Tunes for Tuesday

Today has been a day filled with packing, throwing out things I don't need, and then moving some of my stuff into my new place. It's been kind of a crazy day in that way, so I was happy that I have some time tonight to just relax and read (The Help by Kathryn Stockett). While I read, I decided I needed some music too. It was a great half hour. Just me, my book and great music.
So, tonight, this is my list of perfect songs for a relaxing morning/afternoon/evening/whenever-you-can-spare-a-moment.

1. "Song for You", Alexi Murdoch (I love Alexi Murdoch. Amazing).
2. "Love and Some Verses", Iron & Wine (It's impossible not to fall in love listening to this song. Trust me).
3. "Eastern Glow", The Album Leaf (So mellow. So perfect).
4. "Kissing the Lipless", The Shins (I have nothing but serious love for The Shins).
5. "Transatlanticism", Death Cab for Cutie (So in love with this song. So in love with Death Cab).
6. "Wonderwall", Ryan Adams (I love this cover of the Oasis classic).
7. "Sunshine", Matt Costa (Really, you can never go wrong with a little Matt Costa).
8. "St. Peter's Cathedral", Death Cab for Cutie (I am extra in love with Death Cab today, because their new album came out. This may be my favourite song).
9. "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here", She & Him (I have said it many times, and I will say it many more times, I want to be Zooey Deschannel).
10. "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You", Colin Hay (Beautiful, beautiful song).

"Now show me something pretty..."

I love pretty things. Whether it's a pretty flower, a pretty dress or a pretty necklace. The list goes on and on. My eyes and heart appreciate the beauty I get to see every day. So, I need to share my new find. Funky Vintage Lovely. Pretty pretty necklaces, barrettes, bookmarks, earrings and rings and pillows too.

 

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I feel pretty just looking at these beauties! 

Here in this diary

I am a person that needs to express my feelings. When I don't, bad things happen. Either I explode or I eat a million cupcakes and then explode.
One of the ways that I express myself is through writing. I love to write. Whether it's a blog post, like this, letter to my missionary, or even a grocery list. In a way it is all therapeutic for me. So, this week I decided that I needed to start writing in a proper paper journal again. I realized that there are many things that I find too personal to say on here, and that those things need to be expressed. Plus, I need to keep better track of my life. Already my mind is clearer and I don't feel as stressed or tense.

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What do you do to express your feelings? How do you deal with stress?

Maxi love

When trends are in their first stages, I tend to stay away. Skinny jeans, ballet flats, tunics, Ugg boots (still iffy on that one), and more. I swore over and over that I would not give in, or that I couldn't pull it off. And then a few months or years down the road, I think "Hmm, that's not that bad". And now, I have something new to add to that list. Maxi dresses. When they become popular a few years ago, I didn't like them. I thought I had to be a size two and six feet tall in order to have any chance of wearing one. But, this spring, I have been seeing them everywhere, so I decided to try one. And guess what? I am in LOVE. Head over heels. I will need one for every day of the week -- or month.

To keep it modest, just add a short-sleeved tee or a cardigan and you're set!

one; two (I bought this one); three; four

Tunes for Tuesday

On this rainy Tuesday, I want to share some favourite songs of the day. They are sure to get you smiling and possibly even up dancing away the rainy day blues. 

1. "Island in the Sun", Weezer

2. "Love Train", The O'Jays

3. "Vienna", Matt Costa

4. "Detroit '67", Sam Roberts

5. "Jungle Love", Steve Miller Band

6. "Sweet Disposition", The Temper Trap

7. "Magic" B.o.B feat. Rivers Cuomo

8. "Got My Mind Set On You", George Harrison

9. "Love Will Keep Us Together", Captain & Tennille 

10. "Lost in My Mind", The Head and the Heart

"I wish I could speak whale."

Because of the holiday today, we didn't have our usual ward FHE. So, tonight, we watched "Finding Nemo". It was awesome. Truly. I always forget how great that movie is, and then I watch it and I am reminded every single second. Many laughs were had. Thanks for joining me, friends (all three of you!).

Dude!

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A First

Today at work, I was talking with a co-worker of mine. She asked about my sister having a baby, and asked if I was looking forward to it. "Of course" I said, and then told her that besides being a mother, I have always wanted to be a aunt. Immediately, she asked if I was Mormon. That was a first. I don't believe I have ever been asked that out of the blue. She said that she had only heard someone say that if they were Mormon. I was kind of surprised by that. But then, thinking about it more, it makes sense. The gospel is so focused on the family that it would make sense that she would say that.

I am really so happy that I was raised in a home where motherhood was given the respect that it deserves. I can't wait to a mommy and spend every day with my favourite little ones. Dear little ones in heaven, mommy can't wait to meet you!

The Head and the Heart

Last night before I went to bed, I found out that Jim Parson (aka Sheldon Cooper) would be on Jimmy Fallon. Awesome, right? Yes. So, I recorded it. But, the best part of the story is this: The Head and The Heart was the musical guest! My friend introduced me to the band about a month ago, and I am so in love with them. My heart is still over joyed.
Please, please friends, do your ears and heart a favour. Listen to this song, and get the rest of the album too. Please.

You're welcome.

Institute and Candy

I have been waiting for today for quite a while now. A month to be exact. The Spring/Summer semester of Institute finally started! I have really missed going to Institute every week -- actually three times a week last semester -- and going without it for the past month has been pretty awful. Going to class with the girls tonight was extra special. This semester we are studying the talks from General Conference in April. I love it! I've said it once... or three times, and I'll say it again, this is going to be a good summer!
Also, mom and dad brought me some American candy from their trip to Montana. Mmm. Cookie Dough Bites! And Reece Peanut Butter flavoured Whoppers! Be jealous.

Oh, and Chick-O-Stick too! 

Thanks and poetry

After writing my last post, and thinking about what I am thankful for, I was reminded of one of my very favourite poems written by the wonderful E. E. Cummings. I remember the first I time I read this poem, almost two years ago in the beginning of my third year of university. My heart just melts every time I read it and I see beauty in every single word. I love the power of poetry.

i thank you God for most this amazing

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes


(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)


how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any-lifted from the no
of all nothing-human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?


(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

Blessings

I am so blessed every single day. Whether it's an extra hour of work, a text from a friend or a sunny day, I am blessed. I try to recognize these blessings every day and be grateful for them, but sometimes it's hard. Sometimes I am focused on what I don't have, and what I want but can't have. I would love to say that I am always seeing the positive, but to be honest, I am not. I often have to stop and look for it very closely. I know that I am receiving blessings and miracles every day, but sometimes my clouded eyes don't see them. I let my vision become blurred by my trials and failures and forget that I am supposed to go through these tough times so that I can see the good. I know that there is opposition in all things, but some days I forget that along with opposition comes great things. I have a loving family, a supportive group of friends, a wonderful ward family, a superb extended family, a job that doesn't make me want to poke out my eyes (most days), hands and feet and legs and arms that work, ears that hear and eyes that see. I have talents that I can use to help others, and others have many more talents that help me.
Even though I complain a lot, and usually about the stupid things, I am happy with my life. And I am happy that I get to share my life with the best people. If you are reading this, I probably love you.
xo

{photo - David Dudley}

Can't Stop Partying

This last week was a week of parties. From Tuesday to Saturday, I had some really amazing nights with my best friends. Tuesday we had a Phase 10 party, which was of course good as always. I love it. Then on Friday, we had our first fire of the year -- and it was perfect. Candi had sugar and laughed the whole night. We also invented the newest fire side sensation -- the S'moreo. Try it friends, it's amazing. Perhaps the best part of the night was playing Catch Phrase by fire light. Skip-skip-skip.
Again, I just have to say, this will be a great summer! Dear friends, I love you!

A, B or C

I really, really want a dress from Shabby Apple this summer. Even though one dress would be a month's worth of my clothing budget (or more), it would be worth it. But, of course like with everything else in my life, I can't decide! I am not very good at making decisions, especially when there are so many good options out there. So, I am asking you, my trusty friends and readers to help me choose.

a,b or c

WHICH ONE?!

Summertime

I have a really good feeling about this summer. We are finally getting some much needed sun this week and my eyes are sore from the brightness (even after wearing my sunglasses) -- this is actually a great thing considering I was sure I would be wearing my winter jacket and boots year round.
Not only has the sun been shining, but I have had extra good times with my amazing friends this week. Driving home after an awesome FHE, blasting music ("I've got the magic in me!") while the teenaged boys laugh next to us, a really violent game of Phase 10 (violent in words, not in action). This is just the beginning of a great summer.
I love the sun. I love my friends. I love summer.

Mothers Day

Happy day to my favourite mommy! My mom has taught me so many things over the years, and she continues to teach me every day. She has helped me become the woman I am today and the woman I will continue to become.
Happy day mommy, I love you!

Thanksgiving 2007

Cut?

This week I have been itching to cut my hair. Yes, I know I have already come so far in growing it out. But some days I just want to chop it off. I like having short hair and it's been nearly two years since I last had it short. But then I remember that I like my long hair and want to keep growing it so that I can do this with my hair and this too.
Now I just need to wait for it to grow a few more inches. Waiting, always waiting.

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Wednesday Wisdom

Over the past few years, I have developed quite a love for baking. I love being creative, and baking and cooking is one of my many outlets for creativity. In my years of experience, I have learned a lot. One of those, I just learned in the last week and I wish that I had known about this trick years ago!
Have you ever made cupcakes and struggled with getting them all perfectly the right size without spilling the batter all over? I have. But, now I have found the solution! Are you ready to hear it?
An ice cream scoop! Yep, it's that simple. Just find yourself a good ice cream scoop with the spring-action handle and you are set. Just scoop up a little batter and then release it into the cups. Genius, right?
Finally all of the baking shows have done something for me besides make me crave sweets!

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30 Day Song Challenge: Day Five

Day five: A song that reminds you of someone

Most of the songs I listen to will remind me of someone, or somewhere. The one that I wish to share today is what Justin and I consider 'our song'. I can't listen to it without a face in my mind and a smile on my face.



And just for fun, let's throw in a little Jack Johnson too.

Tears on your yoga mat

This morning, while I was doing yoga (Yoga for the Warrior with Bob Harper), and at one point, he said something about letting it go, and just focusing on that pose at that moment, and right then and there, I started to cry -- like real tears, running down my cheeks. I don't know what it is about exercise, but it makes me emotional. Maybe it's because there are some emotions and thoughts that I tend to bottle up at times and pushing my body to limits makes me so vulnerable that it all comes out. I'm not sure.
But am I the only one?

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"Hate cannot drive out hate..."

Last night, one of my friends posted a great quote that said exactly what I have been thinking this week. And again this morning, another friend posted it, so I feel I need to share it.

‎"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate, adding deeper darkness to a night that is already void of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." - Martin Luther King Jr.

30 Day Song Challenge: Day Four

Day four: A song that makes you sad

I had a hard time finding a song that made me sad. I don't really listen to listen to songs with depressing stories (I'm not a fan of country), so it was harder for me to find one. But, this song does make me sad. Just listen. Your heart will definitely break for him a little bit.