We're Going to Be Friends

This week, I made a new friend.

For the time being he is unnamed. But still very much loved.

This week, I got my iMac. I have been wanting a new computer for a while (my dear MacBook, Edgar has seen better days) and decided it would be more practical to go with a desktop than buying another laptop. So, I got the 27" iMac. It is seriously a thing of beauty -- very large beauty! 

I love it. I just need to christen it with the perfect name now... 

The best logo around.

Pinterest on my iMac is amazing. Seriously. I love it!

I just found the most adorable outfit ever. Seriously. If you ever, ever find a dress like this, please, please, please inform me immediately!

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Ramblings and epiphanies

I think I just had a slight epiphany about myself and how others see me. In some ways I may come across as someone who is always jumping the gun. I jump to conclusions daily, and am always planning for future events. I can also be very impulsive and sometimes say something without thinking about it clearly in my head. I've realized also that I am not very good at expressing myself in speaking. Sometimes it is very difficult for me to share what I am feeling in my heart and place it into words. Often the feelings that I have are inexpressible or so deep that words wouldn't do them justice. For this reason, I think I may come across as if I have not thought my decisions out thoroughly or am making decisions based on other opinions. Sometimes I do make decisions based on other opinions. For instance, if Christopher tells me he likes a certain sweater or the smell of my hair products, I am definitely more likely to wear that sweater when I see him or buy that specific hair product. Though I may give into trends and other opinions very easily on little things, I am not one to do so with big life decisions. When it comes to big decisions that will have huge impact on my life, I do not take them lightly. With things like that, I tend to think and think and think, then think some more. I don't know if you know this, but I am one prone to pondering. I like to think all options out. I like to know the pros and cons. I like to observe the experiences of others and internalize how that would work in my life. I know that I don't know everything (now you have it in writing mom). But, I do know that I know better what is going on in my heart and mind better than others. Though I am very stubborn about making decisions for myself, I am thankful for the wisdom and guidance I am given by my loving family and good friends. It is really a wonderful think to know that I am loved by so many people. Sometimes, or more like all times, I am not very good at taking advice. I am really stubborn. But then sometimes after I have time to process, I can see how such wisdom can help me. Saying that, I have also come to realize that I need to trust myself. I need to trust my heart, trust the promptings of the spirit always, and do what I need to do for me, and somehow mingle what I think is best with what third party eyes see as better. Growing up is way more complicated than I ever thought it would be.

Proper introduction

I realized this week that I haven't introduced you to Christopher properly. So, I thought I would share a little bit about the man that I spend so much of my time with.

Chris will be twenty-three is December. In fact, we are exactly six months apart. He loves alfredo sauce, apple juice, McDonald's (still don't understand that one) and ice cream (that I understand). He served his mission in Lubbock, Texas and returned home last August. He is currently attending SAIT in the IT program with a major in Networking. He's a super brainiac when it comes to anything involving technology. Christopher is a really ambitious, but pretty laid back guy. He's not one to worry too much about things he can't control, so I feel he balances we out well that way. Chris loves movies, especially Transformers and Disney movies. In fact, you can often catch us singing along to our favourite Disney songs (usually Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast or The Lion King) in the car, or whilst cooking dinner. Chris also works at Shaw as a Technical Service Rep (I think that's what TSR stands for...). 

Chris just really likes to have a good time. He doesn't have a very quiet laugh, which I kind of love. I like being able to tell when he finds something funny. He even laughs at my jokes too, so I think he's a keeper in that respect. 

Christopher is also one of the sweetest people I know. He is super thoughtful and always willing to do whatever he can to help. 

That's a really brief description, I know. But, a figured a short one is better than nothing. 

Should I?

So, I am really considering getting an e-reader. I know I have not been a big supporter of them in the past, but I am actually quite impressed with the new ones out there (like the Kindle Fire, Kobo Vox, Nook Color). It's a bit of an investment, so I am doing a lot of research right now to make sure that it will be worth it. So, friends, I need your help. Do you have an e-reader? Do you love it? Why? What issues have you had?
Thanks, friends!

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Halloween

Remember that time I asked for opinions and help for our Halloween costume?
Well, after much thought, we finally decided on something two days before the day. Christopher really wanted to go as a 1920's mobster, but I didn't want to go as a flapper (those dresses do not look good on me), so after a little research, I found the perfect one: Bonnie and Clyde. Even though we had to explain our costume to everyone, I still think it was a winner.
I am excited to see what we'll come up with next year!

Help, please!

All right, friends. I need your help.

On Friday night, there is a YSA dance for Halloween. Christopher and I need a costume! I prefer couple costumes that match. But, I am having a hard time thinking of anything. 

So, please. Help!

"Two years is a long time"

"Two years is a long time". "People change".
Over and over I heard these words, and over and over I ignored them.
When my boyfriend of nearly two years left for his mission to California, I knew that there were a lot of unknowns in our future. But that didn't matter for me at that time because there were two knowns: we loved each other, and he needed to serve a mission.
Now that I look back on it, I realize that at that time I exercised the most faith I ever have in my life. I knew that two years would be hell. I knew that I would be lonely. I knew that I would have a lot of opposition. But I also couldn't ignore the comfort that I received daily. For a lot of that time, I honestly felt like I was carried through my trials. There were many nights spent crying myself to sleep, many days questioning my decisions.
I was committed, and willing to see it through. But then things gradually started to change. I didn't share my feelings with a lot of people because I was really confused, and for a lot of the time I didn't know how to express my feelings. And also, it really wasn't anyone's business.
With everything that I have been through in the last four months, I have realized that my feelings and plans two years ago were not misguided or unreal. At that time I really knew what I wanted. I acted with faith knowing that Heavenly Father would bless me with the desire of my heart. I just didn't know then that His plan was slightly different from my plan.  Not better, just different.

I have been given a lot of advice from some very well meaning people that just want me to be happy. I am thankful for the support that I have in that regard. I also have been able to see how important my own agency and the ability that I have to choose for myself. I have learned that despite good intentions of others, I am the only one that really knows my own mind and my situation. With some help from my Heavenly Father, I know that I can be guided to the best decisions possible.
I have learned a lot these past two years. I went through trials that I know will help me in my life. I had very unique opportunities that have helped to shape me into the woman I am today and the woman I am still becoming.

I really don't regret how my life has played out. I really do feel that everything happened the way it did for a reason. I feel like in some ways, I know those reasons, but I also know that I won't find out until the eternities. But, until then, I am happy with knowing the little bits that I do know. 

Yes, two years is a long time and yes, people change. I know that now. 

Let's Hear it for the Boys

It makes me really sad when people have negative feelings towards men. I know that there are many guys out there that don't make the best choices, and make problems for the rest of the male population. But in my life, I have been blessed to know so many good men. Men are essential to our life here on earth. I don't mean that in an anti-feminist way, I just mean that we need them, and they need us. The men in my life bring humour, a sense of safety, and treat me so well, reminding me that I am a choice daughter of God.

When I think about the best men I know, there are six names that come immediately to mind. 

My Papa is one of the kindest men I know. He loves my Granny, his family and the gospel. He is so hard working, and such a good example to his entire family.

My dad is one of the most selfless people I know. He always puts his family first, no matter what. He loves his wife dearly, and he does his best for his family. Despite hard times, he provides for his family every way that he can. My dad is another really great example to me.

My brother David is one of the funniest people I know. David loves a good laugh, and loves to share laughter and humour with everyone around him. He is the best big brother. He is kind, protective, and always lets me know when he thinks I could be doing better. His creativity in his photography amazes me, and he is one of my best friends.

My brother-in-law, James is one of the most hard-working men I know. He has a busy job, a busy calling, and a new family and he does his best in every single of those parts of his life. It's really neat to see the care that James takes with my nephew, Joey. He is a natural father.

Justin is probably the best living example of a friend. Justin has such a kind heart. He is really truly, a gentleman and often puts others above himself. He tries his best to make others happy, and make them as comfortable, even in the most awkward of situations (trust me on this one!). Justin is also a very forgiving person and sees the good in life.

Christopher is one of the sweetest people I know. He is always conscious of the needs of others, and likes to make me smile. Chris knows how to make me feel like the most important woman in the world. He is smart. He is also a gentleman. Plus, if you ever need to help moving, he is your guy -- trust me.

I am so blessed. Seriously. I could go on and on with the list of other men in my life that have made a big impact on it. There are so many good men out there, just trying to do their best.

Ladies, please treat men with the respect that they deserve. There are so many Prince Charmings and Knights in Shining Armour, just waiting for you to give them a chance. Don't give up on that fairy tale. It exists. Trust me. 

It's been a while...

I promised my dear cousin Sarah last week that I would post by the end of the week... but then I didn't. I apologize. Things have been a little crazy over here. Not bad crazy, just busy crazy. Lots happening.
So, let's summarize the last month, shall we?
School is now in full swing, and I am still enjoying it. I had a midterm yesterday (yuck) and have some papers due near the end of the month, so we'll see if I'm still enjoying school then. I am taking American Literature, Intro to Greece and Rome and History of Psychological Thought.
Work has been good. It seems I am rarely there anymore, since my school schedule cuts into most of the time that I would be working.
Christopher and I have had a lot of fun so far this fall. There have been some movie dates, many nights watching The Office and the occasional fancier night out. Chris just got a job this month, so we see each other much less than we used to, but we still see each other every day, even if it's just during an hour break that we have between classes. It's definitely an adjustment, since we've been used to seeing each other every night after school for the past month, but that's what phones are for. Chris' job at Shaw will definitely be helpful to his future career (he is in the IT program at SAIT), so I should be thankful for that.
I still love my house, and am enjoying this time I have to live with good roommates and be independent. One of roommates is getting married next month, which is a happy/sad thing (I'll miss you, Megan!), but I am happy that we've found a new roommate!
All in all, things are good. I love my life.

xo

Forget about the price tag...

It's a very sad thing that I am always so in love with the most expensive things. It seems that when it comes to fashion, my heart will only land on the items with the highest price tags. I don't know how it happens, but seriously, it's a problem. If you were to show me five pairs of shoes, I would unknowingly pick the most expensive ones.
This, I have decided, is why I must love Shabby Apple. It's not the most expensive shop, but it's also not the cheapest. I had planned to get a dress from there this summer, but it didn't happen. I'll need to save up my pennies to get one this winter. Or maybe I'll get one in the spring. I do prefer getting new dresses in the spring.
For now, I have plenty of new pretty things to keep my eyes and heart happy. Check out their new line, Academia. Being an academic myself, I am obviously head-over-heels-in-love.

a.b.

Which is your favourite?

Wednesday Wisdom

I have one tiny bit of wisdom for you today. It is this: you know that a guy is worth keeping when he holds you tight and lets you ugly cry (I think we all know what ugly cry is) on him because the book you're currently reading is at a really sad part.

Joey

This weekend I had the chance to spend some extra time with my favourite little guy, Joey. He is growing up so fast, I can't believe it! On Sunday, he was one month old. One month! And today, he is five weeks old. Time has been flying.
I am so excited to see this little boy grow up. We're already best friends. It is going to be so much fun when he can walk and talk. But for now, I am content with my snuggles. I love snuggles with my Joey.

Yeah, be jealous. I do have the sweetest, cutest, and smartest nephew. 

When I Grow Up

I am a grown-up. Seriously. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a grown-up. When I was younger, I wanted to make my own rules and do everything that I wanted to do. I wanted to have my own money, and my own house, and have no bedtime. I thought that would be the life. But in my mind, growing up and getting on to bigger and better things always seemed so far away.
First, I graduated from elementary and went on to junior high. That was scary, but thrilling at the same time, because it meant that I was growing up. Then I went from junior high to high school and that was actually pretty awesome. I thought I was so cool. High school was a blast, and had little to no drama at all. But by the end of that, I was ready for my next move -- university. Though incredibly daunting, university was still a natural shift for me. And I've been in that same phase for a while now.
Since I moved out this summer, I have moved up a level in my grown-up status. Paying rent and bills sucks, but it has taught me a lot of self-reliance and self-mastery. I'm glad for that experience. With the end of my current university career actually sort-of in sight (I have about a year and a half left), I am realizing that I am going to be more of a grown-up that I had expected. Plus, there's that whole marriage and kids thing. I am not at that point yet, but I know that it will be there eventually (don't worry -- I am not engaged, nor will I be soon).
It's just crazy to think that I am at the point that I am right now. I am a full-fledged grown-up. And it's definitely terrifying, yet kind of amazing.

Dressed Up & In Line

I love when an outfit just comes together. When every piece of that ensemble just makes your heart happy and you feel like your life could never be complete again without it. That's how I felt yesterday as a got dressed for church.
Polka dots. Pink scarf. Cardi. Geek glasses.
In love.

Ideas, please!

September is here, and school is just around the corner. I can't believe it. This semester will be a very different one, especially with me not living at home anymore. I don't know why that really makes a difference, but it seems too. Perhaps because with my hours at work going down because of classes, I actually need to save as much money as possible so I don't get stuck with no money, because let's face it -- paying rent sucks.
So, on to my original purpose for this post. Being a student, and dating a student (Christopher starts school at SAIT next week) means that money for dates is very scarce. However, I am a big believer in dating, so I need some help with ideas for cheap, inexpensive, and even no-cost dates. Please, help!
xo

Wednesday Wisdom

I have some wisdom for you today. It is this: sometimes, you just need to breathe. No matter what you choose to do in life, someone will have something negative to say about it. Sometimes they will say it to your face, and sometimes they'll say it to someone else. But, getting upset and reacting to it won't help. And sometimes you have to step outside of yourself and look at it from their perspective. Sometimes they're just trying to help.
Just breathe. Focus on being happy. Focus on the here, the now. Be patient.
Oh man, I need to take my own advice!

I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world...

Last night for FHE, we had a wonderful lesson about the creation and how everything in this world denotes that there really is a God and that there are so many things around us that demonstrate His love for us. I am so grateful for all of the beautiful things that I get to see each and every day. It makes my heart so happy to know that my Heavenly Father loves me.

Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.

Yep, we're awesome.

Progress

Remember this, this, this, this and this? Yep, it's still growing.

And I love it!

Fireworks

Two words. Italy and fireworks. Yes, please! Thursday night was the first time that I have been so moved by a display of fireworks that I nearly cried. Seriously. Italy was the contender at Globalfest that night and they were so amazing. The music was amazing (minus the Katy Perry that they had to use), and the fireworks were choreographed so well. If you were to add those fireworks to the pineapple from Bolero, I'd say I could die a happy woman. Oh, and another great thing about that night, I finally got my mini-donuts, which we missed out on Friday night (stupid lines).
I am so glad Christopher got passes this year! I love fireworks, especially having someone to share them with. Few things are better than watching amazing fireworks with a boy -- especially a boy like Christopher.

Tunes for Tuesday

This past week, it seems like Christopher and I have been driving around a lot. And being the sweet guy he is, he always lets me choose the music.
Here are my top picks this week.

1. "Party Rock Anthem", LMFAO
2. "American Love", Jack's Mannequin
3. "Magic", B.o.B. feat. Rivers Cuomo
4. "Nothing Left", One Night Only
5. "Stand by Me", John Lennon
6. "Sweet Disposition", The Temper Trap
7. "Yellow Brick Road", Angus & Julia Stone
8. "As Lovers Go", Dashboard Confessional
9. "You Make Me Feel So Young", Frank Sinatra
10. "Ain't No Mountain High", Marvin Gaye

Happy Tuesday, friends. I promise I will get back into blogging regularly. I've really missed it, actually.

Introduction

It's been a while! And there is someone new in my life that I want you to meet.
His name is Joseph. And he is pretty much my favourite person in the world right now.
On August 4 at 8:40 am, Joseph Grant was born. I was at EFY that week, and wasn't able to meet him until Sunday morning (because he was in the hospital for a few extra days). I love this little boy.
This past Saturday, after my second week of EFY, Christopher and I stopped by to see Joey. He was just as cute as I remembered him, and probably even more. Chris was really good with him, and it was really nice to see him hold him. There's something about a guy holding a baby -- probably one of the most attractive things.
I am so excited to see Joey grow up. I know he is going to be such a great kid because he'll have me to show him the ropes, but more importantly, he has great parents that love him very much, and awesome grandparents and a really cool uncle to teach him in the ways of life.

I love being an aunt!

That's Life

Sometimes things don't go as planned. That happens. I hate when it happens, but lately I've tried to just accept it -- maybe even embrace it.
I am also realizing that sometimes, there is more than one right answer. Sometimes, there are two really good choices, and either one will get us to the right destination.
Right now I am not in the position I was expecting to be a year ago. But, I am happy, and to me that is more important than doing something half-heartedly just because I said I would.
Life is challenging, ever changing, but always wonderful.

Jonathan Adler

Dear Jonathan Adler, thank you for making pretty things to make my heart and eyes happy. It was a treat to see this in my inbox this week. But, I only have one problem, that mirror is more than a month's rent.
Anyone willing to part with a little money to get me this?

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Wicked

As I mentioned before, my roommates (Chantelle, Candi and Megan) and Chris got me tickets for Wicked for my birthday. Finally, the day arrived on Friday. After seeing Harry Potter with Marni, I came home, got  ready and went to Chris' where he had dinner ready for me. I love having someone cook me dinner!
We then went to the Jubilee (after a quick stop at my house, because I forgot the tickets!). I felt like such a classy grown up, walking to the theatre in my favourite (hot pink) pumps, holding the hand of my handsome boyfriend.
I knew that the play would be good. But, I was not prepared for how spectacular it was. Seriously. If you ever get a chance to see Wicked, please do. Words can't even describe. It was just fantastic!

After the show, we stopped by the YSA dance, and though we felt a little out of place being all dressed up, it was a nice way to end the night. 

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Thank you again, Chantelle, Candi, Megan and Chris. Seriously. You are the best. ("How did you know?")

The End

I really need to be getting ready to go out to see Wicked tonight, but I need to tell you how in love I am with a little something called Harry Potter. Marni and I saw the movie today (happy birthday, favourite sister!), and it was ... amazing. Seriously. I laughed. I cried. I smiled. My heart grew with anticipation and excitement, and broke into pieces too. It was splendidly done. I am so sad that this means that it's really over. But, I am so glad that as always, Harry and his mates will always be there for me and I can experience life with them again through these brilliant books and movies.
Also, Neville Longbottom! Hello! Can he please be my boyfriend? (I think Chris would understand, right?)

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Three hours

In three hours, I will be sitting in a theatre with my favourite sister, awaiting the beginning of the end of Harry Potter. I still can't believe that this day has come. I am anxious, giddy, sad, excited. I might start hyperventilating soon. Oh boy.

Tunes for Tuesday

These songs have been going on repeat both in my head and on my iPod all week. It's been lovely (especially to combat the country I have to listen to at work this week).

1. "Big Jet Plane", Angus & Julia Stone

2. "Dancing through Life", Wicked Soundtrack

3. "Hollywood", Michael Buble

4. "You Can't Stop the Beat", Hairspray Soundtrack

5. "Waters Edge", We Shot the Moon

6. "This Charming Man", The Smiths

7. "I Want the World to Stop", Belle & Sebastian

8. "Hoppipolla", Sigur Ros

9. "Breakfast at Tiffany's", Deep Blue Something

10. "Stay Young, Go Dancing", Death Cab for Cutie

Happy Tuesday! Happy listening! 

xo

Clumsy

I should not be allowed to be given ice cream or frozen yogurt. You should not let such good, perishable things into my clumsy hands. Seriously.
Last night after FHE, Chris and I went to Spoon Me. Since about three or more of blog friends have mentioned it in the last few weeks, I decided we needed to try it. I was pretty safe and had the vanilla bean (which I believe was the best compared to Chris' Mango Orange and Acai) with Froot Loops. It was super tasty and I was really enjoying it on the way home until I set it between my legs and it fell. It's a good thing that I eat ice cream fast because I was able to get about half of it before the disaster.
We will be making another trip soon.

Dear NBC

Dearest NBC, you know that I have mad love for you. You bring me laughs and make my heart happy via Liz Lemon, and Jim Halpert. But, what made you think you could add James Spader to the cast of The Office? First you take away Steve Carrell (yes, I know that that really wasn't your fault, but today I am blaming you) and then you add him? Really? This is not okay.

Canada Day Weekend

Happy belated birthday, Canada!
This Canada Day weekend was a pretty swell one. It began with breakfast with my roommate Megan, Chris and the missionaries in our ward. Megan made yummy pancakes (blueberry and chocolate chip) and we had a good time. Many laughs.
I unfortunately had to work that night, but the day ended well when Chris picked me up and took me to watch the fireworks. We realized that we were on the wrong side to see them, but it was still nice -- especially because I had a yummy Peters' milkshake to enjoy.
Saturday morning, I went to Marni's to watch Harry Potter. We planned to watch the first few, but only got through the first one before we switched over to Gilmore Girls.  Then, that night I tried my hand at alfredo sauce, followed by some Big Bang Theory (that has been my nightly routine for the last month!), and a lovely walk (minus the mosquitos).
Oh, and I can't forget Sunday. A super day of church, followed by some yummy fondue for dinner, and chocolate fondue for dessert. It was splendid.

Chris and I after the fireworks.

Note to self: eat more fondue, and take more pictures!

May leftovers

Now that it's almost July, I figure it's probably time to post some pictures from May. I only put these pictures on my computer last week (and snagged some from Chantelle), so that would be the reason for the delay.

May was a blur. Not too much happened, but enough to keep me happy.

Enjoy the next few pictures. 

For potluck FHE, we had a Cinco de Mayo theme, so I made Churro cupcakes.  I love trying new things -- especially when we're talking about cupcakes. 

At the end of May, there was a YSA dance. It was a black light dance and it was actually pretty sweet -- except for the fact that it was really hard to see people. At least I always knew where Candi, Chantelle and Megan were thanks to their bright shirts.

When we came home from the dance that night, things got a little silly. You want a glow stick moustache too, don't you?

I also went with some friends to Drumheller. After a week of rain, we enjoyed a lovely day full of sunshine (and wind too). Hoodoos, mini chapels, dinosaurs. It was great. Also, I got to choose the music, so yeah it was awesome.

There you have it. I promise to be more diligent in my blogging efforts the rest of this summer. I've actually missed it quite a bit. Plus, I have a few good adventures ahead of me that will need to published. 

Wednesday Wisdom

If I can offer one piece of advice today (or really this month) it is this: don't be too disappointed or worry too much when your plans don't work out the way you hoped or expected. Things will work out in one  way or another.
I love to plan. I love to have a clear view of where I am headed. And lately, that once clear vision that I had is pretty hazy. And I am learning that that is okay. It's okay not to know. Sometimes -- most of the time, actually -- you just need faith.

Baby shower

As I have mentioned a few times before, my sister is pregnant with her first child (my first nephew) and is due later this summer (in about seven weeks). This is of course another excuse for me to plan a party. So, that's what I did. On Saturday, I had a baby shower for Marni. This one was for close friends, and I am planning on having another one for family after the little guy is born.
Despite my lack of planning (don't ever plan a party while moving!) and my original vision not coming to life, it was a good time. We had good food, had many laughs and ''oooed and awwed" at the adorable presents Marni got. Seriously, this little boy is extremely well loved.

A plethora of presents!

More presents!

 Sisters

So excited for my little Lem to come!

The momma to be! Yep, she's definitely pregnant!