Cheesecake Factory Date

My BFF Elaine and I have had a tradition since our Freshmen year of college to go and eat at the Cheesecake Factory during breaks that coincide with one another. Why cheesecake factory? It sounds grown-up, and while there are many other real grown up restaruants, we like the semi-grown-up prices. We get real drinks, appetizers, and sometimes dessert. I try to be money smart when I am at college! We always get the same thing- except this time, and of course it was a dissappointment. Not a huge dissappointment- just not the bomb.com I know there is a catchy phrase for when people do that- but I am bound to mix my metaphors so I will just leave it at that! Only four days into the semester and I am already struggling!

Pictures from our last Cheesecake Factory will not upload! This is vintage Cheesecake Factory date- around 2006!

Blonde REALLY is the new smart!

I am blonde. Okay, my natural hair color is blonde, right this second I am blonde/brunette. I have learned that no matter what my color I will always be "blonde". I am smart, but I have been known to have my moments. I know, I know, brunette people have their moments too, but have you ever heard of anyone ever having a "brunette moment"? I didn't think so. Which is why Legally Blonde is like, soooooo ME. I just connect. Need evidence? See below.

Elle Woods/ Me

Delta Nu /Alpha Phi

Fashion Merchandising Major /Once was a FM Major

Blonde/ Blonde

Dumped because she was not smart enough by someone going to an Ivy League school AND I have my theories about why I was dumped by someone going to a barely Ivy League school. J/K (but yes, sadly, I really was dumped.)

Well, she gets into law school at Harvard (like its hard?) and I went to Southern Utah- so that is basically where the similarities end.

My wonderful parents got the girls in the family tickets to see Legally Blonde The Muscial for Christmas! (Strangly my dad did passed on seeing the show. Weird.)

Before the Show

Mom and me!

Thanks for the tickets Mom & Dad! It was fabulous.

OH!!! and she loves pink and I love pink.

Duck Pin Bowling

Every Christmas Eve my family goes bowling- normal bowling or duck pin bowling (which isn't abnormal or anything- just 3 balls and smaller pins)! It is a fun tradition and one I am glad we have continued to do as a family! I definately want to continue this tradition with my own family.

3 balls

My bowling skills

Possible cover of a bowling magazine- I am sure one exists

Home!

I love my family. I love coming back home to Maryland. I look forward to coming home to visit (I have a countdown), and I always dread going back to school. Not because I don't love school- but because I love my family so much and don't want to leave them! I know- I'm weird!

Sisters!

Salt Lake Part 2

I love to see the lights on Temple Square! They are so pretty. However, they do begin turning off around 10:30! We were able to walk around and take some fun pictures!

It is a good thing I semi-keep up with my blog because I have not been writing in my journal as much as I used to! (New Year Resolution!) I have actually looked through my blog to double check some events!

Salt Lake Part 1

I made a quick trip up to SLC last weekend. I was able to meet up with some of my friends that I met over the Summer! (One of whom is leaving for her mission in just 2 short weeks!) We were able to go to the "Festival of Trees" and also Temple Square! I chose a few of my favorite trees...

"Sweet 16" Tree- because I still think I am 16. No- not really. But I loved the pink and green and sparkles!

My absolute fave!

Oh Twilight- this tree was so clever. Especially with the gifts underneath!

Cute chair- scrapbook paper and modge podge?! I'm sure it was a little more complex than that...

Last Post about Thanksgiving! (I think)

I obviously love Thanksgiving. Up until this point I do not think I have any pictures from Thanksgiving Day though! Here is one... thanks to Kim! (Who might I add- is a great photographer!)

One of my Thanksgiving Favorites is playing Nertz with everyone! Usually my BFF comes for at least one of the nights!

More of my favorites!

Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was amazing- I had a great time at home. It was non-stop laughing/talking/singing/eating/nertz playing/eating/apples to apples/more laughing. It really is the most wonderful time of the year! I hate having to wait until next year. I love this tradition! I hope that my kids can participate in this someday!

Drew and me- all dressed up!

Cara and Dad

The grown-ups!

Mom and Kristy!

There's No Place Like Home... There's No Place Like Home...

My take on Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers...

I think if I click my heels long enough and wish hard enough I will make it home to Maryland!

Just a few more things to do...

• Go to finance
• Turn in homework for the class I am going to miss
• Meet with professor to work on very last budget assignment
• gym (?)
• Clean my room
• Clean out car
• Wave good-bye

Also- this is the lightest I have ever packed. Dad, even you will be impressed!

See you in less than 24 hours.

Birthday Girl!

Hey Sista...

I love this pic- even though you were 16 in it!

I can't believe you are 18 years old. When did that happen?! You are amazing- and I love you so much and I am so happy for you and all of things you have going for you! 18 is a great age- sometimes I wish I could be 18 again! People keep telling me I look 18- but that does not mean I can act 18! You know that song by Metro Station, "You Won't Be Seventeen forever"? Well, you won't be 18 forever! Live everyday to its fullest. I know... completely cliche- but it's good advice! Happy Birthday. I love you.

Park City

I had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Park City with my Resorts class last week. You learn a lot about professors and fellow students on field trips- possibly more than you ever wanted or needed to know! But since I love to know peoples lives- I was okay with it! We were able to go and see the developing St. Regis Deer Crest and also Aspen Grove. Two very different places- but both really neat. I love love love Park City!! I would love to work in Park City. There are a bunch of reasons- not just because it would be like living in an Anthropologie Catalogue! But it would... :)

Park City- so beautiful.
St. Regis Deer Crest-we were able to go in. Hard hats and everything. I also did it in heels- probably against some OSHA regulations. The GM gave me permission- so I decided it was okay!

Count down till...

I come home in 7 days. 168 hours. 10,080 minutes. That is only 336 sing-a-longs/Barneys/etc. (Do you remember measuring road trips in that measurement mom?!)

I am excited for Thanksgiving... which is more than just Thanksgiving...

it's...

Seeing my mom, dad, and sisters, the McNeils, sleeping in my own bed, eating out at places that are not Chiles/Applebees, not having to bring my purse because everything is comped (ha ha), laughing until I can't breathe anymore, NERTZ, seeing my bff Elaine, and getting a pedicure (hint hint)!

Also...

Angelos/nertz/sbtb/lebanesetaverna/maggianos/leshalles/ janesmcneilfun.com/html- Thank you El!

And we can't forget...

Office Season 4/Ping Pong/Various Zola appearances/Tons of movies/General gloating about Obama- Thank you Rhett!

The kids have been counting down and chatting on facebook!

Me and my Schpoop.

I really do love to scrapbook but I feel like I don't have time (bad excuse) or that none of my supplies are here (better excuse) and I sometimes just feel like I have no motivation! This has changed this semester, one if the gals I live with has the cutest scrapbooking style. They are simple, but so cute and she gets her memories in a scrapbook. She tends not to do things by event but more as things she wants to remember, and it tends to be smaller things. For example, a picture of a sunset on a trip, or a picture of a niece or nephew. Does that make sense?!

Well I decided to give it a try...

When I read scrapbooking magazines I always try to read peoples journaling... so in case you wanted to read what I wrote...

I love my dad so much. He has done so much for me, and I know that he has sacrificed a lot to to those things for me. He has set the bar extremely high for the next man in my life! Somethings I love about my dad; he is one of the hardest workers I know, he is smart and loves to learn, he has a sense of humor unlike anyone I know (that's a good thing :) ), he loves his wife and daughters, he can cook, he is a romantic, he loves the Autumn leaves, he loves Christmas, he is a tease, and loves to make up songs. I know that he is always available to talk and now he can even text! He has taught me so much and I am so grateful to have him in my life. He knows what he believes and stands strong. Even though I am 21 I will always be his little girl on the train.

**Note: This is now in my scrapbook- right next to a page of my HS boyfriend and me. Have I really not scrapbooked my life in that long?!

History.

This was the first election I was able to vote in, and it was one of the most talked about, anticipated elections ever! It has been interesting to watch the entire elections process. I am glad that I was taught to have an opinion and to voice my opinion. One of my biggest pet peeves (next to people leaving their dirty dishes sitting in the sink for days) is people who say that they do not care about politics, or what is going on in the world, and this is my favorite, "it does not affect me". Aghh!!! Are you kidding me?! I guess if that is your opinion- you better not complain for the next four years! Since I tend not to be a very outspoken or opinionated person (in most situations), voting is my way to voice my opinion. I am glad that I was able to vote and I can say that I helped participate in this historical election.

I live in an extremely conservative state, and am from a very liberal state, so it is interesting to listen to peoples responses to the outcome of the election. I think people are beginning to accept the outcome and are figuring out that even if they don't like it, they will support it. I look forward to the next 4 years!

Letters.

I love letters. Getting them. Reading other peoples. Sending them. (Just kidding about reading other peoples.) In 8th grade we wrote letters to ourselves to open when we graduated from High School. I remember sitting there and thinking, that is sooo far away. Even though I read it every year instead of waiting, it was still fun to read it after I graduated!

I did a reverse letter to myself last year, and this year I am going to write a letter to me to open a few years down the road. Who knows where I will be 4 years from today?! Currently I am sitting on the couch completely procrastinating my life. Can you say Senioritis?

When I taught my Alpha Phi New Member class this year I had the girls write letters to themselves about everything that was going on, goals they had, etc. I sealed them up and will give them back in May. They all really loved it- they rose the occasion. I loved seeing them get all excited and really putting thought into it!

I think when I have my own family I am going to have some sort of tradition with letters. I am not completely sure what exactly- maybe a time capsule kind of thing. Good thing I have some time to figure that out!

What I worry about.

I always want to know about everyones life story- seriously. I love to hear people talk about their lives- well not on and on and on, but enough for me to sort of understand where they are coming from and why they do the things that they do. For example, when I tell people I'm from Maryland its like a lightbulb goes off for them. I know- kind of weird.

I especially like when professors talk about their lives. This does not really happen all that often- but when it does I enjoy it. Sometimes I worry about my professors. I mean they can be the nicest people but if you want to be hated- become a teacher. I know its not their fault that their tests get failed or that their lectures are super boring but the teacher is the first one we blame. Not the fact that we did not study or even try to pay attention to the lecture- well actually the lecture one may partially be their fault. SOOO... I wonder what their lives are like outside the classroom- do they have a wife? kids? what do they do for fun? do they have friends? are they happy? do they fear for the future after they grade our tests?

I have this one professor who is so nice and knows all of us and where we are from- not in a creepy way. But every single class he goes through the same 2 minute lecture on the white board markers and how they are running out, and then he pulls a marker out of his pocket and uses it. When he does this same lecture I worry about him and wonder about his life. I know he is married and has kids- which makes me feel better. I don't know why I worry- or wonder for that matter. Then he uses the marker he pulled from his pocket and the lecture (the boring kind) starts again, and my attention is once again re-focused until we have another marker situation.

Is it strange that I wonder and worry? Sometimes when I go to their offices I look for pictures and am seriously releived when I see they are living normal lives. One is a bishop in a singles ward- that could be kind of awkward if you were in his ward (that is a whole other post), one has grandkids and one has an RV and travels during the summer. I wish professors would give a quick slide show biography of their lives- it makes them seem more human like. Once you realize they are real people it changes everything. Or you can quickly learn alot if you see them at Wal-Mart or something. Which has happened. I do not reccomend learning about your professors this way. Its kind of awkward, and then chances are you will see them about 15 more times throughout your shopping trip. Not that running into your professor with a box of tampons is embarassing or anything. It could be worse.

** Today my professor had a scratchy voice and he said, "this is not a sick voice, I think it is my sexy voice". How is a class supposed to repsond to that?! haha. I just smiled and sort of laughed out lolud.

Colleger clothes

I love hoodies- they are great for 8:00 classes. I know, I know- up until this past semester I would not be caught dead (with the exception of maybe 3x a semester- during Finals week) in scrubby clothes. Well this year I can't seem to get put together and to class by 8:00. Since my biggest pet peeve is being late- I opt to show up in a hoodie, jeans and hat. Sometimes I go in sweats and people think I am just coming from the gym- which in reality I really go to the gym after my 8:00 class- but really that is not important.

Anways- hoodies can look good and even pass as a put together outfit if and only if they are fitted. and cute. Unfortunately I only have two of these kinds of hoodies- and one is my sisters and she wants it back. So I sport the unfitted hoodie that advertise schools I do not even go to- Cornell, USU, Rockville HS, and The College of New Jersey. Today I discovered the cutest (and fitted) hoodies that sport colleges. Unfortunately SUU did not make the cut. Victoria's Secret has a college line for a bunch of schools. I have been trying to figure out how I could pull one of them off- I mean I am from Maryland and they have UMD, I lived in TX, and they have UT and Texas A&M... I'm sure you get my point. So really I think I will just go for the PINK brand without the college- but still how cute would this be if I went to a school that people actually heard of?! Very cute. I am a fan of the "colleger clothes". I wish I had not set my standard of getting dressed and ready so high at the beginning of my college career!

It does exist!

Every once in awhile I like to think about my wedding. I'm not one of those girls who has it all planned out- but its a fun thing to think about! Especially when there are a million important things I should be thinking about. Well... a year or two ago I came up with the idea that I was going to have a photo booth at my wedding reception for the favor. I am a fan of the favor- but not lame favors. I obviously knew that photo booths existed- but I did not know that they existed just for this resason! I went to this "What Women Want" fair thingy in St. George on Saturday. It was kind of lame- but they had this! I was really excited.

HSM 3

I am a fan of the Disney Channel.

Yes, I am 21.

I loved High School Musical 1 & 2 so of course I was excited to see High School Musical 3. (I even saw it on opening night- maybe it is because I live in a small town and it was something to do on a Friday night OR it may have been because I am that hard core of a fan. You can decide.) While the majority of the sold out theater was little girls and their parents there were also some older audience members without children (similar to myself). I wish I could have taken my cousin Maddie and my sister Em!

I can honestly say that it was a good movie- it was better than HSM2 in my opinion. I think that I liked it so much because I have graduated from High School- and I am afraid that there is going to be a generation of kids with really high expectations for High School because of this movie. They may be a little dissappointed. I know that I would be.

The movie goes through all of the drama of Senior year- college decisions, relationships, prom- you know all of the important stuff. Of course it had a great ending- everyone ends up together (not at the same college- it couldnt be that perfect, but they will attend schools only 32.6 miles away from each other)! But isnt that why we watch movies- to watch something that would never really happen but that still gives you a little hope that it could?!

Fall Break!

This past weekend was Harvest Holiday aka the Deer Hunt. I did not participate in the deer hunt. I am still weirded/freaked out by the entire hunting/killing animal process. I do love having a long weekend though! I always go up to Logan but this time I went to SLC/Provo/Orem. (I promise I will make it up North sometime soon!) I am getting better at figuring out the layout of Utah! I had fun seeing old/new friends! I did not take many pictures- what is wrong with me?!

Chris in Provo. (Sorry repeat picture!)

Tessa in Orem!

Stevie in SLC! Thanks Stevie for letting me stay with you! I had so much fun!

I was able to go to Gardners Village, Gateway, BYU, Einsteins Bagels, BaskinRobins, and church! It was nice to be in an actual city with traffic!

This ones for you mom!

On Sunday I was able to get a tour of the BYU campus... strangly I have never gotten an actual walking tour of BYU. (Ha ha... however I know the USU campus very well :) ) I learned some interesting facts- and got to see in person where my mom lived!

My tour guide!

Me in front of Horne hall!

Me with the statue-standing on the grass that the sign specifically says not to stand on. My bad.

Don't worry Mom and Dad- I still love SUU and USU!

Fruit Basket

A long time ago (lets say 16 years ago) I loved to play the game, "Fruit Basket" at the McNeils house. Poor Kristy had to play it with me over and over and over! That is one of my many many memories that I have with the McNeils- I also have fond memories of playing "Guess Who". Fast forward to 2008. I get a surprise package from the McNeils and this is what was inside! I was so excited. I have not seen this game since I left Texas 13 years ago! Thank you Kristy, and thank you Mont! I love it.

Oh, I can't wait to play it.

Quick and cute

I got this idea from one of my roommates who is super creative! It is quick and turns out adorable! You can either buy a plain frame and paint it or buy an already painted one. I did one of each! Add patterned paper and some sticker letters and you are done!

One for my little

One for Stevie as a housewarming gift!

Now I want to make one for myself! I am running out of good letters though- haha!

Little Basket!

I had fun putting together my basket for my little sister in Alpha Phi! (Now I have 2 littles- well 4 if you count my real littles!) I always get really nervous before I give them the basket- because I start second guessing myself! I actually made my blanket this year- last year I had my roommate tie one for me! It was a little time consuming- but not too bad! I love it- thanks Jacie for helping me!

The blanket

The basket- well I actually bought a blue cube!