I just have to say that Tony has been stellar during my pregnancy! He helped me through some morning sickness, checks on me frequently throughout the day, and tries his best to make the food that sounds good to me. I've told him not to give me EVERYTHING I'm craving, because I'll surely get fat if he does that. He's just been really supportive and interested in the pregnancy. He could probably tell you more about what goes on inside me than I could!
Here's the kicker for me:
I have been wanting a piece of pie tonight, and he just told me he is willing to take me to Village Inn at 11pm to get me a slice of pie. What a man!
It's not just about food, though, Tony is an all around supportive, loving, and caring husband when it comes to my comfort and health during the pregnancy. He even let me cry it out when I freaked out about my pants not fitting anymore. As irrational as I was being, he hugged me and told me it was okay and that I was still beautiful. What patience!
I just needed to brag about Tony because he's been more than I could have asked for during my pregnancy. Plus, I'm really excited that we're going to get pie!
12/18/10
11/28/10
Thanksgiving Trip
I am currently blogging while flying back home from Indiana! During the "holidays" Delta is offering free on-board WiFi, and it's making this 3 hour flight (which we were just informed is delayed coming into SLC) much more tolerable.
Tony and I decided to visit my family for Thanksgiving this year, since it's the Andersons' turn for Christmas anyway. Tony had never experienced a Grandma Grey Thanksgiving, and I really believe everyone needs to have one of those. :) Thanksgiving day was really fun. I was really happy to see all of my family. There was the traditional Bingo game at my grandma grey's (which lost Tony and I five bucks!) and everything seemed to be just how it was when I left it. It was really nice, and the food was spectacular on all accounts.
Friday morning after Thanksgiving is traditionally Black Friday shopping for all of the girls on my mom's side of the family. This includes everyone from Grandma to Aunts and cousins. This year, however, my grandma couldn't make Black Friday because she was visiting my uncle who was just diagnosed with stomach cancer. My family had our own little Black Friday adventure--Tony's first one!--and it was really fun. I was so tired afterward, but it was worth it! We didn't buy a ton of stuff or get up at 2am for any "steals", we just like the tradition of going and being together as a family. Later that day, we all took a nap then headed downtown to see the Circle Tree lighting and a really good Pacers game!
At the lighting ceremony--it was COLD!
Tony and I decided to visit my family for Thanksgiving this year, since it's the Andersons' turn for Christmas anyway. Tony had never experienced a Grandma Grey Thanksgiving, and I really believe everyone needs to have one of those. :) Thanksgiving day was really fun. I was really happy to see all of my family. There was the traditional Bingo game at my grandma grey's (which lost Tony and I five bucks!) and everything seemed to be just how it was when I left it. It was really nice, and the food was spectacular on all accounts.
Friday morning after Thanksgiving is traditionally Black Friday shopping for all of the girls on my mom's side of the family. This includes everyone from Grandma to Aunts and cousins. This year, however, my grandma couldn't make Black Friday because she was visiting my uncle who was just diagnosed with stomach cancer. My family had our own little Black Friday adventure--Tony's first one!--and it was really fun. I was so tired afterward, but it was worth it! We didn't buy a ton of stuff or get up at 2am for any "steals", we just like the tradition of going and being together as a family. Later that day, we all took a nap then headed downtown to see the Circle Tree lighting and a really good Pacers game!
At the lighting ceremony--it was COLD!Saturday was just a day to relax. I was starting to feel sick and I think everyone was a bit tuckered out from all of the exciting days we were having. It was nice to lounge around, watch the BYU v. U game, and go to my favorite pizza place, Chicagos!
It seemed like the weekend FLEW by, but I'm glad we spent Thanksgiving with my family. They're pretty cool cats.
Oh! P.S. While I was there, I was able to announce to my family some really wonderful news!
There's a baby on it's way! I'm due June 16th, and we couldn't be more excited!
It seemed like the weekend FLEW by, but I'm glad we spent Thanksgiving with my family. They're pretty cool cats.
Oh! P.S. While I was there, I was able to announce to my family some really wonderful news!
There's a baby on it's way! I'm due June 16th, and we couldn't be more excited!11/1/10
Counting Many Blessings on My Day Off
I am feeling really lucky today. I'm so proud of my accomplishments, and Tony's accomplishments as well.
First off, I'm lucky to not have to work Mondays! I have been feeling under-the-weather lately and it was so nice to be able to sleep in and just relax today.
I got to relax in my house, which I'm so grateful to have. With hard work and help from our amazing agent, we found a wonderful little house that's all ours! If you're looking to buy in Utah, you need to use our agent. She is so wonderful, very honest, and would do anything to help her clients!
Tony got a new job last week. It's for an internet marketing company for more pay, and they pay 100% of our insurance. It will be a wonderful, new environment for him to be a part of and there is a lot of room for potential growth. (And I also heard they throw some pretty killer Christmas parties.) I'm so grateful for Tony!! He's such a hard worker, and the smartest guy I know. He is ambitious, which is why he got this new job. He wants to learn from his job, not just rake in the money for minimal work.
I'm grateful I'm healthy. I know I said I've been feeling a little sick, but I am still healthy. I recently had some blood work done at a checkup, and I just got a call from the doctor today delivering some good news and positive results about my lab tests.
I'm not sure what sparked this grateful attitude in me today, but I really enjoy it. It's sometimes hard to see all the things you are lucky to have. I'm going to try to blog more. It's been hard when I feel so tired from feeling gross. I have a feeling I will have a lot to blog about soon, as we enter a new phase of life.
First off, I'm lucky to not have to work Mondays! I have been feeling under-the-weather lately and it was so nice to be able to sleep in and just relax today.
I got to relax in my house, which I'm so grateful to have. With hard work and help from our amazing agent, we found a wonderful little house that's all ours! If you're looking to buy in Utah, you need to use our agent. She is so wonderful, very honest, and would do anything to help her clients!
Tony got a new job last week. It's for an internet marketing company for more pay, and they pay 100% of our insurance. It will be a wonderful, new environment for him to be a part of and there is a lot of room for potential growth. (And I also heard they throw some pretty killer Christmas parties.) I'm so grateful for Tony!! He's such a hard worker, and the smartest guy I know. He is ambitious, which is why he got this new job. He wants to learn from his job, not just rake in the money for minimal work.
I'm grateful I'm healthy. I know I said I've been feeling a little sick, but I am still healthy. I recently had some blood work done at a checkup, and I just got a call from the doctor today delivering some good news and positive results about my lab tests.
I'm not sure what sparked this grateful attitude in me today, but I really enjoy it. It's sometimes hard to see all the things you are lucky to have. I'm going to try to blog more. It's been hard when I feel so tired from feeling gross. I have a feeling I will have a lot to blog about soon, as we enter a new phase of life.
10/24/10
New Programs to Help the Orphans
As most of you already know, I currently work for an organization that is near and dear to my heart called One Heart Bulgaria. This organization works to help orphans in Bulgaria have a better life by sending over needed supplies and sending over interns to help these little children feel loved. I work as the internship director. I help volunteers make necessary arrangements to travel and work in Bulgarian orphanages, as I did 2 years ago. You can read my blog posts from my wonderful experience here, here, here, and here
I am excited to announce that we are starting a new program within the internship program that makes it easier to volunteer in Bulgaria if you don't know the language. We are going to have "sessions" so that a group will all go over together (safety in numbers!), and you are guaranteed to have an interpreter come with you. Interested? Yes you are. Know someone who is interested? Sure you do! Email me or comment for more details!
We are currently accepting interns for the summer 2011 session. Applying now gives you PLENTY of time to acquire the funds needed for travel, and if you speak the language, possible scholarship opportunities are available to help lessen the cost. As the internship director, I will also provide ideas on how to raise money for your internship and for the children you'll be working with. Please don't hesitate to contact me!
hollie dot anderson at oneheart-bg dot org
I am excited to announce that we are starting a new program within the internship program that makes it easier to volunteer in Bulgaria if you don't know the language. We are going to have "sessions" so that a group will all go over together (safety in numbers!), and you are guaranteed to have an interpreter come with you. Interested? Yes you are. Know someone who is interested? Sure you do! Email me or comment for more details!
We are currently accepting interns for the summer 2011 session. Applying now gives you PLENTY of time to acquire the funds needed for travel, and if you speak the language, possible scholarship opportunities are available to help lessen the cost. As the internship director, I will also provide ideas on how to raise money for your internship and for the children you'll be working with. Please don't hesitate to contact me!
hollie dot anderson at oneheart-bg dot org
10/3/10
Girls Night
Since moving to Utah, I've struggled to find super close friends. I've had some off and on, but as time goes by they move away. Understandable, as they have their own lives and families. I still keep in touch with them through facebook and other means, but as you probably know, it's not like having friends here.
Last night I went out with a group of girls and it was a BLAST. I've never had so much fun! We took a trip down to SLC for some good times and some good pizza! One if them is the wife of one of Tony's mission acquaintances that we just randomly ran into through common interest. I'm so glad I finally found some girlfriends to hang out with in Utah. I love Tony, and he is of course my best friend, but every girl needs some straight up girl time now and then. It's been a terrific weekend!
Last night I went out with a group of girls and it was a BLAST. I've never had so much fun! We took a trip down to SLC for some good times and some good pizza! One if them is the wife of one of Tony's mission acquaintances that we just randomly ran into through common interest. I'm so glad I finally found some girlfriends to hang out with in Utah. I love Tony, and he is of course my best friend, but every girl needs some straight up girl time now and then. It's been a terrific weekend!
8/18/10
Food, Inc.
No more excuses! School is over and now I shall blog frequently!
Tony recently talked me in to watching a documentary called Food, Inc. Ever seen it? You should. It really opened my eyes to what goes on in the food industry and why it is important to support local farmers. A lot of you are probably thinking that Food, Inc. is one of those scare documentaries something similar to a Michael Moore film, but it's not. While it does gross you out a bit, it all makes sense and really informs the viewer about the food they are eating.
Upon viewing this film Tony and I decided that we were going to buy natural food as much as we could. We took a trip to a store called Good Earth and bought some things. While a bit pricey, we felt like we could try our best to get a few things here and there from this store. Today, I stopped by a place called Sunflower Farmers Market in Orem. It was a great place! Lots of local, natural food for reasonable prices! I got almost 3 pounds of grain-fed organic ground beef for around $5.00. I also stopped by a farmers stand along State Street on my way home. The smells alone from that place are enough to go there. It smelled so wonderful! I got some tomatoes, raspberries, blackberries, and peppers (all local). Not to mention, the peppers smell like Bulgaria, and it made me miss that place so much! I'm going to make a nice, all-natural Shopska salata later :) Mmmmm.
I would really encourage all of you to see Food, Inc. and try to support the local farmers in your area!
Tony recently talked me in to watching a documentary called Food, Inc. Ever seen it? You should. It really opened my eyes to what goes on in the food industry and why it is important to support local farmers. A lot of you are probably thinking that Food, Inc. is one of those scare documentaries something similar to a Michael Moore film, but it's not. While it does gross you out a bit, it all makes sense and really informs the viewer about the food they are eating.
Upon viewing this film Tony and I decided that we were going to buy natural food as much as we could. We took a trip to a store called Good Earth and bought some things. While a bit pricey, we felt like we could try our best to get a few things here and there from this store. Today, I stopped by a place called Sunflower Farmers Market in Orem. It was a great place! Lots of local, natural food for reasonable prices! I got almost 3 pounds of grain-fed organic ground beef for around $5.00. I also stopped by a farmers stand along State Street on my way home. The smells alone from that place are enough to go there. It smelled so wonderful! I got some tomatoes, raspberries, blackberries, and peppers (all local). Not to mention, the peppers smell like Bulgaria, and it made me miss that place so much! I'm going to make a nice, all-natural Shopska salata later :) Mmmmm.
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| Watch the Trailer by Clicking on the Image Above |
I would really encourage all of you to see Food, Inc. and try to support the local farmers in your area!
Graduation
FRESHMAN YEAR:
I started at BYU in May of 2005. I was a summer semester starter, and I thought that was pretty cool. I was so excited to come to Provo, Utah and begin a life full of devotionals, scripture studies, cute returned missionaries, and tons of awesome friends. My family and I made the horrendously long drive from Indiana to Utah and they helped me move into my dorm and get acquainted with my new home. My mom constantly had tears welling up in her eyes, and my sister, Morgan, hardly spoke. It was an emotional time....for them. We were all joking this past weekend about when they said goodbye to me. There was a freshman dance to get to so my goodbye seemed very short and unloving, but I was ready to go dance! My mom and Morgan cried all the way to Wyoming while I boogied down into the wee hours of the night.
I made some amazing friends freshman year: Caleb Hustedt, Ashleigh Donner (now Elliot), Christie Valentine, Katherine Anstead, Katie Monson, and more. These guys were some of my best pals and stuck with me through thick and thin. I still keep in contact with them and I'm so glad they were all a part of my life. I also met some not-so-great people who created some pretty tough obstacles in my life, but I learned from them, as well.
Freshman year was my first year of college marching band. Oh, I could have sworn at that time it was the best moment of my life--to be in the BYU Cougar band. The practices were long, hard, and hot, and I loved every minute of it. I made some more awesome friends in marching band as well. I endured my first year of music theory, dictation, and clarinet lessons. Those were some of the hardest classes I ever took at BYU.
In one of the speeches at my convocation, the young woman speaking mentioned situations and failures in our college careers that helped make us stronger and grow. One of my biggest upsets/ failures of my life came during my freshman year at BYU. I was an eager music education pursuing student who after taking the classes, and submitting my work to the committee waited for the result following my interview. These men had my music career in their hands. It was up to them to decide if I could continue on as a music education major. I got the call to come in to Dr. Jessop's office to discuss the results. I excitedly entered the room, sat down and said "Yes, Dr. Jessop?" (probably with the gooberiest grin I've ever plastered on my face because I was so giddy). The conversation proceeded like this:
Dr J - Sit Down.
Hollie sits down...
Dr. J - Well Hollie, we talked about you, and we don't feel you're cut out to be a music teacher
Hollie - *silently holding back tears*
Dr. J - With what you have presented to me, and from what I have heard from your theory professors, I think you should just give up music altogether. Find a different path because this simply is not the one for you. I don't think you'll ever get what it takes to do this work.
Hollie - okay.
Hollie leaves....
I left his office and tried my hardest to AT LEAST make it down the hall with out bawling. Yeah, I didn't make it. I couldn't believe how MEAN he was to me! He made me feel like a piece of crap. I had always had music teachers that were uplifting and encouraging and here this guy is telling me to quit the thing I loved most, the thing that brought me so much comfort and peace growing up. I was devastated to say the least. Tony was waiting for me in his car, which made things worse. Now I had to tell my boyfriend what a loser I was. Boyfriend? Oh right! I met TONY my freshman year! Yeah! (I won't go in to HOW we met, if you'd like to know, just ask!) But that was pretty awesome :)
SOPHOMORE YEAR:
Just prior to the starting of this school year I married my best friend, Tony, in the Nauvoo temple. It was the best day ever! And probably the smartest choice I've ever made in my life.
This year wasn't nearly as eventful as freshman year, so I'll skip the details and give you the short version: I took more music classes, re-submitted my work to be considered for acceptance into the music ed. program (I know, I'm nuts), and was again rejected. This time, the let down was a little more gentle. It actually was up to me. If I could prove myself in my theory class, and there was room, they would let me in. I decided after a lot of meditation and thinking, that a music degree wasn't going to work out for me. I loved music, still do, but I obviously needed to do something else with my talents. After completing a tour with the BYU Wind Symphony, which was an unforgettable experience, I decided that I was changing my major to Marriage, Family, and Human Development.
JUNIOR YEAR:
I began my journey with my new degree and had a tremendous gain in confidence. I loved the content of my new classes, I loved my professors, and I loved the freedom to THINK! I knew that this was a good choice for me, and that I would do well in my classes. It was a fresh start. While I did feel good about my major, there were days of doubt and question of whether or not I did the right thing. One of of these particularly "down" days I made my way into the School of Social Sciences internship fair. There, I ran into a booth with programs that let interns go to Bulgaria, of all places, to work with orphans there. When I met Tony for lunch on campus, I told him about it and we decided we were going to do it. Fall of 2008 we would leave for Bulgaria.
SENIOR YEAR:
Things start to get tricky here, because I actually stayed at BYU for five years. But I'll lump years 4 and 5 into this category, for simplicity's sake. This is the year we traveled to Bulgaria. Readers of my blog know about all of the crazy stuff we endured there. It brought us closer together and taught me about the world around me. Years 4 and 5 I took some of my favorite classes from some of my favorite professors. Some of these include: Infant Development, Advanced Issues in Human Development, both taught by Dr. Chris Porter; Marriage and Family Therapy, Dr. Elizabeth Fawcett; Adolescent Development, Dr. Sarah Coyne; and Language Development.
Oh! We can't forget my Independent Study classes. THAT was so hard for me. It was hard to keep myself on track for the whole summer. Ah yes, and not to mention the professor who called me "ignorant." Boy was I glad to get rid of those classes!
Then, I graduated. I didn't think I would get emotional at my graduation. After all, I was SO glad to be finished! But, when we were all done walking through and the crowd cheered for us (for probably 2 and a half minutes) I cried. I cried like a little girl. I have never been more proud of myself in my life. I was also a little sad to be moving on into the grown up world and not learning anymore in classes. With all of the bad things that happened during college, so many good things came from it. I'm smarter, happier, more well-rounded, and more self-confident. I wouldn't trade my education for the world. I'm kind of known for hating lots of attention, but that day, I loved it. I loved it because I knew I deserved it. Go me!
Now I'm excited to go to a football game not only as an alumna, but as a non-marching band citizen. :)
7/22/10
Sigh of Relief
Well, today I took my very last final for my undergrad. I'm not planning on going to graduate school right now...at all....I need a break! It's hard to be relieved at this point for me, though. I usually am never fully relieved until I can SEE my grades and know that I did alright. It does feel good to not have to cram my head with silly biology terms tonight. All I have to do is bake my muffins and watch the Office. It's great.
Tomorrow I'm headed to Salt Lake to check in to our hotel and get ready for my RACE! I was starting to get nervous last night about the race but I feel much better now. I've been reading up on some literature on how to best prepare myself for a race of this size. I'm gonna rock it, man! :)
I'm so glad to be done with school. I never thought I'd see this day!
Tomorrow I'm headed to Salt Lake to check in to our hotel and get ready for my RACE! I was starting to get nervous last night about the race but I feel much better now. I've been reading up on some literature on how to best prepare myself for a race of this size. I'm gonna rock it, man! :)
I'm so glad to be done with school. I never thought I'd see this day!
7/12/10
Running and Hiking
So, I haven't been mentioning much about running on here lately. Heck, I haven't been mentioning much of anything on here lately! I am scrambling to finish my online classes in time for graduation. I keep having recurring nightmares about showing up to BYU and having them tell me that I actually can't graduate. Once this is over, I will probably be a completely different person! :)
A while back (not sure if I mentioned it) I began a training program for a 10K race. I'm all signed up and ready to go! I'm going to run in the Deseret News Marathon/10K on July 24th. Today I booked a hotel room in SLC so I don't have to get up SUPER early the day of the race. My race starts at 6am and waking up at 4am to get there is just not appealing at all. It may sounds silly, but I am so excited to stay in a hotel! Even if it is just 45 minutes away, I'm super excited. I'm also excited to run my first ever 10K. Hopefully I finish alive and well. I'm sure Tony will snap lots of pictures and record video as well.
I've not been doing my 10K program because we've been hiking so much. Tony had me go on lots of hikes to prepare for Lone Peak: The Second Attempt. We didn't make it to the top because of bad weather, but we sure had a good time and my legs are more than ready to take on a race. I am hoping to get in one last long run before Monday of next week and then just do some short ones to rest my legs. I'm so excited to run this race. I have a feeling it will be pretty emotional for me. I'll let you all know how it goes!
A while back (not sure if I mentioned it) I began a training program for a 10K race. I'm all signed up and ready to go! I'm going to run in the Deseret News Marathon/10K on July 24th. Today I booked a hotel room in SLC so I don't have to get up SUPER early the day of the race. My race starts at 6am and waking up at 4am to get there is just not appealing at all. It may sounds silly, but I am so excited to stay in a hotel! Even if it is just 45 minutes away, I'm super excited. I'm also excited to run my first ever 10K. Hopefully I finish alive and well. I'm sure Tony will snap lots of pictures and record video as well.
I've not been doing my 10K program because we've been hiking so much. Tony had me go on lots of hikes to prepare for Lone Peak: The Second Attempt. We didn't make it to the top because of bad weather, but we sure had a good time and my legs are more than ready to take on a race. I am hoping to get in one last long run before Monday of next week and then just do some short ones to rest my legs. I'm so excited to run this race. I have a feeling it will be pretty emotional for me. I'll let you all know how it goes!
6/29/10
To the G!
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| Beginning Our Hike! |
In Pleasant Grove, you can see the G on the side of the mountain, similar to the Y or the U seen in Provo or Salt Lake. We've always wondered if you could actually hike to the G without bushwhacking your way to the top so we tried it out! It seems that you can :). It's really easy to get to the trail head. You just take Battle Creek Drive/200 S as far up as you can, basically. You'll find a gravel parking lot and a sign that says Kiwanis Park. After passing the pavilion, you'll see a thin, steep path--take that one! You'll see a strange yellow structure that lets you know you're on the right trail (picture at the bottom). It was a really fun hike and we even ate fried chicken once we got to the G!
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| The view on our way up |
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| Tony is excited to hike to the G! |
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| Two paths: Take the skinny one that doesn't look like ATV's use it frequently |
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| It starts to get greener the closer you get to the G. You can see it there in the background! |
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| Nice and shady. At this point you're almost there. |
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| Getting closer! |
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| Yeah, I kissed the G when we got there. |
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| We finally got the the G we've been seeing for the past year! |
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| View from the G |
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| This is the strange yellow structure to look for to make sure you're on the right path |
6/26/10
House Hunting
Today was a really exciting day for us. Our real estate agent came to our apartment, picked us up, and showed us some houses in Pleasant Grove and Lehi (Orem is up for next week). At first we were a little disappointed because one of our mortgage lenders we called only had an offer for us that was a little high for the down payment. But Dana, our adorable agent, told us about all kinds of government programs that we qualify for to help us out! Its such a good time to buy a house right now. The prices are low and the interest rates are like at 4%.
We saw two that we really liked, one MEGA fixer-upper, and another one that we weren't too fond of. The fixer-upper is huge, but we would have to do a lot of replacing floors and some windows. Lots of stuff. It's tempting us because we could potentially make money on it when we sell. But who knows.
Right now, I must say I feel the right to brag about my wifey skills. I am currently sitting in our office/weight bench room making jerseys for Tony and Sherwin (Carleigh's fiancee) for the rec. basketball league. We couldn't find any reversible jerseys ANYWHERE so we improvised and I got some iron on transfer paper made specifically stretchy for uniforms. They are looking quite good, if I say so myself!
Busy day, but I learned a lot and it was really fun.
We saw two that we really liked, one MEGA fixer-upper, and another one that we weren't too fond of. The fixer-upper is huge, but we would have to do a lot of replacing floors and some windows. Lots of stuff. It's tempting us because we could potentially make money on it when we sell. But who knows.
Right now, I must say I feel the right to brag about my wifey skills. I am currently sitting in our office/weight bench room making jerseys for Tony and Sherwin (Carleigh's fiancee) for the rec. basketball league. We couldn't find any reversible jerseys ANYWHERE so we improvised and I got some iron on transfer paper made specifically stretchy for uniforms. They are looking quite good, if I say so myself!
Busy day, but I learned a lot and it was really fun.
6/23/10
Breathe In...Breathe Out...
As Grace would tell me, "Hollie, it helps me calm down when I take huge breathes. Just take breathes."
I had to implement this tactic yesterday upon receiving an email from one of my professors. I won't go into a ton of details in case said professor somehow stumbles upon my blog, but let me just say this person was RUDE. After grading my assignment they wrote me an email essentially asking me how I could be so stupid. I'm not exaggerating at all. This wouldn't be too offensive except this professor had previously sent me another email regarding a different exam and attacked my character because they thought I had cheated. After explaining to prof., they realized I had not cheated and gave me a deserved grade. I let it slide that time, feeling that it was somewhat deserved for someone who was assumed to be cheating. However, this time, I let prof have it. I spoke my mind! I told them that I didn't appreciate how I was being spoken to and that I felt frustrations could be communicated just as effectively without a personal attack on my character.
Well, prof. wrote me back, gave me my grade, but there was still something lacking.....oh yes! An apology. I'm not complaining too much because my B turned into a B+ for some reason, so I suppose that will work.
I just don't understand why some professors feel like they can treat their students this way. Just because you are an expert on something, doesn't mean everyone else is an idiot for not knowing as much as you. This professor expects and demands respect from me, but somehow I don't get the same in return. Hopefully now after speaking my mind I will get due respect.
Good news is, only a couple weeks left of school work! Yeah! Then I'll be a free woman. Free to...go find a job and not be free again...
I'm off to the pool.
I had to implement this tactic yesterday upon receiving an email from one of my professors. I won't go into a ton of details in case said professor somehow stumbles upon my blog, but let me just say this person was RUDE. After grading my assignment they wrote me an email essentially asking me how I could be so stupid. I'm not exaggerating at all. This wouldn't be too offensive except this professor had previously sent me another email regarding a different exam and attacked my character because they thought I had cheated. After explaining to prof., they realized I had not cheated and gave me a deserved grade. I let it slide that time, feeling that it was somewhat deserved for someone who was assumed to be cheating. However, this time, I let prof have it. I spoke my mind! I told them that I didn't appreciate how I was being spoken to and that I felt frustrations could be communicated just as effectively without a personal attack on my character.
Well, prof. wrote me back, gave me my grade, but there was still something lacking.....oh yes! An apology. I'm not complaining too much because my B turned into a B+ for some reason, so I suppose that will work.
I just don't understand why some professors feel like they can treat their students this way. Just because you are an expert on something, doesn't mean everyone else is an idiot for not knowing as much as you. This professor expects and demands respect from me, but somehow I don't get the same in return. Hopefully now after speaking my mind I will get due respect.
Good news is, only a couple weeks left of school work! Yeah! Then I'll be a free woman. Free to...go find a job and not be free again...
I'm off to the pool.
6/22/10
Comments?
Not that I'm anticipating tons of comments, but I don't even see a link to post one!
I'm trying to figure this out...this is a test!
I'm trying to figure this out...this is a test!
6/19/10
I'm Quitting My Job...
...and running for a living!
It seems like whenever I go for a jog around noon, I find money laying on the side of the road! It's mine to keep because out in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road...where do I turn in money? I usually find about 20 bucks, but today I only found $14. I'm chalking it up to the carnival that was going on yesterday. A lot of people were parked by our apartments and so I'm sure someone accidentally dropped their cash. I feel bad, I really do.
In other news, I have officially made July 7th finals day for me. This coming week I have NO work (the family is on vacation) and so I am going to sit around at home and be a homework doin' fool. I should be almost done with my classes by the time next week is over, and I think that's just great. Soon enough my graduation stuff will be here, and I can make it official! Tony is taking me tonight to buy a dress I've been lusting after, and I plan on wearing it at my graduation (and probably to some other places before then, too). I'm really happy that my family is going to come out and sit through that horribly boring commencement ceremony. But, I'm sure that 3 seconds of me walking across the stage will be more than worth it for everyone in attendance.
I've been thinking of some hobbies I'd like to start after I finish school. I don't know if they'd ever happen, but who knows! I'd love to take a cake decorating class so I can make some fabulous birthday cakes. I love making cakes but the decorating I am not so good at. (And I just BARELY got decent and making cakes without having an emotional meltdown) I'd really like to take some professional cooking classes, too. I am so excited to read a book that I want to read! Sayanara textbooks! I am also hoping that having less school will give me more time to focus on training for a half marathon. I've got a whole list of things I'd like to do, but those are just a few of the things I've been thinking of recently. Oh--and I'd like to get a job.
It seems like whenever I go for a jog around noon, I find money laying on the side of the road! It's mine to keep because out in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road...where do I turn in money? I usually find about 20 bucks, but today I only found $14. I'm chalking it up to the carnival that was going on yesterday. A lot of people were parked by our apartments and so I'm sure someone accidentally dropped their cash. I feel bad, I really do.
In other news, I have officially made July 7th finals day for me. This coming week I have NO work (the family is on vacation) and so I am going to sit around at home and be a homework doin' fool. I should be almost done with my classes by the time next week is over, and I think that's just great. Soon enough my graduation stuff will be here, and I can make it official! Tony is taking me tonight to buy a dress I've been lusting after, and I plan on wearing it at my graduation (and probably to some other places before then, too). I'm really happy that my family is going to come out and sit through that horribly boring commencement ceremony. But, I'm sure that 3 seconds of me walking across the stage will be more than worth it for everyone in attendance.
I've been thinking of some hobbies I'd like to start after I finish school. I don't know if they'd ever happen, but who knows! I'd love to take a cake decorating class so I can make some fabulous birthday cakes. I love making cakes but the decorating I am not so good at. (And I just BARELY got decent and making cakes without having an emotional meltdown) I'd really like to take some professional cooking classes, too. I am so excited to read a book that I want to read! Sayanara textbooks! I am also hoping that having less school will give me more time to focus on training for a half marathon. I've got a whole list of things I'd like to do, but those are just a few of the things I've been thinking of recently. Oh--and I'd like to get a job.
6/12/10
Light at the End of the Tunnel
My absence in blogging has been due to two online classes I have been taking this summer. I had two classes left before I graduated and I decided that the drive to campus wasn't worth it. I signed up on independent study and now I am loaded with homework all the time. It takes a lot of discipline to do the work for these classes but I'm doing alright and in a month it will all be nothing but a bad dream. I graduate August 13th at 2pm. You're all invited :)
I ordered my cap and gown today and it made it seems that much more real. It seems so far away right now and thinking of the nearing end makes it much more bearable. There are so many things I'm excited to do when I'm finished. Read books that I want to read, work on my Bulgarian, and just RELAX! Oh..and...look for a real job.
I promise when school is done I will post more!
I ordered my cap and gown today and it made it seems that much more real. It seems so far away right now and thinking of the nearing end makes it much more bearable. There are so many things I'm excited to do when I'm finished. Read books that I want to read, work on my Bulgarian, and just RELAX! Oh..and...look for a real job.
I promise when school is done I will post more!
4/13/10
What Color are You?
I recently took a little quiz at colorcode.com to kind of re-affirm what I knew about my personality color. Just from reading the descriptions before I had determined that I was a white personality, and my quiz produced the same results:
white: 43%
blue: 28%
yellow: 26%
red: 3%
You are a WHITE personality. The Core Motivation that guides you through life is "Peace." This is not referring to a political agenda or the absence of war. It is, however, an absence of inner conflict, much closer to the idea of serenity, and an acceptance of oneself and others. You have a strong and compelling need to keep things in balance in your life so as to maintain an internal feeling of tranquility and comfort.
As a WHITE, you seek independence and require kindness, especially from those with whom you are in a relationship. You resist confrontation at all costs. (To you, feeling good internally is even more important than being good.) You are quiet by nature, process things very deeply and objectively with great clarity. Of all the colors, WHITES are the best listeners. You respect people who are direct but recoil from perceived hostility or verbal battle.
You need your "alone time" and refuse to be controlled by others. WHITES want to do things their own way and in their own time. They ask little of others and resent others demanding much of them. You are probably much stronger than people think, but are not often seen for your strength because you don't easily reveal your feelings.
I really think this describes me really well. I can especially see these personality traits right now in my life. I'm a sucker for these kind of tests but I think they're fun and this one is a little more well-known. If I told people I was a white, they would totally understand me :).
white: 43%
blue: 28%
yellow: 26%
red: 3%
You are a WHITE personality. The Core Motivation that guides you through life is "Peace." This is not referring to a political agenda or the absence of war. It is, however, an absence of inner conflict, much closer to the idea of serenity, and an acceptance of oneself and others. You have a strong and compelling need to keep things in balance in your life so as to maintain an internal feeling of tranquility and comfort.
As a WHITE, you seek independence and require kindness, especially from those with whom you are in a relationship. You resist confrontation at all costs. (To you, feeling good internally is even more important than being good.) You are quiet by nature, process things very deeply and objectively with great clarity. Of all the colors, WHITES are the best listeners. You respect people who are direct but recoil from perceived hostility or verbal battle.
You need your "alone time" and refuse to be controlled by others. WHITES want to do things their own way and in their own time. They ask little of others and resent others demanding much of them. You are probably much stronger than people think, but are not often seen for your strength because you don't easily reveal your feelings.
I really think this describes me really well. I can especially see these personality traits right now in my life. I'm a sucker for these kind of tests but I think they're fun and this one is a little more well-known. If I told people I was a white, they would totally understand me :).
3/28/10
Being Creative
Not that I have any time to do this sorta stuff right now, but I scheduled it ahead of time and made sure I had a block of time where I could make a birthday card. I was sad I couldn't make one for my dad, but I was having a hard time designing one in my head for him. Maybe I'll give him one in August when he comes out to see us.
Gracie, the little girl I nanny, is turning 4 this Tuesday. It will be nothing short of a princess affair. Her mom set up an appointment at the local beauty school for a mini pedicure, manicure, and updo for this princess. (I'm jealous...I just get to watch her be pampered)
It's going to be really fun, and I got her some cute little girly things for her birthday. I made her this card, and I quite like it! It screams Grace. Sorry the picture is kind of dark.
Gracie, the little girl I nanny, is turning 4 this Tuesday. It will be nothing short of a princess affair. Her mom set up an appointment at the local beauty school for a mini pedicure, manicure, and updo for this princess. (I'm jealous...I just get to watch her be pampered)
It's going to be really fun, and I got her some cute little girly things for her birthday. I made her this card, and I quite like it! It screams Grace. Sorry the picture is kind of dark.
3/19/10
My Best Friends
Sorry about the lack of posting, this semester is kicking my butt and I really don't have a lot of time for blogging!
Recently I have discovered something interesting. I have learned who my BEST friends are at this time in my life.
The first, quite obviously, is Tony. I could not ask for a better husband to be with. He understands me and sticks with me through my silly adventures I have in this life. He loves me for who I am, not for what I'm supposed to be or expected to be. He is so loving and accepting. I really don't think I could have married a better man for me. I can talk to him about everything I'm feeling without fear of judgment or criticism. He is my bestest friend and I'm glad I have him as a forever friend :)
The other, which I'm finding funnier by the day, is the little girl I spend most of my days with: Grace. This girl loves me so unconditionally it isn't funny. I realized that she was my best friend a week ago when we went to the mall for a "girls day." (it was her idea.) We tried silly clothes on, and she gave me her opinion on how things looked on me, whether they made me look silly or as beautiful as a princess. I feel good when I'm around her, and she told me that she likes being with me as well. I think it's hilarious that the one girlfriend I trust most is going to be four in a few weeks. I have a feeling that being a mom is going to be fun someday, if it's anything like hanging out with Gracie-Head Maisey.
I know this is a random post, but I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I feel like I'm beginning to relate to all of you mothers out there. I can imagine that your adorable children are among your best friends.
Recently I have discovered something interesting. I have learned who my BEST friends are at this time in my life.
The first, quite obviously, is Tony. I could not ask for a better husband to be with. He understands me and sticks with me through my silly adventures I have in this life. He loves me for who I am, not for what I'm supposed to be or expected to be. He is so loving and accepting. I really don't think I could have married a better man for me. I can talk to him about everything I'm feeling without fear of judgment or criticism. He is my bestest friend and I'm glad I have him as a forever friend :)
The other, which I'm finding funnier by the day, is the little girl I spend most of my days with: Grace. This girl loves me so unconditionally it isn't funny. I realized that she was my best friend a week ago when we went to the mall for a "girls day." (it was her idea.) We tried silly clothes on, and she gave me her opinion on how things looked on me, whether they made me look silly or as beautiful as a princess. I feel good when I'm around her, and she told me that she likes being with me as well. I think it's hilarious that the one girlfriend I trust most is going to be four in a few weeks. I have a feeling that being a mom is going to be fun someday, if it's anything like hanging out with Gracie-Head Maisey.
I know this is a random post, but I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I feel like I'm beginning to relate to all of you mothers out there. I can imagine that your adorable children are among your best friends.
2/16/10
Emerson Hits Home
I know that every middle-schooler who comes across Emerson's work quotes him like crazy because they feel so "misunderstood" and "misread", and it is my goal in this post to talk about how my recent reading of Emerson's "Self-Reliance" impacted me without sounding like a misunderstood pre-teen.
Recently I have felt like people, even those closest to me, simply don't and won't understand the thoughts I'm having and the things I'm feeling. I've been struggling with this for several months now, trying to figure out how to fix the discomforting feeling that accompanies my views. There are basically two sides to this fight: one, I be who I want to be, think what I feel is right, and have people think less of me, scorn me, tell me "how sad" it is that I feel this way; or two, I suck it up, put on a pretty smile and make the world around me happy all the while feeling horribly guilty and empty on the inside. As you can see, these are two pretty extreme and opposite results so the decision on how to act is a very serious and difficult one.
In my English class I'm taking to finish up my general education courses at school, we've been delving into personal narratives. I kind of find them hard to read and very long and boring, but I try my best to keep up. One exception was when we read Emerson's essay entitled "Self-Reliance." I loved reading this work! In case you aren't familiar with it, it is essentially an essay about not being a conformist to make people happy, and living your life for you--not for the sake of others. If you're interested in reading the entire thing, you can find it here. It really gave me some hope for the hard time I'm having and I felt that it was almost a pep talk for me to just be myself, and live my life for me. Forget everyone else, there's no need to do things simply to please others. It was really inspiring and I'm so glad I read it at this time in my life.
Here are some of the quotes from Emerson that really struck me:
Recently I have felt like people, even those closest to me, simply don't and won't understand the thoughts I'm having and the things I'm feeling. I've been struggling with this for several months now, trying to figure out how to fix the discomforting feeling that accompanies my views. There are basically two sides to this fight: one, I be who I want to be, think what I feel is right, and have people think less of me, scorn me, tell me "how sad" it is that I feel this way; or two, I suck it up, put on a pretty smile and make the world around me happy all the while feeling horribly guilty and empty on the inside. As you can see, these are two pretty extreme and opposite results so the decision on how to act is a very serious and difficult one.
In my English class I'm taking to finish up my general education courses at school, we've been delving into personal narratives. I kind of find them hard to read and very long and boring, but I try my best to keep up. One exception was when we read Emerson's essay entitled "Self-Reliance." I loved reading this work! In case you aren't familiar with it, it is essentially an essay about not being a conformist to make people happy, and living your life for you--not for the sake of others. If you're interested in reading the entire thing, you can find it here. It really gave me some hope for the hard time I'm having and I felt that it was almost a pep talk for me to just be myself, and live my life for me. Forget everyone else, there's no need to do things simply to please others. It was really inspiring and I'm so glad I read it at this time in my life.
Here are some of the quotes from Emerson that really struck me:
"It is the harder, because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."I am not becoming some sort of hippie transcendentalist or anything, I just wanted to share some of these quotes because I really loved them. Sorry if this was too much. :)
"Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day. -- `Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood.' -- Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood. "
"There is a mortifying experience in particular, which does not fail to wreak itself also in the general history; I mean "the foolish face of praise," the forced smile which we put on in company where we do not feel at ease in answer to conversation which does not interest us. The muscles, not spontaneously moved, but moved by a low usurping wilfulness, grow tight about the outline of the face with the most disagreeable sensation. "
"The other terror that scares us from self-trust is our consistency; a reverence for our past act or word, because the eyes of others have no other data for computing our orbit than our past acts, and we are loath to disappoint them."
2/1/10
Gettin' Stuff Done
This probably makes me sound like an old lady, but recently I have found great joy in getting stuff done during the day. This usually never involves cleaning, but I mean setting up appointments, paying bills, getting things straightened out so that I am less stressed. Today was one of those days where I woke up dead tired, looking like death warmed over. But, I got a lot done and my day that could have been quite miserable turned into a pretty good one! I have less to stress about because I got a lot of things in order. Yay!
1/29/10
I Liked This Video
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| The Word - Two-Faced | ||||
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1/22/10
Granulation
On Wednesday I made the trip into my academic advisor's office to discuss graduation. After a 5 minute process of looking to see if I had the right classes, she cheerfully told me that I could graduate in August.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Then, looking a bit concerned, turned to me and said "you did a 9-credit-hour internship?" I reluctantly replied with a yes, fearing that my previous good news was going to be taken back somehow. "That means you can waive one of these upper-level classes you're taking. You'll get an A in it automatically." Whose side were the gods on that day? MINE. I couldn't believe that BYU was giving me two pieces of good news in a row. Now, I have 20% less school to attend three days a week, and I can look forward to donning the cap and gown in August. The only negative thing about this is that my Senioritis has doubled in its intensity and I am so looking forward to the end of the semester. I love how some good news can just brighten your day!
What good news have you guys had this week?
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Then, looking a bit concerned, turned to me and said "you did a 9-credit-hour internship?" I reluctantly replied with a yes, fearing that my previous good news was going to be taken back somehow. "That means you can waive one of these upper-level classes you're taking. You'll get an A in it automatically." Whose side were the gods on that day? MINE. I couldn't believe that BYU was giving me two pieces of good news in a row. Now, I have 20% less school to attend three days a week, and I can look forward to donning the cap and gown in August. The only negative thing about this is that my Senioritis has doubled in its intensity and I am so looking forward to the end of the semester. I love how some good news can just brighten your day!
What good news have you guys had this week?
1/11/10
Christmas, Presents, Cupcakes, and School
Holy moly, I haven't posted a real post in so long! While I have some time before bed I will try to recap everything that has happened from Christmas until now. It's been exciting, let me tell ya.
We spent Christmas this year in Indiana with my family. It was a pretty long trip, but a nice break from reality and a nice opportunity to spend time with family and see some old friends. Morgan and I thought it would be a good idea to make some "Ugly Christmas Sweaters." Here's a picture our Christmas Eve sweater contest. Can you guess who won?
Tony and I decided that we would have "our" Christmas when we got home from Indiana so we didn't have to lug our gifts to each other in our suitcases. We couldn't do it before because we were just too dang busy! We had a really nice little Christmas. Tony got me a really nice manicure set, some much needed cold-weather running clothes, and a litter box, cat food, a book called The Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Cat, and a piece of paper that says "this is good for one date with Tony to pick out a KITTY!"
We had talked about getting a pet (a cat...never a dog...I can't handle dogs...) but this was such a total surprise! I was so thrilled and I thought it was so thoughtful. Tony tried his hardest to come home with a cat, but decided in the end it would be better if we both picked one out together. So, that following Saturday we headed up to the Humane Society and found our new friend that we shortly re-named (her name was really dumb) Pepa. She isn't a kitten but she's a perfect fit for us and so loving. Sometimes she acts more like a dog than a cat! We love her a lot and she's teaching us a lot about caring for another creature. She's about 6-7 months old and she's a Tortie (?).
Here are some pictures of our kitty:
She loves to snuggle for naptime.
She ALWAYS has to be a part of whatever action is going on. She gets jealous when we play on our laptops and tries her hardest to prevent us from paying attention to something other than her.
This past Saturday when Tony was getting his haircut, I noticed a place that was newly opened called Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe. I HAD to see what this was about. We walked in and it was the cutest little store! They have all kinds of coffee, hot cocoa, and lots of CUPCAKES! These aren't your Betty Crocker box cupcakes, either. These are gourmet. Simply beautiful and SO delicious. I had to take some pictures of them before we scarfed because I am a nerd. Tony got a cupcake called "Party in My Mouth" It's a chocolate cupcake wit h Nutella in the middle, cream cheese frosting and chocolate drizzle. I can't remember the name of mine (but I liked mine better) but it was a milk chocolate cake with sweetened condensed milk on top with a delicious buttercream frosting topped with almonds. These were not only insanely delicious...they were HUGE! They come in a cute box all packaged with a fork and napkin for you. Simple things please me, if you couldn't tell. They have a BLOG that you should check out...it's such a fun place! I just loved looking at all of the cupcakes through the glass! I think that's such a fun thing :)
Aside from kittens and cupcakes, I began my last semester on the campus of BYU last Monday. It's really hard to adjust to a new work schedule, school schedule, a kitten that cries at night and wakes me up, and trying to finish homework. So, if I don't post for a while...you'll understand why.
Life is good, we're having fun and we're getting through these crazy times!
We spent Christmas this year in Indiana with my family. It was a pretty long trip, but a nice break from reality and a nice opportunity to spend time with family and see some old friends. Morgan and I thought it would be a good idea to make some "Ugly Christmas Sweaters." Here's a picture our Christmas Eve sweater contest. Can you guess who won?
Tony and I decided that we would have "our" Christmas when we got home from Indiana so we didn't have to lug our gifts to each other in our suitcases. We couldn't do it before because we were just too dang busy! We had a really nice little Christmas. Tony got me a really nice manicure set, some much needed cold-weather running clothes, and a litter box, cat food, a book called The Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Cat, and a piece of paper that says "this is good for one date with Tony to pick out a KITTY!"
We had talked about getting a pet (a cat...never a dog...I can't handle dogs...) but this was such a total surprise! I was so thrilled and I thought it was so thoughtful. Tony tried his hardest to come home with a cat, but decided in the end it would be better if we both picked one out together. So, that following Saturday we headed up to the Humane Society and found our new friend that we shortly re-named (her name was really dumb) Pepa. She isn't a kitten but she's a perfect fit for us and so loving. Sometimes she acts more like a dog than a cat! We love her a lot and she's teaching us a lot about caring for another creature. She's about 6-7 months old and she's a Tortie (?).
Here are some pictures of our kitty:
She loves to snuggle for naptime.
She ALWAYS has to be a part of whatever action is going on. She gets jealous when we play on our laptops and tries her hardest to prevent us from paying attention to something other than her.
This past Saturday when Tony was getting his haircut, I noticed a place that was newly opened called Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe. I HAD to see what this was about. We walked in and it was the cutest little store! They have all kinds of coffee, hot cocoa, and lots of CUPCAKES! These aren't your Betty Crocker box cupcakes, either. These are gourmet. Simply beautiful and SO delicious. I had to take some pictures of them before we scarfed because I am a nerd. Tony got a cupcake called "Party in My Mouth" It's a chocolate cupcake wit h Nutella in the middle, cream cheese frosting and chocolate drizzle. I can't remember the name of mine (but I liked mine better) but it was a milk chocolate cake with sweetened condensed milk on top with a delicious buttercream frosting topped with almonds. These were not only insanely delicious...they were HUGE! They come in a cute box all packaged with a fork and napkin for you. Simple things please me, if you couldn't tell. They have a BLOG that you should check out...it's such a fun place! I just loved looking at all of the cupcakes through the glass! I think that's such a fun thing :)
This is the inside of the store. CUTE, huh??
Aside from kittens and cupcakes, I began my last semester on the campus of BYU last Monday. It's really hard to adjust to a new work schedule, school schedule, a kitten that cries at night and wakes me up, and trying to finish homework. So, if I don't post for a while...you'll understand why.
Life is good, we're having fun and we're getting through these crazy times!
1/10/10
Awkward Workplace Photos
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