Wednesday, July 29, 2009

All Caught Up

I guess it's time to catch up again!
I'll start on Friday. Friday was Justin's nineteenth birthday (yay!). He drove down to Calgary that morning, and got here just after ten. We headed over to Prince's Island for a walk and maybe something to eat at Eau Claire. When we got to the parking lot, we didn't have very much change, and since it happened to be the first day of the Folk Festival (which I didn't realize), we had to park a few blocks down. But, it was a beautiful day, so we enjoyed the extra walk on the path along the Bow.
We walked through Prince's Island a bit, then over to Eau Claire. I hadn't been there in a few years, so it was nice to see what it's like now, and to introduce it to Justin.
We had an early lunch, then walked some more and then after a dusty walk back to the car (they were doing some construction on the sidewalks), we drove back to my house so we could get ready to go to Cardston.
Once we got home, we helped my parents get everything together, and then we were on the road!
After we stopped in Claresholm for some chicken (yum!), we started playing the name game. It was a lot of fun! I need to read up on my "Y" names though! Those are the tricky ones!
When we got to Cardston, we stopped by the campground to see my aunt and uncle (they are running the campground this summer). My cousin and his wife were there with their adorable son! He just turned one and he is so cute!
My parents were going to the temple, so Justin and I decided we'd take a walk down main street, since he hasn't spent much time in Cardston before. First, we wanted to get some allergy pills for him, so we tried to find the pharmacy. But, alas it was after 6:00 on a Friday night, so of course it was closed! (Oh, how I love living in the city!) after checking each gas station, we went to Extra Foods and thankfully, it was open, so we got what we needed!
After the exhausting search, we were quite famished, so we went to Dairy Queen for some food and ice cream (in cones!). Then, we we went to the book store, where Justin found the books he needed for his mission.
After that, we thought we'd head over to the temple to see if my parents were done yet, and on our way there, they drove past us, so we hopped in the van and went to get some food for the morning. After we went over to my cousin Sarah's house and watched the football game with Jared and his wife Sara (since Jeremy and Sarah weren't home yet). Jared and Sara's little guy Theran entertained us quite a bit. Seriously, so cute!
The next morning, we drove into Magrath for Magrath Days. Since my dad was raised in Magrath, we used to go there a lot when I was younger for Magrath Days, but I hated it! Now, I actually enjoy it. Funny how that happens.
We watched the parade, and thankfully didn't get soaked like some. I decided that one good reason for not living in a small town is that no one knows you, and won't get you wet in the parade.
After the parade, we met up with Marni and James and went over to my grandma's to have lunch and hang out. After a bit, we decided to check out the stuff going on at the school. While over there, we ran into an elder that served in our ward a few months ago. Small world!
Justin and I went back to my grandma's and talked with my mom for a bit, then we met up with one of our friends, Carolyn, who we met at EFY the year we met. We decided that since there wasn't much to do in Magrath, we'd go into Lethbridge. So, with Carolyn and her boyfriend, we ended up going mini golfing. It was fun. It was supposed to be glow in the dark, but it was so dark in there, and only have the lights worked, it was more like mini golfing in the dark. If you went by highest score, I won!
After golfing, we got some pizza, then drove back to Magrath.
Then, after hearing some really terrible noise coming from a guy who thought he could sing, we got ready for the fireworks to start.
The fireworks were great! Justin had a lot of fun snapping pictures with his brand new camera that he got for his mission. We got to sit with Sarah and her two oldest girls. They were so cute when we were watching them. They just loved them! Her oldest, Bailey kept on saying "Oh, I love those ones! I like those ones! Those are my favourite!", every time!
And, during the fireworks, there were a few fireworks going on behind us! My sister was proposed to! I'm really happy for her and James! And I get to be her maid-of-honour, so planning has been fun. (For the full scoop, check out The Life of Marns)
After church on Sunday, we came back home, and then Justin went back to Edmonton. I had such a good weekend, and was really happy to spend some quality time with Justin after such a long time (FIVE WEEKS!).
And, I get to go to Edmonton on Friday for the blink-182 concert, so we only have a week apart, which is pretty great!
I think I'm done now. Well, at least my fingers are... lots of typing!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Your Garage Band King



Andrew McMahon. This guy is amazing. He has been on my list of favorites since I was about 13 years old. My initial love has deepened into a seven year music romance. Tonight, I was listening to Jack's Mannequin's "Caves". My heart melts every time I hear those beautiful notes of the piano. And, bonus, he's a good person too. And brave. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with leukemia. As far as I know, he's still cancer-free. But, really. If you haven't listened to any of his stuff, do it. Right this minute. You'll fall in love. Plus, he's nice to look at (post-Something-Corporate-long-wavy-'do) Am I right, ladies? Yes, I think I am. 
Listen and watch this video (sorry that it's not the entire song). I'm serious. Andrew McMahon is your guy. You'd be his punk-rock princess if he'd be your garage band king. 

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Those Good Old Dreams

 I found a few interesting things today in some of my journals and notebooks. I love reading back and seeing what was so important in my life at the time I wrote my thoughts. Some things I found were really funny, some were shocking. So, here's what I found. This first one was dated December 1, 2006. For as long as I can remember, I've always had a plan for my life. It has been that has continually changed, but it's always been there. On this day, I wrote my current life plan. 

My Life Plan
(If money is no problem) June 2007 - graduate high school Summer 2007 - work, go on small road trips, meet "him" Fall 2007 - start school at U of C or Mt. Royal Spring 2008 - go to the states for shopping (maybe Cali or NYC?) Fall 2008 - second year at University, choose History as minor? Summer 2009 - go to Europe
Fall 2009 - third year at university (transfer to U of C or U of A if at MRC) Summer 2010 or 2011 - get engaged Fall 2010 - in fourth year of university Fall/Spring/Summer 2010 or 2011 - get married, go on honeymoon to Europe or Australia
When I found this, I couldn't even remember writing it! Some things didn't happen. Some surprisingly did. I did meet "him" in the summer of 2007. I did start school at U of C in the Fall of 2007. I didn't go to California or New York, and I'm not going to Europe this summer. I didn't choose History as my minor, I chose Psychology. As for the rest... we'll see. The next thing I found was a list of the characteristics I wanted in the man I would marry or date. I believe it was written in 2006, but I'm not positive. It's a laugh, really. 
This is what I thought I wanted in my guy:
- brown, wavy or curly hair
- good taste in music and movies (i.e. mine)
- good sense of humour
- can watch an entire episode of "Gilmore Girls" and laugh at the appropriate parts (and understand why)
- is planning on continuing education (preferably Music, Art, English or History major)
- does not drink or smoke
- knows who Jane Austen is, and be open to reading Jane Austen
- is aware of the art of making mix tapes
- likes Bob and Doug
- good with witty one-liners  
 It's so funny how I thought some things were so important. They're really not. Also, I think my list might have been slightly influenced by Seth Cohen and that I had just read Nick Hornby's High Fidelity. I love reading my old journal entries, because I can really see how I've grown, and how I'm changing. Three years ago, I expected different things. Even though everything hasn't happened the way I'd planned, I am so happy with my life now. I really can never fully express how lucky I am. Oh, and another thing that I found really shocked me. In February 2007, I wrote how unhappy I was with my weight and that I really needed to lose weight. I didn't do anything about it then, but I had all these great plans. Anyway, I wrote down my weight at that time which is almost 25 pounds more than I am today. I couldn't believe it. I am so happy now. Life is amazing. 

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Surprise, Surprise





Ever planned a party? A surprise party? In your mind it goes right according to plan, doesn't it? I had the same delusion. 
It's my sister's birthday today (Happy birthday, Marni!), and I decided a few months ago that I wanted to throw her and surprise party, because I knew that she has always wanted one. I had it all planned out to invite everyone, and make sure that everyone could come. And then, it was a week before, and my mom reminded me that I had not yet invited anyone. So, off I went to handy facebook, and invited some of Marni's close friends. I didn't get the response I wanted, but I sent some texts and talked to a few, and it seemed like we would have some people coming. Then the day came, and I was busy making cupcakes and spending hours (yes, hours!) in Superstore shopping for the food with my mom. 
More than a few had confirmed that they were coming, so I was really excited. I really wanted to throw Marni a great birthday. My mom had figured out how to get Marni here, and it seemed like all would just fall into place. But, it didn't. A few people weren't able to make it, and some didn't even let me know they wouldn't come. 
So, when we were ready to shout the big "SURPRISE!", it was just me and our good friend Candi. However, we had a terrific night. There were only six of us (Marni, James, Candi, my brother David, and his girlfriend, Alison), but it was a really good night. And despite the fact that I really am disappointed in those that do not follow through with commitments for no apparent reason, I'm happy with the night we did have. And, once again, Happy birthday, Marni! You're the best big sister. Love you! (ps: in case you can't read it clearly enough, the cupcakes say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, M!"



Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Happiness by the Kilowatt

Working in a women's retail store, I have the great opportunity of seeing a lot (a lot!) of really cute kids. I also get to see some pretty unhappy, destructive and troublesome children -- but that's beside the point. Anyway. The other day at work, I was ringing a customer's purchase through at the till, and her adorable little girl was sitting on the counter. I smiled at her, as I usually can't help myself from smiling around the cute ones. A few moments later, she turns to her mom, and says "Why is she so happy?!". Her mom didn't know who she was talking about, and asked who was this "she". The girl (who was probably younger than four), points to me, and says "her!". I thought it was so funny. But, like most things I can come across, it made me think. What does make me happy? I've made a list.
1. Knowing that I can be with my family for eternity
2. Starting a new book
3. Re-reading a beloved book
4. Being able to share precious memories with the people I care about
5. Having an amazing boyfriend (and best friend)
6. The fact that I can consider my family members to be my closest friends
7. The hope of my future
8. Green!
9. Watching (and singing along to) musicals ("We've got trouble! Right here in River City!")
10. Having an emotional connection to specific songs
11. Singing
12. Runner's high
13. Scrapbooking, writing, and just being creative in general
14. Having a testimony 
15. Baking and cooking
16. Knowing that I can overcome any trial that comes my way (but realizing that that won't be a walk in the park)
17. Getting my daily dose of fruits and veggies
18. Accomplishing goals I've set for myself
19. Learning! (Only two more months exactly until Fall semester starts!)
20. Making time to read my scriptures
21. Meaningful prayers
22. Institute!
23. Knowing that I will have a mother-in-law that I get along with very well
24. Having  been raised by two of the greatest people
25. Finding that perfect shot, and capturing that moment on film
26. Knowing that I will still be happy in the future
27. Having dreams
28. Making plans
29. Being healthy
30. Being in love
Obviously this list is far from complete. But, these are the ones that are in my mind at the moment. So many things and people make me happy. I am just so lucky. 




Thursday, July 02, 2009

O Canada!

I forgot to post last night, so here it is. Happy (belated) Canada day, eh?! I really am proud to be Canadian. On Sunday, as our closing hymn in Sacrament meeting, we sang "O Canada!" (yes, all four verses!). I love singing our national anthem. Singing it on Sunday, the lyrics really touched me. I am so blessed to live in a country with so many freedoms and benefits. I love it.
Also, on another note of gratitude...
Today, at work, I was reminded again of how lucky I am. One of my first customers of the morning was a man in a wheel chair. He needed my help finding a size in a shirt (probably for his wife), because he said his hands don't work very well, and he'd probably mess up the piles if he looked for it. As I was helping him and watching him, I realized that I am so incredibly blessed to have all of my fingers and toes and arms and legs, and that each of my limbs work remarkably. I hope that I will never have to learn how to live without them.