For any of you that think it's cold where you live right now...just look at this forecast and know that I'm in the tundra.



note: keywords -- "dangerous" and "bitterly"

DUSTIN'S DINER

When people ask me about where I'm from, or what my neighborhood is like, I often tell them it's like a neighborhood you see in a movie---but that no one thinks exist anymore. The Haggin Oaks Neighborhood includes 4th of July block parties, Halloween parades and DUSTIN'S DINER.

I'm pretty sure Dustin and Daniel Kilpatrick didn't realize when they were 9 and 11 years old that their simple idea would become a tradition for next 15 years--- and raise over $140,000 (nearly $20,000 each year for the last few years). Although it originated at the Kilpatrick's beautiful home on St. Cloud, as of a few years ago, it has been held at my parents house on Haggin Oaks Blvd/St Cloud.

I feel so blessed to be part of DUSTIN'S DINER each year, and since I've been away at school, I always look forward to coming home and helping sell cookies and hot chocolate--it isn't Christmas without Dustin's Diner.

E. B. White said it perfectly:

"I arise in the morning torn between the desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."

Papa.

13 Years ago today my Papa passed away. Needless to say I miss him--especially his humor, and all of the fun adventures we went on. I have fond memories of vacationing in Utah as a young young girl (4 years old) with Papa and Grandma Barbara. Those few weeks I stayed in Utah, I remember Papa teaching me how to catch butterflies and pester animals at the zoo. I also remember going on camping trips, and my only recollection of going fishing was with my Papa (again, as a very young girl). It wasn't too long after that that Papa got really sick. Although I didn't quite understand how the cancer was taking my grandpa from me, I still remember distinctly the day that he left us. Every year on December 5th, I think of him. The years that I'm not living in Bakersfield, I wish I was so I could take some flowers by his resting place.

Although he's not here now, my Papa will always be a part of my life, and I'm grateful for the memories I have with him.

Purchasing my First Christmas Tree.

Monumental! My roommate, Holly, and I purchased our first real Christmas Tree. I never realized what an investment this would be. There are so many issues that have to be settled before making a deal. And not to mention that those tree lot guys are at a total advantage that it is COLD outside---therefore, buyers just want to make a purchase and get their tree home already. Also, most of us haven't brushed up on our current market research on trees... so negotiating is pretty tricky too.

After asking about 300 questions, we bought our tree. I'm pretty sure we got fully taken advantage of, but we are confident it will be the most beautiful tree ever.

Merry Chrsitmas!

(as always...pictures to come)

Probably the most fantastic thing I've seen this season.

An attitude of Gratitude

Especially after reading my humble sisters' post on gratitude (if you haven't read it yet, click here), I feel like it is my turn to express my appreciation for the many many blessings I have receieved.

Love

From my Family. Coming home for Thanksgiving and spending time with my Mom and Dad and the little ways that they show their love for me; My Love. Funny text messages, emails and visits, the many sweet reminders of why I love Ryan so much; and Friends. I am so so blessed with so many wonderful friends. Friends in Bakersfield, Orange County, San Diego, DC, Minot, Provo ... and everywhere else. Friends that lift me up, inspire me and make me want to be a better person every day.

The Gospel

The peace that the knowledge of the gospel brings, the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the impact that it has on my daily life.

Temples

The ability to attend, feel the peace, be inspired and do The Lord's Work.

Missionary Work

My sister who is working so hard on a mission to bring others to the gospel, and all of the opportunities I have to share the gospel.

Opportunity

Opportunity to learn, opportunity to work, and although I am currently jobless after graduation, I know that I am in a position of opportunity and will end up in the 'right' place.

Innovation

Have you seen the new Google Themes?? Ok so maybe not the best example, but I am also grateful for incredibly innovative people that solve the worlds' problems in new and exciting ways.

COLDPLAY

Is amazing. Period.

The concert last night renewed my soul of the aching that it felt yesterday afternoon.

Pictures to come soon.

Boston Red Sox Second Baseman, Dustin Pedroia wins Most Valuable Player award

My brother likes to tell me I should have been nicer to this guy in high school. I rebutted that we are two peas from a different pod. But at any rate, it's still awesome to see someone from Woodland High, be the best in the nation.

Apparently Rookie of the Year and MVP back to back is a big deal?

Congrats to Pedroia.

Read the full article HERE.

I DID IT!!!

30 Days Clean

and it feels so good I may just keep going. Seriously, who knew I could last with out DP, or V.DP even, for 30 days?! Surprisingly it really wasnt that hard, but perhaps it was the vision of accomplishing such an arduous goal that kept me going?

Not sure.

I'm also not sure what my "next steps" are. Do I create another goal and keep going? Or do I fall off the wagon and slowly implement it back into my life? I have to admit, I miss the sweet taste but not much else. Luckily my body hasn't reacted too strongly without it.

If you have a strong opinion on this, please let it be known.

The Christmas Season has Officially Begun!

I have now heard "Where are you Christmas" and Manheim Steamrollers on the radio. I dont know any better way to kick off the Christmas season!! Yayy.

Tag from Danielle

8 TV Shows I like to watch: (in no specific order)

1. Project Runway
2. FRIENDS
3. What Not to Wear
4. The Office
5. Desperate Housewives (ok so I've actually given this one up)
6. Psych (Matthew's got me hooked)
7. Arrested Development
8. So You Think You Can Dance

8 things that happened yesterday:

1. Read in 1 Nephi and from the Conference Issue of the Ensign
2. Tuesday Lunch group -- Perhaps my favorite part of the week :)
3. Solicited my classmates (during class --shhh don't tell my professor!) to take the wii survey for the MPA lounge
4. Worked on my Christmas list ... yayy for buying Christmas presents!
5. Watched The Office in HR Law
6. Sonic Run/delivered to me... don't worry I totally got a Strawberry Limeade
7. Talked to Ry-Guy on the phone
8. Homework/prepped for a presentation/attended class...as much as I hate to admit it, this was the bulk of my day.

8 favorite places to eat:

1. Yoasis, frozen yogurt in Provo
2. Glorias Little Italy in Provo
3. El Pueblo in Bakersfield (ok so really, Lamont)
4. Wonderland Bakery in Newport Beach
5. Woolgrowers in Bakersfield
6. Borough Market in London
7. Dewars in Bakersfield California
8. Chocolate by the Bald Man in New York, New York

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. Thanksgiving and hanging out with Mom, Dad, Grandma & the whole Musick Fam-- oh and of course T Girl and her cute family + seeing The Girls (nicole, megs, brookie, karah, michelle)
2. November 28 --when i finally get to see Ry again
3. Everything CHRISTMAS (ie: music, lights, trees, pine smells, gifts, treats, the christmas feeling, the nutcracker, and tons of christmas parties and festivities)
4. Getting settled in my ward
5. Cooking dinner this week ... and actually using my favorite cookbook "The Little Black Apron - A Single Girl's Guide to Cooking with Style and Grace"
6. Having a job and not stressing about what I'm going to do after graduation (and not having to answer "I dont know" or "Looking for a job" when people ask)
7. Getting married one day ...becoming a mom and having my decisions of the day be "what snack should I make for the kids and which pool should we go play at?" oh and living out my life plans ...
8. Serving a mission.

8 things on my wish list:

1. more time with my love
2. more time with my nieces & nephew
3. vaca to Tahiti
4. a new winter wardrobe...and all the time it takes to buy a new wardrobe
5. having a world without poverty and pain... and being a part of it
6. a job (for after I graduate)
7. iPod Nano + running device (so my motivation to run will increase)
8. not to have to take sampsons class

8 people that I tag:

1. Kelsie
2. Tarin
3. Brittany
4. Amy
5. Caleb
6. Jared
7. Chris
8. Jessamyn

Young @ Heart

so cute right?!

I think we all like to say we are young at heart, but how many of us really are, or better yet, how many of us really

act

like it?? Pretty sure I need to first start acting my age ... let alone acting

younger

than I am. So here's to some people that not only act YOUNG at HEART, but also broadcast it to the the US & The World.

So go rent the movie, take notes and let's start

singing

(Hey, I'm just trying to spread a little happyness into our lives here)

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Our own Billiam has been advocating relentlessly for a Wii in the MPA lounge for months now. Thanks to the MPAA we are one step closer to accomplishing this goal!! Please take the survey and support this glorious cause:

Click here to take the survey.

My Travels in 2008

January:
Orange County, California/San Diego, California

February:
Washington, D.C.

March:
Denver, Colorado

April:
St. George, Utah/Zions/Kolab Canyon

May:
Duck, North Carolina
Alexandria, VA
Washington DC
Rockville, Maryland (Ok I worked there)

June:
Utah (yes I came back to visit)
Baltimore, Maryland

July:
NY, NY
Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia
Rehobeth, Delaware

August:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Oahu, Hawaii

September:
Provo, Utah (*I moved BACK to Provo)
Minneapolis, Minnesota

October:
Monterrey, Mexico
Chicago, Illinois
St. Joseph, Michigan

Future Travels...

November:
HOME :)

December:
Any ideas?

Hi my name is Kiley and I love me a Dr. Pepper

I used to think that I had my addiction under control. I would always always drink water (with lemon of course), until a paper would be due, midterms, or some other stressful time in my life when I would begin to indulge in my favorite drink. Often, I would frequent Sonic or Crest to take this addiction to the highest level of quality with a little Vanilla in my Dr. Pepper. Seriously, could life get any better than this?

Upon my return to the fateful Tanner Building this fall, the C4C (caffeine for cougars) was back in full effect and began to drink DPs daily. However, as time when on one drink turned into 2-3 drinks/day. A bit excessive? Perhaps. However, the true expression of this addiction came when my loving boyfriend had a 44oz V.D.P ready for me in the car when he picked me up for our date. So sweet, but totally made me realize: I have an addiction.

So, I made an executive decision to QUIT. Yes, my friends, I said QUIT. It has now been 19 days and I am not only clean from DP, but also from my other love/lust ... starbucks java chip ice cream. Sigh. I'm such a good person.

I have 11 more days to reach my goal.

First Day of Snow.

It started snowing/flurry-ing last night. However, when I awoke to snowcapped rooftops, I knew it was official.

11/5 = First Day of Snow

Luckily my car was parked outside .... which means lucky me, I get to scrape the snow off my car before I can drive to school. So I get out the door a few minutes early, and I brace myself for numbing hands and snowflakes on my eyelashes. However, when I get to my car, it was brought to my attention that someone, some saintly neighbor, decided to do a good deed this morning, scraped the snow off my windows for me!! Seriously, could he/she have made my morning any better?!!

So, here is a Shout Out to my annonymous neighbor:

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Election Day ... almost as good as Christmas Day :)

Anticipation is 90% of the fun... dont worry I already have my races identified on CNN.COM for when the polls start coming in.

YES ON PROP 8

Now, please understand that this issue has nothing to do with disciminating against homosexuals and taking away their rights-- it is a matter of principle and defining what I believe marriage to be: between a man and a woman.

I realize that in the last 24 hours, opponents to this proposition have increased their efforts and decided to take on celebrity buy-in, incudling not only Brad Pitt and Ellen DeGeneres, but also our very own Steve Young and even The Terminator!!

The persecution that proponents of Proposition 8 have recieved is disheartening, and it saddens me to hear of the treatment people recieve for standing up for what they believe to be true. I thought we lived in a country with freedom of speech?

Tomorrow will prove to be one fateful day. Please evaluate your basic principles and where your heart truly stands on the issue before going to the polls tomorrow.

So ... needless to say I am back in Provo.

Something I have realized upon returning to Happy Valley is that this place sucks the life out of me. Or maybe its not so much Happy Valley as it is the Tanner Building. My life turns into such a short term view of day to day (or minute to minute) survival-mode. Any words of wisdom to escape me from my current state?

I had 2 classes on Balance yesterday--- although let's be honest, the first one was just "teaching" us how to be a good housewife to a successful businessman or for men, how to not be a crappy husband/dad The second lecture did hold more relevance as we discusses how each of us prioritize our time between work(school), physical/personal needs, family and relationships, and spiritual growth/service to others. As I reflected on this, I realized that my personal needs and growth seem to be the first to go. (which is not a great sign when I am still yet single and have the "time" to look out for "me"). At any rate, I have decided to come up with a plan to put my life back into balance. It started with an evening to myself last night, and a lil bit of Legally Blonde to inspire me :)

I think I might be on the right track...