Rule Breaker

By nature, I am not a rule breaker. But, today I broke one of my rules. I have a rule for myself that while I'm in school, I don't read any books unrelated to my courses. As an English major, I have plenty of reading to do throughout the semester so adding a 'just for fun' book to the mix is generally not a help. However, last week I picked up a copy of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and with the snow we've had the past few days, I couldn't resist taking it on the train this morning. So far, ten pages in, I love it. And I keep picturing the characters as the muppets since "A Muppets Christmas Carol" is my favourite. I plan to break this rule all week. I'm a true rebel, I know. 

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"We're after the same rainbow's end"

Who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn? Really. If you find that one lone person, sit them down and make them watch (and ENJOY!) one of my all time favourites. Breakfast at Tiffany's. You haven't seen it?! You must watch it! You've already seen it? Watch it again! That's my plan for the evening. My heart just aches (in a good way) every time I hear Audrey sing "Moon River". Holly Golightly, you are a girl after my own heart.

"You gotta swim"

I have a lot of favourite songs. They change almost daily. Today, the prize goes to "Swim (Music Box)" by Jack's Mannequin. It's been my anthem of sorts this week. Once again, Andrew McMahon makes life worth living. 

"You gotta swim,

Swim for your life,

Swim for the music,

That saves you,

When you're not so sure you'll survive,

You gotta swim,

And swim when it hurts,

The whole world is watching,

You haven't come this far,

To fall off the earth."

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Love from California

After ten days without a letter, I finally got one! Two actually. Not talking to Justin has been so hard these past eight weeks. Since the day we met, we have had some sort of communication every day (minus a week), so my withdrawal experience has been a painful one.
He is doing well, though he has his challenges. But he works through them, and he is growing so much. I wish I could be there with him. It sounds like such a beautiful place. But, he has promised to take me to California when he gets home. We've talked about living there too. I've always had this fascination with California since I was a little girl. It's always been my dream to go there.
I've learned a lot these past eight weeks. I've learned about my strengths, my weaknesses. I've realized how much the gospel, and my family mean to me. And, I've learned that I really miss this guy. But, who wouldn't, with a face like this?

Opinions Needed

As I have mentioned before, after a year of keeping my hair short, I have decided to grow it out! I miss my long hair (though I love my short hair!). But, I tend to get bored with my hair, so on Friday, I decided to cut myself some bangs. Thoughts? (please give your opinion. I miss having comments!) 

And, tonight, I have found that I am having success! I can now put most of my hair into a ponytail without having to attack it with bobby-pins! I'm sure you all understand what a breakthrough that is! 

Applied

I did it! After three years of saying I would, I did. What is "it" you ask? I applied to be a counselor for EFY! I've been saying I would for years. But, after talking to my good friend, Chantelle, about it I decided that this is the year. So, we'll see what happens! (Fingers crossed!) I only have two summers left to do it! Hopefully after that, I will no longer be eligible to do it (ie. married!)

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Better Open the Door

I got two letters this week. With pictures! I love letters. I get so excited when I get mail. It's ridiculous! Seriously. Ask my family. For example: last night. My brother picked me up after work (because we had a fireside to go to: with Elder Richard G. Scott speaking!) and we had to get gas before going to the chapel. So, I'm sitting in the passenger seat, minding my own business, and David puts the letter against the window. I was so excited, I couldn't think. I couldn't remember how to open the door. It was quite hilarious. I fool people with my smart brunette locks.

 

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Love.

During the past eight weeks, I have developed a deep and abiding love for poetry. Poetry of all forms, but mostly sonnets. I love sonnets. Along with my love for poetry in general has come the love of this man. 

E. E. Cummings. Genius. I am not a fan of all of his work, but I am a fan of a huge chunk. For instance, this sonnet. 


i carry your heart with me(i carry it in


i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) 

Let's Dance!

I was looking through some pictures that my Uncle James took at my sister's wedding reception and I stumbled across this one. Meet Tyler. He was my favourite dance partner of the evening. Ty is three years old (soon to be four!). He is my cousin Sarah's oldest boy (his younger brother Jake is quite the dancer too). He is such a blast. I love hanging out with this kid. This boy has moves! 

The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot

Meet Jesse Lacey. Music love of my life. When I was fourteen, I heard about this band named Brand New. After hearing their song "Sudden Death in Carolina", I instantly fell head over heels in love. People always say that there was a specific band or album or novel that changed their life, and it seems like it couldn't be true. I never believed it. But it happens. It happened to me. (Actually, it happens all the time). Brand New was such a big influence on me as I was going through my adolescent years. I began to appreciate the art of music so much more when I listened to them. True, Jesse Lacey has some serious anger issues ("Seventy Times Seven" anyone?), and could use some quality time with a professional psychiatrist, but he is immensely talented (if you forget their newest album... what's up with that?!). Really, truly. Find Deja Entendu, sit on your bed, and fall in love. It will make your heart happy.

ps. Is anyone else seeing the resemblance to Morrissey here? I think it may have been planned.

Listen. Watch. Love.

Letters, The Bard, E-mail and Hughes

I love Mondays. Love, Love, Love! "With a capital 'L'!" as Justin says. 
Today, I got an e-mail. A letter. I got to sit in my Shakespeare class and soak up the genius that is William S. I heard and read the beautiful, and moving poetry of Langston Hughes. It was a good day.

 

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