crafty me.

Well, because traveling back to school was delayed because of the snow, tonight I sat down and completed some long-awaited craft projects.

Project one: two frames, bought years ago at Walmart in an after Easter clearance (like $.50). They were the colors shown below. One was yellow with pink, and the other was blue with pink. Both had little bunnies/rabbit figurines attached as well. After years of them sitting in my room, I decided to paint them black. Then, I found some pictures online I liked (a blue vintage owl that matches my room) and a peacock. And voila :)

Project two: A "Welcome" sign found over the summer for a buck. It was just plain wood. I painted a few coats of red on it and sanded it. I think it'll be great in my apartment. I've also found other good deals for my apartment over the break...will post pics of new decorations soon!

besties' birthdays

as a primary song goes, today is such a special day...it's birthday time for TWO. (i changed the words)

19 years ago, two awesome girls entered the world.

one is my dear cousin, mentioned earlier here. Hollie and I used to talk on the phone, on AIM, and via snail mail all the time when we were younger and lived across the country. When I found out I was moving to Utah, getting to know Hollie better and hanging out with her was one of the "pros". After living here 6+ years, I'm SO grateful that we have been able to get to know each other better. Hollie is selfless, genuine, classy, and caring. Happy birthday "poochie".

the other is someone i met less than 5 months ago. any guesses? It's none other than my roommate Sam. I don't even want to think about what would happen if we hadn't ended up in the same apartment! Read about our adventures here, here, or here. Sam is hilarious, beautiful, a superb listener, and a one-of-a-kind storyteller. :) happy birthday "debra".

dear kohl's,

how i love thee.
sometimes i loathe thee when i have to work long hours into the early mornings (twice this week past midnight) and occasionally the insanely early hours (4 a.m.). BUT, when it comes down to it, if I did a fashion inventory, I would find that somewhere around 95% of my attire is from the very same store. No doubt.

I was just cleaning out my purse and found loads of receipts from the last week -- all from the same place. Even though it'd be nice to have a job when I'm at school, it's probably a good thing there isn't a store within walking distance :)

But, the point of this post? I earned "Kohl's Cash" last week and wanted to share how I redeemed it today:
{this dress from Candie's...for those of you who know how I love "Reba", it's what I refer to as a "Cheyenne, season 6 dress") Also wearing my new Candie's shoes (last week) and the awesome necklace Becky gave me for Christmas}
{then I found these adorable dish towels with the Valentine decor...you know me and owls.}
There ya have it! Now I'm off to watch Julie & Julia with my mother!

love. love.
Cheri

and to all a good night!

Lately I've been pretty sleepy! I could barely stay awake on Christmas Eve past 9:30. Once I get my "second wind", I'm fine, but before then...man, it gets pretty tough to stay awake. Anyway, it's been a wonderful Christmas full of laughter, gift-giving (and receiving), video chats with family, great food, movies that never get old (While You Were Sleeping & You've Got Mail), games (Taboo and Mad Gab),and amazing company. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas as well! I took some pictures, but this one is my favorite from the day.



{i love these awesome girls -- my mom and sister. I'm so happy we spent Christmas together!}

Hmm...time for bed?

Merry Christmas (Eve)

"Christmas time is here..."

SO happy.

i LOVE my family!

Even though I had to work today, I tried to remain in the Christmas spirit and remember all of my blessings. I have SO much to be thankful for.

I'll update soon with stories :)

Christmas Eve Eve

I can't believe tomorrow is CHRISTMAS EVE. Where has this month gone? Where has the year gone?! It's been a wonderful break here at home. I'm excited for this next semester, but also sad to be leaving so soon! Here are some things I've noticed in the few weeks I've been home:

1. I'm so grateful that my pre-college job lets me work on breaks! I've worked everyday this week and even though I'm not necessarily excited for my next shift (my feet hurt SO bad cause I'm not used to standing so long!), I know I'll be grateful when I get my paycheck :)
2. Making spontaneous snow angels (even when you have somewhere to go and you might be wet) is still worth it.
3. I love, love, love Christmas lights!
4. I can't wait to see all my family in a few weeks at my brother's wedding.
5. I miss watching Gilmore Girls with Sam at 12 and/or 6 p.m. on ABC Family. Luckily we've still talked on the phone and told LOTS of stories!
6. My mom is a funny lady. :) I love her.
7. I love my mom's Christmas decorations. They make me v. v. happy!
8. Can't wait for the "Allen Family Party" on Sunday!!!! Holy cow.
9. Natalie is an amazing friend and mother. I'm so lucky to know her! Last night I helped her with some Christmas shopping for less-fortunate families and then we got back and wrapped some together. She's funny, thoughtful, and awesome!
10. I kinda really love listening to this song(it's very catchy! I heard it for the first time yesterday), this song (which is a funny music video cause the singer is 15, was discovered on Youtube, and is talking about love..), and this song(also LOVE the show!). Also, listen to songs and buy them cheaper than iTunes here, which I found on my gorgeous sister, Jen's blog. Thanks Jen!

Have a fabulous Christmas eve eve!!

Cheri

meet hollie.

Hollie is one of my best friends. She is an amazing listener (I wonder how many hours we rack up on the phone a week...or a day). There are times when I talk to her 3-4 times a day. Sometimes last semester we'd call each other as we walked...to EVERY class. She knows everything about me, and is one of the kindest people I know. Hollie always makes me want to be a better person. She is a great cook, sister, cousin (to me), friend, daughter, roommate, etc...I'm just guessing! Anyway, Hollie came up this weekend to visit and it's been so fun having her up! We are so close and have an awesome relationship. I can't wait one day to hang out with her when we both have spouses and families....ANYWAY, here is a rockin' picture taken after church today. I love those Sundays when you just feel SO cute...haha, so naturally, I had to take a pic (p.s. I'm wearing my new skirt, which was $4 from DI, and my new shoes, which are purple but you can't tell). LOVE YOU HOLLIE :)

worrying..

I once heard this saying, "Worrying is like a rocking chair. It passes the time away, but won't get you anywhere."

This last semester I took Geology of Southern Utah. I figured it'd be interesting while living there to know about the rocks. But, I didn't like the class. The teacher irritated me, the 1.5 hour long classes were killers compared to MWF 50-minute classes, I did bad on the tests after I felt prepared, etc. So, when it came time for the final, I was ready to take it and be done.

I was so worried about my grade in the class though! In high school I was the 4.0 student who was top-of-the-class, smart, you know? Then it seemed I got to college and couldn't understand basics of...Geology. It seemed harder to me than my AP Calculus class had been junior year (or at least that's what my test scores were telling me).

Well, I checked final grades today and somehow I got an A- in the class. The point? I worried. For nothing! I need to remember that if I do my best, it's enough. I don't have to "measure up" to anyone's expectations.

My first college semester went better than I thought! 5 A's and 3 A-'s. Yay! :)

apostrophe abuse.

I always notice when people misuse apostrophes (or almost always). Well, I was browsing through the newspaper today and caught this (first of all, it's creepy and secondly, bad grammar):
So, folks. "Santa's is back!". Oh boy. I submitted it to the apostrophe abuse website. We'll see if it shows up.

home for the holidays

After a long week of finals, new job training, and crazy twists & turns (related to boys), I'm finally home for the holidays. I left Friday to come home, but didn't arrive until today (due to weather, staying the night at a friend's house, and unforeseen circumstances). Needless to say, I was very excited to be home. It's a great feeling not to have to worry about homework (for a little bit) and just enjoy being back.

As soon as I got home this morning, I headed off to 2 missionary farewells. Both were friends from high school, but one was a dear friend of mine. It was hard to say goodbye to him after everything we've been through together (and trust me, it's an interesting story), but I felt the Spirit so strong during his testimony, and have no doubt he will be a great missionary.

After catching up with friends from high school (mission farewells/homecomings are like reunions here), reminiscing on days gone by, getting stuck in the snow, feeling very colorful in my purple tights, and indulging in one too many treats at the typical farewell feast, I headed back home.

I love seeing the Christmas tree gleaming from where I sat on the couch, listening to The Forgotten Carols, and the smells of peppermint or cinnamon candles. I simply love this time of year. The decorations...oh, the decorations. That was something that excited me the most -- seeing all the old, and new decorations that adorn every free space in our home :) My mom does get into the Christmas spirit.

Anyway, it's good to be home. I'm going to try and enjoy every minute of it!

Argus C2

Today, I received an early Christmas present. It was a camera. An OLD camera. I love them. The look, the style, everything. I want to get a shelf so it can sit next to my polaroid camera, but for now, it just sits atop my dresser. Anyway, tonight I wanted to do some research so I decided to try and find out what kind it was....it was very easy. I found the EXACT one.

The ARGUS C2....made in 1938!!! Holy cow. i'm so happy. See for yourself -- isn't it beautiful?


For camera nerds like me, this talks about what all the buttons do.

Man, oh man. I'm in love. I know some of you (aka BECKY) might not understand my love for things in the past, but I LOVE old things. Woo!

Oh, tomorrow is my LAST final. Then it's time for some holiday R&R. See ya soon.

it's late.

12:26 a.m.

I should be sleeping. But instead I'm studying for my communications final. It's tomorrow (today) at 9 a.m. It's only 25 questions. I'll be DONE in pretty much 9 hours. Then I have the rest of the day to: get some Christmas shopping done with the help of Blake, help out with a service project, eat, watch Gilmore Girls (hopefully, cause I missed it today), and study (lots) for my LAST final (Nutrition). Oh, and pack. And start working on getting story ideas for the newspaper....ah. A busy week indeed!

I think I'll do well on this final. It's frustrating because a lot of my friends have gotten 99-100% on some finals and I want that to happen to me!! But, I will just do the best I can :)

It's snowed here lately...it looked gorgeous yesterday when I woke up and saw all the freshly fallen snow. See what I mean?

Today I learned LOTS about inDesign (what I will come to know very well over the next few months with the paper...I'm excited to learn, but it will be stressful at first and a little overwhelming!). Thanks Kelly for teaching me today. Here we are, after hours of layout! And me, with my first "practice" page. Hoorah!

Ok, it's bed time. Actually, it's time for more studying. Then bedtime. Gooooodnight! (now 12:35)

Taking a quick break

...from studying. Then, I'll return!

I was reading the Ensign today and since I couldn't find my conference edition, I pulled out the Oct. 2009 one instead. It had some blogging tips. I saw this one: "Blogs should not be a "forum to complain or criticize people behind their backs." Instead keep your comments positive."

I immediately felt bad as I remembered my posts last week about my roommates' habits. So, while I do NOT promise to keep a positive blog always (because sometimes you just HAVE something to say), I want to say sorry for the negative posts last week. I'm not sure if my roommate read my blog, but the next day, the room was SO clean! I felt bad because if I had a problem, I should have told her first before writing about it on my blog. Anyway, even though I don't always get along with my roommates, they have great qualities that I should focus more on...I'll definitely try that this week.

Anyway, FINALS week!! Crazy. I can't wait for this semester to be O-V-E-R. I had some good classes, but I'm definitely excited for the ones I'm taking next semester. :)

Alright, time to study! First final? Geology! Blech.

What if..

I cut my hair like this??

Remember how I always have debates over cutting my hair? I did cut my bangs today, and this haircut is....quite sassy. AH why can't I just be spontaneous?!

can't wait...

SO excited for a date tonight :)

Let's just say....this guy seems VERY nice. A couple weeks ago in Institute I thought, "I wish I knew him better...he seems nice." Then somehow, it happened :) We talked, exchanged numbers, and now I'm going on a DATE with him!

Anyway, even the new addition of a bowl with dried peanut butter in my room can't mask THIS happy face!

{C}

pet peeve #2

bugged by:

--plates of food, cups, and utensils in MY room because of my roommate
--salt & pepper shaker (for the aforementioned plates of food which have long seen their best days)
--an empty carton of icecream by the roomie's bed (going on day 2 for that one)
--the funny smell that ensues in our room because of roomie's habits.
--the fact that I have never seen my roommate take out the trash in our room nor vacuum it.

LUCKILY,

--my side is clean
--I care that the room smells and do what I can to make it better (ex. Have a Scentsy candle to mask the smell)
--Trash bugs so I take it out.

PS. Sorry these last posts haven't been too happy! It's nice to get out my frustrations though on my blog :)

What bugs YOU?! Come on, fess up!

pet peeve

I'm bugged...

-by Comedy Central

I find it inappropriate, stupid, and offensive. Too bad one of my roommates seems to love it! Luckily, I can just shut my bedroom door, turn on pleasant music (like the new Michael Buble CD), and try and tune her/it out.

Happy Monday.

My Thoughts on Web 2.0

**this post is for my CSIS class...so, sorry about that!**

I am a big fan of Web 2.0. It definitely affects our society today and can have a negative impact on society. But whether it helps or harms is up to the user. Too much use can be addicting. I'll admit -- I'm a fan of blogs, facebook, and Youtube. I write this blog, read blogs of others. I add videos to youtube, listen to music on youtube, and so on. Facebook? Yes. I love it. I talk to my friends on there, I find out too much about practically strangers. But, I think Web 2.0 helps a lot too. It has created jobs for people and has connected friends. Don't let it be the only thing you do. To find out more, watch this video. It reminds me so much of my Web Development class and all we learned...

thankful.

"There's so much to be thankful for."

• family
• faith
• my niece telling me "I'm hoping to get a red camera for Christmas." (Lizzie is 3, adorable, and an avid photographer :) )
• being home for the holiday
• pumpkin pie cake
• jewelry
  
• journals
• photos
• songs that know how I feel
• music in general
• piano + guitar playing
• good movies
  
• it's almost the end of the semester
• pomegranate
  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone :)

En route

In the car on the 4+ hour drive home, we got stuck in traffic. Traffic is never fun. Tensions are high, people get stressed/angry, etc...well, I decided to try and make a difference. I pulled out a piece of paper from my journal, wrote "Don't worry, be happy!" and then stuck it to the passenger window next to me. What a great feeling it was when cars would drive by, the drivers would look, and would begin smiling. I caught 3 people with very big, continuous smiles after they saw my sign. One (the driver of a Hostess truck) gave me a thumbs up and the other two just nodded and smiled for quite awhile after.

It gave me such a great feeling. And now I'm home...even better! Happy Thanksgiving Break :)

the dance.

Last night was the Fall Ball. Remember this guy? He is one of my best friends. And he asked me to the Fall Ball. It was so fun. Delicious dinner, awesome company, great dancing.

He even spun me sometimes when we danced. It was great. Except my dress was pretty long (it did have a finger hold to keep up the train, but I wasn't holding it in the picture) and we had to pin it up...so sometimes when he spun me, a pin would pop and he'd apologize about stepping on my dress. And doing the Boot Scootin' Boogie? Difficult in the dress, that's for sure, but I DID IT!

My date was the perfect gentleman.

Busy week, busier weekend.

I have had a BUSY week. BUT, I have a busier weekend ahead. Well, Sunday won't be busy. Tomorrow definitely will. I have a GEO fieldtrip that will last APPROXIMATELY 11 hours (eek! I can hardly stand a <2 hour class) followed by the fall ball (ask me how I'm going to get ready in an hour....that's a GOOD question).

Tonight's to-do list:

-Finish my Comm Research paper
-Study for Geology
-Make cookies (ok that's not a must, but definitely a want!)
-Watch While You Were Sleeping (FIRST time this season...)

Until later!

{C}

dear frozen yogurt:

i love you.

sincerely,
me.



p.s. Boys who buy me frozen yogurt? Brownie points.

In other news,

Hello fellow bloggers and readers...

Man, this NaBloPoMo is kicking my butt! I'm trying hard to think of new things to post each day, but I'm not sure! Anyway, here are some things happening in my life:

1) This week is B-U-S-Y.
2) Maybe it's not busier than any other week, but it seems like it because guess what is NEXT week? Thanksgiving break, people. BUT FIRST.
3) Geology field trip (a 10-hour thing on Saturday...sigh. 10 hours with Prof. Colberg?? I'm going to need some EXCEDRIN after!)
5) A Communications exam, a geology exam, and a Comm. project all within in the next few days.
6) Fall Ball. It's the Institute fall formal...and I got asked. By who? You'll just have to wait until I post pictures. Suspenseful, yes?
7) Two days of school next week and then....THANKSGIVING break :)

HOOOOOORAH! I can't wait to see family, friends, and eat awesome food. Plus, Black Friday + 4 a.m. shopping? Last year I was able to get Reba (TV series) for $8/series...this year, I'm hoping to snag some seasons of Gilmore Girls if there is such a deal again.

Anyway, look forward to some {slightly} more exciting posts in the future!

{c}

Utah=healthy

Utah is the second healthiest state in the nation...

I found that a little surprising but I guess with all the sports and physical activity you can do here, maybe that contributes. I certainly am not the healthiest person, but my Nutrition class sure has influenced me in how I eat (excluding the past weekend). I don't even eat icecream everyday anymore -- granted that is in part because I don't have any at my house :) Haha.

Anyway, where does your state rank?

loved it.

My weekend??

Loved it.


Details to come.

It's only 4 p.m.

and it's ALREADY been such a great day :)

Why? Here are some reasons:

• First class canceled this week
• Got to my "second" (and last) class of today and my teacher was sick, so we watched a movie, which meant I finished ALL of my assignment that I was going to do in the library after.
• Went back to the Journal and talked to coworkers...enjoyed myself.
• Walked home with Sam in the SNOW!
• Came in to see a surprise rose sitting in my room from a NICE boy.
• Ate @ The Pastry Pub with Sam. (THANKS!)
• Looked at pretty, pretty houses on the hill, with a backdrop of snow-covered trees & mountains.
• Received a card, with coloring from my niece :)
• Got a package from my mom with some things I haven't opened AND rolo cookies, which I've eaten a few of thus far...

Yep, it's already a FANTASTIC day :)

There's a change in the weather:

A few weeks ago, it snowed. Then, it was very sunny and in the mid-seventies. Now, this morning, I walked out, finally ready to embrace the warm weather again (after being a little sad at the not-so-November atmosphere) but when I walked out, guess what? It was CHILLY. And windy. Luckily, I was still dressed appropriately for the time of year it is. But, I found it interesting.

However, I wasn't talking about the weather when I sat down to write this post. I'm sitting in the Journal right now, that's right folks, the JOURNAL. The newsroom. I can count on one hand (plus one or two fingers) how many times I've been in the Journal this semester (not including weekly staff meetings). You know why? I prefer to work at home. I write my articles on my Mac, in the comfort of my own room. Listening to MY music.

But, I came in on Monday because one of my editors needed me to fix some stuff. Well, I almost died of shock walking home after. Why? Because I ENJOYED it. I liked being in the newsroom. It was the strangest thing. And so, today is the first day I've come in, willingly, to work on an article in between classes. Normally, I just head home. Crazy!

Also, my favorite editor, Madi, is leaving next semester :( She encouraged me to apply for her position (Accent Editor). Accent is the "features" section, aka the "fun stuff" (concerts, entertainment on campus, clubs, etc.). I write for the campus and city news sections as well, but I'd MUCH rather cover Accent articles. I've thought about it all week. Should I apply? I would definitely not want to be a campus or city editor. Accent is what I enjoy. It's more work. It's {slightly} more pay than what I currently get (a measly, measly amount. Seriously. A month here is less than half of what I'd get in a week at Kohls. It's less than 2 8-hour days...less than one 12-hour day. Get the picture?). So that increase would be nice. But, with a 17-credit semester, I'm not sure how wise it would be to have MORE responsibilities. Any feedback??

Well, I better decide because applications are due TOMORROW!!

{C}

dear typewriter:

I met you in the antique mall. You took my breath away. I love how genuine you are. And your high keys set my heart a soarin'. Beauty...

Why did you have to be $75? Don't you know I'm a college kid?!

happy birthday.

to my older brother, Jake.
.

Jake has always been there for me, and I'm so grateful to have him as an older brother. I remember fondly back on the years when I was in 4th grade -- Jake and I had "WWF Thursdays". I basically had a HUGE crush on Dwayne "THE ROCK" Johnson. And for my birthday that year, Jake gave me a CD with The Rock's themesong. Crazy right?

He would also take me on dates with him sometimes. A nice older brother indeed :)

Jake has mad "Sing Star" skills (see below video) and never fails to make me smile when he's performing.

I'm so excited for him and his engagement to Angie, an adorable person! Congrats on everything Jake, and here's to a great year!

{Me, Angie holding niece Millie, and Jake}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

at the moment..

i'm sitting in Sam's room on her bed. We are both on our laptops, not really talking to each other.

Oh, and it's dark. haha

Good times with roomie.

guess what?

I'm writing a NEW SONG. And...IT'S HAPPY!

I need to post my other song as well, from about a month ago.

PS. I had stake conference today, which meant we were done with church at 12. It was awesome to come home, eat lunch, play guitar, take a short nap, and be up by the same time I'd normally be getting home from church! I definitely must say 1 p.m. is NOT my favorite time for church.

{c}

Hallelujah.

I love that song, originally by Leonard Cohen. BUT Allred does a cover of it, which I love. And last night's concert surely did not disappoint. Sam couldn't end up going, and the guy I was planning on going with had to help out because his club was in charge. But I still went with my great friend Scott and some of his friends. Allred played many of my favorites including: Golden, Tomb, and Radio. He also played some great covers (like Hallelujah) and used this awesome looping device, which is way cool. Anyway, I met him after. I normally like his style -- but last night was a little too "grunge" for my taste, especially the beanie could've gone.

Anyway, here is a picture of Jamie (a friend here), John Allred, and me!


{c}

It's Friday, I'm in love.

I'm not really in love, that's just a song.

BUT I could not be happier that it's the weekend. Finally :) I'm so glad classes on Friday end by 11. What joy! This morning I took a Nutrition test that I'd been stressing over all week (like usual). But, I felt pretty confident about it. And, then after that class, I had 5 texts from various BOYS. Wow! Definitely an unusual Friday morning. I responded to those, and then, as I was walking home, I noticed the glorious, warm weather outside. Now, I was so ready for fall, and I loved being able to wear my winter clothes...but I decided to take advantage of the nice warm weather and go running.

I got home, changed, and ran...up the canyon. It was so pretty! I ran over to a trail and then just let it take me through the mountains a bit. It was so fun. I definitely want to explore more of the canyon right by me that I don't take advantage of. I ran for about 45 minutes.

Then, I made a good lunch :) Chicken fajita. Good chicken, marinated in sundried tomato dressing. It was so good, I had two :) And a crisp fuji apple. Then I finished off my muffins made the other day.

Now, I'm just waiting for 8 p.m. to roll around so I can go to the ALLRED concert! How excited am I? VERY excited! Plus I'm going to the concert with my best friend Sam and a cute boy who I met at the temple on Saturday when my stake went to do Baptisms. It's going to be a great weekend :)

In the meantime, check out Taylor Swift's new song! It's so great! She has 5 new songs out, and I love them all, but this is one of my favorite two! She claims 7 out of the 10 best-selling country songs on iTunes, and has 15 hits on the Billboard 100 (the most ever for a female artist). Go Taylor!

The other song I love is this one.
Enjoy!

{C}

Allred

One of my favorite musicians, Allred is performing here this weekend. I've been counting down the days -- I can't wait!

Well, one of the perks of working in the media is that I suggested I write about the event, and give Mr.Allred a call. I actually ended up talking to all 3 people performing that night. Anyway, here is the article that the cover of the Accent section. Read it :) It's fun.

Mmm...

Betty Crocker Fiber One Cinnamon Apple Muffins = GREAT!

I bought this muffin mix at Walmart last night. I should have waited longer to make them, but tonight...they were calling my name. And boy, I had to exercise serious self-control to eat only 2!

Needless, I can't wait to eat breakfast tomorrow :)
Plus, they are healthy with the fiber! Fiber does so much for our bodies (I know this from my Nutrition class).

PS. You know those scenes in movies or on TV where someone has their chair pushed out from under them? I had a real life experience tonight! Roommates Sam and Marie and me were sitting at the kitchen table (all with our Dell, HP and Mac laptops, respectively) and I can't remember what I said or did, but next thing I know, Sam went to kick my chair. She had a bit much force, and somehow...the chair flew out from under me and across the kitchen. I ended up on the tile. But it didn't even hurt and I couldn't help but just sit there and laugh while sprawled out on the kitchen floor...good times in my apartment :)

Tuesday, sweet Tuesday

This week is going by remarkably fast. I have a lot to keep me busy! But, one thing I am so excited for is that ALLRED has a concert on Friday. And what makes me even more happy is that I interviewed him for the newspaper and talked to him on the phone for a good 20 minutes to do so. He is so talented. Listen to his music -- I love it :) And am counting down the days!

PLUS, today I did some serious Walmart price-matching shopping, and saved a chunk of money (and bought food for storage!).

I also successfully overcame the craving to visit the Pastry Pub -- a fantastic restaurant with awesome sandwiches and salads. Oh divine. It's right up the street and not too pricey, but I decided to go to WalMart and get some food that would last more than a meal instead.

Also, I register for classes TONIGHT (at midnight). Crazy! But I'm excited for next semester (and nervous).

Anyway, I'm off! Bye!
{C}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Guess what folks?? My blog turns TWO today :) That's right...two whole years of posting my life for the world to see. The first post was this one. As I think about these last two years, a LOT has happened, including (not in any order):

-Heartbreak (not in a dating way)
-New niece
-Sterling scholar portfolio stress
-Many debates over cutting my hair (multiple times)
-AP tests (Calc, US History, and Gov & Pol)
-Internship at the paper
-TX staff member
-First kiss
-Second kiss...
-We'll stop there.
-Graduating
-Cross country good and bad!
-Plantar fascitis
-First (and only) boyfriend
-First breakup
-Learning guitar
-Writing my own songs
-Visiting college campuses
-Picking the right one for me
-Writing many missionaries
-Seeing missionaries leave AND come back
-KOHLS
-Weber Fair Idol
-Meeting new friends
-Discovering folk music
-Working for college newspaper (stress?)
-First semester at college
-St. George Temple trips
-Better understanding of the gospel
-Stronger testimony
-Decisions over majors
-Love of icecream -- enhanced
-First time eating sushi
-Disneyland for choir
-Recorded a song
-Played BINGO 4xs a week at a care center

You can read about many of these things and more through the past 2 years. But, there's a few things I thought of. Happy Birthday, blog.

November 1

Guess what? It's November, which means it's the beginning of NaBloPoMo!! What is that, you may ask? It's 30 posts in 30 days. So, look forward to a full month of posting! Oh and I just found out I guess you can participate in this ANY month. Woops :)Well, here are some of my pictures from last night (carving the good ol' pumpkin). I carved it with my neighbor Kelly:







PS. Today was a great day. A powerful testimony meeting, great Sunday School lesson and an awesome CES fireside where I saw my best friend Kamilla singing in the choir. I learned some much from Elder Uchtdorf. Then I played games with some great friends! Ah, great, great night.

{C}

a midnight walk in the park.

Ok, it wasn't really midnight! Sam and I went on another lovely walk last night, but THIS time, folks, we became true t-birds. With whom? The founders of our university of course :) Take a looksie!

Look how much fun we have on our walks!

Today I had the brilliant idea to make the above creation :) Stephen's Mint Hot Cocoa + Dreyer's Peppermint Icecream (which carton I may or may not have eaten since Saturday...)

This is me, happy with how it turned out :)

Today has been fabulous, friends! Geology test, snow, Christmas music, Subway, Michael Buble time, finished my homework, got a ride to campus (and a ride home), worked on an article, drank hot cocoa (maybe twice), ate Subway (the rest of my footlong), talked to best friends multiple times, felt cute (even when I didn't do my hair), caught some Gilmore Girls, AND volunteered at the library with a great guy (photo below)! Every week they have this thing where volunteers from the service club read to kids, and so we went this week. We helped frost cookies and I just remembered how much I love little kids! They are so sweet. And they were all in their cute Halloween costumes! I can't wait to help out again next week. So anyway, now it's off to...well, I don't know. I'm done with homework :) But, I do have 3 articles due on Thursday! So, I better get those started. Looks like I'll be doing some of that, drinking some of my Cherry Coke Zero (YUM) and then another walk with Sam tonight.

until next time (ps. sorry for all the updates!)

{cp}

the deliciousness of PUMPKIN PIE CAKE.

I made pumpkin pie cake yesterday, and I was thinking of how a whole cake could last without going bad (and without me eating all of it). Well, I went to a fireside and afterwards, my cake was cooled to perfection. Actually, I stuck it in the freezer for some more quick cooling. Then, Sam and I dined in its perfection. It was SO good. I was pretty proud of myself because I'd never made it before, but it was really easy. And awesome. Two boys came over and both raved on how they liked it. I've now eaten 4 pieces of it in the last two days, but there's only two pieces left! I guess I didn't have to worry about it sitting around in the fridge! Here's the recipe!

PUMPKIN PIE CAKE
1 yellow cake mix (minus 1 cup)
1 egg
1/2 cup melted margarine
2 tbsp flour

Filling
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
1 2/3 cups evaporated milk (should be 1 can)
Mix all together and pour over crust.

Topping
1 cup cake mix
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp margarine
Combine and sprinkle over topping

Combine cake mix, egg, butter, flour. grease bottom of 13x 9 pan Press batter in bottom of pan.
Pour filling over crust. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over filling. Bake at 350 about 45-50 min.

You can top with cool whip, but I like mine plain.



PS. Growing up, we never had pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, just this :) I love it!!

a mentalist + true t-bird

Well, I am pretty tired right now, and I need to get some studying done (a necessary Saturday night evil) for my geology test next week, but here is a quick update....even though I updated yesterday.

It's homecoming week here at school, but here you don't really go in couples to the dance. In fact, I'm not even going to the dance. But, I did participate in one of the events for the week. Craig Karges, a mentalist, came to do a show. See an example of what it was like here. I also took some videos which I will try and upload soon. It was truly mindboggling. He did a portion where he really did read audience members' thoughts. Because some of them were my own friends, I know it wasn't rigged. I'm not sure how he does it though -- ah! Anyway, it was a great great show! Very fun, and makes your mind crazy. After the show I just researched mentalists online trying to figure out how they work! But, I didn't find too much out. Here is a pic from the show though (with friends Sam and Brooke - a roommate).

Later on it came time for the homecoming "event" -- becoming a true T-bird, or not. I had no plans on going to the event (kissing someone at midnight while touching a statue...no thanks) but then I was assigned to do a story about it for the Journal. So, alas, I went....and dragged some friends along too! Sam, Brooke, and I still got chapstick though even though we didn't become true T-birds ourselves! They were just handing them out (and gum and mints...it was crazy). There was a countdown for about 30 minutes, with "kissing songs" being played by the DJ. I can't forget the DJ saying, "4 minutes until the makeout party begins, ya'll!" Yes, no thanks. It was indeed quite the fest, I must admit. One I'm glad to say I did not participate in. Maybe one day, when I'm dating someone or something, but some random guy? I'd rather not. Although there WERE some pretty cute ones there, but...anyway.

{waiting for the countdown}

anyway, that's all for today.

{C}

{fall in cedar}

Autumn is my favorite season (as mentioned in previous posts). I just love the changing leaves! Anyway, yesterday I finally had a spare minute to get out and take some pics. So, here are {just a few} results. Also, a boy invited me to go into the canyon by this little river, so I have a few shots from that as well. I love this time of year!

{river picture}

{Jake took this one}

{me and jake}

{cool, abandoned truck-- sorta on "no trespassing" grounds..woops}{squinting in the sun}

{local shots}

{on the way to class, while taking pictures}

{a curve on the way home}