Matter of Time

It's the 30th already! And you know what that means! Another month has come and gone and I am closer and closer to being with my guy again. Today, we have reached nine months since Justin entered the mission field -- we have a "mission baby" as mom said today. In some ways, it feels like it goes by painfully slow and in others it seems as if it has flown by. The last three months have definitely been better than the first six, but I think that that is mainly to do with the fact that I am just accustomed to Justin being on a mission. I am used to the weekly e-mails and letters and the lack of daily communication (which took me a really long time to get used to). I do have really hard days where I feel like there's no way I'll be able to make it another day but then there are other days when I see something that reminds me of Justin, or read his letters and realize that I can do this. We can do this. Our motto for this experience has always been "We are tough people". We got that from a quote that my dear Granny has on her fridge: "Tough times don't last. Tough people do. We are tough people!". So, we are tough people, and we will last.

June 30, 2008. Hanging out with our pal, Winnie a few days after Justin's high school graduation. 

Dear months ten to twenty-four, please speed by!

One shoe, two shoe

Converse has just released a Dr. Seuss line. That's right. Two of my very favourite things together as one. Check out the entire collection here. They even have some made for little feet. If I had kids (or nieces and nephews), they would definitely be wearing a pair!

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I need to own these. 

Mini-Shopaholic

Currently I am reading Sophie Kinsella's latest Twenties Girl. But that's not what I am here to share with you today. I'll do that when I finish. While I was reading today, I flipped to the back to see how many pages I had left to read and found an advertisement for Kinsella's next work. Mini-Shopaholic. That's right! Becky is back!

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Oooh! I am so excited for this one! 

Story Time

I think it's time for a short story time today. Sound good?
In the last few months, I have had a few people comment on the fact that I do not look or act my age. I have continually been mistaken for being at least three or four years older than I am, which I am not too thrilled about. Anyhow, while applying for my irewards card at Chapters, the clerk asked me if I was a teacher (because they get a discount on the card). I was surprised that I looked old enough or mature enough to be a teacher. I was kind of happy about it, because I have always wanted to be a teacher, and was a little tickled that I had that look about me. However, my slight elation took a quick turn when minutes later while walking through the mall, I was stopped by a man who looked to be about thirty (ten years my senior) and this man proceeded to ask me out for coffee because I had "caught his eye". Really? Who does that? I was very relieved to reply that I was not single. I love not being single. It's pretty fabulous.
Anyhow, that is as exciting as my life has been in the last nine months.

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"You're my favourite deputy!"

This past Saturday in celebration for my birthday, I went with my family and a few friends to see Toy Story 3. After watching the first two the night before, I was definitely stoked to see it. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Not one bit. I laughed, I cried. It was wonderful. It was the perfect way to spend my birthday. Friends, if you have not yet seen it, go now! I promise, you will love it!

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The Gift

Have I mentioned lately that I love my boyfriend? I do. A lot. Especially today.
When I got home from work, dad handed me my credit card bill, which is not my idea of real mail and then casually mentioned that there was some other mail too. A package. A package from California. A package from a really cute missionary in California. I was not expecting to get my birthday present until next week, so it was definitely a very pleasant surprise.
Inside, I found a very sweet letter in which Justin promised he would make my twenty-third birthday worth my two missed birthdays (this year and next) and I also found this:

I love this shirt. Not only does it speak my true feelings, it smells like Justin. 

I love it. 

On this day in history

Even when it feels that time is moving more slowly than turtles and snails, a new day comes and I realize that time actually is moving. Do you remember this day last year? I do. I can remember exactly what I was doing at about this hour. I had gone out for lunch that afternoon and had my phone out waiting for that special call. On my drive home with Megan, I got a call from a very nervous and excited guy. Then I had to get home and wait for Justin to call back to tell me what the news was. It was a year ago today that Justin received his mission call. One year ago today, this current phase of our life began. Man, things have changed a lot since that day! But, one thing hasn't changed. I still love my missionary. A lot. Oh, if only the next three months would speed by. I am definitely looking forward to counting down the months!

465 days. 465 days. 465 days!

Dressed Up & In Line

I love, love, love, love, love this dress from Anthropologie ! Love. Simple, yet elegant. Timeless. Imagine this with bright coloured flats or black patent pumps. Amazing, right? 

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Note to Self

If you know me, you know that I love lists. I love paper and pens. I love post-it notes. White boards. Magnetic boards. I love writing down everything. So, of course I would love these wonderful notepads and post-its from Knock Knock. They sell them at Chapters, and I absolutely adore them! Not only are they a genius idea, they are quite comical.

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Awesome, right?

Happy Fathers Day

Before it gets too far from Fathers Day, I just wanted to write a quick note about my dad.
I love my dad. In many ways, I'm a lot like him. He gave me my blue eyes, my curly hair, my love for music and creativity. My dad is a gentle man who cares deeply for his wife and family and would do anything for us. He has definitely demonstrated that in the past twenty-one years that I have known him. My dad has taught me to put family first, be a hard worker, and that sometimes taking a moment to laugh is most important to get through the day.
Thank you for everything, dad! I love you!

ps. It's the first day of summer, friends! Let the fun begin!

Twenty-one books

Ready for another list, friends? Well, here it is. After spending some much needed time with the lovely books at Chapters on Monday, I felt a list of my favourite books was needed.

1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Fabulous, fabulous book. Oh, how I love Francie Nolan. She's pretty much my best book friend.
2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I have been reading this gem since I was about eight years old. I still love it just as much now.
3. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. I'm pretty sure that I was the inspiration for this one, though I have not ever been in quite the financial quandary of Becky Bloomwood, I definitely sympathize with her love of shopping.
4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Elizabeth Bennett is another one of my best book friends. If you have yet to read this one, do it now!
5. Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster. I remember when my mom read this book to me a few years ago and it was like reading something out of my journals. Another best book friend.
6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The first time I read this novel, I was fifteen and had been grounded during my Christmas break so I stayed in my room and read this all week. It was a good week.
7. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Great, great book. I recommend this one to everyone!
8. Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit by Sean Hepburn Ferrer. I love Audrey, as you know, and am in love with this bio written by her son. She really had a beautiful life.
9. Charly by Jack Weyland. Such a beautiful story. Get your tissues for this one!
10. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. I love every Harry Potter book, but I think this is my fave. Mostly because the Weasley twins have a bigger role.
11. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank. If you have not read this, you must. Right this minute! I remember the first time I read this. I was in elementary in grade four and picked it out at the library when we were choosing a book from each section according to the Dewey Decimal system. Tissues needed for this one too.
12. Eleanor Rigby by Douglas Coupland. Pretty much the only Canadian author I can stand (Margaret Atwood, yuck!). He is so, so talented in his ability to tap into the human mind, especially writing from a woman's point of view in this one.
13. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks. I'm not sure how many times I've read this one, but I know I have read it many, many times.
14. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella. Becky Bloomwood in New York. Love!
15. Secrets from the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart MacLean. Not a novel, I know. But his short stories are definitely work a mention.
16. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. I love the Seuss. No life is complete without a little Sam I am.
17. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Definitely worth a read.
18. Wicked by Gregory McGuire. Ever wanted to know the story behind the Wicked Witch of the West, now you have it!
19. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. Such a powerful novel! Every time I read it, my heart breaks a little more.
20. On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder. When I was younger (about 7 or 8), I used to read these books all the time. I loved them, but Plum Creek was definitely the favourite.
21. Night by Elie Wiesel. A hard topic to read about, but definitely an amazing book.

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Now go read! Now!

Posters

With all of the wet, wet weather the past few days has put me in a bit of a funk and I haven't felt very motivated to blog. Sorry, friends. Anyhow, I had to share my new find, courtesy of Melanie from You Are My Fave who did a guest post on A CUP OF JO.

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This poster (from Keep Calm Gallery) is definitely the perfect reminder for a day like today. My fingers are crossed that tomorrow brings some sunshine because I need to shake this funk with a good run.

I'm So Excited

Tomorrow is Wednesday, which means that I get to register for my classes this fall! I am pretty excited, just like a kid on Christmas Eve. Yep, I'm a nerd.

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And this is how I feel inside right now. 

Wrapped Up in Books

I have neglected my other blog for a while, so I figured it was time to get back to it. So, if you are in the mood to read me more and read more about my literary obsessions, you need to check out Wrapped Up in Books.

The Last Song

After a brief hiatus, I am back and ready to gush about one of my greatest loves: literature. So, to begin my summer of writing, let's start with my most recent finish.
Last week I finished reading Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song. I have always enjoyed reading his novels, and was not disappointed with this one. Though there was the usual predictability that you find in a Sparks novel, it was still a good read.
If you need an easy summer read that will tug at your heart strings, this is the one for you.
Happy reading, friends!

 

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Hope

Waiting for Justin while he is on his mission is really, really hard! It is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done in my short twenty years of life. Although I know that I want to keep waiting, and want to marry Justin it can still be super discouraging to be here alone while he is gone. Luckily, I am surrounded by amazing family members and friends that help me along the way. Another thing that really helps is hearing success stories of other girls that waited for missionaries and married them, like my parents, my (distant) cousin who just married Justin's friend, and even people that I don't personally know, like Lauren at busy bee lauren. Read her sweet love story here.
Reading or listening to stories like that give me hope and make me realize that I can do this, and if it's what I want, I can make it happen. It also helps that I had a really good dream about my missionary being home this morning before I woke up.

I am quite positive that sixteen months from now, when I see this boy again, my smile will be even bigger. It may not look possible, but I will show that it is!

476 days. 476 days. 476 days. 

Twenty-one pet peeves

If you have known me for a while, or have been reading this blog at all you probably know that I am kind of weird. I have a few quirks about me, which includes my pet peeves. I have a lot of pet peeves, and have a few to share with you today. Sounds fun, right?

1. When people use the term "aka" incorrectly. AKA means "also known as" and that is all. It actually drives me a tiny bit crazy when people use it in a sentence when in fact they should say "i.e." or "for example".
2. Dog-earred pages. To me, books are sacred. Yes, I do have some well worn books that have experienced a lot, but they have never experienced a turned down page. That's what bookmarks were made for.
3. Double negatives. My ears cry every time someone says something along the lines of "I ain't got nobody".
4. Spelling errors. I do not profess to be spelling expert, but I do know how to use a dictionary and spell check.
5. Loud chewing.
6. Discovering a new band and feeling like I found something special that is just mine only to hear them played on the radio. I dislike the radio and most mainstream music (though I do make exceptions).
7. Parents who do not watch their children when they are in public. Even though you are in a public place, you are still required to keep an eye on your children (maybe more so!)
8. Finding something I really, really love online and then finding out that it does not ship to Canada. Devastating.
9. Wet socks. I think having wet socks is one of the worst feelings ever.
10. Telling somebody about a fear or phobia that I have only to have them tell me I should "get over it".
11. Having plugged ears. Whenever I get a bad cold, my ears tend to become very tender and often one will become completely plugged. Trust me, it is awful.
12. When I explain my occasional frustrations of being a girlfriend waiting for her missionary and having people tell me they know how I feel because they had a sibling go on a mission. It is not even close!
13. I work in a clothing store, and one of my biggest pet peeves that comes from that experience is when people leave things in a fitting room on the floor. Really? You would think that grown women know how to clean up after themselves.
14. People that smoke with children nearby. I think it is an awful thing when smokers choose to smoke in front of non-smokers, but I can't explain how much I hate it when people smoke near children and babies.
15. Other people's feet. I don't mind my own feet (as long as they are clean) and Justin's feet, but I really don't like it when anybody else's naked feet touch mine.
16. Bad hair days.
17. Another one from work: in my store, our cash desk is in the middle of the store, and there is another counter behind it. It drives me crazy when people walk through that space right behind our cash desk.
18. Insincerity.
19. When originals are not given credit. For example, nearly every Gwen Stefani song from 2007 had a tune that came from another song. Tevye wondered what it would be like to be a rich man before she sang about being a rich girl.
20. Writer's block. Evil, evil.
21. The term "I know exactly how you feel". Nope, you don't. You may understand, or have experienced a similar situation, but you do not know exactly how I feel.

So, there it is. Looking back on the list, I realize I may come across as quite sinister and picky, but I'm not that bad, I promise.

"This is what I want, this is what I need..."

Friends, I just watched the new video for the iPhone 4 and think it needs to be shared. Check it out here. Oooh, I so, so want one!

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I am looking forward to the "FaceTime" capabilities so that when Justin is home, we can talk and see each other at the same time (because we have a lot of face time to make up! Genius!

More shoes?

You might already know that I love shoes. A lot. And I love my vans. A lot. So much that I think after four (or maybe five?) years, they need a new friend. Like these or these or these. I think one day I will have to buy another house to store my shoes. Hopefully my future husband still loves me then!

Love.

Twenty-one pieces of wisdom

On Monday night, I started to feel a cold coming on and since then, I have been living in a cloud of my sinus cold. Hence, I have not felt motivated to put words together. But, I will attempt tonight. I need some blog time after a very stressful day at work (dearest Friday, come soon!). Today, I will share a list of wisdom.
Twenty-one things I have learned from my parents:

1. When you are sick, take vitamin C. Drink water. Rest.
2. Don't borrow something unless you can afford to replace it, and if you can buy it yourself!
3. Always wear clean underwear.
4. When you are staying as a guest in someone's home, always make the bed.
5. Loud music is required for cleaning.
6. Take care of what you need first, and what you want will be taken care of or you will realize you can live without it.
7. Family is most important.
8. Trust in the Lord. He knows best.
9. It's okay to show emotions.
10. Be prepared.
11. Ice cream may not be the cure for the grumpies, but it sure helps!
12. Air guitar is an art
13. Music is meant to be listened to and enjoyed. Loudly.
14. You should treat your family like strangers -- as in as kind as you would a stranger.
15. Don't worry about the things you can't control -- which includes pretty much everything.
16. Good things come to those who wait.
17. What may seem hard today will be easier tomorrow, and if it's not, it will be easier the next day.
18. If you really want to accomplish something, do it! Don't wait for opportunity to come to you.
19. Happiness is being married to your best friend.
20. You should always treat your spouse with respect, no matter what!
21. Your parents actually know what they are talking about.

I should have started that list by saying that I have not always embraced these lessons, and that each lesson has not necessarily been verbalized as such, but I have learned these from my very wise parents (and more!).

Twenty-one pictures

Today, I am giving you twenty-one of my favourite photos. Enjoy!

1. Mom and Dad at a friend's wedding. I love this picture so much. I have grown up always knowing that my parents loved each other. I look forward to still being in love with my husband 30 years + from now.

2. Justin and baby Jakob (10 months). I love this picture. Like I said yesterday, I see glimpses of my future looking at this. January 2009. 

3. Justin and me the first week that we met. August 2007. 

4. With Candi on our trip to Edmonton. Definitely one of the best weekends I have had in a very long time. April 2010. 

5. Justin and his first companion, Elder Ayers. One of the members posted this on facebook, and I remember seeing it one day and it made my heart so happy. December 2009. 

6. With one of my very best friends, Shenica. October 2007. 

7. Me and my favourite sister, Marni. We have been asked on numerous occasions if we are twins. I don't see it. Do you? May 2007. 

8. Making faces with Bailey at a family reunion. In case you couldn't tell, I love these kids. August 2008.

9. Taken at the Cardston temple. I remember taking this picture, and being quite surprised at how it turned out. I kind of love that about photography. May 2007. 

10. At a family reunion in 2007. I love these people. All of our lives have changed a lot from this moment, but I still love this picture and the joy it shows. August 2007. 

11. Justin and me on our very first date. September 2007. 

12. My brother David and me at Emerald Lake (Mt. Burgess behind us). It's not a very bright picture, but every time I see it, I remember that day. It was a good day. June 2007. 

13. Me and the girls (Chantelle, Candi and Megan) sporting our fine 90's attire. April 2010. 

14. With my uncle and grandparents waiting to see the Olympic torch. January 2010.

15. My wonderful family at my sister's wedding. October 2009. 

16. A boat at Emerald Lake. I'm not quite sure why, but I love this picture. June 2007.

17. My cousin, Kelsey at a family reunion. This girl could model. August 2007.

18. Justin serenading me. I love it when he plays his guitar. I am definitely lucky that I found a guy with musical talent. June 2008.

19. Little Ty. He was so cute then (and still is now!). September 2008.

20. Justin and me the week before he became a missionary. I am so glad I asked my brother, David to take some pictures of us that day. September 2009.

21. Speaking of my brother. Making people laugh is definitely one of David's greatest talents. August 2007.

I hope you enjoyed perusing through my memories. I know I did.

Happy Sabbath, friends. xo

Carry This Picture

So, first just let me apologize for a little fib this morning. I will not be doing two lists today. But, I just wanted to share a picture with you. My mom took this one in September. This was just three weeks before Justin and I said goodbye. I love seeing Justin with kids. I definitely see glimpses of my future. And as I look at this picture tonight, I realize that even when I am sad, or feeling left out, or that I don't fit in, I know that I always fit with Justin. And when I know that, the other things really don't matter much at all.

My wonderful boyfriend, playing with my cousin Tyler. September 2009 (Taken by mom)

"It was love at first see -- with my ears"

Yesterday, while I was at work, my mom stopped by to give me a package that came for me that morning. A package from my missionary! I was so excited, because I knew exactly what it was. A tape!
So, on my break, I rushed to the back room and began listening to it. I was a bit nervous at first (I'm not sure why), but I was so thrilled to hear his voice! I realized that I have been forgetting what it sounds like. I forgot what his laugh sounds like, and how his voice turns soft sometimes. It was definitely the boost that I needed.

Yeah, I'm in love. 482 days!

ps: come back later today for two lists, since I slacked off yesterday. 

Twenty-one stores

I hope that wherever you are, the sun is shining for you. It isn't for me, but I certainly hope it comes out soon!

Today, I give you my top twenty-one favourite on-line shops.

1. Shopstyle. Your one stop shop. I just discovered this one a month or two again and have to say I am slightly in love. It is so easy to find exactly what you are looking for by selecting the price, brand, colour and anything else you might want. 

2. Ruche. A few months back, I stumbled across this lovely store and was pleasantly surprised by their line of jewelry.  I absolutely adore their necklaces!

3. Target. I am deeply saddened that I have to live so far from Target. I love to look through all the wonderful stuff and decorate my future home. Justin and I may need to rent a trailer when we travel.

4. IKEA. Speaking of decorating, I love IKEA! For the past week, I have been slowly moving my belongings into the room next door (my sister's old room) and I desperately want to change everything. So, I go to IKEA.com and drool over everything that I can't have. Thankfully their prices are amazing, so I can actually afford it (when I save a bit)... it's just the drive and trying to convince someone to take me that is the hard part!

5. American Eagle. I am an AE girl and love the convenience of their site. I can easily find just what and I want and check to see if my closest store carries it. 

6. Forever 21 (Canada). I love their accessories -- especially their headbands. And, it's definitely a wonderful thing when I can order something without having to factor in exchange rates.

7. ModCloth. ModCloth carries some really, really great stuff both vintage and vintage inspired. And there is always something new every day. 

8. DownEast Basics. Not living in Utah (where all of the specialty modest shops are), it is sometimes difficult to find really good clothing that I don't have to cover with something else. Thank goodness for the internet! This season, they have some super cute dresses. I might have to get one for myself.

9. Shabby Apple. Love, love, love, love, love! I can't say enough how much I love these dresses. 

10. Chapters. Whenever I need my book fix, I just head over to this one and browse millions of books, making lists and lists in my head of books that I need to read. I hope I get through the list one day...

11. Shade. Shade also has a really great line this season. Plus, they have introduced some fabulous swimwear this year too. If I had somewhere to wear it, I would definitely pick one up for myself.
12. Crate and Barrel. Now that there is finally a C&B in Calgary (even though it's in the South!), I find myself on here a lot, picking out things that I will be adding to a wedding registry within a few years.
13. Anthropologie. Although I am unable to afford most of the items, I do still enjoy browsing and finding cute things.
14. Etsy. I adore etsy! And I am constantly amazed at the creative and genius of the creators of such beautiful things. Also, I feel a little kick of envy that I am not that savvy!
15. Charlotte Russe. Yet another one that decides to be far from me.
16. Tillys. Super cute. Super affordable.
17. Wet Seal. Another very, very affordable shop.
18. ALDO. How could I get this far down the list without mentioning shoes?
19. Old Soul New Heart. A few months ago, I discovered this one through Joanna at A CUP OF JO. Love. The new headbands this season are to die for!
20. Busy Bee Shoppe. Lauren at Busy Bee Lauren has this great shop with headbands and jewelry. She is so talent! I am actually awaiting the arrival of my first purchase. I will definitely share once it comes!
21. Vans. I am a Vans girl. Love!

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Love, right?

Pressed in a Book

I don't own a Kobo eReader -- partly because I am poor, and partly because I like carrying books. But, after seeing the new skins for the Kobo eReader, I am rethinking my choice. 

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"Oooh, fashion!"

Friends, I have discovered a new toy! Polyvore. It is the best. I love posting my new fashion finds, but have found I couldn't do it quite the way I wanted to. No more! I have found the solution.
One thing I love is finding the right accessories. They can make or break an ensemble and have the power to change it drastically, which means that you can buy your basics and update with small accessories without hurting your bank account. To demonstrate, I found a great pair of straight leg denim paired with an incredibly adorable top.
First, here is how I would wear this outfit for some shopping, or a day of classes. It is casual, but still pulled together.

Cardigan ($26) - Forever 21. Top ($37) - ModCloth. Jeans ($26) - Tillys.com. Shoes ($10) - Buckle. Ring ($5) - Forever21. Bag ($26) - ALDO.


Next, a look for a night out. Nothing too fancy, but still a step up. This is what I would wear if Justin were to take me out on a date. (485 days! )

Top ($37) - ModCloth. Jeans ($26) - Tillys.com. Charm bracelet ($7.21) - Tillys.com. Earrings ($7.88) - Old Navy. Shoes ($90) - ALDO. Clutch ($47) - Endless.com.

Fun, right? Trust me, you will have a blast. Check back within the next few days for more summer picks.

Twenty-one movies

Friends, in keeping with the daily lists, here is my list of top twenty-one favourite movies. I have a hard time narrowing down my favourites, so hopefully broadening the list to twenty-one will help. 


1. Breakfast at Tiffany's. I am quite certain that you have not live until you have seen this one. Amazing. 
2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off. When I was fifteen, I watched Ferris Bueller pretty much every day for an entire summer. I still love it and have a tradition of watching it on my birthday every year. See you in seventeen days, Mr. Broderick!
3. 10 Things I Hate About You. Whenever I need a movie to watch, but can't decide on what to watch, this is my go-to movie. I love it. However, I am pretty horrified by the new TV show based on it. Why can't some people just let things be?
4. Funny Face. A musical. Audrey Hepburn. Paris. Fashion. Need I say more?
5. Princess Bride. I don't remember the first time I had the pleasure of watching this one, but I know I was a little tot. I still thoroughly enjoy it, and definitely still close my eyes during the fire swamp scene. Also, the book is certainly worth a read!
6. Little Women (1949). Christopher Columbus! Another good read, but definitely a good see too. I do love the 1994 version as well (Christian Bale!), but my heart belongs to this version featuring the wonderful June Allyson.
7. The Little Mermaid. As a child, I had a crush on Eric (and sort of still do). 
8. Edward Scissorhands. Most people either love this one, or were terrified of it as a child. Obviously, I am the former.
9. My Fair Lady. My heart leaps with joy when I think about this one. I love every single song, every single moment of this wonderful moment. Also, I want a study just like Professor Higgins. I am dying to have large bookcases that have the rolling ladders. 
10. Beauty and the Beast. Speaking of wonderful score and beautiful library. I once told Justin that my dream is to have him surprise me with a library just like the Beast does for Belle. I wonder if he took that one seriously?
11. Toy Story. While animated movies are on the brain, here is another wonderful one. I remember going to see Toy Story in the theatre with my dad and siblings when I was six or seven. I liked it, but for some reason I remember thinking it was dorky to like it. Obviously this was long before I embraced my inner nerd. (By the way, 16 days until Toy Story 3 comes out!)
12. Rain Man. Dustin Hoffman is incredible! Despite the fact the Tom Cruise had to be in this one, I love it! But, I guess to be fair, it was before he went crazy, jumping on couches.
13. The Princess Diaries. Dorky to choose this one, maybe (but remember my comment in #11). I love innocent Anne Hathaway. I also love the makeover scene. And the fact that Robert Schwartzman of Rooney is in it. Heart flutter!

14. The Sound of Music. The hills are alive with the sound of music (ah ah ah ah..). When I was younger, I thought it was so long because it had the two tapes, but I still loved it -- and still do!

15. Big. Tom Hanks as a boy who just wants to be big. My love for New York City definitely grows each time I watch the scene in FAO Schwarz. I would love to own that piano.

16. Pretty in Pink. I love Duckie and hate James Spader. 
17. Father of the Bride. Franck. Ah, Franck. 
18. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Tim Burton definitely has an incredibly creative mind, however I do not want to have a "Being John Malchovich" experience there. I imagine his mind is a very frightening place.
19. Say Anything. The movie tagline is: "To know Lloyd Dobler is to love Lloyd Dobler..." I know Lloyd Dobler.
20. Sleepless in Seattle. You guessed it, I like Tom Hanks! I also love, love, love this movie. 
21. A Knight's Tale. This is one of my absolute favourites. Justin and I actually consider this "our movie" and we will even write some of the quotes in our letters. 

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My brother jokes that he will be naming his son WILLIAM!!!! (exclamation marks included) because I have already called dibs on the name William. He thinks that won't confuse the boys.

Do any of my movies make your list? If not, what's on your list? 

To the Sea

Yesterday I bought Jack Johnson's new album, "To the Sea". I was definitely not disappointed. Friends, this is a must buy. I don't think your summer would be complete without it!

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I think June will be a good month, as always. 

Twenty-one in ten

Twenty-one things to do before I turn thirty-one.

1. Be sealed in the temple to the love of my life. Of course this is at the top of my list. I am so, so excited for Justin to come home so we can get married and be together forever! That thought definitely makes the next sixteen months apart completely worth it!
2. Have kids. I am so excited to be a mom -- whenever that time comes.
3. Go to California. Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to go to California. I had originally dreamed of living in San Francisco, but now I think I am a So Cal girl. Justin and I definitely have plans to head south and visit his mission as soon as we can!
4. Get my license. Yes, you read that correctly. I do not currently have my license. But I will. Very soon! I just need to start practicing.
5. Graduate from university. I am currently working on completely my bachelors degree of Fine Arts in English (with a minor in Psychology). I am pretty certain I will finish in ten years -- though sometimes it feels like I will never finish!
6. Get a "real" job. Even if it is only for a short time (ie. in between graduating and starting a family), I want to have a real job -- meaning not working in retail! (Unless it's a corporate job).
7. Travel Europe. I am definitely aching to go to Europe -- especially England, Paris, Scotland and Italy. One day!
8. Run a marathon. I am getting ready to run my first 5K race this summer, so hopefully I will be ready to run a full on marathon within ten years... well see.
9. Live in another city. I really want to experience living in an another city. It doesn't have to be far, but I want to be able to say that I have lived somewhere besides Calgary all my life.
10. Go to New York. I have also had a deep love and fascination with New York for a very long time. I will get there!
11. Be an auntie. This should go above me having kids, but I thought of it later. No pressure by the way, Marni. I will have another sister by the time I am thirty-one, and David is also able to give me nieces and nephews. (My brothers-in-law to be will not be giving me nieces or nephews before I turn thirty-one).
12. Be at least in the beginning stages of writing my novel. One of my life goals is to write and publish a novel. Fingers crossed that it makes the best-sellers list!
13. Buy a house. I really look forward to owning my own home. I expect to have a few years ahead of me of renting very small places, so the idea of a home all to myself (and my little family) is very exciting.
14. See a taping of Jeopardy. I am definitely planning to go to a taping of Jeopardy when we visit California. There is no way I would miss that opportunity!
15. Be a contestant on Jeopardy. Another dream of mine is to be a contestant on Jeopardy. I took the online test last year on a whim, but didn't qualify. I have a few years to smarten up.
16. Own something designer. Whether it's a pair of shoes, a handbag or a sweater, I want to own something designer -- and have the funds to do so.
17. Pay off my student loan. I only have student loans from my first two years of university, so I would really like to pay it off as soon as possible -- especially since it is likely that my husband will have some loans to deal with.
18. See Jack Johnson, Coldplay and Brand New live. I have had the chance to see Brand New live (three years ago) but I will definitely go again!
19. Watch every Audrey Hepburn movie. I have watched many of her movies, but I am far from watching all of them.
20. Go to Australia. Hmm, it looks like I will be having an expensive next ten years! But, I think it will be worth it!
21. I want to be able to make anything without having to call my mom for help. I definitely appreciate the fact that my mom is the source of most of my baking knowledge, but I hope that I will be able to do it all on my own soon!

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Some day that will be me walking across that street! Some day!

What do you want to do before 2020?