The End's Not Near, It's Here

The Olympics are over! I am sad to see them go. I have enjoyed the past two weeks so much! It has been such a wonderful experience to see these amazing athletes represent the country that I love so dearly. And I think they did a pretty swell job! Twenty-six medals total! A record for us in Winter Olympics. And fourteen gold -- a world record. I did not expect that Bilodeau's historic moment at the beginning of the games would be repeated over and over again as much as it was. But of course I am so happy it was! I love the Olympics so much. I love to see each country do their best and demonstrate (for the most part) true sportsmanship and what love of sport and country is all about. I loved watching it all. I even watched curling this year! I love my country. And, I am pretty stoked that we won the hockey game today -- even though I didn't watch it (because going to church was definitely more important). On the bright side, I will probably be more productive this week!

Now, that is the face of a winner. I love that excitement! 
I know that the US wanted this gold really badly, and I'm sorry that they lost (I am. I feel very kindly to the US as of late) but, I'm happy that we won, and that we got to experience this. 

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Calendar Days

Today, we have reached another milestone. 150 days done! Also, tomorrow is five months! I am so excited to be so close to six months! I am realizing more and more that this is possible. 
Good night, friends. Enjoy the last day of February tomorrow!

Delicious inspiration

I am so inspired by this blog: Cupcakes take the Cake. Amazing! I seriously want to just spend the rest of my weekend, and the rest of next week, and all of March creating delicious pieces of art like this:

de-li-ci-ous!

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Well Thought Out Twinkles

Yesterday (Wednesday) was a tough day. It had high points, low points, lower points and mediocre points. It was a Six-Flag style emotional roller coaster. 
Just over a month ago, a professor from the English department passed away. He was a professor that I had in my very first semester, and he really had a tremendous impact on me. He introduced me to Yeats and Keats and Auden. He made me realize I had to put effort into my writing (which I never had to do in high school). He had a great love for literature, and loved his students and teaching -- it was obvious. His class was my hardest, because he expected a lot from me, and being a young and shy eighteen-year-old, I was quite intimated. But, no nearly three years later, I wish I could tell my younger self to smarten up and soak in every bit of information and help I could from him. But, I can't. And that's okay. I can still take what I have learned and continue. Anyhow. Yesterday a memorial service was held at the university. It was really lovely. I sat alone, which was sort of nice, because I needed to just be with my thoughts. So, with that being the focus of my day, my emotions were pretty fragile.
I was also missing Justin terribly because the memorial service was held in a building that I took a class in at my last EFY with Justin, and it's right by some statues that we took pictures of, and is close to the dorms, near the sidewalk that we would walk everyday that week. So, I was missing my guy quite a bit. Emotions are spilling over quite heavily at this point.
Then at Institute (which is always the highlight of my week), I got to enjoy a great lesson. So, my emotions raise, and my heart feels better, and I'm feeling the spirit. Then, after class, Canada beats Russia 7-3 and I am a proud Canadian! Add that to the silver and bronze medals we won earlier, I am beaming with pride in my beautiful country. In choir (which I love!) things were going very smoothly and happy as we sang my favourite that we are working on, I sat next to a girl that is always so sweet and kind. Then, there's a shift as we have to move around for the altos singing the second soprano part to sit together. I went to sit next to another friend in the back, where I thought there was an empty seat when I was so rudely informed by another that that seat was "taken". And, for the rest of the night, I sat next to negative energy in the far back corner of the alto section, hearing her rude and critical remarks, which I did not enjoy. But then despite that, I was still able to feel the spirit, and I was deeply touched by some of the lyrics we sang. So, emotional roller coaster. 
When I got home, this is what awaited me, inside a white mail package:

A hymnal with the name 'Elder Marshall' embossed on the front. For Christmas, I gave Justin my hymnal, which he had wanted and asked (jokingly) before he left because it matched his scriptures. But, he bought one while he was in the MTC (which he didn't tell me), so he gave it to me. He has mine, and I have his. And, in the picture frame in a pocket from one of his dress shirts, with his missionary tag. When I opened the box, and saw these, all of the emotion of the day just bubbled over. It was such a great way to end the day. To have a piece of the man I love here with me, while he is far away. Justin is so thoughtful. Every single gift he has ever given me always comes with a good thought or memory or story. I think I have a lot of good anniversaries and birthdays in my future. 

Words from Michael Scott

Wouldn't you like to know someone just like Michael Scott? My opinion on that subject 

changes daily. Today, I'm unsure.

The Sound

Today after class, I was watching a movie with my friend (Mansfield Park --watch it!). There weren't very many people around at first, but then they came in packs. More and more! And it got louder and louder! I couldn't hear what was in my ear, but I could hear every word that someone fifteen feet away from me was saying. Why do some people have to have such loud voices? It was surrounding me and closing in. I am an audible claustrophic. I am very happy to be in a relatively quiet spot right now where I don't feel like banging my head against the desk repeatly just to get rid of the voices! Rant over.

Singin' in the Rain

This afternoon, I watched Singin' in the Rain for the very first time. I loved it! I have a special place in my heart for musicals -- especially anything made before 1980. They just don't make movies like they used to! It's completely true. No denying that! 

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Now I have a new celebrity crush -- Gene Kelly. Swoon!

Notes & Photographs

Today, I am very, very thankful for the technology that we have! How amazing is it that I get instant communication from my boyfriend that is living 2500(ish) km away in sunny California! It's so amazing! And, bonus tonight! The family that he lives with put up some pictures on facebook for me to see. They are so awesome! I love my MacBook, Edgar, very much tonight. 

Elder Lloyd, Lolo and Elder Marshall

Lolo and Justin. Too cute! 

Oh, and ps: Transfers were today. Justin is still in Yucaipa, and still serving with Elder Lloyd. I'm really happy that he is still there! He's been loving it, and I'm used to having him there so I was a little uneasy with the thought of him being somewhere else. I have six weeks to get used to that idea, since I'd say it's likely he'll be transferred after this one since he'll hit six months there. Six weeks and we are at six months! I can't wait! 

pps: Congrats again, Canada! We won gold in the ice dance! 

Make 'em Laugh

Need a laugh today? 
Here you go:

(Even my dad laughed!)

The Way We Were

Hmm. I'm trying to think of what to say today, but I'm just not sure. It's been a pretty quiet week. I've been enjoying my week away from school -- maybe a little too much? 
Good things that came out of this week?


- I received a lovely valentine from my valentine
- I had time to watch movies that I've been meaning to watch for a very long time (On the Town, The Way We Were, Kramer vs. Kramer)
- I've been able to enjoy the Olympic events every day (Go Canada!)
- I've been able to spend time with my parents (and cook for them too)


So, I'm hoping the 'I-need-a-break' part of my brain is satisfied, because on Monday, it's back to school. And, I have a very busy month ahead of me! So, here's hoping my brain can handle it! 

I really enjoyed this one (though I may have teared up a few times). Watch it. It's not a fairy tale, but I like that. Movies should be realistic every now and then.

Lady in a Blue Dress

I love, love, love this new dress for Mod Cloth! So adorable! And, bonus, it looks like it goes to the knee! 

Summer picnic anyone?

No Sugar Tonight

Inspired by my good friend, Candi, I decided to go without sugar. I'm trying it out for the week, and shooting for a month. That means no pop, no candy, no chocolate, no ice cream! I did it today, and I feel pretty good. I have kind of fallen off the wagon of healthy habits this past month, and I really need to get back on! So thank you, Candi! It's fun to rediscover the goodness that is healthy food!

yummy!

Counting my blessings

The last few days, I've been reading in Alma the accounts of Ammon and his brothers and their missionary efforts. Of course, reading about missionaries makes me think of my missionary. I am so grateful that Justin is going on a mission now, and that his experiences are not like those of Aaron or even Ammon or any of the Old Testament, New Testament or Book of Mormon missionaries -- or even the missionary experiences of the early saints. He goes out for only two years, which seems like a lot but not compared to the fourteen years that the sons of Mosiah endured (Alma 17:4)! And, he's not thrown in prison, or made to watch other believers suffer death and persecutions. He does have his hardships. Some people have been incredibly rude and ignorant to him and his companion. But, he's safe. He's felt some earthquakes, had some very flooded streets, but he's safe. He doesn't get to see his family or those he loves at home, but he's surrounded by good people that take care of him. I don't get to see him or hear his voice, but I do get a least one letter and e-mail every week. I'm really counting my blessings this morning. I am so thankful that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to know what I can handle, and will show me how great my life truly is every single day. 

Justin (second from left) talking with the Padgett's, I believe.

If You Find Yourself Caught in Love

I am in love. Really truly. And how could I not be, with a guy like Justin? Today in his e-mails (which came a day later than usual because of President's Day yesterday), he was sure to remind me that he loves me, and that we are capable of getting through these next two years together. Actually, it's less than two years now. Nineteen and half months! We are a month and a half away from the six month mark! I can't wait! He may be burning a tie that day, but I will be having a party for certain -- even if it's just with myself!

Having some fun at the Legislature in Edmonton. Photographer: my brother, David Dudley

Rites of Spring

How cute is this short-sleeved cardi from Forever 21?! I need my spring! I love bright colours, and not having to cover them with a winter jacket. I need some sunshine! And, no more snow, please! 

 

I need some sunshiny days. Shoes without socks. Maybe even some flip flops? 

At heart, I'm really just a California girl.  

Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day, friends! 
I hope everyone had a great day, and someone said "I love you". 
I love my valentine. He is my best friend, and a wonderful, wonderful boyfriend. Personally, I think I have the best. Because I do. I'm not biased. I just know the best. Man, I am lucky! 
Anyway, happy v-day! Enjoy the chocolates and roses! I'm looking forward to my package coming from Justin soon! 

Our first Valentine's two short years ago. (I can't wait for our first valentine's day together again in two years!)

Now, friends. Go hug your valentine!

Piece of cake!

Last night, I made a no-bake cheesecake for the first time! It was so easy, and pretty delicious too! I will definitely try it again. I don't have the recipe near me at the moment, but I will post it soon. Seriously, it is way too easy to make!
Oh, and go Canada! We got our first medal tonight! Too bad it wasn't a gold, but silver's not too bad of a prize!

The Olympics

I love the Olympic Games! When I was a little girl, I would watch the games. I loved watching the figure skating -- because I fancied myself a future olympian. Years later, my heart still grows two sizes when I see that beautiful maple leaf, and see one of our one honoured with a medal. I love it. The spirit of the Olympics is amazing. I am so excited that they are happening in Canada this year. Hopefully we come out with a few shiny medals! 

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Soon We'll Be Living in the Future

Apparently, I am really in the mood to blog today. Third post within an hour! Sorry for the overload, friends!
The other day, I was unsure of what to call Justin, since he's more than just my boyfriend. So, today my mom came up with something that works. Justin is my 'futch'-- as in my future husband. When my mom was attending Ricks College, she had a roommate that would always wonder if she met her 'futch' that day. I like it. So, Justin is now officially (and unofficially -- no ring!) my futch! 

Parenthood is...

NBC has recently launched The Parenthood Project, which I think it  is such a great idea. Watch Joel Mchale of NBC's 'Community' give his take on parenthood. I love it. For me, parenthood is something I can't wait to experience, but other days, I really can wait! Your turn. Finish the sentence. Parenthood is...

Mind Games

I love Jeopardy. Really truly. I've been watching it since I was a wee one, and didn't know any of the answers. But, now that I am older, and slightly educated, I actually know some things! I even PVR the new episodes every day so that I don't miss one! Does that make me a nerd?
My dream is to be on Jeopardy one day. Justin wants to be on it too. But, we don't want to compete against each other, because that way, we can both be champions and win lots of money! That's the plan anyhow. Let's see how that goes! 

Save the Last Dance for Me

Here is my 'feel good moment' of the day. This one is sure to put a smile on your face. Enjoy. Feel free to dance or sing along.

The Words We Say

boyfriend |ˈboiˌfrend|nouna regular male companion with whom one has a romantic relationship.

That definition just doesn't do it for me. As you may know, I have a great boyfriend and I love him very much. But, lately I've been thinking that the name 'boyfriend' just doesn't express well enough how much he means to me. Boyfriend seems to be such a simple word for what he is. I mean, fourteen-year-olds profess to have boyfriends, and I consider my relationship to be much greater than that of a ninth-grader's. I can't call him my fiancee, because there's a little step missing that would let me call him that. So, there needs to be something in between boyfriend and fiancee. Something to express the commitment that I have towards him, and how much he means to me. So, readers, any thoughts?

What word do I give to the man who means the world to me?

Shop Around

I few weeks ago, reading a favourite blog of mine, I discovered Ruche. This store is fabulous! I love affordable vintage-inspired clothing and accessories! Seriously. Check out the necklaces and rings. You will fall in love. I promise.

High Maintenance Woman

I am a very particular person. Some -- or many-- might call me picky. I like things to be a certain way. I'm not like that about everything, but with a lot of things I am. For instance, if I am going to be going out of town, I have to have my clothing picked out specifically for each day and activity, and generally that preparation happens at least a week in advance. I know exactly what kind of engagement ring I want (and so does he), and I don't want anything else. I will not wear the same outfit to church two Sundays in a row, or even in the same month. I absolutely have to shower before I leave the house, even if it's just to drop my mail off down the street. I must have my Chapstick with me at all times, no matter which purse I am carrying. I have to eat about every three hours, or else I get cranky (just ask Justin). Also, I need my water. I also get cranky if I don't have enough water. I will not eat anything but breakfast type food for breakfast. However, oddly enough I am okay with eating breakfast type foods for any other meal. I need to know what the weather will be doing every day so that I can plan my footwear, and thus plan my wardrobe around that. So, I'm pretty picky. But, is that a bad thing? I like things to be a certain way, and I will tell people (generally Justin) the way that I want it to be. Does that make me a bad person? The way I see it, I'm saving other people from having to deal with my unhappiness of having something go the way I don't want it to. I know I am sounding incredibly diva right now. I'm not a diva. (Or am I?) I just know what I like, and what works for me. Does anyone else feel the same way?

I promise, I am not this bad! 

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Come On Home

It feels so good to be home. I love coming home after a trip. Though, I did enjoy my trip quite a bit. It was so, so great to see the newly weds (Megan, my third cousin, and Blaine, Justin's friend). They both had that wonderful 'just-married-glow'. I can't wait to have that! 
I also got to spend some time with Justin's family, which was so great. I love them! They really are my family already. 
I'll post some pictures later this week that David took for me.
Also, another thank you to the Crapo's for getting me to Edmonton. It was great driving up with you guys, even though I was asleep for most of it!

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

One thing definitely high on my love list is sleep. Curled up in my warm blankets, asleep and not getting out of bed is a real treat. But, I'm okay with giving that up this morning. I get to go to Edmonton this morning! Thank you Crapo's for being so generous and taking me with you!

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Friday, I'm in Love

It's Friday! I'm in love! I love all things Apple. My MacBook (named Edgar), my iPod Classic -- times two (Ike and Ferdinand), my iPod Touch (Arlington), and my (unnamed) shuffle. No, I am not a hoarder. I just happen to love Apple, and I am taking care of Justin's (Arlington and Ferdinand) while he gone. I also love my future iMac (possibly the 27"!), and the iPad. Also, my future iPhone. I'm not sure when these future possessions will become current possessions, but I see it coming. I love everything about Apple. Especially their commercials. Sometimes I wish that my Mac was actually Justin Long. But, I think my own Justin is better. Confused yet? The gist is, the creators of all things Apple are genius, and love them for it.  

I would like love to live in the Apple Store. Wouldn't you?

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Love Letters

What do I love today? Today, I love letters -- as in snail mail (not the alphabet, though I am pretty fond of that too). It's funny how a few sentences sealed in an envelope can mean so much to a person. But, when those sentences and paragraphs are written by someone you love 2493.8 km away, those letters become your daily breath -- or weekly breath in my case. Without Justin's letters this past 18 weeks, I might still be lying in bed, unable to move. Besides keeping me sane, I also love the romantic aspect of writing letters. There is something wonderful about opening the mail box and finding an envelop with your name handwritten -- especially when it comes from a cute boy currently living in sunny California. So, today, letters make me smile. Thank you, Justin. 

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You Love To Sing

Continuing with the current theme, I have something to share today. I love to sing. I don't remember the first time I realized this fact, but I know it was early. I am very grateful that I was raised in a church that values singing so much, because if I did not have that, I don't think I would have discovered this love. There is something powerful, and moving about singing -- and more importantly singing from the heart. I am not a great singer, but I love to do it. And thankfully, no one has told me to stop singing yet! It just makes me happy even to think about it. 

To help explain my thoughts, I'm adding a few lines from a favourite song of mine. "You Love to Sing" by Copeland (side note: I just found out that they are breaking up! Heartbreak!)

sing with your head up
with your eyes closed;

not because you love the song,

because you love to sing

because you love to sing

Tonight, I love my vocal chords and what they have allowed me to do.

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Do You Love Me?

Just a quick note before I hit the hay tonight. Something else I love is comments and feedback on my posts. So, friends, please leave a thought if you want. I'll do the same for you! Let's share some love.

Real Love

I'm feeling optimistically in love today, so I'll continue my love list. Today, I love free time. In between my early class, and a meeting with a classmate, I had some time to myself. It was fabulous. I got to catch up on reading for Art History (I need to go to Italy!), listen to music, and figure out Justin's transfers for the rest of the year. It was a great time. Apparently I'm easy when it comes to love. Well, only with inanimate objects and moments. With people, it takes a little bit more. You have to earn that love. But, when that love is earned, it's stuck. I hold love like some hold a grudge. 

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Oh, It Is Love

Goodbye, January! Hello, February! 

Since we've now entered the month of love, I thought I should start the month off by sharing what I love. 

Today, it's all about the slouchy knit hats. When this trend first came out, I was a little skeptical. I thought since I wasn't Rachel Bilson, I couldn't do it. However, I found a great one this winter, and I'm in love. I don't get hat hair, and I still look like a girl when I wear it -- unlike some of my usual winter toques. 

I'll be looking for another fabulous knit beret this month. Like this cute little number from Urban Outfitters.