cheese like it is our JOB.
--Ice cream and chick flicks are always acceptable.
--They have heard my real laugh...which resembles a witches cackle...and they still love me anyways.
--Callie likes to take pictures just as much as I do...maybe more.
--We all share a love of Taylor Swift and Kenzy knows about every single song of hers on the guitar...Heck Ya, Taylor Swift Tuesdays!
--I can share with them boy drama and awkward stories and know that they won't judge me!
--We laugh...LOTS...at each other...with each other...at other people... ETC.
--They don't think I am racist when I make Asian jokes/comments.
--They make fun of people who say "They just love their roomates" in their testimonies but when they bare theirs they say the same thing cause it is true!
--They except my weirdness and my awkwardness.
--They always know how to help your make me feel happy. Emilee has even seen me cry and made me feel better!
--We watch Gilmore Girls together and want to take a first snowfall walk around campus so we can be like Lorelai and Rory!



I really do love these girls and am so glad that I got this lucky!

The Fridge

Yes the fridge is an important destination in San Juan 303. It houses many important items, including the tortilla's and yogurt that we all seem to have. But if you looked in our fridge you would find a very prevalent item in it.....CHEESE. If you looked in our fridge you would see 4 different blocks of cheese, a drawer full of cheese sticks, a few bags of shredded cheese, 2 different types of parmesan cheese and even cheese slices. This is how we eat in San Juan 303. Whether it be with quesadilla's, a grilled cheese, apples and cheese, crackers and cheese, mac and cheese or just straight up cheese....it makes us very happy!

YAY CHEESE!

You Know You are in Logan When...

You see a tiny white truck carting around a GIANT wooden cow in it's bed (With blue spots of course)!



You change clothes at least three times a day because suddenly it is either too hot or too cold.



(Along with the previous) You check the weather and it says that the high is 80 and the low 40.



You see black crows everywhere...slightly terrifying.



You only encouter one stop light on your ten minute walk to school.



The wind is so strong you can't walk against it.



Your bishop says watermAlon.



You see someone dressed in full on cowboy gear heading to class.





I LOVE MY QUIRKY COLLEGE TOWN!

"Where the Sage Brush GROWS!"

HURD MEMBERSHIP...25$
THREE CANS OF BLUE HAIRSPRAY...15$
HAIR TEASING...1 HOUR TO DO AND 1 HOUR BRUSH OUT
BLACK WARRIOR PAINT...FREE
FUN NIGHT OUT BEING A TRUE BLOODED AGGIE FROM UTAH WITH THE ROOMIES...

PRICELESS

P.S. We won!

You know I am a nerd when I think something very silly and then immediately think "That is great blog material!" So you may be wondering what this odd topic is. It turns out that it is Sunflower seeds! I was eating them in the car and thinking why do I even bother. First of all you go through all that trouble just to get a tiny little seed...That barely fills you up. Secondly, you have to deal with the mess of getting rid of the shells. Throwing them out the car window is good but what if they stick to your car or someone else's...YUCK. Putting them in an empty cup kind of makes me throw up in my mouth because it is basically a cup of spit. I also dislike how when I bite into them I guess I get over enthusiastic because the seed breaks too and then it is even harder to discern the shell to seed ratio. I also struggle to get the seed out...is this similar to tying a cherry stem or opening a starburst in your mouth...cause if it is I can't do those either so I guess I am not a good kisser! But you want to know the worst part about sunflower seeds?

I CAN'T STOP EATING THEM!

Roomate Blog Fun

Em and I started a blog! CHECK IT OUT...Please!

www.usulegallyblondes.blogspot.com

Go Aggies, Go Aggies, Hey, Hey, HEY!

College. Here I am at college. Weird right? I have to say it has been great! I thought I would be scared out of my mind but I found myself surprisingly calm. Right now it is the good life since I have no homework yet and I don't have to go to some of my music classes yet so I have lots of free time. Too bad it won't always be like this!

Negatives of College.

-MY FROG DIED. Only one of them but still is was sad and frankly quite disgusting to fish him out of his tank. May he rest in peace.

-Book costs. OUTRAGEOUS.

-My closet door is broken. hahaha!

-Sharing a bathroom between six girls

-YSA Meetings...Get married...get married...get married! I am only 18 folks give me some time!

Positives!

-Shorter classes

-I love walking to class. It is nice to get some exercise and fresh air in.

-My roomates are the best! I just met them last night and we stayed up talking till 2 am. I was amazed at how easily I could chat with them and not feel awkward.

-I love all the stuff I got to decorate my room with.

-I know where the Fine Arts building is which is good since every class except for science and institute are there.

-No one cares. It is not like high school where you feel like everyone is evaluating what you are wearing and who you hang out with.

I am still in the process of meeting new people. I can get shy and just plain awkward. But I figure once I get used to my classes and get to know people in my building and in my ward I will know more people. I can tell my music classes are going to be hard. They expect a lot. At least the professors are all really nice and want to help and seem to genuinely care. So even though I know this year will be full of challenges, I am excited to meet them and prove to myself that I can do it! I am anxious to see what the future brings.

Catch Up!

I have been a failure at blogging recent events! Here is what I have missed...

Russell got his mission call to Mexico City.

I was a mother of 5 for 9 days! It really made me appreciate my mother and as much as I love my cousins I am glad I won't be having kids for a VERY long time!

We went to Lake Powell on the tradition Redd/English/Boucher trip. It was great but a little stormy. We ate like none other and Helen sang a song she wrote about the trip to the tune of Leaving on a Jet Plane while Kim played the Ukelele.

I had a lesson with the interim head of the music department at USU. Wow, she blew my mind. I can't wait for the doors that college study will open for me.

Amy and I performed Fearless Heart at a benefit concert! We rocked it!

Spencer Oliphant, my first friend to go on his mission left this week! I can't believe those boys are old enough to go!

Megan's vintage wedding went amazing (pictures will be posted soon!) I am so glad Steve is my brother and am happy for their decision to be married in the temple even though I couldn't be there.

I move up to Logan in a week! CRAZY! I am nervous/ excited.

Sir Paul

Paul McCartney 7/13/2010...LIFE ALTERING! The man has STAMINA, TALENT and is the most CHARMING guy! Not to mention my favorite Beatle! At the ripe age of 68 he can still rock it and pull out 3 encores! I nearly died and cried when he played Hey Jude and had the audience sing the Nah-Nah-Nah part. I was so inspired by him. You could tell that he loved doing what he was doing and that he is just a good guy. He came to Utah of all places and gave the concert of his life when he probably could have just sat back and chilled and none of us would have known the difference! He had fireworks and confetti and straight up joy! He sang Something and played the Ukelele (?), who would have thunk it? He smiled and seemed genuinely pleased at the audiences responses to him. I screamed my lungs out and didn't want it to end. In fact, I think I may have damaged my father's ear drums. It was a concert I will never forget...EVER! And I think I may be a little bit in love with him...awkward I know but I can't help it!

He wrote this song right after John died for John...I had never heard it before and absolutely love it!

There TRULY is No Place Like Home

I never would have guessed that camp would only be a day long. Everything was going great until the unfortunate passing of one of the girls, Sophie Barton. She had collapsed on a hike with her ward and was rushed to the hospital. This was truly a tragedy. Sophie had grown up with me in my ward and had only just changed wards when the boundaries of our stake were realigned. I can remember playing Barbies and dress ups with her when were young. She was a talented, bright and energetic girl and she was always the life of our ward activities!

Several things struck me through this event. The first was that although Sophie was young and had a very long life ahead of her, Heavenly Father has a plan for us and that sometimes we may not understand why he does the things he does. I realized that there is a reason for everything that happens in our lives.

I also realized that I need to really treasure the life I have. Life is precious and short and such a BLESSING! Her passing reminded me that I need to be a little bit kinder, nicer and more grateful for all I have. She was such a talented musician and worked so hard to share her talents with others. As I thought about that I realized I want to share my talents as much as she did and live by her example in this area.

The last main thing I realized was that there truly is no place like home. This was the theme for camp and I feel like the girls really came to know and grasp this theme. As soon as I heard the news I was wishing I was home with my family wanting to hold them, tell them I love them and have them share the pain. That night as we all arrived home we all ran to our families for comfort. This theme also became meaningful on an eternal side. Sophie was able to return to her Heavenly Father's home and gain an extensive knowledge of the gospel. Someday Sophie will be able to be with her family in this place because of the covenants her parents have made. I am just grateful for my eternal family and that I get to be with them forever! It is nice to know that I will have support here on earth and all through eternity!

You've got the best of both worlds

You're the kind of girl who can take down and

man and lift him back up again

You are strong but you're needy

Humble but your greedy

And based on your body language and cursive I've been reading

Your style is quite selective, though your mind is rather reckless

Well I guess it just suggests that this is just what happiness is...

and what a BEAUTIFUL MESS this is...

Thank You Jason Mraz.

Life in Corporate America

I began working at my Dad's office this week. I will be there 3 days a week doing anything and everything they need me to be doing....Mostly just the jobs nobody wants! But hey I have my own cubicle and everyone there knows me as Sarah Jane. I have already learned a few things about the business world...

#1. Cubicles do not muffle sound. I can hear everything and EVERYONE around the office. It is so strange to sneeze and have voices all around you say "bless you!" I have heard so many over the phone interviews that I am pretty sure I could now give one!

#2. Sometimes people don't leave their cubicles to talk to you so you always have to listen in cause people could be talking to you and you don't even know it!

#3. When in doubt always ask.

#4. Don't eat poppy seeds before a drug test.

#5. Important things to know= where the bathrooms are and where the fridge is (the fridge with the free soda!)

#6. Always pay attention when getting out of an elevator...all the floors look the same in my building.

#7. Human resource people are always the most friendly in the office.

#8. Chat it up with the other interns because you will probably be doing a lot of projects together and it is best if you talk rather then sit in awkward silence.

#9. Check your email REGULARLY...Meaning every half hour.

#10. If you stay in your cubicle you don't have to see anyone you don't want to. It is like you can disappear in there!

"Oh my goodness!"

Shirley Temple. Just saying the name brings me joy. As a child she was my hero, I loved how my family would compare my curly hair to hers. I loved her movies especially Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. On my 18th birthday I received a collection of 18 of her movies. All the memories came flooding back! But something new that really struck me was her immense talent! She was discovered at 3 years old...3! I don't even think I could say my full name at three years old and this little girl could memorize lines, songs and dances. She starred in her first movie at 6 years old...WOW. Her optimism and bright cheery dimples served as a source of joy for those people suffering in the great depression. At such a young age it is remarkable to me that she was able to have so much talent. Unlike many child stars, Shirley turned out to be normal. She became a mother and had a family of her own. She even survived Breast Cancer and was a U.S. ambassador! What an amazing women! If you can't tell I really love and admire her! And her middle name is Jane :D!

What I learned from High School

Today is the big day...I am graduating after 12 years in the public school system. I can't believe that it is already here! Here are some things I have learned, they may seem simply but they are very important!

--True friendship is two-way. "You only get what you give"

--Boys don't have cooties and they make the best friends

--Friends may come and go but family will always be there

--Working hard can bring you the most joy

--I can do hard things

--There is so much happiness in doing a job well done and putting forth something you are proud of

--Developing and sharing my talents are what makes me the most happy

--Pray, pray, PRAY about everything and things will always turn out for the best

--Sometimes the unexpected is the best thing

I am just so grateful that I have family and friends who have helped me during my high school years. I owe so much to their support and love. I am grateful for what these years have taught me and how surviving high school has really strengthened my testimony. I have loved the opportunities high school has given me to shine and to work hard. Next stop Utah State!

Livin' On a Prayer

Well Folks the AP tests are over...Isn't life GRAND?! I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders!

Something I have learned through all this stress is to really rely on my Heavenly Father. (I am not usually the churchy type on my blog but this really impressed me!) I can not tell you how many nights I cried to my Heavenly Father and told him my worries. Although they were small and probably a bit ridiculous (Such as asking to help me not fall asleep during one of my tests or that my pencil would not break) I can't tell you how much better I felt. I have been praying all through out the day asking for strength and help! Man has that helped me through! It has been such a trying time but it is amazing how much joy I have been able to have despite that. I know that it is because of my prayers and me gaining a closer relationship with Heavenly Father. I am grateful that I know that I can pray and that things will turn out and even if I may not have passed the EURO test, I still have peace!

Hahaha, well there is my spiritual thought for today....Sorry for the cheesy-ness!

"When the War is over"

The War=AP tests....Just a little Gone with the Wind quote for you! When the AP tests are over I will....

--Eat right

--Sleep 8 hours every night

--Hang out with friends with out the nagging feeling that I should be studying instead

--Exercise

--Finish online Bowling class

--Do lots of service for people

--Party in yearbook

--Shower everyday

--HAVE FUN

--Stop drinking 80 oz of soda everyday

Until then.... the stress will eat my insides out.

Nerd?

"You are such a nerd...I love that about you." A nerd? A friend at work said this to me today because I could finish a Lord of the Rings quote. I never really thought of myself as a nerd until this moment. I mean I always knew I was a bit quirky but I never thought of my quirks as nerd. Well I came to the conclusion that I am in fact quite a nerd and proud to be so!

--I watched the special features of Gone with the Wind...I can pull out facts at the drop of the hat.

--I watched Muppet Treasure Island just to write down all the lyrics to the songs.

--I watched Star Wars with a pad of paper in order to write down every inspirational quote.

--I slept with a lightsaber under my bed for...protection.

--I wear a graphic T-shirt every friday

--I think Harrison Ford is one of the hottest men in the world.

--When we learned about JRR Tolkien in the 5th grade, I took the "How to Write in Elvish" paper home and wrote all my journal entries in it.

--I slept with a blankie until this year and I only stopped because I was worried about how thread bare it was.

--I eat Skittles by color.

--I have Elvis stationary.

--I spend a large part of my life studying.

--I almost cried on my 11th birthday when my letter from Hogwarts didn't come.

--I get really depressed on the anniversary of Elvis' death.

--I make mixes with specific themes.

--I tried to play Quiditch with my friend.We took brooms outside on the tramp.

--I watch JONAS on Disney channel and loved Camp Rock.

--I like doing the dishes at the Lion House.

--I like wearing my glasses.

March Madness!

Wow! I can't believe it is already April! March went by so fast! It was probably the most fun month of this year, but it also felt like the busiest (with the exception of October because of the musical!) With yearbook deadlines and ensemble show prep, region, Concerto tryouts and 2 tours it was INSANE! I can't believe I survived, it is interesting how sometimes our busiest times are our most fun times! The main thing about March was CALIFORNIA...TWICE. Once on Art History tour to San Fran the second on Choir Tour.

Here are some highlights/good times in San Fran...

--Ken Washington

--"You want to know how much a care about plants...0!--Attractive man offering to take our picture!

--Eating at the cheesecake factory...Twice.

--H&M

--Falling asleep at like 12 when everyone else would stay up late.

--Getting in arguments about which direction to go..."Theresa, I just don't understand your logic!"

--Taking the F line to Castro instead of to the Warf...HAHAHA!

--Having our chaperones treat us like we were five since we got lost all the time!

--Going to the MOMA

--Starbuck Vanilla Bean Frappicino's! Twice a day!

--"People should wear pants."

--My medicine/Dr. Pepper trip

--Alcatraz! So creepy!

--The rain on the first day!

--Being offered "chinese jello"

--Trying to eat the Bodin bake

ry sandwiches!

--"Goodbye, I love you!"

Highlights/Good Times on Choir Tour...

--Writing Beln's Epic Slay with Bagel

--Making a TR list with Bagel

--Asking would you rather questions

--Getting my hair cut

--DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!! All of it!

--Watching Stu propose to Ang...HAHAHA!

--Performing in California Adventure

--Having the DVD player be broken...BOO!

--Playing Diner Dash

--Playing at the beach!

--Eating Cheese dogs on the beach

--Having my whole family there

--Hearing my Grandpa speak

--Testimony meeting! WOW it was so spiritually charged!

--"Jack in the Box is owned by the devil!"

--Teasing Allie by singing "She's in Love!"

--Story time in our room

--Taking pictures jumping on the beds

--When Allie lost her light saber

--Eating at I-Hop...Twice

--Getting asked to Prom in front of the Disney castle

--Lion King!

--Doug throwing me in the swimming pool

--"It's too darn hot" for 20 minutes

--Stretching in our room

--Having 20 minutes to get ready for Kiss Me Kate, Hilarious!

--Playing Nertz

--"You don't have to wear it if you don't want to!"

--"Miss Belnap will you give me a dollar. I don't have many dollars!"

--"Goodbye I love you!"

--Singing at St. Edmunds

--Marci's cardboard cut out

--The Speedo Incident

--"Look I am Russell!"

--Russell putting his phone in a plastic bag

--And being with my friends 24/7! I love you guys!

ZZZZZZZZZZZ....

Something you should know about me is that I love to sleep. In fact I can pretty much sleep anytime anywhere (Although I have not yet perfected the ability to sleep standing up.) I have EVEN managed to fall asleep in Concert Choir WHILE singing Away in a Manger. In some of my classes it has become peoples favorite past time to watch me nod off. They laugh as my head constantly bobs up and down or as my elbow buckles under and off the desk as I fall asleep. They even manage to not wake me up as they take pictures with the large yearbook cameras. One time on our trip to Spain, I slept with my eyes partially open, scary I know! I have even fallen asleep during Ms. Sodders and Mr. Felt's classes (Two of the hardest teachers I have ever had) Ms. Sodders eventually started to say "There is a Sleeping Beauty on the back row" almost everyday because she knew it would keep me awake. Today Mr. Felt had to ask me if I was still with the class, it was a bit embarassing. At least I didn't snore though...

You can be certain that nothing comes between me and my sleep! So while other people can brag about being good at basketball, soccer, competitive eating, knitting, calculus, I can say that I am truly talented at...SLEEP.

My New Brother

My new brother is named Steve. Although Ryan would be upset that I consider Steve a real brother, I still do. And you know something I have since I was...hm...14 maybe? I am glad it will finally be official. Steve is nice, he let me go ring shopping with him because he knows that is just the sort of girly thing I love. Steve is crazy about Megan and would do anything for her. Steve has seen me throw tantrums. Steve is funny when he gets protective of me. Steve played for me when I auditioned at colleges. Steve understands being the youngest child. Steve is wise. Steve likes the Beatles and plays Beatles Rockband with me. Steve likes Casablanca. Steve kisses Megan in front of me (Gross). I like Steve. Welcome to the Family...

MMMMM....

I am craving, CRAVING Spaghetti. Not just a little craving a BIG ONE. I just can't rest until I have a large plate of spaghetti lathered in delicious red sauce. And you know something I have been craving it since Friday! Oh delicious spaghetti, when will you be in my tummy?

Emotions flying high!

Today I auditioned up at Utah State for their vocal music program! I can honestly say that I feel so relieved that it is over! Today I felt a huge spectrum of emotions: I woke up and was hopeful that my voice wasn't lost at the dance, I went through my songs and cried because I was so scared of doing it (and maybe cried a bit when I couldn't find anything to wear hahaha, I know I am a baby!), I got a blessing from my brother and felt peace, I got in the car and drove for 1 hour an a half and felt anxiousness, I said a prayer with my mother and felt comforted, I walked in the room to audition and felt confident, I walked out of the room and took a theory test and felt insecure because my theory knowledge is not very much, I went to lunch with my supportive family and felt happy that it was over, I drove home and felt tired!

What a learning experience! It was so worth it all though and even if I don't get a scholarship I am proud of myself for trying! I am just so grateful for the support of my family and my talent of singing that I have been blessed with! Hey the opera lady smiled at me, and the choir guy shook my hand so maybe that is a good sign?

Realization.Questions.Comments.

REALIZATIONS:

#1. When I think about how to help other people and focus on being helpful and serving them, I am so much happier. (Obvious I know but I still am just barely realizing that)

#2. Forgiving is much harder than apologizing but it is almost more rewarding in a way.

#3. Obedience to my parents is very important to me.

QUESTIONS:

#1. Where is all this sudden romance coming from in my group of friends? It seems like it is everywhere but maybe it is just in my head.

#2. Why is February going to be so eventful? It usually is so boring.

#3. Why is Valentines Day even celebrated?

COMMENTS:

#1. Under Pressure by David Bowie and Queen is a classy song.

#2. I struggle with afternoon church...I will try to be more positive about it.

#3. I am loving seminary right now! I am learning so much

The MANn

Warning, my broadway nerd is about to manifest itself...

Ok do you ever hear a voice that captures you fancy immediately? A voice that is low and powerful? A voice that is low but still manages to belt out high last notes? A voice that makes a character come alive? This my friends is my HERO Terrence Mann. He is a broadway star that has played 3 very important and demanding roles: Javert from Les Miserables, Chauvelin from Scarlet Pimpernel and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. I am flat out in love with his voice. In fact I wish I had his voice (I know it is a weird ambition since I am a girl)! It gives me this chills when I hear him sing. He is truly amazing!

Javert...
The Beast...

Chauvelin...

But Why?

Just sending these out in the vast void...

--Why an would you have an accordion player at your wedding? And why would you give out ornaments that are shaped like an accordion with your names on it? Why is this accordion symbolic?

--Why do I get so jealous, when I know I have no reason to be?

--Why does she feel the need to make choir feel like Sunday School?

--Why is it that I can memorize broadway and movies facts better than my art history flashcards?

--Why do James Taylor songs make me feel nostalgic?

--Why is it that no matter how hard you try not to get attached, people end up charming you anyways?

--Why did I not discover how awesome Cat Stevens is before this?!

--Why does Mickey a MOUSE have a Pluto a DOG for a pet?

--Why are they making a My Fair Lady with Kierra Knightley?

--Why is it that some peoples smiles can change your whole day?

--Why don't they just get married...TOMORROW?

--Why "Friends Forever" for graduation, WHY?

--Why does pellet ice make soda taste way better than regular?

--Why is David Bowie still so cool even though he is a so strange?

--Why can the world never know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop?

--Why are Snuggies so comfortable?

--Why can't I speak out in English discussions?

--Why is it if he says it she doesn't get mad, but if I said it she would kill me?

--Why did the Beatles break up and why does no body appreciate the musical brilliance of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds?

--Why do I want to be an Opera singer?

--Why do I get along so well with 5 and 6 year olds?

--Why am I afraid of rollercoasters?

--Why is there a state named Washington and a City? That is just confusing!

WHY????????????????????