Families Can Be Together Forever

Yesterday I found out that my grandfather died.

This isn't ever easy news to take, but there are certainly things that make it easier. Like how I thought about him frequently for the past few weeks and felt the need to call him. Our conversations were full of fun stuff, like how he followed BYU basketball because that's where I go to school. And how he and his friends in the FFA used to have a folk/bluegrass band. He was the last one of his band that was still alive. He told me that the FFA (Future Farmers of America) didn't have any girls back then. The girls had a group called the Future Homemakers of America. He told me about the beautiful dresses that girls wore in the 1950s, full skirts with layers of crinolines underneath. He loved how ladylike that was. We talked about all the places that he wanted to visit before he died. He told me about how wonderful his wife was and that I reminded him of her (she passed away a few years ago now). Our last conversation was lovely and I'll always remember it.

Knowing that we can be an eternal family makes it easier. I'm so grateful for that knowledge. (learn more here)

Having great friends who will come and give me a blessing of peace makes it easier (thanks, Matt and Blake! You're my favorite!)
(learn more here)

Easter coming up reminds me of the resurrection, that my grandfather will live again. And I'll see him again. I know this. It makes it easier. And it makes it all worth it.

Blind Date

Last night, I had my first blind date.

And it was good.

I've heard a lot of people complain about an awful blind date, so my advice to them would be to only let someone who knows you really well set you up. Not because I'm an expert or anything. But my brother set me up, and I really don't think that there is anyone who knows me better. Anyways, he wasn't going to set me up with a loser, and he certainly knows what I like. So the night was a success.

Fanks, brother. You're awesome. And maybe your girlfriend isn't too bad either. Not that I would ever tell you. Because, let's face it, no one is gonna be good enough.

Batman vs. Superman

I am the orange one.

Spiraling Staircases

Today, I found the best website. Spiraling staircases.

Oh to be a giant strawberry

If this were my bus stop, I'm pretty sure that I would be out there a half an hour early every day. How do I convince the city of Provo that they need to invest in one of these? Maybe across the street from my door. Maybe across the street from the Wilkinson Center, also. Yes? Yes.


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Be Still My Heart, I'm Hardly Breathing!

Last night when I came home, Tiffany was watching Penelope. For those of you who have seen Penelope, you know the charm that is James McAvoy.

(Mom, you would really like Penelope. We'll watch it when I come home.)

Anyways, here are some pictures for your enjoyment.

And my favorite video clip from Becoming Jane.

I gasp with happiness every time. You know. Guys with the best hair that I've ever seen can do that to me.

Oh Johnny

Ashley was listening in as I watched this. She says that he's gay. I KNOW-OH! But I love him still. What is the attraction? I don't think I'll ever know.

For Tiffany

Because I love you. Let's make a room like this last one.

Sometimes Bad Things Happen

I am a firm believer that what you put into the universe, you're gonna get out of it. So, if you're a jerk, the universe is gonna be a jerk right back. If you're one of those awesomely nice/kind/do-good people, you're gonna get some good stuff.

Yesterday tested my belief.

I woke up to a phone call of someone asking me if I could babysit in their place for one of our church leaders so he and his wifey could get in some temple time. The correct answer is always 'yes' when it comes to service, so that is what I said. I sat up to realize that I committed to watching a child in the middle of my day that was supposed to be spent researching and writing for an important group project. I had 15 minutes to get ready, so I muttered a quick prayer that was more like, "I better get some pretty awesome help on this paper this afternoon."

I came back to my house two hours later feeling pretty good about myself. I also came back to my house to find the door locked, no roommates available to open the door or answer their phones, and my key up in my room.

I was angry.

So, I decided that this was a result of my attitude. Right? I mean, I got in the house a few hours later (thanks for leaving your window open, roomie!) but by then I was cranky. And my paper has still not been touched.

Even though my actions were commendable, they weren't consistent with my motivations and attitude. So I'll be adjusting that. No more thinking I'm awesome for doing what I'm supposed to.

Humility. That's the key.


Oh, and I thought that was a funny picture of that cat being choked. That kid is going to grow up miserable. Karma.

See, Jen? I do understand March Madness

(Thanks, Jodi)

Bodacious

And here we are again. I love my ward.

In the Sun

You already know I can't get enough of this girl. Can you see why? I think I'm going to cut my bangs again.

Sometimes You Need a Reminder

Today I am grateful for Stacey. This is exactly what I needed.

Quote of the Day

"You think just because you wear yellow pants that you can do whatever you want."
~Cameron

So true, Cameron. So true.

Lawn Ornaments

I really want a garden gnome. No, I don't know why. It's not like I have a garden or anything. But I still want one. I would put him on the top of my bookshelf until the day I had a real garden. And it would be awesome. There is something fetching about that pointy red hat.

I'm sorry if you find my gnome fetish creepy.

Instead of writing a paper, I was thinking about this quote. Fact: I want magic.


via Design Crush

The Most Random Post Yet. You've Been Warned.

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Look! An artistic interpretation of how I felt today upon finding out that I had been scheduled wrong, and my appointment was at 3:00 pm, not 4:00 pm like I thought. Like I could have made it to a 3:00 appointment. Idiots.


It is finally warm enough to ride my bike around. The park is pleasantly close and the grass conveniently soft for laying and reading on.

And, he's back! That boy I was over that it turns out a friend of mine knows. You know, the one from 2 years ago. Nothing dredges up the past like a mutual acquaintance. Or, in this case, a mutual really good friend.


All in all, I'm grateful for trashy novels, like these, whose over the top drama help me realize that I've got it good. I mean, I've never been forced into an engagement to a man I hated when my true love was the carriage boy. I've never had to run off with the carriage boy to California, only to have him shot and killed mere hours after my wedding. And because I hate the character that that all happened too, I'll also remind myself that my true love never married my arch nemesis to save my reputation from being soiled. After I'd had intimate relations with above mentioned true love. Nope, I've got it good.

Mommy Type Stuff

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Today I was bombarded by things that made me want to be a mom. I mean, we all know that I want to have like, a million babies. But I'm usually pretty good at putting those baby thoughts in The Future compartment in my head. Today, I wanted to fast forward to The Future. I'd be ok skipping The Present. It hasn't been nice to me lately.

Blogs like this one make me antsy for True Love and Baby.

The City Sage somehow thought that posting pictures like these were a good idea. Now I want a nursery. Like in Peter Pan? Yes. That fireplace is too good.


Then, I was at the library and this little girl walks up. She couldn't have been more than 3, with jet black hair, bangs and pigtails, and mismatched striped shirt and pants. With her cute little round face, she climbs up onto the comfy seat I'm sitting on under the window. She stands on her tiptoes and looks out the window, about to climb up, but then notices the sign and hesitatingly reads to me, "Please do not sit on window." She plopped down and asked me my name, introducing herself as Grace. It was the hardest thing in the world not to take that little one home.

Today, I am ready.

2772

That's how many songs are on my ipod.

Today I decided to listen to the whole thing. Because I never have. In fact, I haven't even heard half of the songs on there.

I'm on 165, Cry by Kelly Clarkson. This is gonna be fun.


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Tattoos

Today I want these. Aren't they awesome? It's probably because I'm on a tattoo kick again. (No, I won't be getting one. I'm just enjoying everyone else's.)

Some of my favorites from today:

I do love a man with a tattoo. SO GOOD! And then you give me a man with a literary tattoo... I think he's from some Swedish rock band. I will be looking into their music based on his literary tastes.

And then the ultimate favorite.

Memories

You know how somethings just take you back?

This morning as I smelled my bagel in the toaster and poured a glass of coconut/pineapple juice, I was 15 years old again, sitting on the balcony at the beach, looking out as the sun began to light up the water. If you've ever been on the beach in the early morning, you'll understand that perfectly peaceful feeling. Everything is perfect. The early light, the damp feeling in the air, the tide as it comes in. This morning, I would give just about anything to be there again with my family. School? What school? I don't even care.



ps I took that picture in the evening, so it doesn't have quite the same feeling, but that's still our beach.

R.U.D.E.

Today in class, a phone rang. Normally, we all laugh as a student fumbles around their bag, urgently trying to hit the ignore button and turn off the volume.

Not today.

Today, some boy answered his phone and carried on a conversation. I am not even kidding you. He talked for at least 5 minutes while we all stared at him, open mouthed with disbelief. Our poor T.A. was speechless and tried to carry on the lesson but couldn't string coherent sentences together.

What are we coming to?

Ideas

Any new idea, Mahound, is asked two questions.
The first is asked when it’s weak:
WHAT KIND OF AN IDEA ARE YOU?
Are you the kind that compromises, does deals, accommodates itself to society, aims to find a niche, to survive;
or are you the cursed, bloody-minded ramrod-backed type of damnfool notion that would rather break than sway with the breeze?
- the kind that will almost certainly, ninety-nine times out of a hundred, be smashed to bits;
but the hundredth time, will change the world?

What’s the second question? Gibreel asked.

Answer the first one first.

- The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie

What kind of idea are you?

With You, Without You

Today I thought it was a great idea to go to school wearing some fantastically hot heels. You know, the ones that look great on Friday nights and Sunday mornings, but not so hot when you're walking around campus. Or, ya know, missing the bus. So I did what any sensible girl would do. I took them off and walked home. Thank goodness for spring. And for clean sidewalks. The bottoms of my feet are lightly browned, not the black I was expecting. And yes, Justin, as soon as I took them off, I had the urge to run all the way home. (Why am I addressing Justin? Does he even read this? Hellloooo!!! You out there?) .credit

Quote of the Week

Kinsi: I seriously believe that my quality of life is depleted because of his existence in my life.

Heather: If someone said that I depleted their quality of life, I would kill myself.

Some days were made for laying on a blanket in the park with someone who understands. Today was one of those days.


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Can I Be Her Tomorrow?

First, I am crazy about A Fine Frenzy (recommended songs: Ashes and Wine, Rangers, Near to You).

Then, they go and make an awesome, magical, completely wonderful stop motion?






Perfect. So perfect.

Spring Has Sprung!

Dear March,

Welcome welcome!

When you peeped your sweet face out this morning, full of the promise of spring, I was so delighted! Sunshine, blue skies, and no need for a coat? Perfect. It's about time. It was so kind of you to send banana/nutella crepes, a cute boy, and my lost favorite necklace my way. All before 9:00 am! I am speechless with happiness. If the rest of this month is as lovely as this morning, I just can't wait.

May I make a request? I would like a few blustery days (for kite flying, of course) and lots of sunshine. I suppose I can deal with one more snow fall (if you insist).

Love,
Reyna


ps Tell February that I sincerely appreciated the goodness he brought me last night. Stake conference and wonderful new friends? What a nice way to end things!