St Patricks Day is such an interesting holiday. Either you are super into it, or you just dont care. Well ok so not really, because I consider myself to be a hybrid.Ive never been super into it, but I am sporting the green argyle sweater today and will be attending some St Pattys parties tonight (water parties of course ... I mean, I am at BYU people).

Here's a shout out to good ol Rob Peterson, who i'm sure is lamenting being in Provo and not in Chicago for this blessed event.

Secret Goal #1: Own a flower boutique

I love love flowers. Especially Receiving them. That could be my gift to the world. Delivering happyness to people through flowers.

Passport Photo

Rumor has it the United States of America no longer allows pictures with teeth showing. I am going to have to practice my smile with no-teeth. Any suggestions?

President Hinckley:

There is a sign on the gate of this campus that reads: “Enter to learn; go forth to serve.”

I invite you, every one of you, to make that your motto. Mediocrity will never do. You are capable of something better. Give it your very best. You will never again have such an opportunity. Pray about it. Work at it. Make it happen. Drink in the great knowledge here to be obtained from this dedicated faculty. Qualify yourselves for the work of the world that lies ahead. It will largely compensate you in terms of what it thinks you are worth. Walk the high road of charity, respect, and love for others and particularly those who are less fortunate. Be happy. Look for the sunlight in life. Reach for the stars.

_________

I came across this today. What a powerful and inspiring statement. Many of these things I have tried to incorporate into my life over the past few years, such as rising above mediocrity, taking every opportunity, qualifying myself for the work I know my Father in Heaven has in store for me. I also love to serve and strive to be a happy person, always looking for the sunlight in life (literarlly and hypothetically speaking). What a great leader President Hinckley was.

VOTE

Campaigning is getting hot and heavy in the Marriott School. Thus far, my endorsements are:

MBA:
Derek & Clark

MPA:
Holly & Sarah

If you aren't on this list ... you might want to start kissing up. I like chocolate covered cinnamon bears.

TOFW Models

Time Out for Women -- Seriously we should be getting commission off this picture. 2 years later--- still going strong on.

3/2008


3/2006

The Perfect Storm

After watching just about everyone in Provo go jogging (pronounced yagging)today I finally decided to go for a run myself (and can I just say -- for the ever so brief glimpse of spring we had on Friday, it was not enought to allow girls to be so scantily-clad while jogging around Provo. Definition: scantily clad would mean pulling your shorts up so high that they cant be seen under your t-shirt or tying your wife-beater up with a rubberband, thus displaying your stomach. Really? Come on girls!) So, I had been outside earlier, and it was fairly warm (in Utah terms that means 40) so I threw on my running pants and my proud UCI Mens Volleyball National Champions t-shirt and took off. I figured if I got cold I'd just run a little faster and warm myself up.

About half-way through my run the wind started blowing and the clouds began to look a little more ominous.

Then I noticed the trees blowing a little harder… and little spots on the cement which I soon realized were rain drops.

I felt the temperature begin to drop and the storm begin to come into full effect. Before I knew it, I realized this was the first time I had been running in the snow. The wind was blowing so hard my legs would trip each other as they attempted to hit the pavement with each step. The snow falling lightly and grazing past my cheek, landing softly on the grass beside me.

As I ran I realized that it wasn’t the cold air hitting my face, or the constant stinging on my bare arms that bothered me most about running in the storm. The worst part was the numbing in my fingers and the intense concentration it took to change the song on my iPod shuffle each time a lackluster song would emerge.

I thought the first day of March would mean I could put my cold gear away. Guess I was wrong. I better buy some running gloves.

March 0

I'm done with February. Let's start March already.

Springtime, sun, flowers, St. Patricks Day, Annas Birthday, Easter, Dresses, Green, March Madness... there is so much to live for in March. I'm starting now.

Hells Bells

Probably my favorite person in the MPA program, not only for, but especially because she is the founding member of the greatest club in the Marriot School (CfC). This post is attributed to her. For making my life better by simply being who she is.

Beautiful
Intelligent
Witty
Bold
Stylish
Daring
Keeps me sane (I know its not 1 word, but how to do you limit that?)

... basically the most amazing woman ever.

*pictures to come soon.

18 Candles

My little brother is turning 18!!! I decided to do a little tribute to him ...

Happy Birthday Matthew.

The EPA is going GREEN.

Ok, so I know what you are thinking. EPA= Environmental Protection Agency ... they are the definition of Green. They are the one federal agency that is pushing this whole 'Global Warming' thing onto policy-makers and therefore the rest of the world, right? Well, ok, maybe. But that's not what I am talking about here. I am talking about their new approach to initiating a "green" movement into their agency--through the building.

We all know we are encouraged to use energy efficient light bulbs and shut off the lights when you are not in the room and blah blah blah (if any of you know me, you know that I am a huge advocate of this) anyway, the EPA decided on some things, lights just are necessary. Like in the elevator.

yes. i just said the elevator.

If you are to take a trip on the elevator in the EPA building in Washington DC you will be going in pitch black. Just think Tower of Terror. Which is usually a fantastic experience at Disneyland, but not so hot when you are filled with 10 other people screaming because we really dont know if we will ever get out. However, the realism of the experience made it exciting and got the point across-- lights are not always necessary.

So cut them out of your life in as many places as possible and save a few polar bears.

Personality Test:

http://www.brainfall.com/test6_1.php

Which Disney Princess Are You?
	You are Cinderella. You are hard-working and never complain, however, your trust is sometimes misplaced and people sometimes take advantage of you. Still, you are beautiful inside and out, and one day you will realize it and find true love.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

I dont know how I feel about this result?

I've decided to take my life a step above college cuisine.

I heart GBH.

http://google.com/trends/hottrends?q=*&sa=X&date=2008-1-27

I've been getting grief for not blogging lately-- sorry everyone after Nashville life got a little crazy.

In case you were all wondering its ULTRA cold here in Utah. I mean, as if the snow wasnt enough. Now we need wind and chill factor. I swear this is the temperature outside right now:


OK ok ok so perhaps that is a little dramatic. but it is really cold. like 12 degrees. Feel bad for me.

I'm like Nashville ... with a tan.

This weekend I had a conference in the heart of the bible belt, the home of American Country Music, Nashville, TN. Now, I had never in my life really thought about going to Nashville, but once I got the opportunity, I was so excited. Everyone I talked to loved Nashville, and my experience was better than I had ever expected. I've put up some pictures of my favorite things.

Vanderbilt Campus -- buildings date back to the 1880's
State Capital -- just a really cool old building. Russ didnt quite understand.
Parthenon -- just a replica but pretty sweet at night.
Jacks BBQ -- homestyle CLASSIC bbq. the in house entertainment was also pretty classic.
Broadway -- the heart of downtown nashville.
Pancake Pantry -- the sweet potato pancakes are incredible. oh and don't let the 2 hour line fool you.
Layla's Bluegrass Inn -- probably the dirtiest bar i've been in ... but the crazy bands were too entertaining to leave.
Tootsies
Wild Horse Saloon -- think Buck Owens Crystal Palace x 5
Dueling Piano Bar -- pretty much the coolest thing ever.
Coyote Ugly -- just had to do it.
Tootsies -- CRAZY. but dancing on the speakers and singing "i've got friends in low places" was incredible.

It's that time of year ... no not Christmas [yet] PUMPKIN

Pumpkin Muffin Tops
Pumpkin Pancakes (with my homemade apple cinnamon syrup of course).
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Ice Cream (seriously so good).
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin Pumpkin (I carved mine with stars this year)

oh and being called 'pumpkin' :)

embrace the season- eat pumpkin.

My First Real Snow.

Yes. October 20 --> Snow in Provo.
Many of you saw the blizzard on Sportscenter. I didnt stay at the game for the snow (about 30 minutes before I was bored and cold so I left to get hot chocolate). But by the time I got home the blizzard was in full force. I surprised myself by running outside and basking in the blizzard. Well until I realized I was outside in the COLD and then I went back inside.

Me & BG at the game. Before the blizzard obviously.


Snow on my car.


Blizzard (cant really tell in this pic...)

I like ... where you are ... HERE.
Honestly. Life Changing. Just ask Taylor.

Hellogoodbye = Dance Party = Amazing.

WHERE IS SHE GOING?

Ashley got her mission call ... we had a broad consensus on where she would be serving for 18 months of her life. After much anticipation:

Ashley Hunt is hereby called to serve in the Cleveland, Ohio Mission. She leaves January 23, 2008!!

This mission includes Kirkland, which also falls under the assumption many had that she would serve at a visitors center site (since she is so cute of course). Mom, Tarin and I can't wait to take her shopping for her cute missionary clothes.

Congrats Ash I am so proud of you!

I'M AN AUNTIE!!

Ok, so most of you already know I am an Aunt of the 2 most adorable kids ever (Nico&Caidence ... see below). But now I am also an AUNTIE for My Miss Kare!! My very best friend from high school had a baby boy this morning ... Aiden Andrew. I am dying because I am stuck in Provo and won't get to meet him until Thanksgiving. This is for you Mommy Karah!! Love you.

These pictures are a little older... from my graduation:






These are off my phone... in the car:

Leaf Ride ...

So apparently a drive through the canyon to Bridalvale (sp?) Falls isn't enough to appreciate the changing colors of the trees. The girls and I had a blast playing with the leaves. However, after showing off my pics from that trip, I was informed that that wasnt good enough. And apparently the mountains do something for relieving stress? Anyway, I was invited to take a ride through The Alpine Loop ... and then through the rest of that canyon. It was extremely beautiful and serene. Thank you for the invite, and especially the hot chocolate after :)

Enjoy the pics.

Ride with Linds & Lil Sisters...




Ride with Kyle






and uhhh please dont laugh at the candid shots. i already know i'm a dork :)

I'll like you when you're more like me.

Definitely in Provo

Kiley walks by 2 guys.
One guy [obviously] checks her out- up and down.
Then he says (audibly) "No Ring" now facing Kiley: Hi, how are you?

Only in Provo do boys do RING checks before they can even say hi to a girl. Ok, well maybe their intentions are more than just "Hi" but only in Provo will a guy (1) bother to check and (2) say it out loud.

September 19, 2007 National Talk Like a Pirate Day
I'm not obsessed with Pirates, talking like pirates, or dressing like Pirates, but this is totally worth your time.

Find out YOUR Pirate Name:

http://www.piratequiz.com/
.
.
.
.
.
Probably the greatest Pirate Quiz EVER.

I LOVE G.B.

One of the amazing perks of going to BYU is getting to see General Authorities Speak. This week we were fortunate enough to have President Hinckley speak at our Homecoming Devotional. I was so excited and thought that if I got there a few hours early, I would be able to secure a good seat in the Marriott Center. Too bad Ashley laughed at me and informed me that people sleep over outside the Marriott just to get good seats. My hopes and dreams were crushed... momentarily. Until I realized that my sister has a massive hook up working for a VP of BYU and all.

So basically.... I have the best little sister ever. She totally hooked me up and I sat 2nd row at the Devotional!!! President Hinckley is so so cute and it was awesome to be able to see him that close up. (I could literally see the hairs sticking up on his head!) As he sat down, he was so cute, he put a paper over his eyes to shield the light so he could look out into the audience :) Then, he gave us some great counsel, and applied the principles of the 13th article of faith to our lives. He also congratulated us on our 10 year running hold as the "Stone Cold Sober Campus", and awknowledged the newly awarded #1 ranking for the Marriott's Business Program. As he left, he waved his cane and smiled at us all. Sigh. It was such a sweet experience.

Fully Invested

I never thought I would say this... but I LIVE IN PROVO. Yes, shocking to most who know me, considering I used to spend my time making fun of people that chose to live in this state, but due to circumstances out of my control, I was accepted into this Amazing program at BYU and am now officially a Provo Resident, BYU grad student, and Yes, Fully Invested.

After arriving in Provo Homeless, I was apprehensive about how my new life would unfold. Fortunately I am a very lucky girl and found a place in Highland Park, and even had time to run (ok .... drive) to Park City to buy a suit for my MPA orientation the next day.

The MPA program places everyone in teams of 5 people to work together for the entire semester. Knowing that my team would love me, I was excited to meet them. Of course I have the best team ever, and after washing each others cars we came up with the classic team name, J-POP. School is intense and I've already closed out the Tanner building my first week here, so I'm sure studying will take up a lot of my time. However, I am getting to know Provo already, especially the eating hot spots :)

I have a good feeling about Provo already.