30 Day Photo Challenge: Day Seven

Day Seven: A picture of my most treasured item

This is JB. He has been one of my besties since December 2007, when Justin gave him to me for Christmas. He has become especially dear to me these past sixteen months. 

Sweet sixteen

I forgot to mention yesterday that we had reached sixteen months! That means that in eight (preferably short!) months, Justin will be home! I know way back when I said that I didn't think it would ever end, but I am realizing more and more lately that maybe it will end -- and soon! Oh, I cannot wait!

See you in 246 days, sweetie!

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day Six

Day Six: A picture of somebody I would love to trade places with

This is Elder Darais (on the left). He is Justin's current companion (and has been for the last three months, actually). I don't think I need to explain why I want to switch places with him. It's pretty obvious. He gets to spend every day with Justin. They have to be together. All the time. It sounds like heaven to me!

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day Five

Day Five: A picture of my favourite night

Much like my favourite day, I have many favourite nights. One in particular though, was our one year anniversary. A few months previous, we found out that Sam Roberts and The Stills would be playing in Edmonton on our anniversary. We couldn't pass it up! I remember sitting there, listening to Sam Roberts sing "Uprising Down Under" and my heart was just filled. I had my love sitting right next to me, and I felt that at that moment, everything was perfect and I knew I could be happy forever.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day Four

Day Four: A picture of my favourite day

I have had many good days in my life, but one that sticks out to me right now was a summer day in 2008. I was in Edmonton for Justin's high school graduation, and that Sunday after church we went over to our park. It was a really, really warm day. I was sweating from the heat, but Justin didn't seem to care that I wasn't my prettiest self. We just played at the park, sand in our toes (our park has sand instead of gravel), and took a lot of pictures. I think it will always be one of my favourite moments.

Sweetness

I have a few weird quirks. Maybe more than a few... And I often wonder if I am alone in my quirks, or if others share them. For instance, when I have spicy food, I like to eat something sweet after. I'm not quite sure why, but my palate seems to think it will balance out. Either that or it stems from the time I tried my dad's Salsa-brava for the first time and my parents gave me M&Ms (the crunchy ones, in the blue package) to combat the fire that exploded in my mouth.

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Distance

There are a few songs that have been playing on my iPod, then in my head all week. I tend to go through phases with my music, and rely on certain bands or artists to pull me through certain times of life.
This week, I am in love with anything melodic, full of heart and anything that soothes me.
One of those songs, which is in my head at this moment is Copeland's "Thanks to You". In eight months, it will be my theme song -- it starts with "It's been a long two years / It's time to smile, we've made this far just like you said we would" -- perfect, right?
Anyhow, the moment in the song that strikes me today, goes like this:


"This far from home,
It doesn't feel as far when I know you're doing well. 
Distance is what you make it. 
The distance is what you make it."


It's completely true. I know it's true. The distance is what you make it. My thoughts lately have been really messed up -- messed up in the sense that there is a lot going on in there and I don't always know how to make sense of it. I have become a bit of a worry-wart about the silliest things (sorry mom and girls for my rants the past week). I have had the reminder many times, over and over that I don't need to worry about such things.
That was a little far from what I began with, so let's get back to that. The distance is what you make it. It is. They say that 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'. But, I've learned that that is only true if you let it. So really the distance is what you make it. Distance sucks. I know that, but it's there and I just have to deal with it, and deal with it happily. 

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Oh, Copeland. You make my heart flutter.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day Three

Day Three: A picture of the cast from my favourite TV show.

If you know me even a little bit, you know I love Gilmore Girls. I have seen each episode from the seven seasons at least three times, and some probably up to ten times (pretty much every episode from season three involving the adorable Dave Rygalski, aka Adam Brody). I still watch it now, and will never tire of it. I aspire to be a writer like a genius Amy Sherman-Palladino. 

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30 Day Challenge: Day Two

Day Two: A picture of me and the person I have been closest to the longest.

(April 2010 at the Stake Relief Society "Spring Fling")

For this one, there is no contest. I have known Candi all my twenty-one (and a half) years, and in all that time we have been close friends. I'm really lucky to have Candi in my life. She is supportive, makes me laugh and doesn't make fun of me for my strangeness (not often, anyhow).

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day One

Yep, I'm doing it. Partly because I feel like I haven't anything interesting to say as of late, and partly because it looks fun.

Day One: A picture of me and fifteen facts.

(Summer 2010, after my first 5K race)

1. I am a night-owl, but also prefer waking up early to sleeping in (past 8:00 am is sleeping in for me). 

2. I love, love, love to read.

3. When I started university I wanted to be a writer and a high school English teacher. Now I have no idea.

4. I dislike wearing my winter coat (partially because I don't like it, and partially because I don't like the extra bulk).

5. I love to plan parties.

6. I love to bake and cook and dream of the days when I'm a mom and can be the super baker/cook.

7. I love to run.

8. I find it charming and completely adorable when a guy can't dance (Harry, Finn, etc.)

9. I love to scrapbook.

10. I find human behaviour fascinating. 

11. I can play the bass guitar and the piano (but not very well).

12. I own approximately 20 pairs of shoes (not including sandals).

13. I try to eat an apple a day. 

14. Asparagus is my favourite vegetable. 

15. I am happy.

Institute

At our monthly fireside last night, they played this video and I thought it needed to be shared.
Enjoy!

I love institute! 

Dear Laura Beth

I took this picture a few days ago, and remembered I still had it on my computer. So here you go. Just for you. Enjoy. Hopefully it will scare away the Monday blues.
Love,
Kristi Beth

ps. it's not a silly mirror picture, but hopefully it is still sufficient. 

xo

Book Club: February Pick

Hello, literary friends. I hope you enjoyed (or are still enjoying) our book for this month! I thought I would let you know now that I have chosen the book for February (actually, I chose it over a month ago!). Our pick for February is P.S., I Love You by Cecelia Ahern.

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Dear Harry Potter

Dear Harry Potter,
Thank you for living up to my high standards once again. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy every minute again, despite sitting on the very front row (yes, the very front row). Thank you for being amazing and making me nearly squeal with delight when you dance, because you can't and it's adorable (seriously, my go-to good moment for the rest of the week!). Thank you for filling my Friday with goodness. Thank you for being awesome.
I just have one small favour. Could you perhaps move the release date of Part two? Six months is just far too long!

xo,
Kristi Beth.

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Wednesday Wisdom

Winter is tough. I miss the sun, the warmth. Winter often steals my motivation and makes me sad. But, there are some ways to combat the terrible winter (I'm talking real winter -- like Canadian winter).

• Make a yummy veggie infused meal
• Exercise! Even though those cold, cold mornings make you want to stay in bed forever, show 'em whose boss and break a sweat
• Paint your nails a bright summery colour (I'm all about the pinks)
• Stay home, and curl up with a good book
• Watch old episodes of a favourite TV show
• Spend time laughing with friends

Hopefully the sun will come out for you, and you can enjoy this winter season. If it can stay like it was today, I'll be okay with that. But, I won't complain if Spring comes early this year! 

Fashion Inspiration

My greatest inspiration (fashion and otherwise) comes from the lovely Audrey Hepburn. Seriously, this woman had the greatest style.
Last night, Candi and I were talking about Audrey movies, and one of our favourites, "How to Steal a Million". I love that movie not only for the plot, but because of the wardrobe! I am inspired by every single piece of clothing that she wears in the film -- even the nightgown that she wears when she meets Peter O'Toole's character at the beginning.

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Fabulous, right?! Why don't we dress like this anymore?

Three

Three years. Three years. Three years!
Today, Justin and I are celebrating our anniversary (apart -- again). I love him so much, and am so happy to have him in my life. The past three years (and five months) have been so wonderful (though kind of hard too), and it has been a joy to share it with him. Just eight and half more months and he will be home! Ah! I'm just a wee bit excited!

(Two years ago, celebrating one year with the wonderful Sam Roberts)

Happy anniversary, sweetie. I love you!

Hector and the Search for Happiness

I just finished reading a delightful book. Delightful. Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord. It was simplistic, yet incredibly thought provoking. If you have ever read The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince), you will love this one. It made me think a lot. And many little laughs occurred too. Such a cute read (but not a dumbed down cute). Go and pick yours up now!

ps: I love the cover design. And yes, I do judge books by their covers. 

It Only Takes a Moment

It's really hard being away from someone you love. Some days are harder than others, but it's never really easy. For the most part, you just get used to the time and distance and wait for those moments when your heart can be whole again.
Lately I have been having a really hard time with Justin being gone. I am at the point where I am getting really excited for him to come home (in 8 1/2 months!), but completely terrified at the same time. We have kept our relationship incredibly strong these past fifteen months, but there are those moments where I wonder, and worry, and fret. I wonder if I made the right decision. I wonder if maybe I should try dating other guys. I wonder if it will all come back and if we'll be able to go through on the plans we've made.
And then there are times where I read a letter, or hear a song, or see a picture and I just know. I know that I love Justin and I know that we'll be okay.

I just had one of those moments a few seconds ago. Justin's mom just e-mailed me a picture that one of her friends had found from the summer Justin graduated. It made my heart melt and smile and squeal with joy. I love this boy. This man. I love him and I am so lucky that he loves me too. I can do eight and a half months. And more importantly, I can do today. One day at a time. And soon enough, I'll be with him again, laughing because I was worried for no reason. 

My man and his other girl, Jill. 

Baking help

I love to bake, as we all know -- and if you didn't know that already, allow me to introduce myself. Hi, I am Kristi. I love to bake.
So, now that we have established that fact, let's get to the point of this post. I love to bake a lot. I will find any excuse to try my hand at anything involving sugar and flour, resulting in the end result of yummy in my tummy. I especially love making cakes and cupcakes. I want to make some cupcakes or a cake this week for a Relief Society activity that we are having, but want to be sensitive of the allergies that some of the sisters in my ward have. There are a few that are lactose intolerant and this causes a slight issue with my buttercream icing recipe. I use about three tablespoons of milk in it (for the three cups it makes), but I'm not sure if that makes a difference to someone who has that allergy. So, here is where you come in, my lovely readers. Does that make a difference? Do you know of any dairy free recipes that would be super yummy for all?

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The red polka dot dress

As per Laura's request, and just for the sake of nostalgia, here is a look at my grad dress. When I was choosing a dress for grad, I knew I wanted something different. I wanted something that spoke to me, and would reflect my personality. I wanted something fun, and something I could wear more than once. It is still hanging in my closet, and I have yet to alter it (it's at least two sizes too big now), but I really want to find somewhere to wear it again. I still love it! 

Past in Present

Tonight, I met up with two of my very best friends from high school -- Jay and Alan. I spent pretty much all my spare time at school with these boys back in the day and always had so much fun with them. Throughout all of high school, Jay was my very best friend, always the guy I could count on. In the past three and half years since we graduated, we have lost touch because of our different schedules. Occasionally, I will see Alan at school, but this was probably the first time since graduation that we have actually had a chance to sit and have a real conversation. It was really nice.
It was kind of interesting to see how little things have changed -- but also how much they have changed. My world is so different now from the time I was seventeen or eighteen. There are people in my life now that weren't then, and I can't even remember what that was like! It's just weird to take a look back and see how I've evolved, and how my surroundings have changed too.

Jay and I, starting our modeling careers young. (Grade 10)

And all "grown-up" -- or so we thought. Graduation 2007. 

Alan and I at the grad banquet.

I have some really great pictures of the three of us from grade twelve, but for some reason they are not on my computer. So, I will have to find them and post them later!

Goodnight

xo 

Jumpin' Jammerz

The other day on Ellen, Ryan Gosling brought Jumpin Jammerz for the entire audience. I want some! I love footie pyjamas! Seriously. Whoever is reading this, and loves me should make a note that my birthday is in just five months (a medium would fit just fine).

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Stranded in the Middle of No Place

There have been a few times in my life where I think "that is something I will tell my grandkids". And this weekend I had one of those experiences. An experience I will forever remember and treasure.
My Saturday evening was all planned out, and I had been looking forward to for a while. It was supposed to begin with a nice drive out to Strathmore, followed by a delightfully yummy dinner (I was promised asparagus and cheesecake!) made by the guys in my ward, followed by some fun times, and ending the night dancing the night away at the IRC "Welcome Back Week" dance back in Calgary. But, that is not what happened.
Instead, it decided to snow. A lot. Despite the weather, we decided to still make the trip, and still expected things to go as planned. They didn't. We didn't get to leave until late, and after extremely terrible roads -- I'm pretty sure I held my breath for the entire time we were driving -- which ended up being almost an hour! We finally made it to the Bishop's house and got to eat what was left (since we were about an hour late). And then Chantelle and I made our way downstairs to our favourite spot -- the massage chair! So many good moments in that chair. We ate our delicious cheesecake, laughed and laughed and laughed.
And then we found out that the highway was closed. Highway-1, which would get us home to Calgary was closed. Closed. We were stranded. No dance, no home. We quickly figured out where we could all stay (thank goodness for knowing other people that live in Strathmore!).
Since we were stuck, we spent time playing games, enjoying large amounts of sugar and more laughter. One word: spoons. You can picture it, right? Lots of screaming. Lots of laughter. Some blood was drawn. All in all a great time.
Then, it was off to Sarah's sister's house to sleep. We ooed and awed over her adorable nephew, watched "Two Weeks Notice", and had a pretty decent sleep. In the morning came CocoaPuffs and more cute kids.
Since our whole bishopric and nearly our whole ward was stranded in Strathmore, we had a sacrament meeting at the bishop's house -- in their home theatre. It was a pretty wonderful experience. It is so amazing to feel the spirit in those moments. After a short lesson on Provident Living (perfect for the occasion!), we had a testimony meeting. It was great to hear everyone's individual testimonies and the gratitude that was expressed. At this point in the day, we fully expected to be staying another night and I was so happy to be with good people, in a good home making the best of our situation.
Just before dinner and a great game of ping pong, we found out that they would be opening the highway before it got dark, so we'd be able to get home! What a crazy turn of events!
After a delicious lunch, and many more prayers we were on our way back home, full of gratitude and memories.
When I was younger, I always thought it would be fun to be snowed in somewhere or stranded. Now I know that if you have the right people, a big house, and lots of food it can be quite enjoyable!

A new favourite

I have many favourites. Favourite songs. Favourite colours. Favourite quotes. Favourite people. And favourite scriptures. Yesterday, I came across a new favourite scripture. It was one of those scriptures that I have probably read before, but never noticed. But boy did I notice it this time! It hit me immediately, and I have a feeling it will stay in my brain and my heart for a very long time.

Exodus 14:14

"The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

That was a "wow" moment for me.

Creative 2011

My sister and brother just posted a great idea on facebook, and I thought I would do the same, but on here. Here is the idea:
"Getting creative in 2011. I promise to send something handmade/homemade to the first 5 people who comment on this status.... within the year, you will get your surprise. In turn you must post this (on your blog or) as your status and send something handmade /homemade to your first 5 comments".

I have actually made it one of my goals for the year to give handmade/homemade gifts this year and work on my creative skills. So, here's the deal. Be one of the first five to comment and I will make something for you this year. It will be a surprise, but I promise it will be good. (And please join in! I'd be sad if you don't).

xo

Fashion Inspiration

I have mentioned a few times that I have a slight obsession with the lovely Zooey Deschanel. But really, how could I not? From the voice to the bangs to the dresses, I can only admire.
I am especially loving her entire wardrobe from 500 Days of Summer. Like this dress. I now have the overwhelming desire to darken my hair a smidgen, wear bows in my hair and pretty day dresses every single day. Seriously. I would.

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Come On Get Happy

After a conversation with one of my co-workers today, where I tried to convince him that it can actually be fun to work in the kid's department, I became more aware of my lack of cynicism that seems to plague this world (especially people I work with -- what is it about a bookstore that decreases optimism?).

I like being optimistic. I like seeing the good in people. I don't think that I am naive (though yes, I will admit I can be naive in some regards). I feel like giving way to a negative outlook on life would seriously diminish any chance at happiness. And I want to be happy, and I'm okay with that. 

I believe in love, and I believe in good. And I'm pretty sure a few happy thoughts a day will extend my life a little, which I wouldn't complain about. 

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Book Club: January Pick

Hello, fellow book lovers! It is already January 4th, and as my mom pointed out to me, I need to chose a book for this month so we can know what we're reading!

So, the book for January is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

Are you in? I hope so! 

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Polka dots

I have a love-love relationship with polka dots, so when I saw this room on You Are My Fave, my heart squealed with joy. Seriously, amazing right? 

 

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Hello, 2011!

Well, so far 2011 is a good year. I had a wonderful day at church today, had prayers answered, spent time with my family, made predictions for the new year (our family tradition) and I am still hopeful that I will be able to achieve the goals I have set for myself. I think it will be a good week. A good month. A good year.
Enjoy this newest video from MormonMessages. What a great message!



Oh, and tomorrow is Monday! E-mail!

What a Year for a New Year

There is a Scottish tradition that at  midnight, as the new year begins you open your back door to let out the old year and once that door is closed, you open your front door to welcome the new year. Being a Scot, I love my traditions (we have a lot!) and love that my mom taught me this one.
It's been my job to do this ritual for at least the last three or four years and I have to say it is probably one of my favourite things about New Year's Eve (besides the kiss -- which I have to wait another year for!). Doing that just now, I became a little emotional. To me, opening that back door meant getting rid of bitterness and bad habits, loneliness and failures. Opening that front door, I felt a resurgence of hope -- that good things will come. I love having a fresh start. I have so many things that I want to improve on this year, and I am glad for each new day that I can do better.

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Happy New Year, friends! I hope that 2011 brings you all the love, joy and happiness that you deserve!

xo