12 Days of Christmas 2012

At the beginning of the season a group of my friends decided to play 12 Days of Christmas on some of our other mutual friends. It was lots of fun picking presents for each day and delivering them as a group. I'm not shocked to report that each day didn't really go as planned.

Day 1: Some porridge in a Charlie Brown tree. We pretty much got caught on the first day at Cameron's house. His dogs are VERY attentive to visitors at the door, regardless if you ring the bell or not.
Day 2: Two Colorful Socks. There was some confusion in the group as to what kind of socks we were giving. The final gift was extremely fuzzy and slightly feminine. Since both of the recipients were boys, I was a little nervous how they would receive the socks.
Day 3: Three Caramel Peeps. The day it rained. I was the one to drop it off at Kevin's house and I tripped and fell right in front of the door. My hip and knee are still purple, but I wasn't caught!
Day 4: Four Bubble Toys. Delivered by Bryce.
Day 5: Five Candy Rings. Cameron later told us that day five was his favorite.
Day 6: Six Cans of Soda. Laura and her sister stacked Cameron's soda in a Christmas tree formation and successfully escaped without getting caught.
Day 7: Seven Packs of Gum. Delivered by Elisabeth,
Day 8: Eight Brownie Squares. Everyone headed over to Tori's to make the brownies after the seminary BBQ. Most of us were helpful.... ;) We raised around her hard wood floor on rolling chairs and watched Studio C. I didn't go to the delivery since I was on adventures with Batman.
Day 9: Nine Candy Bars. I was in charge of this day and found the smallest candy bars I could. (hehe) It took three lights (if I remember right) to turn onto Cameron's street. The car in front of us was terrified of left turns. It probably would have taken less time to run there. That was on the way to Brianna's Sweet 16 and the day the world was suppose to end.
Day 10: Ten Cupcakes. Saturday was crazy and I felt bad that I forgot to buy the cupcake mix. After a quick trip to Fry's, we were making two kinds of cupcakes and improvised frosting while drinking Martinelli's from fancy glasses and listening to classical music. #class Delivering was successful. We wanted to see Cameron at work, and car caroling was born. Next time you pull through a drive through during the holiday season, I dare you to carol to the employees. It's so fun.
Day 11: Eleven Candy Canes. They were purchased the day before during our adventures at Fry's.
Day 12: Twelve Yummy Cookies. Christmas Eve! I was late to cookie making at Tori's, and their cookies were suffering. ;) Dinosaurs were missing tails, but they were delicious just the same. Cameron was at Laura's house when we went caroling. He had no idea we were the ones playing it on him. Success! I swear he almost caught us everyday. He and Laura joined us for caroling at Kevin's, but Kevin wasn't there and the candy canes were still on the doorstep from the previous night. A message was left on his voicemail of us singing our parodied song and then we went to spread more Christmas cheer. Half of the cookies were consumed, but we dropped the rest off at another choir friend's house.
Mission Complete (even though we talked about it everyday in choir and added Cameron to the facebook planning message on accident)

The holidays have been an emotional roller coaster. I'm glad first semester is over and we can keep moving forward with the adventure School Year 2012-13: Seniors! I received a camera. candy, clothes, and money for Christmas. It's so wonderful my family can spend so much time together. Especially after the tragedy in Connecticut, I don't know what I would do without Valerie. Merry Christmas to all! It's time to go watch Les Mis, round 1!

Siblings

It always shocks me a little bit how different family members can be. Even within our immediate family. For example, Megan is completely content with not finishing her homework. I, on the other hand, am much more of an overachiever and perfectionist. Bryce still struggles with reading and we like to call Kevin a punk. Out of all my siblings I think Valerie is the most similar to me. She's only six though. I'm sure we'll all grow up to be individuals and that is what makes families so interesting.

Kevin ~ Age 9

Recently, Kevin has been surprising all of us. He won the raffle at his elementary school for a new bike and then learned how to ride it the day before a cub scout bike rally  He also placed second in a multi-school run club meet for his age division. Finally, on December 20, 2012 Kevin will be receiving an award from the Mayor for being student of the month. He was picked to be student of the month because he is an outstanding citizen. What?! I'm really excited to go watch him receive this award. My mom thinks the principal just really likes Kevin. How else do you stand out as an outstanding citizen?  Especially when you steal candy from the primary closet with your friends during cub scouts? *coughcough* ;) Well Kevin must be doing something right and I'm proud he's my little brother. Now if only we could find a way to make him and Bryce stop beating each other up in the car and end Valerie's screaming. I guess we all have a vice. Mine must be being awesome, creative, smart, and gorgeous! haha jk

Cast list posted today for "Still Life with Iris." I hope everyone is happy with their part. It's not easy casting such a talented group of people. ;)

Christmas Time At Last

Even though I've gone to see Christmas Lights, performed at concerts, and jammed to Christmas music on 99.9, it's not Christmas time until the house is decorated. :) Now the tree is up and trimmed. I must admit it's a little weird spending Christmas in the house I grew up in. Yes, I always think of Gigi's house as where we celebrate Christmas, but this year we won't have to stop by on Christmas morning. We'll already be here.

Putting up all of Gigi's decorations made me miss ours. There isn't a family of singing snowmen or a fireplace or an advent calendar city. It's my last year at home too. I think Mom and Gigi both know I am little bummed, so they let me pick which decorations are show cased. Some are the ones that have been around since before I was born like the bear bell band and animatronic carolers. Others are ones that have been purchased much more recently like the 36 inch Santa reading to children and Santa's office scene. I love Christmas so much! There is no other time of the year that brings people so close together and brings so much magic. Let the Christmas movies begin! I'm wishing for a few Christmas miracles just like the characters in movies this year.


Oh and story time!
A Walmart employee has never stopped to talk to me. Personally, I think they are the most unhelpful people ever. Saturday night I was participating in a video scavenger hunt and our group decided many of the tasks could be completed at Walmart. After finding a celebrity look alike and marching in unison, we decided to choreograph a twenty second dance number with the bikes at Walmart. I'm not sure what was different about this trip to Walmart with my energetic friends, but the manager came to talk to us. He informed us video taping was not allowed in the store and then insisted we put back all the merchandise. I felt really bad. We weren't being that crazy though. The rest of our scavenger hunt took place in the parking lot and I almost fell out of a cart. Got to love creativity.

Assistant Director

The Christmas Choir Concert is tonight and I have homework so I'll make this a fast one.

On December 5, 2012, during zero hour, I logged onto my email and read these words:

CES Admissions
to Emily Codling
Your application is now complete.

AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! At last! After a little bit of research I found out I made priority registration. Take that stupid official transcript that got lost in the mail! Now I just have to wait till February 28th. Notice will be given by then on enrollment. Yeah, I'm freaking out. Now all that is left is to wait.

On a lighter note, I was chosen to be the Assistant Director for our spring show, "Still Life with Iris." I'm excited to work with the Performance Theatre on this production. First day of auditions was today and I can already tell it is going to be good.

Well come to the choir concert if you want to hear some festive songs and eat a cinnamon role.

Love, Emily

November 29th

Yeah today is significant because I have exactly two days till the priority registration deadline for BYU. The shennanigins (I wonder if there is a correct way to spell that word.) are still afoot with my transcript. That will be the only mention of college in this post since I'm too stressed to write anymore.

Since the blog has been abandoned for a month, it's time to recap....
"The Man Who Came to Dinner" was a successful show and Gator Bait and I were fantastic servants. We're expecting a call from Masterpiece Theatre any day now to be offered rolls on "Downton Abbey," but we will have to turn them down till graduation, of course. The Performance Theatre class is now trying to decide which show we will put on this February. I really wanted "Pride and Prejudice." Fate was not in my favor though. The decision has come down to two shows that I'm sure will work well with our class. Since directing interests me, I submitted my name to be Assistant Director for the show. I'll keep you posted on how it all plays out. (haha pun. get it? plays.... yeah you got it.)
Halloween was super fun. When in doubt, be Belle. Always! I don't think there will ever be a time in my life when I don't want to be a princess. <3
I also refuse to talk about the stresses of moving. Next!
Cafe Night was great! Another successful choir fundraiser. I can proudly report all of the visors that have been stored in the choir closet for years have been sold. We're working furiously for our next concert, which is a week from today. That didn't stop us from making turkeys though! Just another choir tradition I'll miss when this year is done.
Thanksgiving was filled with food, family, and fun just like it is suppose to be. Megan and I watched a super long "Les Mis" movie completely in French with English subtitles (Think what you will. We know we're obsessed.) after the Macy's Day Parade. I love that parade. Someday I'll see it in person. Dinner was eaten early at my aunt and uncle's house in Chandler. This year we saw "Rise of the Guardians" after the feast. At the theater we realized that the tradition of seeing a movie after Thanksgiving dinner began when my mom was a sophomore in high school. Craziness!
There have been two hiking adventures recently. One to South Mountain and the other up Peralta Trail at Superstition. South Mountain was literally all of South Mountain since we trail hopped and got lost (Thank you professional hiking guy who pointed us in the right direction). Supersition included almost running out of gas in the middle of no where and a giant spider chasing some of the boys out of a cave. I like hiking a lot even though I'm much slower at it than my friends. :)
Les Mis rehearsal is now held at this beautiful mansion house. I want to run around the grounds and chase geese and explore the house and pretend I'm in a fairy tale.... but I assume that is frowned upon. Disaster struck this last week since my husband left me. :( That's right, Thernardier quit. I'm not quite sure what's going to happen, but I hope he is replaced as soon as possible. I regret not getting to know him better. He seemed really cool and I hope whoever replaces him is up to the challenge of playing such a nasty character.
After the whole Christopher Creek madness in October my dad was hospitalized for a week. His pancreatitis was pretty bad and eventually his gallbladder had to be removed. I'm so thankful he is doing better.
I love school sports at this a shout out to Bryce. I'm still sorry I didn't go to a soccer game last year since I always had rehearsal! Tuesday night Robinson and I went to the game and I've never been so entertained by a game of soccer. Everyone was so good! I wish I did some sport in high school.... Not sure what that would be since athletics is not my forte.
Driving stick shift is terrifying. Yes, I'm getting much better. No, I'm still not confident at all. I would be fine to never sit in that truck again. Alas, I end up driving it to school at least two days a week. At least I picked Megan up from school the other day without any problems. That was an amazing personal victory. Road ways of Arizona, I'm sorry when I have to enter that truck.

Time to help the boys with their homework. Only a few weeks left of this semester and then it's Christmas. <3 I'm pretty content with how everything is going right now though.

Never A Dull Moment

Fall Break was filled with adventures in between bouts of sickness and stress. It's time to focus on the ACT and apply for BYU, but the last few days have been hectic.

Thursday I drove up the boys, my dad, and a friend to go camping at Christopher Creek. It's our favorite location. Only a few hours into our outdoors fun my dad got really sick. I was really thankful another family had followed us up there because my dad needed to be brought back home ASAP. That night he was taken to the hospital and has been there the last three days with pancreatitis. I'm not exactly sure what it is or how he got it, but it prevents him from eating or drinking anything. He's suppose to come home tomorrow, but he isn't able to eat food still, so we'll see. Well the camping trip proceeded without him and I was proud of Brianna and I for taking care of everything by ourselves without adult supervision. There were lots of card games, running around, star gazing, and building huge fires. Colton and Michael came up the second day and they kept everything real. I love camping.

Saturday I got to see Copperstar's Wizard of Oz and it was fantastic. Valerie and all the other munchkins were adorable. The costumes were gorgeous and I envied the detailed set. I'm also wondering if there is some way to test one of those fly harnesses or ride in Glinda's bubble because flying on stage looks sooooooo cool! I'm sad I didn't participate in the show, but I just did Wizard of Oz and things have been hectic enough. We're also sleeping at my grandma's house right now. Living fifteen minutes away from everything is a pain. I can't wait till we get our new house! In the mean time, I'm so thankful that things have been working out and that I have a family, ward, and friends that love me. Time for senior year, quarter two!

Come what may and love it. ~Joseph B. Worthlin

Fall Break 2012, Weekend 1

We got the house! Better news really couldn't have come today. My mom received an email that said the family we're buying our new house from has accepted our offer. Success! One less thing to worry about.

Thursday, Elisabeth and I had a great time playing Life and I really want to have a Game Night. It's been too long! Friday, Laura had surgery on her gums. We made her pudding since she can't eat too much right now and I had fun voicing for her while she signed. Not talking really does stink. Saturday, I went out to lunch with my mom and sisters after Les Mis rehearsal ended. After that I went to volunteer at a band competition my school throws for the old band director who passed away a few years ago. It was really sweet to see so many High Schools around the valley supporting someone who stood for what he loved and contributed so much to music at our school. Having fun while racking up the NHS points is always a plus.

Every weekday before these adventures I have "The Man Who Came to Dinner" rehearsal. We open the first weekend of November. It's a great to show to be in. Every time we receive notes at the end of a run I'm flooded with compliments on how well I'm doing. I hope all the praise doesn't inflate my humble ego. ;) lolz jk I love myself. I hope the rest of the cast has as much confidence in their roles as I do. The timing needs to pick up to make the show more comedic, but I think we'll get their. Since I'm one of the servants I definitely draw a lot from Downton Abbey's downstairs staff. <3 <3 <3 I love that show.

So that night I went to USwirl with some friends and my mom gave me $1.75 since I didn't have my wallet on me. If you're unfamiliar with USwirl, it's a frozen yogurt store that allows you to fill your own bowl with yogurt and toppings and then pay based on the weight. I was determined to get as much out of my $1.75 as I could so some of the boys went to work with fractions to figure out how much yogurt I could put in my bowl without going over my budget. After a few minute of calculations and double checking I set my cup on the scale....

My receipt 

That's right! $1.74! I was very impressed by their math skills and reasoning. Later, someone needed to spend just over $3 and they calculated out how much yogurt to put in her bowl. $3.05 was the final outcome. I feel like there should be some prize for their consistency. That is awesome!

October 7, 2012

Today is Megan's 14th birthday. Ten years ago from almost this exact day Megan was turning 4 and we moved into our Islands house. I was in second grade. I don't remember too many emotions connected with moving besides the excitement of starting at a new school and perhaps being a little anxiousness. I remember walking around the house for the first time and determining where all my toys would go and which room I wanted to sleep in. Back then it was just me and Megan and Bryce was on the way. That day I asked my mom how long we would live here and she said she didn't know. Possibly forever.

Jump back to today... we're moving. Dad announced, "The grand experiment has failed! We're going back." Since my grandpa passed away last year in October and my uncle got married in the spring, my grandma and uncle with down syndrome have lived alone. That really hasn't been the best situation for anyone in the family. As of right now we are starting to prepare to move back into the Tempe house and make an offer on another home in Gilbert that will accommodate our new situation. I'm so thankful this change has come when it did, even though it is very stressful. I won't have to move schools and my siblings will continue to grow up with the kids from their home ward. Hopefully we'll just be across the main road from our old house once we move again. Even though this is the right decision, moving sucks! You have to go through everything in the crammed house and ask the question, "Do I need this?" Talk about a time consumer in our already busy lives! I'm so thankful for the people I've met and the friends I've made during this last decade. There have been ups and downs, but it was a wonderful place to grow up. Hopefully my siblings love the new house just as much as I am attached to the Burrow. <3

 

Homecoming yesterday was soooo much fun! We lost the game on Friday, but our after game adventures were very memorable. Note to self: Gas stations at midnight are CREEPY! Saturday I slept through some conference and then got ready to go ice skating! Balancing on ice is NOT one of my talents, but it was lots of fun. Our group was really big and no one was landing a triple axle to embarrass the rest of us. ;) Afterwards I went home and watched more conference. <3 Last year for prom Laura put her corsage in her hair so I created my own up-do and stuck the white roses there. I realized this would be my third dark blue dress to a dance and that somewhat bothered me that I don't have a larger scheme of colors, but I rock the blue.

 All the couples met up at a park by an elementary school, where Andrew's dad took pictures. After dinner at the Steele's house and playing smurfs, we headed over to the dance. Student council did a great job dressing up the court yard. (I miss New York!!!) The dj was better than last year, but I think the music at Morp was the best. Maddy and I wanted to stay till the end of the dance cause we love to party, but everyone else was ready to head over to Chris's house and watch Avengers. I only consented because it is one of my favorite movies. Michael was a fun date and the boys did a good job planning everything. I can't wait to see the pictures we took in the park.

Distinguished Young Women

Last weekend ended my participation in Arizona's Distinguished Young Women program. Thursday I had my interview with the five judges and I felt really good about it, except that the ending could have been stronger. Friday I practiced on the stage with the amazing sounds guy and then headed over to the football game (which we barely lost :( ). Saturday felt like three days wrapped into one. There was rehearsal, the first show, and then the second show. I loved Lynn Fox who choreographed the opening number. So cute! Thankfully I didn't die during the fitness routine. It was pretty intense. My question for self expression was, "Name a time you took a risk and failed. What did you learn from your experience?" I talked about Advance Vocal and how someone's negative opinion can't stop you from doing something you loved. </3 I thought I nailed it so I was sad I didn't place in that category. It would have been nice to receive $600 for not making something I worked so hard at. Not like that would ever fix anything, but still nice. :) I was happy with how my talent went and soooooooo proud of all the girls that placed. It was such a wonderful experience and each one of those girls is so special and sweet. Just a final thank you to all the volunteers and ladies that run the program and our supportive audience. I hope everyone can take advantage of such great opportunities.

After DYW from left to right:
Me, Maddi Williams (third runner up), CarriAnn Hunt (placed in talent), Haliegh Crever (placed in self expression)

Choir Retreat was the week or two before that. Lock-in was a party and I feel so bonded to everyone in Concert Choir. So many crazy games and since there was only 20 minutes of sleep, all the details are a little fuzzy. It was a great lead in to the next day to get to know the youngins. Slytherin Wins! My house took the house cup after a scavenger hunt all over the F Building and a day of stations. It was pretty great to see the two most powerful houses being Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Talk about house pride! Now if only our school could be so spirited....

Alright I shouldn't bad mouth the school too much. We have been getting better and I attribute that to the student council and my senior class. We had a secret senior spirit week that was super fun and lots of people participated. The theme for homecoming is Living in the New York Times. Awesome! Now I just need to be asked.... *fingers crossed*

Constitution Fair tonight. The fabulous Maddi Williams will be singing. I can't wait! Everyday is an adventure and I hope I keep a positive attitude that is contagious to everyone around me. <3 I have a feeling my next post will be about the stress of trying to move.... Keep optimistic!

What the pho?!

It's the new inside joke. Last Wednesday was the first half day of the year. To celebrate, a big group of us went to lunch. Levi and Jackson have been talking about this Vietnamese food called pho for awhile. We decided to take their word for it and instead of heading to Cafe Rio or Paradise Bakery for lunch, we went to try pho. First, we crammed eight people in Jackson's truck. It was quiet comical seeing everyone smush together. We arrived at the restaurant and filed in to dimly lit eating area to a table big enough to hold all of us and the two girls that arrived a few moment later. No one really knew what pho was so we just picked a random number off the menu that didn't look to intimidating. Spencer, Emily, and I all ordered a number fourteen. We realized how silly this was after ordering. If number fourteen doesn't taster good, we're all screwed. haha It wasn't too expensive though. At least we weren't going to eat the lining of the stomach of a cow like one of the boys across the table. Eating utensils, including chopsticks, forks, knives, and ladles, were brought out and set on the lazy-suzanne next to plates of roots and leaves. We didn't have to wait long to be served our pho. I'll try to explain it the best I can. The large white bowl was filled with a tan liquid that smelled overwhelmingly of ginger. The soup was so hot one of the girls arriving late said we were sweating. Floating around in the liquid were large chunks of onions, thin bunches of sticky noodles, and bland chicken. I personally thought it looked like something out of Star Wars and was waiting for a live creature to crawl out of the depths of the bowl. Honestly, it wasn't that bad and I may have liked a different flavor, but new food doesn't really sit well with me and I couldn't endure the smell. Both Emily and I felt like throwing up afterwards and Spencer really did during half time of the football game. This is the second time Levi and Jackson have suggested a food to us that we don't really like. We've decided to give them one more chance. :)

Time for theatre news! I'm playing Sarah in The Man Who Came to Dinner at the high school. She's the cook of the household and is in a good number of scenes. This will be the second show I'll ever be in that is just a play and not a musical. It will be fun and I'm not too worried about it. More recently I learned I will be playing MADAME THENARDIER IN LES MIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Eek! I'm so excited to be in this show! I was double cast along with all the other female leads so I won't have to perform on Sundays. I'm a little concerned with her potty mouth, but it will be ok. With two shows, a show choir, a scholarship program, school, preparing for college, and moving this is going to be a busy year. I can't wait to get started. <3

Hodge Podge

I'm typing this post before I type in a title. We'll see what it turns into. I've actually been waiting for a great, funny story to happen before I blog again and nothing super funny has turned up.... so I'll just stick with my little stories and updates.

IN LOVE with Casablanca. That movie is an emotional roller coaster. It makes me want to watch more master pieces from past decades. Since I don't have much time to lay around and watch movies though I want some recommendations. Next on my list is How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and then Avengers! I want that to come out on dvd so bad. Also can't wait for Les Mis to come to theatres. eek! I'm going to be in that soon too. Fun fun fun.

Awkward moments... 1) I was walking up the stairs at school to my physics class and then suddenly I felt someone pounding on my back pack. I looked behind me and it was some random girl I've never met before. What the?!?! She sorta smiled at me. Either she thought I was someone else, one of my friends walked by, I'm crazy, or she's crazy. Guess I'll never know. 2) My seminary teacher announced to the class that my best friend and I are engaged. Then, my other guy friend tried to plan our wedding with my mom the next day... in front of a bunch of friends. Why? lol 3) A director and music director talked through almost my entire audition... haha that was fine though. 4) Lost our first home football game. I brought a friend to it and it was sooo boring. 37 to 0? ouch.  5) My phone makes a screaming sound when I get a text. It is normally on vibrate though. Well, during the fitness routine at DYW someone sent me a text and the volume was on loud. My final embarrassing moment was claiming the screaming bag in front of a handful of girls I don't know. haha life.

One expression says so much. I love knowing someone so well that all you have to do is make a face and they know exactly what you're thinking. My favorite part of choir is definitely staring at friends and trying to get them to laugh. ;) I'm super excited for retreat! The theme is Harry Potter and the shirts look awesome. Sooo many events coming up. It makes me feel like I should get a job again... but who has time? We also played Bigger or Better in choir. This is a scavenger hunt type game. We divided into groups of 4 or 5 and each group was given a paper clip. The team member who had the paper clip that day was in charge of trading it for something bigger or better. Gab had it first and she got a stuffed dog. The next day Laura traded that for a giant painting. Levi returned with rock band for a ps2. I traded that for a microwave. Bryce kept the microwave and gave us a play tower. <3 I now have a castle in the choir room. Go Cobras! With that microwave we were kind of hooligans.... We burned cds and tooth picks, exploded soap, and turned on light bulbs. I'm glad our old microwave is going to good use. So does anyone want Rock Band?

Tori's birthday was this month and we made her cupcakes. <3 I'm exactly 6 months older than her. Riley will be 16 at the end of this month. Party! I think it's time for a road trip.... when is the only question. Now the song Life is a Highway is Stuck in my head. I think that includes this random blog post. I smell cookies!

Senior?

Just finished up day two as a Senior and it really doesn't feel all that different than the last few years of High School. I guess there were no jitters or real worries. By Senior Year you really do know the school in and out and there isn't anyone older than you to think about on campus. A part of me wishes and hopes that the underclassmen respect me the way I use to respect seniors my freshman and sophomore years. They just seemed so cool, smart, talented, funny.... I doubt I'm as amazing as I think I am, but it would be nice if some young-ins thought of me in awe as I did of those few seniors back then. :)

I wasn't able to change my schedule and drop lunch to be AP Human Geo or ASL 3 like I was hoping, but I am content with my schedule none the less. I start off the day with Meyer for Comp 101. Creative writing is usually a piece of cake so I'm not too concerned. Next, I head over to AP Government with Abbott and I already adore her. She is hilarious and I'm sure she knows her stuff. Every time she talks about Kemmer I miss him! Second hour is concert choir. Choir is choir. Nothin new there. Third hour I'm with Franzen learning AP AB Calc. Haha he seems nice and like a good teacher so maybe I won't die during this final year of math. Performance Theatre follows that with the push to raise your stakes on stage! Fifth hour. Lunch. I guess a break in the middle of the day is welcome. Sixth hour I sit next to Laura and together we will power through physics until lastly, I hit seminary. This will be my first, and only, year with Brother Geottle so I'm excited to get to know him along with the others in my seminary class (even though I already know most of them). Well there we are! 0-7 with a lunch and let the year continue. I'm still having some mixed feeling, but "we don't even have to try, it's always a good time!"

After my mom driving me to and from school the last three years I feel guilty. I should have walked.... but who wants to do that?!?! I've decided to try to take another stab at the truck so Joey is reteaching me how to drive the blasted stick shift, no air, no radio, truck. Driving myself around in an extra car would be so convenient. A day or two ago I ventured out of the neighborhood  to the High School to practice with Joey. There is this awful light in between the elementary school and the high school that I seemed to have stalled at not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES. Yes, I am completely embarrassed. My only defense is that the truck is simply terrifying to drive. On the third attempt to go, my old English teacher drove up and waited at the light behind us. Joey was done sitting at the intersection so he pushed me to try again at this third green light and I finally pulled out just as the light switched from yellow to red... leaving my old English teacher to wait for the next light. Sorry Zona! Both of them have teased me quite a bit since that and I'm still not ready to take "Little Red" (as my dad likes to call the truck) anywhere outside of the neighborhood by myself. *deep breath* They say practice makes perfect. I just hope practice takes away that awful feeling in my stomach when I start to release the clutch at a green light.

Hotels

Ok I don't know about everyone else, but when my family goes on vacation we are pretty frugal. A testament of this would be our hotel rooms. With our family of seven we're suppose to get two rooms, but does that ever really happen? Yeah right. My parents get a bed, my sister and I get a bed, and the three little ones get to camp out on the floor. They don't mind. I'm sure by the time they do I'll be gone off to college and then no one will miss me on family vacations. :'( haha well in the meantime that is how we vacation and I have some pretty great memories of us sneaking people into hotel rooms. Last fall when we went to Disneyland we almost got caught. This was actually the vacation of hotel hopping. We were staying in California for five days and during that time slept in three different hotels. This madness ensued because we had enough points to stay at certain places for free, but only for a small amount of time. I think it was the first hotel that they almost caught us. My dad checked in and we started entering the hotel in small groups that didn't seem to be associated; Megan and Dad, Me and Valerie, Mom and the boys. Our room smelt really bad. It was obvious that a smoker had been staying there before us. We received a new room, but while transporting all of our stuff the hotel staff seemed to catch on. The real suspiciousness happened when my mom started bringing up stroller loads of food. I admit it was a ton of food and the hotel brought in some "complimentary water bottles and fruit" after she had made the first trip. Megan and I were able to dash into the bathroom before the delegation of detectives (oooo alliteration! :D) entered to see my parents and their three little kids bouncing off the walls. I guess it settled most of their suspicion because they didn't question us the rest of the time we were there. That wasn't the first time I've found myself hiding in the bathroom from hotel employees and I don't think it will be the last.

Our most recent vacation was to a resort in Southern California that wanted my parents to take place in a time share. My dad usually lies about our interest in such things and says we have a family of four, but this time he admitted to having five children and never vacationing in such a way. The resort assured him they just needed people to fill the sales pitch, so we went. We were finally taking a vacation with enough bed space for everyone in our family! Or so we thought.... With all this extra room my mom invited her sister's family of 6. Yes, the room was very big. It had a kitchenette, living room, and two bedrooms. Yes, we still smuggled more people into our room than was allowed. *face-palm* I guess some things never change. Finding an appropriate parking place for the extra car and extra wrist bands to the pool was a little difficult, but we got by everything just fine and it was fun spending three days on the beach with our cousins.

Today I'm leaving for another vacation, but this one is girls only with some friends of ours and maybe this hotel room will hold us all. ;)

Oil Cap

Today, after Brianna and I ran around Walmart looking for the perfect present for some birthdays, we headed over to the car dealership for a new oil cap. My dad had been in contact with a consultant that worked there and ordered a new oil cap a week ago. After driving around, completely lost, at the dealership we got out and walked toward a nice looking man. We asked him where Charlie was, the consultant my dad had talked to, and he led us to Charlie's office. Charlie was not there. Charlie was soon paged over the intercom and a few minutes later he met us in his office. Charlie proceeded to guilt trip me about not bringing my car in to be looked at earlier about bearings or something and then we walked over to the parked car to replace the oil cap. He assured me it would only take a minute. I popped the hood and Charlie unscrewed the old oil cap lid, remover the broken spring, and then tried to pull out the rest of the lid. A few attempts later a frustrated Charlie muttered something about a wrench and asked us to pull the car in closer to his office. Brianna and I hopped in and followed him over to the covered area. Armed with several tools, Charlie tried again to remove the rest of the oil cap, to no avail. He summoned a mechanic and another tool. This man was younger than Charlie (40s? late 30s?) and found the problem rather funny. The mechanic, Andy, attempted to pull it off with his bare hands, like Charlie had done first, and then resorted to tools when he couldn't pull it off. Charlie stalked away to find something, obviously upset neither of them could remove the dumb cap, and Andy continued to pull away. Charlie returned and stopped Andy from leaving by handing him another tool. I think this one was just a flat headed screw driver to pry the cap off. Another consultant was helping the car next to us and he joined in on the action along with a costumer in a black shirt who surveyed the scene for a moment before walking away. This whole time Brianna and I are cracking up. It was hilarious! Each man was so frustrated they couldn't pull off the stupid cap. The new consultant had tried with his bare hands and also failed. Andy realized how funny this looked and told Brianna and I it might take 15 men to pull this cap off. hahahaha! Well Charlie surrendered the screw driver to the new consultant and he finally yanked the cap off as Andy chanted his name. Success at last!

The crowd dispersed and Charlie showed us the how the old cap had something called an O-ring preventing them from gripping the base of the cap. I'm glad each of the men were so willing to help and they finally got rid of the old cap with team work! This wasn't the first time I've visited the dealership with my ghetto van, and I assume it won't be the last. Each one brings a new adventure and usually a few more columns to my van's life bar. ;)

Off to Newport Beach tomorrow with the fam. It should be a good time even though I'm sad I'll be missing the Batman midnight premiere. He's been my favorite superhero for as long as I can remember and Christian Bale plays him well. lol *proceeds to talk in scratchy Batman voice* Good night and try the chocolate dipped cone at McDonald's!

Extra, Extra!

No this isn't about a newspaper. Even though I do the love the press.... This is about extras in movies! Don't you love those random people in the background? Watching the last few Harry Potters has heightened my appreciation for extras. One man at the Ministry of Magic has an outstanding mustache in Deathly Hallows part one and another man running in the train station of the same movie just sorta makes the scene for me. These average people or wannabe actors add so much to a movie just by being there. I've added being in a movie to my bucket list and then very quickly crossed it off. I of course would like to participate in more productions, but I feel very successful. If only all of life's fun adventures were so easy to accomplish.

Recently I was an extra in a movie called Piper's World. I'm not quite sure what the name of the company is that produced, but I do know that it was a Christian movie with the underlying message of human trafficking. The movie will have several screenings once it is out of editing and then be released on dvd after, hopefully, being shown in a theater. The filming process is almost done and I knew about this opportunity via facebook. A few members of my school's drama department are leads in the movie and the first scene they needed a plethora of extras in was the prom scene. A chance to wear my prom dress again? Heck yes! Emily, Joey, and I drove out to some Christian High School twenty minutes or so away from my house. There was a check in room next to the gym and after writing down our name, number, email, and signing a waver allowing us to be on camera we entered the gym. First of all, what the heck was on the ground? I have no clue.... Some weird blue mat thing. There was a stage in the back corner with a live band playing and three tables set up closer to us on the right that were all fancy for prom. Some equipment here and there with scattered balloons and 3 dozen people dressed up for prom. We met up with some of our friends, chilled in the break room, and then were called back to the gym. Abandon, the band, played one song three times almost and we just sorta jumped around and clapped. I felt like it was more of a stake dance feel than school dances, but it was a Christian movie so we went with it. I literally still have, "Feel it in your heart. Feel it in your heart." stuck in my head. That was the one song they played. Then a scene was filmed with a main character singing a song to his girlfriend from the stage. I witnessed how they play the song and the actor just has to lip sync along and how every scene is shot three times. Well they provided lunch and then we took off before they just let the cameras roll on prom for 30 minutes. We weren't feeling the giant, poofy dresses in 110 degree weather. 


Two days later I was notified the opening would be filmed at Superstition Springs Mall. Elisabeth and I arrived maybe ten minutes early.... and everyone else showed up a half hour later. During our free time we encountered many mall walkers, two Bath & Body Works, and a homeless man. Finally we met with the director, producers, crew, and other extras outside the food court and went in together. Since I already appear in the film once I was placed at a table so I won't be too noticeable (because people that shop at the mall can't go to prom?). I talked to a girl wearing a beanie while the camera walked past us each shot following the cast member through the mall. Elisabeth was positioned with this older boy (yes he was cute and super nice) to walk past the cast member every time she made her way over to the escalator. That was the extent of our experience with Piper's World and I can't wait to see it to try to locate me in the background. Yay for summer adventures!


My mom is going back to work tomorrow after 16 years and I think she's a little freaked out. I'm kind of pumped. I'll miss her being a stay at home... but for the rest of the summer I'm in charge kiddos! Better listen to what I say or I won't drive you around in my red mini van. haha my life....

The 4th

Whoever pushed for fireworks to become legal in Arizona; I would like to give them a round of applause. Maybe a standing ovation. I love sparklers. I love setting things on fire. I love running away from smoke. I love watching my friends be stupid. It's true fireworks can be a little dangerous, Valerie burnt her fingers yesterday, but so far they make my 4th of July.

The day started off with a bath and body works trip and then grocery shopping. Taco run for lunch and then a nerf gun war. There was swimming of course and delicious food. Maddy's leg is broken so we mostly hovered around her and played an abusive game of phase 10. Pretty sure everyone was hit, or hit on, during that game. The hand print on about me knee and welt from rubber band proves it. We tried spelling things in sparklers and my dad's blow torch was just as popular as the fireworks. After the little kids were done the teens snuck away and lit off a big one. I won't go into too much detail, but it was awesome and driving in the trunk of a car, even a Santa Fe, is kinda scary. ;) This week has also been full of super heroes <3, copying how to do your nails off of pinterest, and spending the night in Tempe to protect my Grandma from hooligans. Yay for summer and yay for patriotism and the men and women who keep our country free!

West Side Story needs it's own paragraph. My sister and I went to see Actor's Youth Theater's production of West Side Story. Megan participated in Peter Pan there and I'm currently part of AYT's Ambassador program. The company uses the Mesa Performing Arts Center and I LOVE those stages. :) (but then again... what stage don't i love? ;)) We knew a few members of the cast from past shows and the ambassador program and my second cousin. The show was great. The dancing was phenomenal, singing lovely, and everyone just looked like they were having fun on stage. I wish I could break up the show into little parts and analyze all of it, but I'm not writing critique right now nor do I think either of us have the attention span to get to the end. There was one scene I'd like to touch on just because it was so unique. A scrim was dropped halfway up the stage to the ground and flooded with yellow light. The dancers portraying Mariah and Tony during a dance sequence appeared as shadows on the big drop and continued the dance based solely on the shadows they made on the big screen. The effect was marvelous and I wonder how silly it looked behind the screen with all the dancers standing far apart from each other to create the different levels and images for the audience. I think it was genius. :) I'm so happy I am part of AYT's program now and I look forward to participating in more of their productions. This one was fabulous.

Lastly, I'd like to mention girl's camp. Technically this was my last year of being part of the church run camp for girls' grades 7-12.... but I'll be back next year if I can. :) I like to say I was head of the entertainment committee with the amazing Laura. We wrote the skit, choreographed the flash mob, ran the snipe hunt, and parodied a song. I won't deny I love being in charge and I hope the first years I was over thought I was as amazing as I thought they were. The 5th and 6th year you go to camp you become a Youth Camp Leader (YCL) and get a few youngins to look over and help make the most out of camp. We made jewelry in the craft cabin, went to activities together, and spent the last few minutes of each night having a devotional in their cabin. The theme was Amazing Race and it was fun to stick to such a competitive, yet uplifting, theme. There were lots of devotionals that became hard to sit through, but we still had an amazing ;) time at camp and got to know each other a little bit better. My one regret is watching a Psych episode only a few days before where a camp counselor turns into a murder. *sigh* No scary stories! I appreciate all the time and effort put into camp by our leaders because I know how much work just a few hours of entertainment costs and hope they understand that even if what they were in charge of wasn't really wasn't our thing, someone took away something meaningful from camp. I learned that questioning a director's vision really REALLY tries their patience. Something to keep in mind for further shows. After this paragraph I feel like singing more of the endless camp songs. We sang so much at camp that some people were probably thinking, "That Just Happened?"

Sunsplash Story

This summer I have a season pass to Sunsplash. It's a water park and is featured in the movie "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." Well... tube slides are my favorite! There is this one four person tube slide where you fly down this really steep drop into a big bowl and go around two or three times before going down another little drop to the exit. It's super fun and sometimes we get out of the tube and run around the bowl and then jump on before it exits. haha My sister NEVER does that because she think we'll die. Anyways... Our friends had just gone down. I was about to go down with my sister and friend, but the life guards were changing shifts. The cute boy at the top asked if he could ride down with us and we said of course! He started gathering all of his life guard stuff and the new life guard girl waited to send our tube down. The guy sat down and then i asked the new girl to spin the tube so Megan would go down backwards (she freaks out). The girl nodded and laughed and sorta spun it then walked to get out of the way. Right before we cleared her she tripped and fell right in front of our tube! She stared sliding down the drop and our tube had passed the point of no return so we followed her. She was clutching onto our tube screaming! I was a little scared the tube would go over her, but it didn't so Brianna and I remained calm. Megan looked like she was going to start crying. She was silently freaking out. The life guard on our tube? He blew his whistle all the way down the drop. We entered the bowl and everyone was fine. The girl? She's like crying and screaming and maybe swearing still while scrambling around the bowl. The guy tried pulling her onto the tube and kept telling her to calm down, but she wouldn't... so he started blowing the whistle again! hahahahaha Brianna and I just looked at each other and tried not to laugh. Finally the life guard guy pulls the girl onto tube and she is still freaking out and not cooperating. Then he blows the whistle again as we go down the next drop. The life guard at the bottom of the slide's expression? Priceless! A tube of 5 people: One girl about to cry, two girls laughing, a life guard still blowing a whistle, and another lifeguard is drenched in water and maybe going into shock. I also wish I knew what the teenage boys behind us in line were thinking as they saw both lifeguards go down. It would have been even better if they just jumped down the drop after us. Party in the bowl! ;)


I saw Brave the day it came out and it was NOT as good as Tangled. No love story? Not a musical? Naked butts? What is going on?!?! haha It was still a good movie and I recommend everything Disney, but it wasn't my favorite. I'll try not to post too many spoilers. Sorry!


Today is my mom's birthday and she is so wonderful. I seriously want to be almost exactly like her when I grow up. She's fun, social, silly, and bakes delicious food. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't tell her anything and she says that I'm the one that taught her how to listen. I think we're so similar and I couldn't be happier. I love her so much. <3

F12H Summer

Funny story, Blogger crashed on my computer! I've been checking it weekly, but it wouldn't open!!! So frustrating and I slightly feel like I've failed as a blogger, but now it magically has reopened and so I will start again. Too hard to recap so I'll just talk about the more recent past.

Magic of Musical Theatre Workshop at Mesa Community College. For the last six years I've attended that camp. It's a workshop that is five hours a day for two weeks and then has three (this year two) performances. I hear so many great songs, develop my talents, and meet the most amazing people. This year was my last year since I'll be a senior in the fall and it's a little heart breaking thinking how I'll never participate again in something that use to define the first quarter of my summer. Growing up is hard! Well since I was one of the four seniors, three other stunning girls, we became a little bit diva. haha When you've done something like that for as long as we have you fully expect to run the show... and multiple directors told us we made it wonderful. Win! I will always appreciate the directors, interns, band, older kids, and then finally younger kids that inspired me to continue what I love. Finishing up Junior Year was hard stuff and that was a wonderful way to start the summer.

I haven't been getting any hours at work and even though that is frustrating, it leaves more time for adventures! Staying up late and sleeping in has become the usual and activities have included Sunsplash, ultimate frisbee, a pudding fight, swimming, movies, splash pads, chalk, and just laying around and talking. I am a little heartbroken that I decided not to go to EFY this year, but it had a good run and I'll return someday as a rockin counselor. The summer is only halfway through and Girls Camp, California, and AYT's Ambassador performance for America West Airlines are yet to come. It's always a party.

With Fathers Day yesterday I'm devoting this last paragraph to my dad. I'm so thankful that I have a dad who constantly works to support our family and cares about all of us so much. He may be embarrassing and such a tease, but I love him and I hope he's always there to support me. <3

MoPro

Last night I went to MoPro (Mormon Prom) with Colton Stock and we had so much fun. I felt so pretty and I'm so thankful to Sister Hawkes, Sister Rodgers, and Amber for helping me get everything I needed for prom. :) The day started off preparing for the choir concert at the school from 9-12. Then I picked up all the kids and we went to the temple to take pictures of my Uncle Creston's wedding. After the family luncheon for the wedding I picked up our flowers, went and got my hair done, and then Colton picked me up. Since we didn't have much time for dinner we ate at Mimi's Cafe instead of Applebees or Olive Garden, the original dinner choices. Our waitress was slightly crazy and we got use to all the comments from people throughout the night calling us dapper, smashing, and (my favorite) that I looked like a princess. Colton was so nice to drive me out to my Uncle's reception so I could jump into a few family pictures and then we drove to Freestone for pictures taken by Julie. Everyone else was running super late so we have some great shots of just me and Colton... and hopefully the group ones aren't too dark. The dance was fun and I'm glad we went in the group we did. Each drive was an adventure since we traveled so many places so far apart and thanks to Colton's grandma we had a car with AC. After the dance mostly everyone stopped by Jackson's for ice cream and then we drove home Philipp and Becca. It was a great night and I hope next year's dances will be just as much fun. Yay Prom!

Friday Night the Choir Banquet was a success and I hope everyone had as much fun as I did since we put so much work into it. I'm excited to be a Co-President again next year with Shanti and our council looks great! I seriously considered dropping choir next year, but I've put too much time into it to give up my senior year. I'm sure things will get better and next year will still be fun. Friday was also the APUSH test. No expectations for that. :( Last week was filled with studying, freaking out, and adventures. I'm thankful for the people in my life that know when something is wrong and can help or are just easy to talk to and don't mind hearing the contents of my head. That's a talent I don't know if I possess so those people are even more priceless. Time for another week of unpleasant, yet necessary things. Junior Year, not allowed to end on a bitter note!

Avengers, Assemble!

I never really got into Marvel comics when I was younger because I was so pro Batman and my dad LOVES Superman. However, Thursday at midnight I saw the new Avenger's Movie and it was AWESOME!!!!! I love super hero movies and all of the individual movies were great so what do you get when you put all of them in one? An amazing movie! Captain America is my favorite. <3 He's adorable. When Tony Stark isn't being an idiot I like him (he was a lot better in this movie). Hulk's civilian guy was pretty cool, but his first transformation scene really freaked me out. D: I can't really take Thor seriously. He's cool, but I just find him so goofy. As for Black Widow and Hawkeye, I don't know much about them, but they seemed awesome. Since I saw the movie at midnight I need to see it again. Highlight of midnight showings: the group that walked into the theatre dressed up like the avengers. So great. I wouldn't be able to do something like that unless I was with a bunch of people.

Today at 5pm is the "day date" for prom. Our large group is going to have a nerf gun battle and then who knows what will happen. Sister Hawkes finished altering my dress and I totally love her! It looks gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it. Glad I finished my research paper this morning so I won't be stressin about it tonight because trust me, most everyone is freaking out. This morning was Camp Certification part two and I love being referred to as "The Fun YCL"! HECK YES! Despite the lack of communication with our leaders, I think girls camp will turn out wonderfully. With us in charge, why wouldn't it be? ;)

Summer Please?

Asked to Mormon Prom by Colton Stock. I'm so excited. We're going to have so much fun! He asked me with a picture of his face taped to my cardboard cutout of Zac Efron and a great play on words with titles of all of Zac' famous movies. I answered with glow sticks. :)

Shakespeare Fest Friday the 20th and we did a great job. Elisabeth and I were hilarious hosting the Globe Theatre and I'm pretty sure I rocked my song. ;) Afterwards a big group of us went to Cafe Rio and adventured! Catch Phrase! Elisabeth and I have also been studying for the dreaded AP tests. As much as I love APUSH, Anderson didn't prepare us. Heaven help! Once Upon A Time and Pinterest = I'm addicted. Everyone did great in the dance show and tonight I saw "The Lucky One". Zac Efron, I LOVE YOU! haha

Not really able to talk about without bursting into tears... but after devoting four years of my life to the choir program I didn't make Advance Vocal. Pretty much all my friends did. How do you get through something that will last your entire senior year knowing you failed? That you weren't good enough no matter how much you tried and there is no second chance. I don't know what to do. It kills and I feel like I can only blame myself. Sucks.... Mom keeps saying that something good will have to happen after this, but I really just want to give up on everything. Summer, please come faster?

Yeah. That Just Happened.

Midnight

I don't know if I've blogged about this, but I now work at Baker's School of Music. I teach singing to kids 4-7 and then 8-16 Mondays and Wednesdays thanks to my awesome friend Cady who notified me about the job. In three weeks is our first recital and since I sorta hit the ground running with this job I'm hoping it will run smoothly and the kids will feel confident in the songs we've learned so far. Workshop and show experience don't fail me now!

Two weekends ago was Joey's birthday so we went on multiple adventures including playing a life size game of the Cranium Game, Zooreka on my street. The following week was full of AIMS schedule days so no school for those who met or EXCEEDED in EVERY subject the last two years. (Yeah this kid.) Auditions for Advance Vocal came and went and now I can only hope that my best was good enough for the class I've aspired to be in the last five years. Waiting for the list might cause me to lose all my finger nails... if I was a nail biter that is. I love choir council and after a successful dodge ball tournament and movie night we've started to plan banquet. Choir <3

So the reason I'm up at midnight is I just got back from a babysitting job. Yes, I'm as as shocked as you are. Those still exist! I loved the kids and got most of my homework done till the little girl woke up from, what I suspect was, a bad dream. Since I didn't get home till 11pm and then I had to finish typing a paper, I'm still up and not as tired as I should be. I'm sure I'll pay dearly for that tomorrow. It seemed like a good time to blog so, what the heck? Technology will be the end of me. I'm already addicted to facebook, committed to a blog, recently obsessed with pinterest, and now everyone is trying to get me to join Pottermore. Eeek! I don't have time. Maybe technology could just replace sleep in every one's schedules? haha nah! Maybe school... ;)

Come What May and Love It!

(My new philosophy. Maybe that should be the name of the blog...)

New York City

Can I just go back now? The choir trip was fabulous! I just loved it. All of it!

Wednesday: I'm obsessed with flying. I wish I could fly everywhere. All the clouds and city lights were gorgeous. We passed around a card for everyone to sign for Bryce's birthday the next day and at midnight Elisabeth chucked it at him across the plane. We bought him a tie with the statue of liberty on it too.

Thursday: We arrived and Elisabeth and I stole away to a different bathroom that wasn't crowded. Win! We ate breakfast at Lenny's, jumped in the crowd to be seen on the Today show, spent some time in Rockefeller Plaza, and then adventured around 5th ave. with Madison, Elisabeth, Bryce, and Brett. We found a small statue of liberty in a gift shop and of course that was a photo op. Ubrig also managed to have us sing in St. Patrick's Cathedral. I don't think I've been in a cathedral before so that was a cool experience. So much detail in the artwork and depictions of Christ's life and those who had given their lives to a cause they believed in. Elisabeth LOVED touring NBC and the Radio City Musical Hall's stage is gorgeous. I could do without some of the artwork there though. ;) Bryce dubbed the word for New York "butt" because they are EVERYWHERE. lol The store employees in China town attacked Bryce while a guy followed Madison, Elisabeth, and I through Little Italy after he heard me complain about not talking to enough New Yorkers to hear their accent. The whole trip was filled with lots of penguin huddles because we aren't accustomed to the cold. Dinner at a mall, the 9/11 memorial, and then a bus ride to New Jersey, where our hotel was. That bus had magical powers that made you want to fall asleep on it's comfy seats.

Friday: Breakfast at the hotel and then we went to Central Park. I wanted to walk around there all day. No Balto statue. :( We saw Alice in Wonderland, author of the Ugly Duckling, John Lennon Memorial, where they dance in "Enchanted" (!!!!), and lots of other famous statues and lakes. Our tour guide, Diego, made sure we made it to our performance on time and had a knack of disappearing and then reappearing right as you yelled out his name. <- That's a tested and proved theory. St. John the Divine's Cathedral = HUGE! No joke I couldn't see the ceiling sometimes and the acoustics in there were beautiful. The Museum of Natural History is NOTHING like "Night at the Museum". It was a cool experience once I got over all the taxidermy, but it was surprising how wrong the movie is. Dinner at Ellen's Star Dust Diner wasn't fabulous, but all the singing waiters and waitresses were entertaining. After that I think we went over to Time Square and I'm proud to report no one was stolen from. This time our adventure group included Me, Elisabeth, Emily Snyder, Morgan Shertzer, Bryce, and Madison. We explored the 3 level M&M world, Hershey store, 2 level Disney Store, peeked into the 5 story Toys R Us, gift shops, and a wonderful store dedicated to Broadway across from the theatre showing "Lion King". "Lion King" was amazing!!! Every aspect of the show was top notch and I wish I could see such wonderful shows all the time. Time Square at night was stunning and most of the vendors disappeared when it began to lightly drizzle. We saw some crazy things; drag queen, foot high hair, a party bus, street performers, and I managed to take a picture of Bryce with cookie monster and not have to pay the character.

Saturday: We took a ferry to Ellis Island and then to Liberty Island. It was pretty foggy, but still super fun. I like riding ferries and subways!!! Well Lady Liberty was gorgeous and terrorists are dumb because I really wanted to go up to the crown and flame, but we didn't have time anyways. Battery park back in NYC and then we rode the subway to Grand Central. It was really busy and fun to run around, especially using the whisper room Elisabeth found. I didn't want to go home, but then we drove back to the airport to board our flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. I ended up hitting Elisabeth because I was so mad, and my cheesecake. ;) There was most definitely a spy in the airport watching Elisabeth and I outside the gate and security in New York seemed more thorough than AZ. We sat with Kevin and then guy in front of us was scary. During the lay over we ate dinner and started a game of phase 10. The last flight split up everyone seating wise, but we still sang Shenandoah and then Elisabeth and I managed sitting next to each other. For the last little bit we convinced kindle-lady to switch with Bryce so he could sit by us.

The hotel both nights was tons of fun and there was one point I was laying on the ground laughing so hard I couldn't get up. When Elisabeth asked why I died I responded with something like, "I'm just so funny." The shower curtain was awkward and Emily LOVED jumping on the beds. We played would you rather and kiss marry kill till we fell asleep. I decided on this trip that next year I'm going to try to be as cool as Madison. She's just so great and definitely a role model. I can't write down all the quotes, but most are recorded in Elisabeth's ipod.

There were of course times I felt like strangling some individuals, but overall it was wonderful. I can't wait to go back some day and resume the mere dent I made in everything I want to do in New York. Vacations with friends are the best and I love choir.

Over the pass little while I've stopped focusing so much on what others think and more what I think of myself. It matters so much more that I'm happy and trying to do my best than pleasing others first, though that is important to me too. I think I became a little too wrapped up in trying to do as much in life as possible and not really considering what I actually want to be doing. I'm so glad I'm involved in choir and that I have the opportunities I do. I hope, especially since it is Easter, everyone remembers the sacrifices others make for us and are grateful for them. <3

Check out my facebook for picture documenting our trip, even though they might be out of order.

Choir Tour 2012

In 24 hours I will be sitting in the Phoenix Airport waiting to board a plane that will take me and my fellow choir members to the Big Apple, New York City. It's a trip little kids dream of. I know I hate expectations, but this trip will be magical. I can feel it.

My roomates are Elisabeth (of course), Emily S., and Morgan.

I started this post the day before the trip and never finished it. I was too excited to sit down and blog. :)

Sunday Afternoons

Yawn. Time to blog! :)

Break ended and I toured BYU Provo as well. I've come to the realization over the past few weeks that work doesn't end once you get accepted to the university of your choice. :( BYU, for example, is hard to get into and then I'll have to try to make music program! AH! Happily Ever After doesn't happen when you're handed a diploma. College may be more fun, but it will be a whole heck of a lot more work too.

Since break Colton turned 16, I got sick, I got a job, Hunger Games came out in theaters, there was a young women broadcast, ycl retreat, Copperstar's "Seussical", and choir has been getting ready for NEW YORK!!!!! A few weeks ago I suggested we have a paint war to make shirts for the trip and it was a huge success. hehehe I can't wait for this trip. We leave in 3 days! <3 I honestly believe all your dreams will come true in this one city. Why is that? I don't know... but I'm still so flippin excited!

Busy as always and being a teenager. bleh. haha Sometimes it's hard to deal with life, but then you tell yourself you're dumb and keep going. Hopefully I can be as understanding and sweet to others as my friends are too me. Why are they so cool? ;)

Halfway Through Break

Leaving Rexburg tomorrow afternoon and the time up here was fun. Monday I hung out with three of my cousins. We went to lunch and bowling and sadly I bowled around a 60. I'm out of practice and no bumpers. :( We also saw the Lorax at Fat Cats (like a tiny Amazing Jakes). That night the whole family went out to dinner (Mexican food in Idaho isn't outstanding...) and had a party for my Grandma with her friends.

Tuesday I toured BYU-I with Laura and my family, minus Bryce. There were two other girls on the tour with their parents so we didn't get a golf cart, but we got a free shirt! The campus was pretty even though there was no snow or plants (haha awkward season...). I still think BYU-I is small... but I can see myself going there. There are lots of activities and everything seemed sort of right. It wouldn't take me along to adopt into college life, if it wasn't for the weather! Everyone keeps telling me how warm it is and I'm freezing! After the official tour, Laura, Megan, and I roamed around seeing Laura's favorite parts of campus and what I would be interested in. Monica, her sister, even showed us the Jungle Room. We hung out with my family that night and saw "This Means War". CHRIS PINE IS HOT! ;)

Each day has been a sleep-in day. <3 Wednesday we went to the Cal Store (I want a baby duck now) because it's my dad's favorite. He played dress up almost the entire time. Afterwards we went to Pizza Pie Cafe (thanks for the suggestion Tori!) which is a buffet devoted to types of pizza, pasta, and salad. Monica, Laura, and I ventured off to go shopping at a few little stores and then the rest of the night was pretty chill.

I miss my friends, but this is a good trip. Hopefully we continue to be safe and have fun. Guess I might as well go to bed early. Valerie fell asleep on my bed though. *sigh* Being the oldest....

Ready Set Break

Never a dull moment and Spring Break is no exception. The norm for spring is planning out an activity for each day of the week that families can go to and then the teenagers go party in the evening. This year is a little different. Surprise road trip with my family and friend, Laura, up to Idaho and Utah. The trip sounds freezing, but it will be fun and I'll be able to tour both BYU Provo and BYU Rexburg while we're there.

Saturday we woke up and left at 4am. A few gas stations later we made it to my cousin's house in Springville, Utah. Honestly, I hardly remember what happened on that drive. We're pretty funny though. :) After hanging around for a little bit we traveled over to BYU campus. Laura was surprising her friends from high school by only telling one she was in town and then we showed up at their dorms. I really liked the set up of the dorms. I never realized how much housing there was on campus and how different it all can be. We walked around a little convenient store for a minute that was run by the creamery. CUTE BOYS! lol All of her friends were happy to see her and we stayed over till at least 12:30.

Valerie was sick last night so sleep was cut short yet again. We left for Idaho around 8am to surprise my grandma for her 70th birthday. It worked out great and even though there is a lack of sleep, this trip is better than I thought it would be. Hopefully it won't snow and we'll continue to have adventures up here in Zion. ;)

Youth Conference 2012

I'll admit I was furious when I wasn't called to be on the youth counsel this year. I just assume all things should be handed to me, and since I reside in a small ward... they usually are. Youth Conference this year was fun, but not too exciting since I feel like it's the same thing every year. Here is a short summary of our schedule.

Friday Night: Dinner and then team work games on the ball fields. It was freezing! The closing consisted of an inspirational sports story and a man (I have no idea who he was) speaking about medals and singing jazzy versions of a hymn *hallelujah!*. There was a carnival themed after party where everyone could do what they liked instead of being forced to stay with their teams. (haha like there was any enforcing going on.)
Saturday Morning: Sister Baer spoke on self worth and then a friend of the Petries spoke about dating. Both speakers were great and it was wonderful to hear from two new people instead of seminary teachers and stake leaders we hear from all the time. Then more team building games. It was fine, but we sorta did that the night before.... Snack breaks broke up all these activities and then after lunch we went to Zack Bell's eagle project.
Saturday Night: NEVER arrive on time to an activity. haha The dance started out fun with good food, lights, and a cute photo booth. Towards the end though my optimism was dying and I really just wanted to go home. I ended up doing that because leaving in somewhat good spirits is better than staying and being a kill joy.

I appreciate the youth counsel and all they did (or tried to do) for the event. Looking back I'm ok I wasn't called because I have a "my way or high way" attitude that I inherited from my mother about stuff like this and "Wizard of Oz" kept me busy. The overall event was successful and these shirts are the best yet. I feel like a popular thought is "our stake is sooooo lame" but it could always be worse and it also depends on what you put into it. Somethings don't change, but my attitude towards them has. Now just one more crazy week till Spring Break.

Late Start & Lessons

Who ever came up with late starts is a genius. It's just a great day when you can sleep in, eat breakfast, hang out, then go to a shortened school day. I love school, but home work is a complete waste of time and sometimes we all need a breather from the craziness of Junior year. Especially when I just got a 27 on my ACTs!!!!!!!!!! (insert dance party here) I'm aiming for a 29 next time, but for going in blind for the first time I like that score. It brightened my day. What a wonderful monday (oxymoron?).

Perhaps this week has been so great because the weekend was sort of a let down. I don't want to complain because I don't want sympathy, but everyone can relate to having something wrong happen and not being able to change it. FRUSTRATION! It's not your fault and no matter how hard you try some people are just dumb. Being the bossy, obnoxious person I am I hate not being in control. I think I'm forever suppose to be learning that the world doesn't revolve around me. Maybe what happens isn't just suppose to help me learn something (because trust me, we can all learn from others) but for someone else too. I've come to realize that negativeness can be directed on you because you can take it. Learning the lesson once isn't enough or we would have overcome all of our trials very early on in life. This brings up the fact that not everyone else is a fast learner. Sometimes individuals need that test a few times, whereas I feel like I've learned what I've suppose to. No matter what happens or how frustrated I become I know I have a father in heaven that loves me and nothing I face will be bigger than I am.

*Deep Breath* Ok stupid situation #860923457 enter now. I'm sure there is something enlightening about you somewhere.

17

I find it slightly funny I passed over my birthday. Yes, three days ago I hit 17. I don't particularly like birthdays. I like the idea of everyone celebrating your birth, giving you presents, and partying... but I hate expectations. Since 13 or 14 the excitement of a magical day when the number pinned to you changes, lost it's appeal. Not that birthdays are horrible days, but they sort of seem like a let down. If I wanted to rant I could mention that half my friends didn't remember, I wasn't sung to in English or Choir, and the fundraiser I had to attend finally exposed the frustration of some members in our choir. (I take everything that goes on in that class a little too personally because I'm the choir president. I feel like I should be able to stop fights and know everyone well enough to talk to them, but the truth is they're intimidating and I don't ever feel like they respect me no matter how hard I try to be their friend.)

It's fine though. I make it a point never to advertise my birthday because I don't want to bother others and I feel like my real friends already know. Nobody likes singing in English and problems in choir aren't all my fault. Another year of too high expectations has passed. My mom says every Mother's Day is the same way and I'm still not getting a car. :) The one thing that made me feel better was I was reminded that 17 means I can see rated R movies without an adult and aparate if I'm a wizard. Both apply to my life. ;) Better luck next year!

Hooligans!

Our favorite word, introduced to my vocabulary by the fabulous Laura Hawkes (role model). The term hooligan most commonly represents an individual jay walking. Tonight a hooligan fell off a skateboard in a parking lot, ninja rolled towards are car, and got up all in the shadows. SEEING AN UNKNOWN PERSON RUNNING TOWARD YOU IS TERRIFYING!!!! :) Yeah stuff like that happens on a daily basis. Yesterday it was an old Indian lady. Another time it was a junior high boy carrying a ten foot pole across the street. Please think before you cross the road, "It is possible there is a teenage girl driving a car and me walking across the street illegally could end in serious injury or death by the collision of the car to my body." <- Following that advice would help everyone out a lot. :)

Congratulations all those who made it into BYU Provo. It's my dream to go to school there and next year I hope to be on the same path you are on right now. However, at the moment I rave about how horrific Gilbert is and avoid my Ancestral History Project. Keepin it real. :P

Never Ending

I could blame me not blogging recently on tech week, show week, ACTs (puke), an internet virus, etc. etc. ETC!!!!!! (just saw "King & I" at Copperstar, it was amazing!) But the real truth is that I'm always crazy busy with stuff like that so there is no excuse. haha Activities are never ending. Today, for example, I pictured a relaxing Sunday where I reorganized my room, helped clean the house, and work on my HUGE English project (yeah haven't started that Ancestral History thing yet...) but... I'm now double/triple booked with activities till 10pm. Of course it's fun and I ain't complaining, but it's crazy!!! ;)

"Wizard of Oz" is over and mixed feeling come with the end of every show. Post show depression didn't hit too hard because I see the lovable cast each day at school along with our two fabulous directors that I take classes from. I wasn't happy with the show at first and I think that's because it was different than the companies I usually work with. By the end of the run, however, I realized how blessed I was to receive the role I did and how many people enjoyed the show. Thank you to all those who came to see it or support the Performing Arts in any public school. I wish students had more opportunities to express them self through music and the stage.

Time to register for senior year and it's bittersweet. No matter how crazy this year is, I want to be a junior a little longer. I hope that our class carries the same air of prestige, confidence, and love the seniors did when I was a freshman and sophomore, but I'm starting to doubt it. I would like to thank all of those extremely talented people that inspired us younger class men. For some reason I don't think our class has ever been as cool as the Seniors of '11 and '10. *Keep your fingers crossed that auditioning goes well these next few weeks and I can drop my lunch to spend senior year taking the classes I love and aspire to be in.*

This should be another blog, but it's on the mind a lot so I guess this blog will really be never ending... ;) "The Great Gatsby" A book I read over the summer for English. I hated it. I hated Daisy and Tom and Myrtle and George and by the end I sorta hated Nick and Gatsby too. I liked Jordan, but now watching the movie I don't particularly like her either. With most books we are assigned to read though, I feel like I've learned something. It's true all the characters can be idiots, but most people are frustrating in real life too. I sympathize with Nick and how he seems to be just an honestly good person that is put in the most AWKWARD situations. I can draw parallels to real life from the bizarre problems that appear in the novel. No I didn't enjoy it, but in the surprising words of Laura Jones, "Shakespeare writes my life." I can also attest to the genius behind well written stories by authors that can capture how people feel on a day to day basis.

Like My Own Status

First of all, I'm hilarious. ;)

Sometimes the best things happen when I'm just sitting in my car with a friend. We contemplate the future, analyze the present, or are just extremely silly. I could literally sit for hours just talking and being goofy in my lame red van. Everyday objects turn into code words (for better or worse) and inside jokes! <3 Not that everything is all fun and games. Some of the most serious or stressful conversations go on between me and person sitting in the passenger seat. We rage, change subjects, or a few times (being the emotional dork I am)I end up crying. There's something so personal about just sitting alone in a car with one person. I feel safe. I guess that's a warning. If you plan on being in the car with me with ample time to spare after arriving, get ready for, in my opinion, an awesome experience.

Things on my mind at the moment:
clouds, crowd surfing, texting, grass, glitter, apostles, possums, munchkins, giant dresses, mics, t-shirts, and hair.

bahaha soo random, but if I've learned anything this year so far, it's....
I make my own fun!

*Insert pep-rally-go-take-on-the-world speech Here*

Games and Fun

I love love love playing board games. I'm not really sure why, but I always have. The plus is I'm pretty great at them. ;) I'm not always super competitive, but I like to think I end up wining a lot. Last night some friends were over and we played rummikub, wizard of oz trivial pursuit, and trivial pursuit junior. It was hilarious! I lost by two tiles in rummikub, but won both rounds of pursuit. Thankfully I wasn't with Emily and Elisabeth who insist on throwing the board game at me every time I win.... I've gotten a good number of pieces flown at me in the last few months. Active games are fun too, but there's just something about sitting in a circle and screaming at the person across from you "It's your turn!" whether you're with one or seven players.

Onto fun... I've never thought of myself as a big practical joke person. Granted, Laura Jones switched my name to "Evily" last year, I tend to like villains in movies, and I feel like I'll always be handed a mean role rather than the lead in shows (see a previous post on that one). I'm pretty innocent though... right? haha Well today a long awaited joke is finally being put into action. It's not mean at all! Just funny, I hope. Maybe I'll put up pictures after it's done. If everything goes as planned it should be a great day. I'm a genius in my head!

Vivid Dreams

For as along as I can remember I've had crazy dreams and I can recall them very well. There are certain dreams I would have over and over again with the goal to end up in a different location by the time I awoke, or see if I could change the outcome. Most bad dreams revolve around snakes, sharks, or dinosaurs that are chasing me, or a group of friends. I never dream in third person, as in being able to see myself, or die before the dream ends. I also haven't had a "nightmare" in years. Only certain episodes are more frightening than others.

I love hearing about dreams, especially when they contain people I know. It's so interesting to hear what other people think of subconsciously. My dreams are always very realistic!... and then someone starts to fly.... haha a few nights ago I dreamed I was babysitting, at a party, and then hanging out with friends. If the scene didn't switch so abruptly I would have been convinced I was awake. I also have continuing dreams and dreams inside of dreams. o.O

Enough about me. Do you like hearing about dreams? What are your dreams like? Realistic? Recurring? Third Person? Terrifying? I'm interested!

Step Back

Sometimes the most irritating things are the small details. The person next to you making an annoying noise or the look someone shot when they turned around. I'm sure most people don't mean to try to push a button, but sometimes it comes off like that. The answer is not to go kick a wall in frustration or lose it on everybody, though I think I've done both. Step Back. It's fine.

When I was little my parents would start counting when incidents started to push them over the edge. After awhile I concluded the longer they had to count, the faster they counted, or the higher they started, the angrier they were. Going from 1-5 at a casual speed was no big deal, but if they were start up at 5 and continue quickly, I would be braced for the explosion or gone by 13. Maybe I should start this system. Counting out loud sounds a lot more appealing than cracking. Screw Emotions!

;)

Paranoia

One of my many flaws? Extreme Paranoia. Ask any of my friends. Yes, I'm working on it, but it's harder to cure than you think! I credit that to my extreme imagination. An example....

Since I am one of the few people in my group of friends that has a license and parents that let me drive around a mini van, my ghetto mobile normally turns into the party car. I'm fine with this and kind of love it. A lot of adventures take place in that red mini van. Well these adventures normally end late at night around curfew so I take my friends to their own houses and drive home. Driving around at alone at 11pm scares me. Really it FREAKS ME OUT! Every few minutes I check the mirror to make sure a crazy serial killer isn't rising from the back seat to take me out before I reach my destination. No amount of reason, prayer, or music can drown out my rising nerves as I speed through Artemina trying to beat the life-like shadows home. Each night ends with me slamming the door and running for dear life into the house. I haven't been attacked yet, but I know it's only a matter of time....

Yeah, paranoia. Suggestions? And I really do love to drive. :)

Too Tall

For all those of you who wish you had gained a few more inches before you stopped rising vertically, stop. I know the grass always looks greener on the other side, but I don't know if I'll ever get over this one. 5'9" 1/2? Yeah I'm around that... :/ I've always been taller than the majority of the population in school, and now I tower over a good number of adults. You think being tall commands authority? Think I would have that no matter what. ;) Sure I can reach stuff and ahhhhhhh...... Well yeah that's it. I sorta hate being tall. I find it uncomfortable and limiting.

I've considered writing a musical, play, story, or what have you about a girl who is AMAZING! She doesn't get put as a lead in any show though because of her height (welcome to my life). The rest of the show will contain other characters who have worked hard to achieve the skills they posses, but are inhibited by a minor physical flaw. Of course there are other aspects of me that block my path to center stage... I can blame it on this though. :) I know this show would be the me I see in my head and not the girl in reality, but let's face it, we all can think we're better than everyone else or at least dream. In between the hit musical's debut on Broadway and present times I'll rehearse, learn, work, melt down, make memories, and hate being my current height. Huzzah!

Winter?

Last day of winter break and I've felt bad about not having a New Year's Resolution. So I'll try this out. That Just Happened.

The problem with living in the valley almost my entire life is I'm use to a winter that hardly qualifies as fall for the rest of the world. I'm use to bike riding on December 31st or needing a blanket when the temperature drops just under 50 degrees. Pathetic? Probably.... I also have a somewhat irrational fear of snow. I think it's pretty, but when you get down to it snow is frozen pieces of water falling from the sky that lock people into their houses and screw up traffic. For those reasons, and a few unsuccessful trips to see snow, is why I avoid it. I don't snowboard or ski. I've built one snowman and sledded just enough to say I've done it before (ice blocking provides about the same thrill and it has a plus, you know nothing is hiding in the snow ready to jump out and seriously injure you).

Enter time to choose a college. Well crap, most of the places I'm considering have SNOW!!!!! It will literally be freezing, not 45 degrees and I'll have to wake up, move around, and think in that weather. :/ I still have time to prep and choose an institution of higher learning, but this winter and next, I'm thankful I'm in the Valley of the Sun.