gotta keep fighting.

today, i used up the rest of my birthday present from my sister jen and purchased David Archuleta's latest CD, The Other Side of Down. I was a fan of David on American Idol and own his first CD and Christmas album. But this one? It's better. Much better. I love it! If you like David, check it out (or even if you don't...but then you probably won't enjoy it). I've been obsessed with his song "Something 'Bout Love" all semester. But now? Oh man. I'm enamored with his latest songs!

Some of my favorite lyrics from "Other Side of Down":

-In a whirl-wind spinning, somehow it knocked me off my feet

But I know better than to let it get the best of me,
I could give up, I could stay stuck, I could move on
So I put one foot front of the other,
No no no nothing's gonna break my stride,
I keep climbing, gonna keep fighting until I make it to the other side of down.

Watch it below:

holiday picture post

as promised yesterday, here are some favorite holiday photos:

-sledding with niece Lizzie (adorable, right?)-

-catching snowflakes with Lizzie's sister, Millie-

-At FHE with my best friend from high school, Kamilla. One of the best things about the break was catching up with this girl!-

-my siblings, minus one (Jen)-

--my mom in the SUU hoodie I gave her for for part of her Christmas present-

-some of the best people I know: cousins Emily, Hollie, sister Becky and cousin Melissa-
-my niece gave me a camera necklace for Christmas and said, "See, we're best friends?" :) It was the cutest gift!-

There ya have it, a few favorite pics from my holiday break. What were some of your favorite memories this Christmas?

just our hands clasped so tight..

...waiting for the hint of a spark.

One of the lines to a favorite song. Originally by Death Cab for Cutie, but I discovered that awesome cover tonight and wanted to share it. It's lovely.

What has that got to do with anything? Well, nothing really. But, it's 1 a.m.

I am leaving in 3 hours to head back "home" ... at least, my second home. I feel homesick for Cedar when I'm home for the holidays (although I LOVE being with my family and seeing high school best friends) but there is something almost magical about the little place I've come to love in the last year and a half.

School is starting next week. And then, before I know it, I will be done. Done with my second year of college. Off for the summer.

So many exciting adventures could happen in 2011. I just feel it in my bones. It's going to be a great year, no matter what. Who knows what will happen by the time Dec. 31 2011 rolls around?

Well, I should get some sleep, but it seems I'm somewhat anxious. And lately I've been playing around with the idea of cutting my hair like this:

What do you think?

-sorry the image is so large-

Alright, time to wrap this post up (if you're still reading!). Tomorrow, I promise an exciting post which may include: favorite pics from the holiday break, 2011 Resolutions, and Top 10 reasons why a guy should love me (just kidding on the last one).

PS. My sister, Jen is doing a giveaway on her blog! Head on over (she is witty, crafty, and has an amazing taste in music. Seriously), check out her page, and enter the giveaway! Even if it takes away my odds of winning...you'll enjoy her posts. Promise!

Goodnight blog world. Thanks for reading.

2010: part 2.

Ready to read more about this past year? I stole these year-in-review questions from my amazing sister.

What song will always remind you of 2010?
"Somethin' Bout Love" by David Archuleta. And probably "Hey Soul Sister" by Train.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
More crafts! My sister, mom, and I have been making rag quilts all Christmas break and it has been so fun! I'm grateful my mom has helped us sew them! :)

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worry! I'm an avid worrier. Resolution 2011! Should've followed this declaration more.

How did you spend the holidays?
With my family!

Did you fall in love in 2010?
Nope, I didn't. But I fell in like. A few times. See here, here, and here.

What was your favorite TV program?
No new favorites. Still love Gilmore Girls and Reba!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No, I don't hate people. Simple as that. Some friendships aren't as strong, but I don't feel hate for any of them.

What was the best book you read?
Shoot. Haven't done a lot of that in 2010 (sadly). So, I guess the best re-read was The Book of Mormon.

What was your favorite film of this year?
Letters to Juliet was cute, also Leap Year! Loved seeing Leap Year with Kelly and my mom a second time.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Be creative. Don't follow all the rules. Have your own style :)

Whom did you miss?
My sisters (and best friends) Jen and Becky(who moved to DC in August). I also missed my family while at school and my friends on missions, who sent letters thankfully!

Who was the best new person you met?
That's a toss up between the RS presidency I work with and my new roommate, who moved in to our home in November (and went to Vegas with me...on a whim!).

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
You can only grow and learn when you're willing to take risks ... when you're willing to fall, jump, and get back up when things don't work out the way you planned.

HAPPY NEW YEAR. Thanks for reading (if you made it this far).

2010: part 1.

I've never done a year-in-review post. Now is the time! Here goes:

What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
-Drove across the country in a jeep wrangler with my bestie.

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think I've looked at these since I blogged about them. I think the one I have completed closest to my resolution was baptisms once a month.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but lots celebrated one-year birthdays and many more are pregnant, due in 2011.

What countries did you visit?
I was supposed to visit Mexico, but the service trip got cancelled due to dangerous circumstances.

What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
my first love? That seems like a fun idea.

What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 23. I got my scooter two weeks before and I got hit by a car and my Lucy Jack was totaled. Still makes me sad! :( But it was the same night as a great date.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Balancing working at the newspaper as a copy editor, being a presidential ambassador, having a calling in the relief society presidency, and maintaining my grades (a 3.9 for this semester).

What was your biggest failure?
Not exercising more.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just back injury from my wreck! Oh, and a scar on each arm (one from repelling, one from the wreck).

What was the best thing you bought?
A plane ticket to NC to begin my summer adventure (tied with my scooter, of course!).

Where did most of your money go?
Clothes and iTunes. Possibly shoes too.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My summer romance.