Book Club: December Ideas

Tomorrow it will be December, so I figured it's probably a good time for me to give some ideas for December's book pick. I have chosen six possibilities, which you can vote on. The book with the highest number of votes will be December's book. (Click on the titles for a summary).

- Emma by Jane Austen *
- Bel Canto by Ann Prachett
- Half Brother by Kenneth Opel
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Schaffer
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens *

Now do your duty and vote! (I will accept votes until Friday and will choose a book after).

ps. I will post some discussion questions about the November pick by Thursday (sorry that I'm a little behind!).

* = I have an extra copy incase someone needs it.

14

Fourteen months. It has been fourteen months since my dear, sweet Justin started his mission. I am realizing more and more each day that these two years is not my entire life and that I have a lot of growing and learning left to do.
Just ten more months (just over 300 days!) and I get to see my man again. I'm just a little bit excited.

Approximately sixty weekends without a date  is worth it if I get to see that sweet smile and bright blues again in about forty-two weeks. 

ps. just thirty more days and we are into the single digits! Did you just hear strange high pitched scream? Yeah, that was me

Thanksgiving

When I am married and have kids, I want to be the ideal homemaker. I want to have a perfectly decorated home, with well behaved children -- boys who look just like their father, and maybe a girl or two that look like me. I want to cook healthy dinners every night, and have fun with my family. I want to sew beautiful things for our home and make homemade Halloween costumes for the kids. I want to make pies and cakes just because and scrapbook all the important family moments.

Sure to some this may sound like a delusional dream, but it's not to me.

I am trying to practice my skills, so as I mentioned before, I planned a Thanksgiving dinner for my family tonight. All together there were eleven of us (me, mom, dad, Marni, James, David, Carla, Granny, Papa, Uncle Marsh and my good friend Chantelle). Our table was pretty crowded, but we still had a lovely time. I love being with my family -- especially when we are sharing delicious food! (Thank you to mom and David for prepping the turkey and dad for the gravy!)

I also tried my hand at making pies. Not so easy. But, I learned a lot from my first time and look forward to trying it again soon. I forgot to get some pictures, so just use your imagination of what my project looked like. 

I am really so thankful for my family, and am so excited for the day when I will have children of my own that I get to share my life with. 

ps. Two Thanksgivings will probably be a tradition in my family now. I love it!
pps. Comments? I'm starving here. 

C-C-C-Cinnamon Lips

For about a year, or maybe more, I have had a slight obsession with red lipstick. I loved it on other people, was terrified to try it myself. For months, I would buy a new red gloss or lipstick, put it on, look in the mirror, and then promptly take it off.
One day, however, I decided to leave it on. And apparently it worked. Though I am still a little unsure that I can rock the red like Lauren at busybeelauren, I like to think it doesn't look horrendous.
Anyhow. On Sunday, I was feeling festive and a little gutsy, so I wore my very favourite shade.

Red lips always make me feel pretty, and like I am living in a different decade, which of course I love!

Clarification: Response to "Lessons"

After reading the comments I received from Monday's post, I felt the need to clarify. I wasn't meaning to be down on myself. Yes, there are times that I compare myself to others in such a way that it makes me feel inadequate, but that wasn't what was going on in my head Monday night. It was more of comparing my current situation the that of others. I was reminded Monday night that I have a really great life. I have wonderful friends -- seriously amazing girls that bring me up when I am at my lowest. I have an amazing family, a good job, a boyfriend who loves me (even if he is far away), the promise of a university degree somewhere in my future. Anyway. I just wanted to clarify that I wasn't having a pity party and wasn't trying to solicit comments. However, I must thank my mommy and Sarah for their sweet words. Thank you. And thank you to those in my life that remind me daily that I have much to be grateful for.

xo

Create

I love to create. I love to make something out of nothing, to make something unique out of the ordinary. For a long time, my creative outlet of choice has been writing (exhibit a: this blog). But, besides that, I have another beloved pass time: scrapbooking. I love it. I love finding cute papers, and embellishments and making my memories more precious.
Tonight, after a stressful day of thinking (yes, my mind stressing me out more than anything else), and a trip to Michaels to get some goodies (and to see Candi), I had this overwhelming desire to create. I needed some way to get rid of my stress, so I headed downstairs, found a few papers, a picture and began.
This is what happened:

(ignore the glare from the light above). When I found this picture of Riley (my cousin's daughter) tonight, I couldn't resist. She is too precious. She's pretty serious in this one, but this is one silly little lady. Ask her to say "Kristi". Apparently that is the the most comical thing to this girl. 

Thankful

Despite what some Canadians may believe, it is okay to celebrate Thanksgiving more than once in a year. Personally, I think it should be Thanksgiving every day, but I'm not sure how the government feels about that. I suppose we need to work sometimes, right?
I suppose part of my desire to celebrate American Thanksgiving this year (we are having dinner on Sunday -- I am excited!) has to do with my favourite boy celebrating in So Cal. But, part of it is also because it's an excuse to be with family, make pies and focus on what I have been blessed with.
So, to my Canadian and American friends alike: Happy Thanksgiving!

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Oh, and ps: my body needs to find a new home before it shatters from the cold!
I love Calgary, and it is my home. But, it would be kind of nice to skip the winter boots and jacket and -30 weather.
Suggestions for a place to move?
I'm thinking Australia. Or California (of course!).

"An attitude of gratitude"

I have been meaning to start a "gratitude journal" for many years. But, for some reason or another, I never actually did it. However, after a lovely intimate "FHE" last night with my favourite ladies, I decided it was time. So, I bought myself a pretty journal and today was day one. I am really thankful for so many things in my life. I have been blessed immensely and I need to be more aware of it. Also, I have been lacking in the journal department for quite some time, so this will act as that (since this blog is a type of journal, as are my letters to Justin).
What are you grateful for today?

Lessons

I tend to learn my lessons over and over and over again. Apparently I have a very poor memory when it comes to things like life lessons. The lesson I am learning tonight: do not compare yourself to others. This is the hardest for me to overcome. I have always had issues with it -- whether it was my sister being able to do things because she was three years older, or girls getting married who are much younger than me. I can only really know what I need and what is best for me (though I guess I don't know that most of the time). Hopefully I will figure this out one day.

ps. I know you are reading this. I miss having comments.

Harry Potter

Dear Harry Potter, I love you. A lot. Can we be best friends?
I just got back from seeing the movie with Marni. I have determined that I need to expand my vocabulary, because the words I have used to describe the movie (awesome, amazing) just don't cut it. The movie, to take from Harry himself, was "brilliant". Please do yourself a favour and go see it! I am quite certain that if you are a Harry Potter fan (book-wise or movie-wise), you will LOVE it! And if you don't, you're probably dead inside.
That is all. Goodnight.

I am quite certain that I will have difficulty sleeping for the next eight months, because I am so, so excited for part two! 

ps. I have decided that Harry Potter movie marathon will be mandatory before July 15th, as well as a midnight screening. Who's in?

Reading speed

I have never been a fast reader. I did not get that gene. My sister seemed to have gobbled that one up before my time, so there was only "moderate-slow" reader left for me.
Marni and I are going to see Harry Potter tomorrow night (yay!). But, I haven't finished re-reading the book! As part of my book club this month, and in preparation for the movie I started reading it at the beginning of the month. But, with school and work taking up most of my time and leaving me drained I usually don't have much eye-power at the end of the day to read. Hopefully I get can in the last, umm... 500 pages? in somewhere between now and 9:30 tomorrow night.
I love Harry Potter, by the way. I am so excited! (Though kind of nervous, because I get bad anxiety watching suspenseful movies -- even when I know what is going to happen).

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More dreams

I had another very strange and vivid dream last night -- or actually this morning, I guess. Slightly Harry Potter related again, but this time my dream companion was Patrick Jane (Simon Baker, "The Mentalist"). We were in a bad situation, and he tried to cast a few spells to get us out. Strange indeed. My dreams have been haunting me all week. Little tid bits come to me during my day and I desperately try to interpret and explain them. But, no such luck.
On a happier note, I got a lovely letter from my lovely missionary today. I miss him!
Hopefully I will have something more interesting to say tomorrow!
Goodnight.
xo

Hair: Opinions, please!

I'm getting a much needed trim on Friday. I'm not planning to change up my hair that much, but my bangs do need a little something.
This is what I'm thinking:

Yay or nay?

or 

Should I go for the whispy-ish, or the thicker full bang? I'm a fan of both, but would love some opinions. 

Alexis or Anne? Rory or Andy? 

Dreams

It's funny how the small things in life can seep into your dreams at night. I find that I often dream about a song I was recently listening to, or a book I'm reading, or a TV show I was recently watching. I guess that is normal, but for me, the unusual happens with the context.
For example, last night (or this morning), I was dreaming about Voldemort -- I mean He Who Must Not Be Named -- being in my school. I'm not sure if it was my high school or if we were at Hogwarts, but Voldemort was there. I was terrified the entire time, but knew in a way what was happening, because in my dream mind (do you have one of those too?) I knew that after a while, Voldemort would get angry and leave. It was a very strange dream, and as I told the bits I remembered to a friend this morning, I realized how silly it was.
My brain is certainly a funny place.

I don't particularly enjoy Voldemort, but I do enjoy these three. So they shall replace him in picture today. Only 5 more days until the movie is out! 

 I feel like my childhood is really coming to a close with the end of this brilliant series. 

Fragments

Scrapbook supply shopping. Sleeping in. Jeopardy. Card making. Christmas shopping. New yoga mat. Road trip. Road trip playlist. Taking pictures. New tights. Harry Potter. Great work out with my work out buddy. Snail mail. Recipes. Missionary scrapbook supplies. Christmas music. "Hello, Dolly!".

That is my weekend in fragments. I love having a few days off to relax and take some time to myself, and to spend time with my big sister. I will be back at it on Monday, class on Tuesday. Apparently you can never escape it.

The Sound of Music

Last week, the cast of "The Sound of Music" were guests on Oprah, in celebration of 45 years since its release. Mom, being the wonderful mom that she is, PVR'd it for me. It was splendid. And since then, I have been getting my "Sound of Music" fix anywhere I can get it. First, I found the soundtrack on iTunes and promptly bought it, and listened to it. Over and over. And then tonight, I watched it. And let me tell you, it was wonderful.

I have loved this movie since I was a wee one and will continue to love it for the rest of my life. 

As I was watching it tonight (for the first time in maybe two or more years), I realized how much was lost on me when I was a kid. I liked the music, and wanted desperately to be one of the Von Trapp children, but the historical and political issues of the film meant nothing to me then. Now, older and wiser, I get it. It's just funny how that happens. I actually find that a lot now, re-watching movies or TV shows I watched when I was a kid. I realize now that I didn't know anything then, and most things just went right over my head.

Anyhow. I love "The Sound of Music". A lot. It means a lot to me, and I will forever cherish. I am so excited for the day when I can share it with my children! 

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"This is Louis, Dolly!"

I'm pretty sure that I have mentioned just a few times how much I love music. I have shared my love for the music that calms me, motivates me and gets me through my toughest days.
Tonight, I am listening to the amazing Louis Armstrong. I love him. Love.
Seriously. He does something to my heart. I can literally feel my heart grow with happiness.
So, friends, please do yourself a little favour and listen to my friend Louis. (You can never go wrong with the classic, "What A Wonderful World" or a little "Hello Dolly").

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Book Club: November Pick

Hey, friends. So I have decided that for November, the pick will be Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (since the movie will be out in twelve days!). If you want to read along with me, please do! And if you don't want to, I won't be offended. Just join me next month! Check back later for some discussion on the amazingness that is Harry Potter.
Also, if you have suggestions at any time for a book, let me know!
Happy reading!

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Progress

My hair, believe it or not continues to grow! I thought it was about time to document its progress.
I am so excited to see what it will look like with another year of growth!

Curly. 

Straight. (Yep, that's the California Republic flag behind me. Dad is lending it to me while I search for my own.)

Count Your Blessings

It is nearly ten o'clock, and my bed is calling my name. But first I need to share a few thoughts.
It is November 5th, and yet it was almost 20 degrees all day. I could hardly believe it when I walked to the bus stop this morning, wearing my lightest spring jacket, and I did not feel the slightest chill. It was almost surreal. I am so glad that fall decided to hold on a little longer. They say today was the last nice day we will have, so I am thankful I got to enjoy it a little bit.
I find when times are tough, I need to count my blessings even more and focus on the good. Sometimes that is really, really hard (like right this moment), but I know it is needed.
Let's count my blessings, shall we?


1. I have a home.
2. I live in a beautiful country.
3. I am in love.
4. I have a wonderful family.
5. My legs still work, even after I make them endure intense exercise they weren't used to.
6. I have amazing friends.
7. I am fortunate enough to be getting a good education.
8. I have a job that I actually enjoy.
9. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
10. My ears work, and allowed me to listen to the wonderful sounds today.


That feels a little better. My heart is still hurting a little bit, but I am constantly reminded that I can do tough things. And friends, so can you.
xo

Blessing #3. 

"So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end."

Remember this tee? I had nearly forgotten about it, then received the much anticipated e-mail that it was back in stock (in a slightly different style)! And now it is on it's way to find me! I'm just a little bit excited.

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All is Full of Love

I love reading NieNie, and every day that I do, I come away inspired and in awe of Stephanie's love for her family and love of life. Today, she said something that really struck me, and made my eyes a little wet. I had to share:


"Love is what changes trying times into bearable times, and hard moments into a good learning moments."


Reading that, it was if my heart agreed and exclaimed, "Yes! Yes! That's it!". I completely believe that love conquers all. I have seen that in my life. When I want to quit and can't see how anything will ever change, I remember the love that I have in my life -- whether it be the love of my family, Justin or the love that my Heavenly Father and Saviour have for me. Love is all you need. I know that.

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Do-Re-Mi

I needed a little cheering up this morning, and thought maybe other people did too. Watch this video.

Shred

This semester it has been really hard for me to keep up with my workouts. A lack of motivation mixed with early mornings and warm blankets has turned into an increase in my laziness and my hips too. So, today I started day one of Jillian Michael's "30 Day Shred". Right when I got home from work, I did it thinking it would be no big deal to do a twenty-minute work out. But, it was. I'm feeling it. But, I also feel really good. I am looking forward to doing it tomorrow, and possibly adding in a little jog too if this weather holds up.
Exercise is worth it. I feel much better about myself when I actually make the effort, and I am looking forward to seeing the results!

ps. If I don't get any more feedback about book club, I'll choose a book by Friday. So please, let your voice be heard!

Missionary Update

Transfer time again!
Yesterday, I received the usual lovely e-mail from my Justin. And he informed me that he has in fact been transferred this time. He will be serving in Jurupa (just outside of Riverside) with Elder Darais. He is also now a District Leader! I am so excited for him. He has such a great personality, and definitely has the qualities of a leader. I am really looking forward to seeing how this new responsibility helps him grow even more.

ps. This has been my 300th post. Yikes!

"...hat, sir"

Just waiting for my institute class to start, and I decided to browse through Anthropologie's new items. Perhaps not the smartest idea. I want this hat. Actually, make that need. But could I pull it off?

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Book Club: Ideas

Okay, book club friends! It's time to pick a book. I don't know what everyone likes to read, but I am game for pretty much anything. While at work today, I made a list of a few that might be good to read. Please add your suggestions or pick one from my list and we'll pick one for November.

Emma by Jane Austen
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Schaffer
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (since the movie is out in two weeks).

Do you like any of those suggestions? Or have any of your own?

Happy (belated) Halloween!

As promised, here are the extra pictures from Monday night's FHE. And also pictures from Friday night's dance (from the ten minutes that we were there!).
Hope this Halloween has been a good one!
xo

Candi with our pumpkin. And her papes!

And Danny so excited, showing his FedEx pride.

Cleopatra and "Candi" Corn!

Me, the nerd with Candi Corn.

And with Cleopatra. I love us.