Post Script

Here's my post script for the night.
I failed to mention yesterday that we have reached a new milestone! Yesterday, being January 30, meant that my boyfriend, Justin, has been on his mission for four months! Every day is a huge deal to me. Every week that we get through is a wonder. And every month that we reach, and I'm still surviving, is a miracle. Words cannot express how much I miss this guy. And words cannot express how excited my little heart is to see him again in twenty months. I'm just really happy that we get to do this together. 

To borrow words from my mom, he is "such a missionary"! 

And in case you aren't sure which one he is, he's the cutie on the left with the really nice tie.

Man, California. You don't know how lucky you are. 

We Laugh Indoors

I love Sundays. Really. Sundays are probably my favourite day of the week -- besides Mondays and any day I get a letter. I love dressing up, going to church, and having dinner with my family. Tonight, I invited two friends over for dinner. Yummy food and laughing are two of my favourite things and I got to enjoy them both together tonight. 
I love it when my stomach hurts from laughing. Laughing is by far my favourite abdominal exercise. 

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The Vinyl Cafe

After spending some time reading about literary theory for an assignment, I decided my eyes needed a treat. So, I picked up my trusty copy of Stuart McLean's Secrets from the Vinyl Cafe. I have loved McLean's short stories ever since grade seven when my Humanities teacher read us a hilarious Christmas story of his. I consider Dave and Morley to be my friends. Isn't it funny how that happens when you read a book? Maybe I'm the only one that does that. I don't know. But, I find that my test of a good book is when I get so invested in the lives of the characters that they become part of my life too. I think that's really magical, and I am indeed grateful for writers like McLean who have the ability to do that. I think I'll have to read another story tonight before bed too, just for kicks. 

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Lucky

As I've grown older and wiser (can you be wise at twenty?), I have come to realize how incredibly lucky and blessed I am! Seriously. I am far too lucky for my own good.
I have a fabulous family who love me. I have an incredible boyfriend who does the best he can to let me know how much he loves me. I always have enough to eat every day. I have amazing friends who are always willing to hear me go on and on about how much I love and miss my missionary. I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and has a plan for me. I get to go to school five days a week and learn about things that interest me. I have the use of all of my fingers, toes, arms and legs. I can open my scriptures to any verse and feel comfort because I am reading the word of God. I live in a country where I get to vote, worship as I please, and I have freedoms that some people can only dream of. I have a home that keeps me safe and warm from the not so pleasant weather I get to experience some times. I have infinite amounts of information right at my finger tips. I can read. I can write. I can speak, and understand others when they speak to me. I get to go to institute every single week where I can feel the spirit. I have the right to personal revelation. I have people all around me that have been great examples and inspirations in my life. I have so possibilities ahead of me in my years to come. I am loved! The list goes on and on. And on and on. And on and on. 

I love my family.

And I am infatuated with 

in love with 

 crazy about

head over heals in love with my life!  

Something Pretty

A few friends have asked me how I got the great new font here on my blog. Go to this tutorial at kevinandamanda. It's a little complicated the first time you do it, but once you get used to it, it's a cinch. 
Also, check out these fabulous (and free) scrapbooking fonts! I love them. I even use them in my lecture notes to make them more exciting. 
Happy blogging!

Boys (and Girls) Night Out

Tonight was a good night. I went out for wings with my brother, sister, brother-in-law, and friends. We laughed, watched the Flames (lose. Again!), had a mini sit-down dance party, and ate way too much! I don't recommend it. The eating-too-much, that is. All the rest is highly recommended. 
Also, I am two (almost one) days away from the four-month mark! 

As Time Goes By

Today is a Wednesday, so naturally I am counting down my weeks. Seventeen weeks down, and only eighty-seven left to go! In a few days, we hit the four month mark! 
611 days! 

Time, please fly by!

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

A few weeks ago, I briefly mentioned that I am taking an Art History class this semester. I am so loving it! I've been trying to take this class since my very first semester, but other classes have always come first and pushed it out of the way. But, this year, I wasn't having any of that! I decided I wasn't going to let anything stop me from taking this class -- not even the 8:00 am start! And, I am so glad! I love this class! My professor is so great! He knows so much, and he really makes it captivating. In only three short lectures, I have developed such an appreciation for art. I love it. For the most part, we've been studying paintings with religious significance. For the most part, I get it because I know basic Bible stories, and I am Christian, but on the other hand since the religion of the time (c. 15th century) was Catholicism, there is a lot that I need to learn. Man! I am so, so grateful for the simplicity of the gospel. Sure, it can get complicated, but for the most part, it's basic. I love that. I was thinking about that today, as my professor was explaining all of the symbolism in an altar piece painted by Jan van Eyck. There is so much going on, that it's really hard to get down to the basics. I am grateful for the truths that I know.
But, back to art for a second. Plutarch said, "Painting is silent poetry." That's perfect. That's it exactly. Art is beautiful. It really is poetry without words. Art, in visual form, is like the wonder and beauty of a million of the greatest poems ever written displayed in just a few brushstrokes.
And now, for some reason, I have a great desire to read Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray again. Fabulous book! 

Jan van Eyck's "Man in a Red Turban", 1433

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"There has been a murder in Savannah"

I do declare! I love "The Office". A lot. Often times, my brother and I will quote episodes back and forth. He's better than me, because he's seen the episodes many more times than I have (but I've got anyone beat on "Gilmore Girls"). Anyhow, I love "The Office" and I really want the new "Clue" game! 

Don't you want to find out who killed Toby?

My Guy

Blog world, meet Justin. This is my guy. My missionary. He's serving a few thousand km's away from me. But I still love him as much as (or maybe more than) I did when he left nearly four months ago. I think Mary Wells says it best: "I'm tellin' you from the start, I can't be torn apart from my guy". Here's hoping the next twenty months go by very quickly so I can see this handsome face again. 

Sleeping In

Have you ever noticed that when things go away from routine even slightly, your days seem to be messed up? I'm like that. Today, I didn't set my alarm, assuming there's no way I would sleep past 10. But, I did. I woke up at 10:42. It was weird. I rarely sleep past 9:00, because I try to be productive, and I don't like sleeping my day away. Because of waking up so late, I didn't finish my workout until noon, and didn't shower until after 1:00. Weird. Perhaps I have OCD. I don't know. I just like it when things go according to plan, and in order. 
On a good note though, my favourite college basketball team won today! UConn beat Texas and their ugly orange jerseys (ranked #1)! The final score was 88-74. The second half was amazing. I'm so happy they won. I am so looking forward to March Madness. Go Huskies! 

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Poetry

Last semester, I had a poetry class. It was pretty fantastic. I adore poetry. It's so simple, yet so complicated at the same time. I find a great beauty in that juxtaposition. One of my favourite poets is E. E. Cummings. Here's something to make you smile on this blistery day:


somewhere i have never travelled
somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond
any experience,your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose

or if your wish be to close me,i and
my life will shut very beautifully,suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility:whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens;only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

How lovely is that? Thanks for the smile, Mr. Cummings. 

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"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

I regularly watch an LA news station so that I can keep tabs on my missionary (he is serving about an hour from LA). Usually, I don't see anything about the goings on of his city, just the general info like weather and such of his county. With all of the awful weather that has been hitting Southern California lately, I've been so worried and diligently checking KTLA for any news. So, this morning, I was watching as I was eating my cheerios, and they showed a picture of a snow covered mountain which I didn't think anything of until they said "Here's snow in Yucaipa". Yep! My guy has snow! Now I'm really wishing I had sent him those Canada mitts for Christmas!

In my search for more information, I came across this video:

Hello Color Red

I have specific colours that I like to wear. Purple, white, green, blue, grey. These are my staples. Red, brown, and others fall in there occasionally, but not as often. Orange never makes the list. However, when it comes to shoes, lately, all I'm seeing is RED! Apparently, I have a thing for red shoes. Maybe it's the whole Dorothy and the ruby slippers thing. I don't know. But, I do know that I am slightly infatuated with the crimson footwear -- be it pumps, sandals, boots, flats, wedges, runners... I want it all.

Right now, I have my sights set on these beautiful Jeffrey Campbell flats. They scream, "I'm fabulous! Love me!" That's all I hear when I see these beauties.

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Keep Calm and Carry On

A few weeks ago, I went to Chapters and I came across this saying "Keep Calm and Carry On". It was everywhere. On magnets, books, mugs -- everything. I really liked it, and I wanted to know the story. So, here it is: 

(keepcalmandcarryon.com)

I'm glad they found that poster. This has been my mantra all month. Keep calm and carry on. I can control so little in my life, but I can control my response to things that happen. I think my future kids and husband might be happy that I found this early on in my life.

I so want this bag!

Imagine

Following Lauren's lead, I'm posting a great Glee number. Here's a beautiful song to fall asleep to tonight. I've been listening to it all day. Enjoy. If after listening, your whole body isn't filled with inexpressible joy, perhaps you should have your vitals checked. 

Eh! O' Canada Go!

I am feeling intensely Canadian today. With the Winter Olympics in Vancouver fast approaching, the energy and excitement has been at an all-time high -- at least in Calgary. I had the amazing opportunity to see a portion of the Olympic torch relay this morning. It was amazing! We (my parents, grandparents, and Uncle Marsh, and their dog Charlie, too) settled by an elementary school that was along the route. The kids were so cute, and so excited. I'll admit that I got a little teary eyed hearing the chants of "Go Canada, Go!" coming from the little ones holding their flags. I am so proud to be Canadian. This is my home, and no matter where I end up, that will never change. 

Patiently awaiting the torch! Sporting our Canadian Pride!

Not a very good picture of me, but I'm excited to get a shot with the torch. Unfortunately, my camera battery decided to die right as the lit torch was coming around the corner. So, if I can snag one of my dad's pictures, I'll post it sometime.

The Good Life

Last night, along with millions of others, I partook of the Golden Globe experience. I was mainly watching it to see Ricky Gervais (I love that man!), and because I was crossing my fingers that Glee would take away a prize (which they did -- hooray!). Watching these people, and seeing all that their lives encompass, I was reminded over and over that I have a wonderful life. Sure, I don't get to wear Oscar de la Renta or Dolce & Gabbana, but I have a family who loves me, and I don't have to worry about my life's troubles being broadcast to all who care to see. Some may take a look at my life, and see that it is void of glamour, but I'm okay with that. I have my own kind of glamour. I get to spend my evenings watching Jeopardy with my parents, and I have a wonderful man in my life that loves me enough to write me every week while he's surrounded by all those California girls. I get to spend five days a week basking in knowledge, and reading things that don't always make sense at first glance (thank you William S. for making me think). I am surrounded by love and happiness every day of my life, and for that I think I have something better than anyone that gets millions to say a few words with a camera in front of them.

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One Fish, Two Fish...

I'm nearing my twenty-first birthday, and yet I am still very fond of Dr. Seuss. I grew up reading those stories, and a great swelling of happiness ensued -- which I later identified as my love for reading. This man was a genius, truly writing for the masses, even if he didn't know it. But, maybe he did.

What is your favourite Dr. Seuss story?

mine is a tie between How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Green Eggs and Ham (and Oh! The Places You'll Go comes in at close second)

I should have listened to Popeye

Yep, that's right. I like spinach. I used to hate it. Absolutely hate it. But I've grown to like it (it's not love yet). My trick is to mix it with other things, so that I get the goodness without the taste that I'm not always fond of. I am also now a fond of experimental cooking. I love to cook, and it is so fun to just throw things in and see what happens.
My latest creation: spinach, cheese, black olives and eggs.
Yummy! This was my lunch today, and it's still making my tummy happy.

My Wonderwall

My heart is overflowing with memories today. Two years ago, probably around this time, my boyfriend Justin and I decided to be 'official' after three months of dating. Two years ago today, I decided that I wanted to keep this guy in my life, and spend as much time with him as I could. And, I am so thankful I did! I still remember that night. I remember after we decided that we'd be "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" that I found a post-it, and wrote: "January 17: I have a boyfriend!" I wanted to remember that day forever, because I knew that it would have a huge impact on my life -- and it has! 
895 days ago, I met an amazing guy. I had no idea how that meeting would affect my life. And I'm still learning today. I don't know what tomorrow holds (or the next two years), but I know that if Justin is in my life, I'll be happy. I love this guy. I have been so, so blessed to have Justin next to me always (just in spirit these days). I can't wait to be in the arms of this wonderful man again (only 621 days). But until then, I'm living in his letters. 
I love you, Justin. 

Here we are on our first New Year's Eve. Just weeks before it became "official".

Thrilled to be celebrating six months in July 2008. Spending some time at Prince's Island and Crescent Road. How lucky am I?

Hallowe'en 2008. Clark Kent and Lois Lane. He will always be my Superman.

See why I love him so much? New Year's Eve 2008. 

Spending our one year anniversary with Sam Roberts and The Stills. January 2009.

A spring day at our park and the temple. May 2009.

A fun-filled day at the zoo. September 2009.

Our last PM date (pre-mission). September 2009.

The last day that we spent together before he headed for sunny California. I love this guy!

And after all, you're my wonderwall.

"Tradition, tradition!"

Ah, Tevye. Until I fall asleep, and probably even when I wake up those words, along with that fiddle, will be playing in my head. 

Tonight, I had the awesome pleasure of going to see Fiddler on the Roof put on by Broadway Across Calgary. My mom and sister were unable to go, so I got to take my great friend (and cousin -- I am doubly blest!) Candi with me. We had such a good time. I loved it. I wanted to be up there dancing and singing with them! But, how grateful I am that we now marry for love, and I won't (I hope) have to ask my husband twenty-five years from now if he loves me.  I have missed live theatre so much! Hopefully, there will be many more plays to be seen in my future!

Harvesting the Heart

Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult. I just finished this one today. It's been long time since I've read one of her novels, and after reading this one, I remembered why I love her so much. Picoult writes about real things. Her novels are about real, true human experiences. And she's not afraid to delve into the unknown, the hushed-up, or the controversial -- all the while keeping things tasteful and writing with exceptional style and talent. Reading this novel, I fell for each character in a different way. Instantly, my sympathies go to the protagonist, Paige, and they remain there until the end. However, through Picoult's incredible ability to show the point of view of each character in a different way, my levels of sympathy go up and down throughout the novel, and that's something I love, and truly respect about Picoult's work. She makes me think, and that is the test of a great writer -- to make you question, but also to reaffirm your own beliefs in values. This was a great read, though I did skip over a lot of her detail about the heart surgeries... not my cup of tea. All in all, a good one. 

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Recap

Hello, Friday! Goodbye, first week of the semester! I had a great first week back. Probably the best I've had in a really long time. It started with Canadian Literature. I was kind of skeptical about it, but  I think I like it. It's not an English major course, so my instructor is always defining super easy terms, which I find amusing. Next, came Shakespeare. I was so, so excited to have this class back in my life! I love, love, love it! In case I haven't mentioned it before, I kind of adore William Shakespeare. I think my favourite class though, would be Art History. My professor is hilarious! And very knowledgeable. I love art. 

Ah, I love school. Have I said love too much? Oh, well. I mean it. 

I love it!

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In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning

I was at school at 7:20 this morning. I misjudged the time I had to get to school, so I was a tad early for my 8:00 class. But, since I was there so early, I had the chance to walk around, feel the emptiness and enjoy the stillness (while listening to a little Bowie). I loved it. I think I've found a new favourite time to be on campus.

I love my university's campus (regardless of the fact that my brother-in-law tells me it's not a "real" university). I have a lot of good memories there. I've fallen in love there. I met my guy on a sunny day in August 2006, I found a place where I felt I really belonged that fall, and my love for learning and knowledge has grown with each semester I've spent there. I just love it. Love, love, love it.

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Progress

I'm seeing some progress! My hair is slowly, but surely, getting longer! Hooray!

But, I wish it would speed up a bit!

Desert Island

I was watching The Office today, "The Fire" episode ("Ryan started the fire!"), so I was inspired to figure out what I would choose as my 'desert island' books and movies.


Movies -
1. Breakfast at Tiffany's
2. A Knight's Tale
3. My Fair Lady
4. Sound of Music
5. Ferris Bueller's Day Off


Books -
1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
2. The Book of Mormon (or the Standard Works if my quad counts as one book)
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
5. Secrets of the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart MacLean

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What would you chose as your 'desert island' books and movies?

ps: my mom just informed me that she will be taking me with her to see "Fiddler on the Roof"! Hooray! I can't wait!

Missionary update

Today was Justin's third transfer of his mission! It seems like such a short amount of time, yet sometimes I can't believe he's been out for so long!
He has a new companion (which is a good thing!), so hopefully he'll get along with this one! Also, he has been made co-senior companion. Apparently that's a big deal when you've only been out for three months (almost three and a half!). I am so proud of my missionary!

(in case you didn't know, he's the cute one on the left)

Giddy like a school-girl

Yep. That's me. Giddy and a school-girl. I get to go back to school in the morning after a very long break! Granted, I needed that break, but I've been dying for the past week desperately wanting some knowledge to be stuffed in my brain. 
This semester, I get to continue my Shakespeare class (yay), and I also will be taking Art History and Canadian Lit. Should be an interesting semester.
Man, I am excited! Hopefully I'll still be able to sleep tonight! 

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Our Endless Numbered Days

Last night, I realized that I missed a very important moment this week. On Friday, it had been 100 days since my missionary, Justin left! I've survived 100 days (101 today!). I am so happy I've made it this far. Some days are so tough, but knowing that in 629 days, I get to see him again it gets me through. Also, letters help. I was spoiled this week with four letters! The mail system was pretty lame during December, so I felt like I deserved it. Also, yesterday I finally got one of my Christmas presents. He sent me a ring (no, not that kind of ring), but we assumed it had been lost because it took so long to get here. It's so nice. It's a really simple CTR ring. I love it.

Anyway, just thought I'd share that exciting moment with you. I'm not sure if anyone else considers it a milestone and at all interesting, but it's a big deal to me. 

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The Bard

William Shakespeare. Love him? Hate him? Adore him? I adore him. This week I've been reading Twelfth Night  in preparation for my Shakespeare class on Monday. It's been a month since I've been in that class, and  I actually really miss it. I have a fabulous professor and even better material: the Bard. Shakespeare was a genius. I don't care if you believe he stole ideas, he was a genius. If those ideas weren't wholly his, he was a genius to put them together in a manner that would make them immortal. Genius.

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Listen to the Music

Growing up in a household where music was always playing, there's no way I could escape having a deep, soulful love for the sweet sounds of any music. Whether it was The Beatles, Led Zeppelin or The Carpenters, I was happy because I was hearing some great tunes.
Music motivates me. Music inspires me. Music changes me. Music pushes me. Music calms me. Music soothes me. Music makes me nostalgic. Music sends me to a different world. Music gives me hope for the future. Music understands me.
Working out, I find music to be a great source of motivation. Today, my power song was "Okay I Believe You, But My Tommygun Don't" by Brand New. Fantastic song. How could you not want to run and run and run while you hear it? "Oh, we're so c-c-c-controversial!"


What's your power song? What songs make you happy? What songs put you to sleep? 

post script: music isn't my boyfriend; it's my life.

Better?

mug 1 |məg|noun1 a large cup, typically cylindrical and with a handle and used without asaucer.• the contents of such a cup : a large mug of tea vanished in a single gulp.
Cereal. Tea. Hot chocolate. Soup. Ice cream. To me, these all taste better in a mug. What's the magic of the mug? I don't know. But, whatever it is, I applaud the inventor of this contraption. What are your thoughts? Does food really taste better in a mug?

 

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Wrapped Up in Books

I've started a new blog. It's not a replacement, just an addition. Wrapped Up in Books. Check it out.

 

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Introduction

I love to read. I also love Belle & Sebastian so that's how I picked the title for this new blog.
I decided that I need to read more this year, and not just textbooks. So, I'm breaking rules.
I'm going to read books that aren't on my reading lists! I'm a rebel.
As I'm reading, or once I've finished, I'll blog about it. Or even just about some of my favourite literary moments.
Enjoy. Go pick up a book, curl up in bed, and go to a different world. That's my favourite thing to do. 

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Dancing by Myself

What do you do when the house is empty, and you've got some time to spare? I shut my door, turn up my music really loud (usually some Motown classics), imagine I'm a member of the Glee Club, and belt it out with my lame dance moves. I did it today, and it was amazing. Try it.
What's your song? Today mine is "Heat Wave" by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas. There's no way that you could hear that song and not sing-a-long. No way. Also making the list is Metric's "Gimme Sympathy". 

Who'd you rather be? The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?