Stacy Jo

Interlude

2012-01-26T11:25:00.002-07:00

Interlude on Christina Perri's Lovestrong album.

THE PLAN.

The plan is to have a plan by February 14.

Yep. That's the plan..

Peponi

2012-01-19T23:21:00.004-07:00

Peponi by Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson featuring Alex Boye

Peponi- a Swahili word for paradise.

Don't lie down when you can sit. Don't sit when you can stand. Don't stand when you can be moving. Don't be moving when you can be Dancing.

Someone Like You

2011-12-05T11:57:00.002-07:00

Someone Like You by Adele

^How true this song is.^

I freaking love this song. And I Love the music video. That dancer! I just love Adele.

Thankful

2011-11-24T11:40:00.001-07:00

Thankful by Josh Groban

Have a great day, everybody.

Eye of the Tiger

2011-11-22T14:32:00.005-07:00

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
(If you're a fan of the show Supernatural-you may have already seen this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTsxF47wx5M )

I can no longer say that I have never competed in dance.
The US Western Region Oireachtas was this past weekend. It was pretty overwhelming for someone who has never done any sort of competition before. I'm glad I went-but I'm still on the fence about if I'd ever do it again. It kind of re-established to me that I'm not much of a competitive person.
Preparing for it was great, I love feeling like I'm apart of a team and we're all working for something. The actual dancing for the competition part is fun-because, hello, you're dancing. (AND! I didn't get my nervous nausea!) After that it's wait, wait, wait for the recall list to come up. (If you recall it means you placed but you won't find out where you placed until the awards ceremony that night.)
So we danced (repeating: Smile, arms, cross over. Smile, arms, cross over. in my head to remember to do so while dancing). We felt we did well, and our teachers were pleased with how we danced. They were sure we had placed in the top 3. The elephant that was compressing my chest turned into a balloon as soon as my feet started moving on the stage.
A few hours after we competed we found out we had recalled. So then we waited and waited for the awards ceremony. We found out we placed 5th. Went up on stage, got our medals, and our picture taken. We were disappointed we didn't do better. But our teachers were proud of how hard we had worked, and how well we did that day. And hey, we were the only team from our school to recall and place. (And I got a medal at my first competition.) There's always room for growth, which is good.
Friday, Aly, Emma, Sarah and myself spent the day at California Adventure and Disneyland. Saturday was the day we competed. Sunday we spent at the Oireachtas to watch our champ dancers compete. Monday morning, early, Aly and I flew home.
As for the competing thing...like I said, I'm still on the fence about. The energy and atmosphere of the event is filled with anxiety and tension. Dancer's at this level are all great-and discerning who's better is insane because everyone was so talented. I don't know how the judges do it.
I personally dance because I love it. I don't care what judges say. I don't see the draw to dancing for 3-5 judges who sit and look for reasons to dock you down. I'd rather stick to performances. I know some people love competing-and that's awesome for them. At this point for me, though, I just don't see it. I don't thrive on the competitive atmosphere. I am more of a team dancer anyway. I like working with a team or being in a company/ensemble to create something people will enjoy watching. Team figures I could see myself doing again, but I don't think I'll be solo competing anytime soon. I'm grateful for the chance that I had to go, be on a team, work hard for something, try something new, and learn a lot about an area of Irish dance that-to me-had been previously unexplored.
I'll post pictures when I get them.

Jar of Hearts

2011-11-07T16:00:00.003-07:00

Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri

Dear Monday,
Thanks for having the word "mon" in you. That's French for "mine", in case you weren't aware, Monday, but it makes me think of you as "my day", and frankly that sounds like a much more promising start to the week.

Another Monday. A snowy Monday, no less. I'm telling you, the universe knows when I need things like this. To either help me feel better from a sad/mad day, or to enrich the good days. The flakes today are slow falling, fluffy, snow-globey. I love it. Now I know not everybody loves snow--but I'm probably happy enough to cover for those who aren't so thrilled. No worries. I've gotcha covered.
Happy Monday.

P.S. Scary thought: Oireachtas is NEXT Weekend!

And Winter Came

2011-11-05T14:19:00.005-06:00

And Winter Came by Enya

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have flakes. Flakes have been sighted. Flakage, if you will, has begun. It's the first snowfall of the season. It's very lucky. Make a wish.
It finally happened. It snowed!
The world changes when it snows. It's quiet. Everything softens. Everything's magical when it snows, everything looks pretty. The clothes are great. Coats, scarves, gloves, hats.
It's sparkly, blanketing everything in a peaceful, white coat. You get to curl up under a blanket, watch a movie with some hot chocolate (cocoa-lattes!!). When it's summer you get so hot and you can only take so much off and then you're still too warm! In the winter-you can pile on as many layers, blankets, and sip tasty warm drinks as you like! Snow. Pictures in snow! There's just a beautifully cozy feeling about when it gets cold and snowy.
Luckily I made it home from dance rehearsal just before the roads started to get covered. Not even kidding. I was home two minutes when the roads started going white. Oireachtas is two weeks away. Holy crazy! The stress is going away and I'm starting to get excited.
Now, if you'll excuse me, there's cozy warm clothes and a cocoa-latte waiting for me.

The Inferno

2011-10-31T12:00:00.002-06:00

The Inferno from The Divine Comedy

"And when, with gladness in his face, he placed his hand upon my own, to comfort me, he drew me in among the hidden things. Here sighs and lamentations and loud cries were echoing across the starless air, so that, as soon as I set out, I wept. Strange utterances, horrible pronouncements, accents of anger, words of suffering, and voices shrill and faint, and beating hands-all went to make tumult that will whirl forever through that turbid, timeless air, like sand that eddies when a whirlwind swirls." [Dante, as he enters the Gates of Hell. Canto III, Inferno]

Happy Halloween to all. I remember when my band played this song for one of our fall concerts. It was crazy to learn, but amazing when we pulled it off. Listen to this song, I get lost in the eerie beginning and haunting melodies that this composer was inspired to create. Sometimes I really miss band.
When you're feeling down, try what I did yesterday: Drink some root beer, watch Anne of Green Gables, and take a nap. No day is so bad that it can't be made at least a little better by a nap.
Now today, to help me hopefully continue to feel better-I will do some yoga. Run. Dance. ahh yes, endorphins. And then another Halloween party.

Open Your Eyes

2011-10-23T22:44:00.002-06:00

Open Your Eyes by Snow Patrol

Um..Where did October go? It was pointed out to me today that this will be the last full week of October this year. This makes me sad. But, that means we're getting closer to winter. And that news thrills me.
Now, I know a lot of people do not like winter and are not looking forward to it. You can go ahead and blame me when it snows. I have people who already do. I'm fine with it. I'll save my reasons for why I love snow when it actually snows so stay tuned. In the meantime-watch this:

Mmm..pretty.
P.S. there's nothing funny about hitting your funny bone.

Dreams

2011-10-16T00:12:00.007-06:00

Dreams by The Cranberries

Had a new experience this week. A new sensation, perhaps. It starts with an A and rhymes with schmallergies. I guess I should consider myself lucky that I've managed 22.5 years without exposure to this inconvenient human experience. I also thought that since I made it 22.5 years, that I had missed out on the "allergy gene". Nevertheless; I am not a fan. To those of you who have been unfortunate enough to have been learning to cope with this biological phenomenon, I am sorry for your suffering.

<< That thing might have been helpful-except it wouldn't have been, really. Plus it would have looked a tad silly.
I cannot tell you how many times at work I have said, "I'm not sick, I promise, it's just allergies." Actually- I can. During every session. I felt I should preface my unpredictable sniffling and congested sounding voice before anyone got worried about contracting some sort of illness. But learned that my clients didn't care. And even sympathized with me. "Oh, don't worry about it. It's completely fine. I understand." And commenced to turn into lethargic putty as I massaged away.
In any event, when I get to create my own world-allergies will now add the list of things that will not be invited. Along with thunder+lightning and mosquitoes. (Speaking of the nasty, relentless, little blood suckers; I got a mosquito bite on my leg while I was practicing dance in my garage today. Boo.)

To you reading this, I have a question. Do you believe our dreams have meanings? Or are they just our brains way of keeping us entertained while we sleep? Because while I am subconsciously entertained by saxophones and giant tubas in one dream, I can't help but draw similarities to real life in hiding in a bathroom stall waiting for someone to find me, and being found by said person in another. So, is this whole dream thing just stuff and nonsense, or is there really some almost vision-like parallel?

Please, feel free to discuss..

Falling Slowly

2011-10-02T17:00:00.005-06:00

Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová

A new adventure will be coming to me next month. I will be doing my first Irish Dance Competition. On November 19, I will compete with a team (thank goodness!) at the Western US Oireachtas in Anaheim California. A regional competition. So not only will it be my first competition-it will be a regional competition. Not a local feis. This both excites and terrifies me. I just wish to do well for my team, and myself. This will give me a taste of the competition world, and see what it's all about. Yes, I have been dancing for a while now-but competing is something completely new. I'm just glad it's with a team, we'll give that a try. I'm not sure about solo competing yet.
Other than dancing (and work), life has been filled with bowling, laughing until I cried, baking a TARDIS cake, turning Voodoo into Tinkerbell into super birds, Holy cows into people worshiping dogs. Eye shadow into a magic carpet, and secret admirers into stalkers (only a few people will understand that last bit).
It's starting to turn into Autumn. Which is wonderful. And Winter will follow closely, which makes me even more excited.
I forgot how cathartic painting was (Not quite as good as the feeling of flying Irish Dance gives, but can hold its own ground), must paint more often. I even have my idea for my next piece.
I really really want to go play with my camera.
And horseback riding.
:)
This weekend (and last weekend, too, for that matter) can be summed up in one word. Great. Hanging out with friends, painting, personal growth, lots of dancing (return of the evil dance blisters), being blessed to watch General Conference. Life is good.

Rolling in the Deep

2011-09-18T22:52:00.002-06:00

Rolling in the Deep by Adele

(P.S. Adele is fantastic to work out to.)
I did a stint of 6 weeks eating no sugar. Mostly to see if I could do it. And I did. I felt so much better not ingesting processed sugar. Natural sugars from fruits and honey I would still eat, but no sweets. No candy, ice cream and (sigh) root beer. Now that I know I can get along with out added sugars I've decided to carry it on-yet indulge once in a while.
My sister is expecting baby # 2 in April! Exciting, yes. Though I'm not sure how she's going to manage with Muppet and now a Muppet Jr. (Poppet).
I switched dance studios and am now back at my original school, The Crawford School of Irish Dance. It was not an easy decision to leave LaRae's. I am incredibly grateful for all she's done for me and know that she's impacted my life in a greater sense than anyone possibly knows. But I feel that at this time, this is the best decision for me. I want to explore as much of the Irish dance world as I possibly can-and part of that is competing. Now while I am not a competitive person, I think starting with some figures/team dances may be a good way to explore this area and see what it's all about. Crawford recently got two new instructors, Alan Scariff & Kieran Hardiman. Both former World Champions and also former Riverdancers. Incredible dancers and teachers. I got dance blisters for the first time in years this week in class. Right on the ball of the foot. Painful yet awesome.
Speaking of Irish Dance, my friend Aly (fellow Crawford Irish dancer) posted this article on her Facebook, about the toll Irish dance has on the body (Click HERE and read). It's incredible. I had no idea all these years I was a paratrooper, and was subject to 4.5 G forces! But does that scare me? Nope. :) Haha. If anything-it definitely makes me more proud of what I do.
Fall is fast approaching, which mean...Winter is closer. Which makes me happy. We got some rain the last few weeks, the air is cooling down. This is great.

The Wandering Kind

2011-08-22T18:32:00.021-06:00

The Wandering Kind by Josh Groban (The little prelude song on his Illuminations album)

Today my friend Sheree and I went on a hike up Alta Basin area, on Catherine Pass. It was beautiful. Here's pictures.

Bullet From A Gun

2011-08-02T15:44:00.002-06:00

Bullet From A Gun by The Script

I know, I've been horrible at updating this. Mostly cause there's not much to update lately. And the people that read this, I'm guessing I talk to them a lot in "real life" that they don't have to keep updated on my life through the internet. But for any of you who follow this and I don't talk to often, I apologize.
My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew came to visit the week before the 24th. It was so great to see them again!! I haven't seen them since Christmas, and my brother got time off approved so they were able to come down from Washington. I greatly enjoyed seeing them and hanging out with them.
One of the main things lately has been my ankle. About a month ago I was going down the stairs and my right ankle popped quite loud. Ever since then if it gets at too much of a dorsal or plantar flex, there's a good amount of pain that goes on there. So, before I continue dancing, I wanted to get it checked out by a doctor. I went to Advanced foot and Ankle, and Dr. S said that he thinks it's either the fluid capsule in my ankle is inflamed and pinched, or my extensor digiti minimi tendon (Which is what I thought it was before I went) is inflamed and strained. So he gave me a brace (which is similar to the one I'd been wearing since the incident) and heavy duty anti-inflammatories and a follow up appointment in 3 weeks. So far I can't tell much of a difference, but I did a little testing on my ankle today dancing and it seemed to hold up better than I was afraid it would. So keep your fingers crossed! Dr. Said as far as dance goes-as long as my foot/ankle will allow me to, I can do pretty much whatever I want. The strength in it seems fine, he's not worried about me rolling and spraining it. Just to know my limits and not overdo it.
I'll leave you with these thoughts: Pro/Con lists are only helpful if they aren't equal in numbers. If they are-prioritize which ones are more important. And: If you want something bad enough, you'll do everything you can to make it happen.

Time

2011-06-27T17:03:00.006-06:00

Time by Chantal Kreviazuk

Crazy last few weeks. We had some scare with my kitty kitty, Tiger. He's a rather old cat (17 years, basically he's an 83 year old man) and had some strange behavior occasionally. So we took him for a geriatric feline checkup. He had some pretty bad mouth problems, a thyroid that was like it was on speed, and a slightly overactive liver. So we took him home with some medicines to help get thyroid and liver down so he could have mouth surgery. But he stopped eating and drinking and started throwing up a lot. 5 days later the poor cat was basically just a bag of bones, and was pooping blood. Terrified that this might be the end, my parents took him to the vet once more. The vet seemed optimistic, and wanted to keep him for a few days to see if he could make a comeback. He was severely dehydrated and had lost a little over a pound in 6 days. (He only weighed 6.12 to begin with) So they kept him, and I visited every day (except the first day he was there, that was too much of an emotional day for me). The day after he was admitted he seemed like a whole new cat, purring instantly when I picked him up and rubbing his head on me. He even started eating on his own again while I was there. Day 2, more improvement. All his levels were back down into the normal range. Day 3 in the animal clinic he was even eating hard food-which he hasn't done in over 6 months. He's insisted on canned soft food. Because he was doing so well, Dr. Ben and Dr. Joe thought he could undergo his mouth surgery and we could take him home shortly after that. They let him gain strength and fill up day 3 and morning of day 4 he had his mouth surgery. And handled it beautifully. I visited, like always, before I went to work. He was a little drunk on kitty morphene but seemed great. Afternoon of day 5 (Friday) they let us bring him home. As soon as I carried him out of the clinic he wrapped his paws around my neck and tucked his head under my chin. Super happy to be going home. Friday night, he started out curled up by my legs like usual but then, he climbed onto my stomach and fell asleep ON me. Which he hasn't done before. He's really glad to be home, and I'm really glad to have him home. He's my shadow/my life companion (I've had him since I was 5)/my child/my sibling. Every close relationship you can imagine. One of my favorite things is when he climbs up on me, lays down, purrs loudly, and head-butts my chin. It's his form of snuggling. This picture was yesterday:
And this picture was this morning:
He's still eating and drinking all on his own, and doing great. And I couldn't be more happy he's still with me.

Mr. Dublin Taxi man shared this: "The Mad cabby in Dc had a good customer who worked in the finance sector. One day he saw her driving a cab in Washington. So he paid her back for all the good tips he got from her as a passenger and coached her in the art of taxi driving. I often wonder how people would cope if positions are ever reversed." I share that because of a-the kindness of the Mad Cabby, and 2- the last sentence. How would you do if you were in the position of someone else. IE your waitress, cab driver, massage therapist, etc. Makes you maybe appreciate their services a little more?

Set In Stone

2011-05-29T19:40:00.010-06:00

Set In Stone by Brian McFadden

It's been quite a while. I don't have much of a reason. I was either really busy or nothing was happening. Let me tell you about the first two days in April and how they were basically the happiest weekend of my life. April first, we had two main Riverdance dancers come up to our studio and do a workshop with us. Caterina Coyne and Maeve Croke. A number of local newspapers covered it, there were reporters and photographers in the corner of our studio. It was so incredible. I have never been so exhausted and exhilarated. Pushing the gas pedal driving home from the studio hurt my calves. They helped with some technique pointers, and taught us some drills and choreography from the show. It made me want to be like them. I know my chances of that are, well, non existent. But even a local thing like that would be cool.
The next night, Mindy (a good friend from dance) and I went to Riverdance at Kingsbury Hall. From the beginning dance, Reel Around the Sun, I was enthralled by Irish Dance all over again. By the end I had cheered so much through it I lost my voice a little. Who looses their voice at Riverdance?!?!? Oh yea...I do. heh.
Here's some pictures from the workshop.
In this first picture-my legs are on the right. In the black shorts.

Then a few weeks later, my "best-good" friend, Jacki came home from her mission. I went up to Logan the week after she got home to see her. As well as Tim. It was nice to be around Jacki again. And to have the three of us (Jacki, Tim and I) together again was a bit strange cause we've all changed in the past three years. But it was still as comfortable and easy as it has always been.
This week, my niece and sister were here for a visit. Jason was on a business trip in California-so instead of staying home alone, Nicole brought my Muppet for a visit. It was really fun having the two of them here. My niece is now a year and a half old. And she loves me. She's not talking "real" words much-she uses a lot of sign language she's learned. I swear she said "Hi Stacy" when she would see me. I'm pretty sure my cat got jealous of me spending my time with "the tiny human". If you've ever read Pet Diaries I could imagine my cat's inner dialogue every time he would see Syd. "Dang. The tiny human is still here." She loves Tiger. I think she talked to him more than any of us.
I had quite a bit of dancing the past few weeks. We had our studios spring recital, and then, One of my dreams came true. I got paid to Irish Dance. That's right. I had my first paying dance gig this week. There's a local famous Celtic band called Idlewild (I'm not sure how big they are outside of Utah), they had a thing Wednesday morning and wanted two dancers to come and do dances to their songs. So my teacher picked me and one other girl to go. I was so nervous! I normally don't get that nervous before a performance. I'm fine up until about 3 minutes before I go onstage, then I get nervous and forget all my dances. But as soon as I'm on stage and going I'm fine and everything goes great. This particular performance, however, I was nervous about two hours after I got the phone call up until I was done with the performance! I had a few rehearsals at the studio, and practice on my own. I had this "Dancer's Prayer" going through my head the morning of the gig:
Dear angel, Ever at my side,
Be there today, my feet to guide.
Help me dance high, and light, and free,
So everyone will be proud of me.
Every dance I'll remember with pride.
And angel, please keep my shoelaces tied.
The gig went well. The crowd and the band loved it. One of the band members said we made the show. It was pretty cool. I'd have done the gig even if I didn't get paid-but the fact that I just got paid to do dance is pretty great.

Here are a few videos for your enjoyment. The first one was shared by my friend Marné It's so incredible.

This one I stumbled upon after watching the first one.

Painting Flowers (day 30)

2011-03-30T14:26:00.004-06:00

Painting Flowers by All Time Low

day 30- your favorite song
This is the most unfair one of the whole challenge. For me to pick ONE favorite song is just cruel and basically impossible. My favorite song changes all the time. It depends on the day, it depends on my mood, what music genre/artist kick I am on currently, etc etc. At this very exact moment, the title of this blog post I would say is A current favorite. It's from the Almost Alice CD, the soundtrack to the new Alice in Wonderland. And, in 5 minutes my favorite song could very well be something else.

Painting Flowers:
Strange maze, what is this place?
I hear voices over my shoulder,
Nothing's making sense at all.
Wonder, why do we race?
When everyday we're runnin' in circles,
Such a funny way to fall.
Tried to open up my eyes,
I'm hopin' for a chance to make it alright.

When I wake up,
The dream isn't done.
I wanna see your face,
And know I made it home.
If nothing is true,
What more can I do?
I am still painting flowers for you.

Show my cards,
Gave you my heart,
Wish we could start all over.
Nothing's makin' sense at all.
Tried to open up my eyes,
I'm hopin' for a chance to make it alright.

When I wake up,
The dream isn't done.
I wanna see your face,
And know I made it home.
If nothing is true,
What more can I do?
I am still painting flowers for you,
I am still painting flowers for you.

I heard everything you said,
I don't wanna lose my head,

When I wake up,
The dream isn't done.
I wanna see your face,
And know I made it home.
If nothing is true,
What more can I do?
I am still painting flowers for you,
I am still painting flowers for you.

Home and the Heartland (29)

2011-03-29T12:53:00.002-06:00

Home and the Heartland from Riverdance

day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
I learned that my brain is getting really good at freestyle Irish dancing. I've been playing around with choreography and am coming up with some pretty fun awesome stuff. It makes me excited. :)
Friday is my Riverdance workshop with two of the leads from the touring troupe that's stopping in Salt Lake this weekend. I cannot wait it's so exciting.
One month from yesterday, my best-good friend, Jacki comes home from her mission. Also so exciting I cannot wait.
April is going to be an incredible month.

Silverwells (Day 28)

2011-03-28T23:53:00.004-06:00

Silverwells by Natalie MacMaster

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
This was at my cousin Shane's wedding last year.

The only pictures I have of me this year so far really are dance pictures, so here's another picture from a dance performance.

So, how have I changed in the last year? I think I've pretty much stayed the same, just probably have a better perspective on some things. And I'm looking more to things to come rather than what I'm doing right now. Though what I'm doing right now will help me achieve goals that I have and whatnot.

Closer (24,25,26,27)

2011-03-27T22:41:00.003-06:00

Closer by Joshua Radin

day 24- your last five facebook status'
*Thanks everyone who messaged, called and visited happy birthdays yesterday! I love you all. It meant a lot, you guys are the best. :)
*First me Gallbladder all weekend, now at the ER with the papa.
*Crazy weekend. Gallbladder attack, homecoming, viewing, continued gallbladder sickness..aye. I'm tired of hurting and feeling like tar.
*A Shine For Rainbows-great movie. Basically cried through the whole thing, hit a sob point in the middle. Kept crying after it was over. Highly recommend it-but keep something handy to wipe your tears.
*Of all the days for an Irish Dancer to have to go to work-today should not one of them...well hopefully my clients won't mind if I bust out in a jig or reel in the middle of the massage. ;)
day 25- what I would find in your bag
Which one? I have my dance bag and my purse. My dance bag has soft and hard shoes, black tape, ankle support, toe cushions, tennis ball, notes. My purse has hand sanitizer, lotion, chapstick/lip gloss, mints/gum, nail clippers, sharpie marker, pens, wallet, day planner, small notebook, glasses, grapefruit essential oil, camera.
day 26- what do you think about your friends
I could write novels on my friends. Bottom line is they are some of the best people I know. They are incredibly magnificent people and I don't know what I would do without them. Some I've known for years, some I've lost touch with and reconnected, some are related to me, some are pretty new, but I am grateful for each and everyone of them being in my life.
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Cause it seemed like fun. :)

Finn MacCool's Reel (Day 23)

2011-03-23T14:41:00.002-06:00

Finn MacCool's Reel by Pat Kirtley

day 23- something you crave for a lot
Um...That's a good question. I don't really have cravings-food or otherwise. Besides dancing, that is. haha. Travel is one I guess-I love traveling to places and don't get to do that near as much as I would like.

Just The Way You Are (Day 22)

2011-03-22T22:33:00.002-06:00

Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
How funny that this question comes on my birthday. I am different from everyone else because I am ME. haha. No one else can be who I am, we are all individual in our own wonderfully unique ways. We are each given talents and gifts that fit us better than we may realize, and we may have more than we think we do.
If you read day one of this 30 day challenge, you'll read "interesting" facts about me. Also to go along with those- I think the green NyQuil tastes like liquid candy. I don't know why; it just does. I absolutely love the snow. And the Universe knows when to send it to me. Saturday when I was having gallbladder pains and problems I got huge white gorgeous cotton ball fluffy snow fall. This morning when I woke up it was all snowy for my birthday. I hate thunderstorms. It can rain all it wants because I love the rain but as soon as thunder comes into play the fun stops.
No one else has been through the trials I have been through-and they've made me who I am. People can't say "I know exactly how you feel", because no one does. Nobody has gone through your Exact situations, there's always something different in people's stories that have been through possibly similar experiences-but no one has been through our exact same stuff. So each of these things: trials, talents, gifts, quirks, etc. make us who we are as our incredibly individual selves.
Happy Birthday to me on my Golden birthday. 22 on the 22nd. Thanks to everyone who messaged, called and visited to help make this day special for me. It started with snow, and it ended with dance class. In my opinion- there's no better way to book-end a day.

Star Mile (Days 19,20,21)

2011-03-21T16:11:00.007-06:00

Star Mile by Joshua Radin

Catching up again-I had a gallbladder attack this weekend so I'm a few days behind.
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
Most nicknames are just playoffs of my name. My mom calls me JoJo. Sometimes my sister will call me Josephine. Apparently my niece will be calling me Auntie Tacy when she gets talking. I have also been called: Stacky, Shawty, Miss Stacy, Principessa, to name a few.
day 20- someone you love
I love a lot of people for many different reasons. It's cruel to have me pick someONE. So we'll just go with one group of people: my family. Parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncle, grandparents, niece and nephew.
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
This combines a few things. Dance. Photography. Music. All make me deliriously happy. This picture was taken by my dad, edited by me. It won in a photo contest, also.

This = Love (Day 18)

2011-03-18T20:04:00.003-06:00

This = Love by The Script
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

Basically keep going on the road I am on now. Continue in my career, doing what I love and am blessed to love what I do.
I hope to travel more, to places I've never been-and also places I've visited.
Continue to progress with dance, our dances are so much fun and I love the hard work it takes to do what I do. And I hope to continue to develop the talents that I have been given and never lose them.
Keep taking things in stride, and I greatly look forward to what life has in store for me in years to come. Cause it's going to be an adventure-I can tell you that.

Little Life (Day 17)

2011-03-17T22:55:00.004-06:00

Little Life by Rachael Yamagata

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Anyone currently touring with Riverdance. I would Love to experience the grueling schedule, completely exhausted and aching legs & feet. I've had some pretty crazy Irish Dance days-but I would love to experience what it's like to be a Riverdancer. I can only imagine what caliber of stress, pain, exhaustion those athletes go through. Call me crazy-but it's kind of a dream of mine. haha. I would love to be a part of a show like that.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

So She Dances (Day 16)

2011-03-16T11:40:00.005-06:00

So She Dances by Josh Groban
day 16- another picture of yourself

This was Saturday night's Celtic Celebration show. Our final bows, I am on the end.

Also from Celtic Celebration, this was the dance we did with the band- Stone Circle- Gravelwalk.

The Dynamo of Volition (Day 15)

2011-03-15T15:54:00.002-06:00

The Dynamo of Volition- Jason Mraz

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
The Dynamo of Volition- Jason Mraz
Oceano- Josh Groban
Just My Imagination- Pete Yorn
They Do, They Don't- Jack Johnson
Tear Da Roof Off- Busta Rhymes
Learn To Do It- Anastasia Soundtrack
Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer- Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack
Take A Chance- Landon Pigg
Brokenpromiseland- Bon Jovi
Stuck in the Middle- Mika

We Are Family (Day 14)

2011-03-14T17:49:00.003-06:00

We Are Family by Sister Sledge

Day 14- A picture with your family

This was taken this last Christmas. The first time in three years my immediate family was together. It was great.

Everything'll Be Alright (Day 13)

2011-03-14T00:05:00.004-06:00

Everything'll Be Alright by Joshua Radin

day 13- a letter to someone

Dear Everybody.
While I've got you here I just have a few points I'd like to suggest. Just something I've been thinking about and have thought maybe we need a little reminder to us all in general. Be kind to one another. Be respectful. Be friendly. Smile. Don't judge. Give as many hugs as you can, and when you appreciate/care about/love/respect/etc. someone-tell them. It's always a good thing to hear. Be grateful for the daily blessings and gifts that we have; there is always something to be thankful for. Help your neighbors. Be there for each other through all things. We're all on this earth together-and so we might as well make it a wonderful place to be. I'll bet if we focused more on the positive things in life and ways we are blessed, perspectives would be a little brighter. Just a thought, do with it what you will and hopefully put into action for the greater well being of all of us.
Love,
Me
P.S. I love you.

Gravelwalk (Day 12)

2011-03-13T00:31:00.006-07:00

Gravelwalk by Stone Circle

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
(It still counts as day 12 because I haven't been to bed yet-even though technically it's day 13...which I'll do later.)
Um. I don't remember how I found out about it. I have one so that my family that don't live close by (i.E. my siblings) can still keep up to date on what I'm doing (even though we still talk on the phone, And friends and whoever else wants to read about my sometimes exciting adventures.

Tonight Celtic Celebration was pretty good. The two pre-performance things that usually without fail did in deed happen to me. 1- Nervous pee. Right before the show-even if I just went to the loo, I feel like I have to go again. While I may not be nervous, my bladder thinks I am. and 2- I forget the steps. It's all muscle memory, baby. Before the show I forget how all the dances go. It's terrible and freaks me out way more than my nervous bladder. Do either/both of these things happen to anyone else?
I had lots of fun dancing at Peery's Egyptian Theater. I am proud of that performance and I'm glad I got video of it, too. :) Those of you who didn't go-surely missed out. Though I'm a little disappointed I did not see the ghosties that reside in the Theater. But it was a great night anyways and I'm sure they enjoyed the show.

For anyone who is wondering-my health is continuing to get better. If anyone has/gets a sore throat try 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne pepper in 1 cup orange juice, heat it up, and drink it. It may sound gross-but trust me it's not. And it Works! If I'd known how great that works I would not have waited almost 4 days before I got desperate enough to try it. You can't even taste the pepper, so don't let that throw you off. My throat feels SO much better today I can talk, drink and swallow without wanting to cry.

Higher Window (Day 11)

2011-03-11T22:35:00.007-07:00

Higher Window by Josh Groban

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

Emma, Aly, Sarah, me and Kiramey. My old dance friends from my old dance school. I loved dancing with these girls and miss them a lot. But my new dance school is better suited to what I want from dance. We had a ton of fun and lots of parties and after dance trips to Dee's. Even though I was the youngest by like 5 years, our ages never seemed to matter-or even noticed for that matter. We just meshed and got along really well. This picture was taken on one of our dinners at MacCool's Pub.

This is me with Mindy. She's my new dance friend. She's pretty cool, we get along well. We're going to Riverdance together on April 2nd.

A Group from high school-at Darin's farewell. I'm not going to name them all. But this was kind of my central group of friends in high school-plus or minus a few people. We had a lot of good times.
ONE MORE

Elise, Myself, and Colton. We're a pretty great trio. Colton and I met in 9th grade when our jr. high's came together for one Valentine's dance. We had a friend in common and she introduced us and we danced together. Colton also took me to Sr. Ball. He's basically awesome. Elise and I met my senior year of high school through Joe. He and I were hanging out one day and she showed up, too. Joe had to go somewhere and while he was gone I saw that her key lanyard said "IRELAND" and I said we should be friends. She agreed. And that was that. Seriously-that's how we became friends. And pretty great friends right from that moment on. We immediately started laughing and whatnot and when Joe came back I think he may have been a little startled/confused at what he missed because we were acting like we'd known each other for years before then. It's a great story. She was and is one of my top confidants. We have many great conversations- either about serious matters or our never ending Gilmore Girls quotes. :)

Mother Nature (Day 10)

2011-03-10T13:05:00.004-07:00

Mother Nature by Natalie MacMaster

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
Music posts for me could go on for a long time..but I'll try not to get too carried away. This list is in NO way complete and/or solid, it's just to give you an idea of the type of music I listen to depending on what mood I'm in. And even then it's not always right.
Happy songs are: Love Today and Lollipop by Mika, dancey Irish melodies. Step Up 3 Soundtrack, The Script, Flogging Molly!, So She Dances by Josh Groban. . .
Sad songs: slow/ melancholic Irish melodies. losing your memory by Ryan Star, sound of silence by Simon and Garfunkle. Everybody Hurts by REM, Black Roses Red by Alana Grace, Let Me Fall by Josh Groban, Be Your Love by Rachael Yamagata...
Hyper songs: Basically the same as my happy songs. Anything with a good up beat. No specific songs pop into my head here-cause it's basically my happy music. Which is way too many to list..
Mad songs: Lots of bass, loudly. NOT scream-o stuff. "Scream-o" music is NOT music. I don't really care what you say, it's my opinion and I'm going to defend that until I die. A Perfect Circle's pretty good angry music (Lex introduced me to them in like. . .sophomore year? We were driving around in the red truck listening to them.) German rock stuff is good, too. I have no idea what they're saying-but when does that matter as long as the music is good?? Pretty much just loud music. . .no specific songs come to mind.

Sleeping On Top of Things (Days 7,8&9)

2011-03-09T16:45:00.006-07:00

Sleeping On Top Of Things by The Voluntary Butler Scheme

Alright, I missed a few days from being sick. The bright side is my temperature is no longer 103 degrees and I can almost swallow without wanting to cry. I went to the doctor and while the strep throat test came back negative, I'm being treated for it anyway. Plus I have an ear infection. I haven't had an ear infection since I was like 12. I'm feeling better today than I have been so while I'm trying to push the liquids I figured I'd catch up on this 30 day thing. So since I need to catch up there will be days 7, 8 and 9 all on this post.
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Hopefully this one won't require explanation. But basically at the end of the day it all comes down to Him.

day 8- short term goals for this month and why
Um....this month I just am excited for Celtic Celebration on Saturday (for which I WILL be recovered). And my birthday. As far as goals go-just keep taking care of my health.
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
Haha, funny. The past few days I really haven't done anything. I've thought my fever broke twice already-but I think it's finally gone now. So-that's something to be proud of!

Soft Kitty (Day 6)

2011-03-06T19:54:00.003-07:00

Soft Kitty by Sheldon Cooper

Day 6- Favorite superhero and why
Batman. I just like his story best. And I like his movies the best (more specifically Christian Bale). Besides: Dunanananananananananananananana BATMAN!

In case you're wondering why the title of this post is "Soft Kitty"; I woke up this morning feeling sick. Stomachache, sore throat, headache. I've spent most of the day sleeping. And in The Big Bang Theory-when Sheldon is sick, he needs "Soft Kitty".
Anyone want to sing it to me?

Into The West (Day 5)

2011-03-05T22:02:00.008-07:00

Into The West from the Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King Soundtrack

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

Ireland

Washington

Hawaii

I know it said A picture you've been to-but I couldn't pick. So these are my top 3 favorite places I've been to (currently).

Unbreak

2011-03-04T16:11:00.002-07:00

Unbreak by Ryan Star

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
That habit I stole from a nun. (Just kidding. Get it?? Nuns wear habits.)
Sometimes I wish I didn't need noise to fall asleep. That's the only one I can really think of at the moment.

More Than Anyone (Day 3)

2011-03-03T22:38:00.008-07:00

More Than Anyone by Gavin DeGraw

Day 3: A picture of you with friends

Eric, Lex, Morgan, Me, Joseph and Talia hanging out in my basement one night. (The weekend before I went to Ireland)
I have known these amazing people for years. I went to Junior High with Lex and Talia, and Eric married Lex a few years ago, Morgan and Joseph I have known through High School. These friends are super important to me and where there for me faithfully and unfailingly through some of my toughest trials-they never left my side. I would not be the person I am today without these people. I love each of them dearly and feel lucky to call them friends.

Lindsays Rigby and Hanson, Carolyn and I one new years. These girls are incredible friends of mine. Rigby and I are actually related (like 5th cousins, but related nonetheless) and have known each other since Jr. High. Hanson and I bonded at a party sophomore year over me telling her to stick her hand in my gut. :D Carolyn and I became close friends as she was the TA in my band class. Each has strengthened me and shown their undying friendship for which I am incredibly grateful they are in my life.

My Tim and my Jacki. I met both up in Logan. Jacki was my roommate-we bonded over walking through the cemetery at night, and taking random road trips on Saturdays. Many late night deep conversations and midnight root beer runs. She's an outstanding friend and I cannot wait for her to come home from her mission next month. Hugs will not do it-we will most likely nearly tackle each other the first time we see each other again. She and I met Tim one night at an institute party the beginning of the semester. She, James, Tim and I saw each other every day since until Christmas break that year. We bonded over eating ice cream in the closet, hockey games and blanket forts in my living room at 2am. Frosting fights and making scones for general conference.
I have the absolute best friends I could ever ask for. I am grateful for each and every one of them. More friend pictures to come for day 11.

Winter (Day 2)

2011-03-02T12:11:00.004-07:00

Winter by Joshua Radin

Day 2: The meaning behind your blog name.
It took a bit to come up with a title that I liked. I wanted it to (try to) fit a good chunk of who I am. Trying to think of things that fit me, dancing, my Irish heritage, and how there's a lot of layers to who I am. I can talk for a long time and you still may not know anything of significance about me. (Just ask my old roommate, Jacki. You can't cause she's on her mission for another month and a half.) You have to get through the first few layers to get anywhere with me. I've been through a lot in the past that has sort of forced me to do that. There are also a lot of layers/aspects to my life, each one has a big significance to the whole being that I am. I love music, also (as you know). So A Wild Irish Rose Dancing Through Life is what I came up with. My Wild Irish Rose is an old Irish song, Dancing through Life is a song from Wicked, Roses have layers (which was a lot more appealing than my first thought of onions. So it has music, Irish, Dancing, and layers. Pretty heavy for a short title, but I like it.

Straight To You (Day 1)

2011-03-01T10:03:00.007-07:00

Straight To You by Josh Groban

Day #1 A Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

This was last week. I woke up one morning to find my cat laying half on my pillow, half on my shoulder. I had to take a picture because it was cute, and he's my little buddy who is never far from me when I am home. We got him when I was 5, so in cat years he's an old man but he still seems to be pretty healthy which is good, I don't know what I'm going to do when he's gone.
So, I guess we'll try and find 15 "interesting" facts about me. . .
1- I am an Irish dancer. You all know this already, but (aside from my Irish dance friends) how many Irish dancers do you know? It's my go-to when someone asks for an interesting fact about me. And it may not even be that interesting to some people, oh well.
2- I am learning to play the bodhrán. A bodhrán is an Irish drum and it sounds so cool, I am not that good yet. My ultimate goal is to play the bodhrán and dance at the same time. Because how cool would that be?
3- I hate most chocolate flavored things. Chocolate milk, cake, pudding, ice cream, frosting, frosty's from Wendy's, etc. If it's actual chocolate, then it's okay. But for some reason the chocolate flavored things taste gross to me. My sister has "disowned" me many times for this because she LOVES chocolate and doesn't see how I can't love it as well. It's easy-there are much better tasting things out there.
4- I pretty much always have music or something on for noise in the background. Why? Because silence is so dang loud! On the music note- you know my blog titles are songs, but do you know that they usually are either a- the song I am currently listening to or 2- a song that is describing something or someone currently in my life?
5- Root beer is my weakness. If it's been a bad day-you can tell how bad of a day it's been by how much root beer I drink.
6- I may or may not have broken my left foot at my Senior all night party the night I graduated from High School. I say that because I never went to the doctor. Most people thought it was broken, and looking back-I think it may have been. I couldn't walk on it for a while-to turned real gross looking (bruising all over). But we taped it up and I used crutches for a bit. But-I was able to go back to dance faster than I would have if they stuck me in a boot and cast.
7- I do believe in Karma. So ya'all best be watching out.
8- My mom laughs at me (usually) at least once a day. Okay, that may be more about my mom than me, but it's me indirectly. Usually it's about something I say. I can be a very opinionated person, and apparently use humor in expressing some of them.
9- My favorite sandwich is The Junction from MacCool's Pub. Which I've learned has sadly been taken off the menu. This seriously made me way sad. It's so delicious! Why would they take it away?! It's a grilled mozzarella with prosciutto and fig jam on sourdough bread. Yeah, I thought it sounded weird too but it's SO good!
10- One of my pet peeves is hearing people chew. Not just chew but slosh their food. It makes me lose my appetite. Also if I hear chomping of gum. Yuck.
11- I have never had short hair. Except for when I was little and it was just growing. (It was also Platinum blond) The shortest it's ever been is just below my collar bone. I Absolutely love my long hair. (Which is to my low back.) I also had a perm through most of my growing years. I am jealous of all you naturally curly haired people out there.
12- I have royal blood, Irish and French (nice combo, huh?) I am related to Brian Boru, the last high king of Ireland. And one of the Kind Louis's.
13- I believe in ghosts. And have had experiences to back it up. I love watching those paranormal shows (Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters Intl, Ghost Adventures).
14- I actually like being pale. Or "fair" skinned, depending on who you talk to. I have never really wanted to be tan.
15- I had never planned on being a massage therapist until 2 weeks before I started school for it. But love what I do, and am blessed to have a career that I enjoy.

This Could Be The Year (Intro 30 day blog challenge)

2011-02-28T13:21:00.002-07:00

This Could Be The Year by Ryan Star

I'm stealing this from my friend Gwen's blog. I'll start hopefully tomorrow. 30 day blog challenge. It looks fun so I think, hey why not? You should do it, too!

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you and your friends
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
day 11- another picture of you and your friends
day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
day 13- a letter to someone
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- another picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you love
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song

Count On Me

2011-02-16T14:48:00.004-07:00

Count On Me by Bruno Mars

I just wanted to update whoever is interested that for the Celtic Celebration show on March 12, I am now in 4 things. I was recruited back into Celtic Beat for one dance in this show- but now I'm in 4. This makes me happy. Even better-all are hardshoe numbers. Reel Around The Sun, The Drunken Piper, and debuting Horse With A Heart. I'm also in the a capella finale number we do. Horse With A Heart is a dance my teacher just came up with like three weeks ago, and we've been working hard at getting all the wrinkles out so it's going to be GREAT! Mindy and I have the hardshoe duet-it's pretty fun and has some sweet footwork.
I love dance. I love putting on my shoes and dancing for as long as I possibly can. I do it often. There's something liberating about laying it all out on the floor. Structured or freestyle, soft or hard shoes. It doesn't even matter what music you use. It's basically awesome. I may be a bit addicted-but hey, there's a lot worse things to be addicted to.
I am also designing a few sweatshirts that I'm so excited about. I found good lightweight sweatshirts for $5. Win. And I have some pictures of cool Celtic knots and designs I'm going to work out and put on them. I can't find and Irish sweatshirts that I like-so I'm taking matters into my own hands. I am excited to see how it turns out. I'll post pictures when I'm done.
On the music front: Ryan Star=amazing. I adore this man and his music. If you haven't heard any of his stuff, do so now. I also got Bruno Mars CD, and there's an amazing friendship song on there that just reminds me of all my friends. Here's a lyric snippet: "If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea, I'll sail the world to find you. If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see, I'll be the light to guide you. Find out what we're made of, When we are called to help our friends in need. You can count on me like one, two, three. I'll be there and I know when I need it I can count on you like four, three, two. And you'll be there 'cause that's what friends Are supposed to do." Also Alana Grace and Rachael Yamagata.
Work is work. But I love my clients and the people I work with. Nothing really new in that area, it's pretty consistent. Speaking of work, I need to go because I have to get ready for work.
Later.

Science and Faith

2011-01-30T22:22:00.010-07:00

Science and Faith by The Script
(They are Amazing. End of story.)

Horrible, I know it's been over a month since my last post. For the few of you who follow this, I'm sorry. Life has either been busy or boring.
Christmas was SO great. It was the first time in three years my family has been together (minus my cousin Kevin who is on a mission). Both my brother and sister and their families were able to come to Utah, which was awesome.
New Years I spent with Rigby. Playing games and laughing. Reminiscing of the year, previous New Years I was in Ireland. A lot has changed last year. Went to Ireland, got a job (still working at that job, too), strengthened friendships and rediscovered how amazing some of my friends are, got some health problems but fortunately it's been under control the last few months.
This year I have some goals that I want to reach. Some to share are: Go on at least one trip out of the country. Take up calligraphy. Learn to play the bodhrán (the Irish drum, I got one for Christmas).
Tonight the Parental Units and I watched The Lost Valentine. It has Betty White, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sean Faris. It's a good movie, I really enjoyed it. If you don't get at least misty eyed during that movie, you have no heart.
On the dancing front; I got pretty amazing news at dance this last week. Riverdance is coming end of March-April 1&2. Basically the whole studio is going on the 1st. My teacher knows A Lot of people, and has a connection, and arranged for a lead from Riverdance to come to our studio and do a workshop with us the day before we all go to the show. I am SO excited! It's basically going to be the best weekend ever. Riverdance workshop one day, and then going to the show the next. I can hardly wait until April 1&2. We are also getting ready for the Celtic Celebration show coming up in March. Starting this week I am going to the studio twice a week for 6 weeks to get ready. I was able to get it worked out with work that I can get off two hours early on Thursday night so I can go to rehearsal.
So, there's this guy doing something pretty cool. He's going to have a new experience every day for a year. It reminds me of The Buried Life in fact, I heard about the Time Hack from The Buried Life. I'll put a link to The Time Hack on my link column to the right.
My favorite band, The Script, put out a new album this month. I've been waiting for it since they released it in the UK and Ireland back in September. It's amazing. These lads are incredible. They write everything, what I love most, is their songs are inspired by everyday conversations they have with people in their lives. Someone will say something and lyrics pop into their heads and poof-they have a new song. Love it. I find their lyrics to be super powerful, and wholeheartedly relate-able. Take a gander at them if you haven't yet.

Winkin, Blinkin, and Nod

2010-12-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod (Nursery Rhyme)

I know, I know. I've been bad at updating this-but for the most part-there hasn't been too much to update about. I've just been doing the same old work and dance routine. And of course throwing in some playing with friends here and there as well.
So weird to think it'll be Christmas soon when it feels like just last week was August. I'm excited for this Christmas because my whole immediate family will be together for the first time in years.
I have a dance performance Tuesday. I'm pretty excited about it. I'll be dancing with my current adults which will be a first.
So, since I don't have much to say- I leave you with the tale of Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod:
Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod, one night sailed off in a wooden shoe;
Sailed off on a river of crystal light into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going and what do you wish?" the old moon asked the three.
"We've come to fish for the herring fish that live in this beautiful sea.
Nets of silver and gold have we," said Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.

The old moon laughed and sang a song as they rocked in the wooden shoe.
And the wind that sped them all night long ruffled the waves of dew.
Now the little stars are the herring fish that live in that beautiful sea;
"Cast your nets wherever you wish never afraid are we!"
So cried the stars to the fishermen three - Winkin', and Blinkin', and Nod.

So all night long their nets they threw to the stars in the twinkling foam.
'Til down from the skies came the wooden shoe bringing the fisherman home.
'Twas all so pretty a sail it seemed as if it could not be.
Some folks say 'twas a dream they dreamed of sailing that misty sea.
But I shall name you the fisherman three - Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.

Now Winkin' and Blinkin' are two little eyes and Nod is a little head.
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies is a wee one's trundle bed.
So close your eyes while mother sings of the wonderful sights that be.
And you shall see those beautiful things as you sail on the misty sea,
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three - Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-11-23T21:52:00.002-07:00

Baby It's Cold Outside (So many people have sung this song, but I really like the one from Elf, Leon Redbone & Zooey Deschanel.)

And Baby, it IS COLD outside! Oh my my my. We had a blizzard today. Schools closed (for the first time I can remember), my dance class was canceled, there were warnings all over telling us not to go outside. I personally wasn't too impressed with what I saw- but my dad and I hunkered down in the basement and watched Ondine. But yeah, it's super cold, and it's still snowing away outside.
My best friend Tim came to see me yesterday. It was the first time we'd seen each other in over two years. I knew I missed him, but I didn't realize quite how much. It was just really good to hang out with him again. Tim, if you're reading this-thank you.
The Day for Giving Thanks is this week. I'm thankful for a lot of things. Some things are major-but for those of you who A) read this and/or B) know me should know it doesn't take much to make me happy. I am thankful for my family. My friends. My religion. Dance. Snow. Somewhere to live. My bed. A car to drive. Heat. The "loo". Letters in the mail. Hot Chocolate. Blankets. My Camera. Pictures. I'm thankful I have a job. I'm thankful that despite my health problems lately-my body still lets me do what I need to do (mostly). Pens. Paper. Paint. Prayer. Forgiveness. Electricity. Hope. MUSIC. Clean clothes. Yoga/sweat pants. Skype. My laptop. My phone. My Scriptures. Laughing. Freedom. Essential Oils. Water. Yoga. Lots of other things, and this is in no particular order.
So, I follow this blog about a taxi driver in Dublin. This man should write a book. He's got some great stories and really good thoughts. I'm glad he has a blog that I can read. Here's some things he's said that I really liked. "People are complex, we have the ability to love a person and later to hate that same person with equal passion." "Never hold the hurt close to yourself, you have to let these negative feelings go, holding on to the problems of the world can cause cancer and nervous strain to say the least." "What good would life be if you couldn't laugh or dance." "But everything changes and everything remains the same. We are back at the start again." Anywho- you should check out his site sometime. There's a link to it on the right.
Josh Groban's new album "Illuminations" came out this week as well. Man, I'm a fan. There are some really good songs on it!
I hope you all have a great week and can think of things to be happy for. We're lucky, don't forget it.

Rocky Road to Dublin

2010-11-08T22:22:00.002-07:00

Rocky Road to Dublin by The High Kings

I LOVE this song! I start dancing in my head when I listen to it. Is fun.
It's been a while, I know. For those of you who follow and read this-I apologize. Life has been moving right along and it slips my mind to update this.
Well, this biggest news is that Halloween weekend my parents and myself road-tripped it up to Washington state to visit my brother and sister-in-law. AND to meet my new nephew, Connor Paul Lynch. He was born September 29, so he was a month old by the time I got to meet him. He's a super cute baby, and loves to sleep-and will sleep through anything. We had a few good chuckles about it. I absolutely love Washington. Its climate reminds me of Ireland-colder, rainy, foggy, gorgeous. Except Ireland doesn't have the mountains and pinetrees.
Speaking of Ireland..I need to stop having dreams that I'm back there again. Because while I love them dearly, when I wake up all I want to do is buy a plane ticket. I've had many dreams that I'm back in Ireland again, they're different every time, but they're certainly Ireland. They make me pretty happy. I'm surprised at how much I miss it sometimes. Hopefully I'll make my way back for a visit/adventure soon.
Work is going well, I truly love what I do. I'm pretty lucky in that aspect. Dance is great, as always. Reel Around the Sun is coming along really well. And I'm going to be performing it in March.
Tim got home from his mission just about a month ago. I love having him back because I get to actually talk to him and have a real conversation on the phone or on Skype. Now all I need is my Jacki back.

Reel Around the Sun

2010-09-14T22:52:00.003-06:00

Reel Around the Sun from Riverdance
(^This is what I'm learning in dance class.)

Just got back from Dance.
This is what I'm doing to be learning. We started the first bit tonight. Whooboy...it's going to be fun. I am truly so excited I can't wait for next week.

Steal Away

2010-09-11T17:57:00.014-06:00

Steal Away by Celtic Thunder

So-today being September 11, pretty much everyone knows what happened this day 9 years ago. It's amazing how fresh it still seems to be. It's one of those moments everyone knows where they were, what they were doing when they heard what happened in New York. I was getting ready for school when my sister comes running up the stairs and said a plane hit one of the trade towers (she heard it on the radio I think) so we turned on the T.V. just in time to see the second one hit. I remember being confused about what was happening, and at school we really didn't do too much that day-we all watched the news in our classrooms. I was 12 years old-so I knew somewhat the impact that day made on the world. It doesn't seem like it was 9 years ago to me.

Here's some pictures for your enjoyment, from a few years ago.

As you can see-we're a tad weird. . .but we have fun. And I love us.

Alright-off to continue working on my room.. I'm mostly done; just a few more projects to finish, and then pull it all together.

Hidden Away

2010-09-11T08:12:00.003-06:00

Hidden Away by Josh Groban (
I talked to my brother yesterday, and it came up that I don't update my blog very much-so before I head to work, I'm doing to update my blog. :)
I entered an Irish Dance photo contest, and out of the 100+ entries, mine was picked in the finals-so, please go to this website, and vote for me to win. :D Pretty please. It's picture number 6, "Let the music take you away"
http://www.diddlyi.com/profiles/blogs/photo-comp-shortlist-announced
Many thanks!
I'm also in love with Barnes and Noble. I think my heaven looks something like a Barnes and Noble Bookstore. I could spend forever in there. Especially the one in SugarHouse. That one is Huge!! I got onto their website also, and was able to get two CD's I have not been able to find- Hopefully they get here soon cause it's been a week since I've ordered them and I'm getting impatient.
If you haven't listened to Natalie MacMaster before-please, do so today. Because she's great. (One of her CD's is one that I'm waiting for to come in the mail.) Volcanic Jig is one I'm choreographing a dance to myself. Julia's Waltz is almost heartbreakingly beautiful and calm. David's Jig/Valerie Pringle's Reel would be another fun one to dance to-I'll work on it when I'm done with Volcanic Jig. The Sunday Reel-The Old Ladywood Reel is fun also. Gah-Just go-now-listen and love.
Josh Groban is coming out with a new CD in November-and it's about Freaking Time! I heard a song from it, and I am going to love this album. I can tell. :D
My dear friend Colton got home from his Mission in Washington, I haven't seen him yet due to he's on vacation with his family until Monday (I think it's Monday). I have missed this kid dearly. He, Elise, and I need a scooter, cheese-fries and hot chocolate date to reunite our marvelous trio. Maybe some random picture taking again..last time worked out well..I'll post pictures from it when I get home from work cause I'm running out of time.
Speaking of running out of time and Missions-Tim is now in his last transfer! YAY! I'm so excited for him to come home from Washington. Though..he'll probably go to 'Bama for that is where his family lives now instead of Cali. I wonder when I'll get to see him. . . . ? Hmm..
So-redoing my room apparently was a bigger project than I had anticipated. heh....I'm still working on it. I had to take a break when I got so sick-but now that I've gone a week and a half without a gall-attack, I think (I hope) I've figured out how to take care of this dear little organ so it will stop getting mad.
On that note-I plead you all to take care of your gallbladders (those of you who still have them). Because it is NOT pleasant when they get sick.
And now I have to go to work. K, Bye.
(More to come after work.)

Not Afraid

2010-08-06T15:05:00.005-06:00

Not Afraid by Eminem (don't judge..I actually really like this song. The chorus is my favorite part.)

Well, my parents and I took a trip to Hawaii. Kauai and Maui. What an adventure that was. Kayaking and hiking, South Pacific live theater, snorkeling, shopping, driving around, I got a massage and a henna tattoo. :) Unfortunately on the way home I got sick. Just before we landed in L.A. I don't give details because well-they're not flattering, and honestly, kinda gross. But the doctors don't know what it is/was. I'm doing better now, which is good. (No thanks to the doctor and hospital tests they've done.) I just can't eat anything heavy/hard to digest, I need to still take it easy and not be super active, and I can't get too hot/overheated.
I found what I want my adventure next year to be.
THIS!
It looks SO fun!! It's Stage Fire Irish Dance Project-in Poland! I know, Poland seems like a unique place for such a project..but it sounds awesome. And it's not a super long deal either, 10 days! Former leads of Riverdance put this together, and they say anyone can do it! Any level of Irish Dancer can do it, and it's not arm-and-a-leg-cost-of-your-first-born expensive. So thanks to Gwen for giving me the fun, crafty idea of saving money for a goal! Here's what I did:Take a shadowbox picture frame-and drill a hole in the top to drop your money into. On the back, you can put pictures of whatever goal you have or whatnot. It's a fun way to remind yourself of a goal, and watch as your money adds up as you save it!
I don't know if I'll actually do Stage Fire-but it looks SO fun, and it'll give me something to work towards. We should always have some sort of goal or something we want to work towards, or what are we doing? Nothing. This will be my something to work for.
Sorry this is short--but I've got a bookshelf to build.

Human

2010-06-29T22:37:00.002-06:00

Human by The Killers
(You should know this song... "Are we human, or are we dancers?"

Well...dance the past bit has been so incredibly awesome. I Love It!! We've been working on a hardshoe dance. We started out pretty basic. Then each week we've been taking a step and we make it harder. Last week we played around with one of the steps and went from one heel click to three. One in front, one in back, and one on the side as we switch feet. Plus I'm now pretty close to nailing the drum-rolls (or some people just call them rolls). Mindy and I love that step to bits and did it a ton. Now when we do it, all of our in-air heel clicks are synchronized and we hit them at the same time. SO fun!
This week had some good quotes I thought were kind of funny. Either they really are funny-or it was a "you-had-to-be-there" type of funny. Whatever the case, here they are:
(Talking about cramp-rolls)
LaRae: You all got that step, yeah? Okay. Now let's make it harder. *thinks, plays with some steps* Oh! Cramp-rolls!
*Confused looks from the class*
Me: That sounds. . . .uncomfortable. . .
(Talking about pull-backs)
LaRae: Michael Flatley does them all the time.
Me: I can't do them.
LaRae: If Michael Flatley can do them, you sure as heck can!
My response to that?:..okay..

*I'm not sure if the wordage is 100% but it's pretty close.

Lesson-if the teacher says you can do something, you can.

The Technicolor Phase

2010-05-29T14:51:00.017-06:00

The Technicolor Phase by Owl City (Almost Alice CD. Alice in Wonderland Soundtrack)

Okay! So here's some pictures I've taken lately.

The first set is of Hummingbirds in my backyard. We've got Like 5 different ones that I know of. Sorry for the glare, they were taken through the window.

Now these ones are panoramic ones I took of last night's sunset and today.

First one:

5 minutes later:

5 minutes after the 5 minutes later:

15 minutes after that (from another location, looking out over the valley, and the Great Salt (puddle) Lake, and Antelope Island):

This one was driving home from work today. Typical Utah mountains, green up front and snow capped in the back.

I love pictures.

Mona Lisa

2010-05-23T21:59:00.031-06:00

Mona Lisa by Grant Lee Phillips
(^Great and beautiful song, you can listen to it from my updated music list over there-->)

Whelp. . .here I am.
I know it's been forever, and I don't know how many of you that read this missed me. (But I know my grandma did! Hi, Grandma!!)
Okay, well, I'm back from Ireland. My time there was shortened due to lack of information regarding paperwork I apparently needed before I got there and wasn't told about until I was at Customs. Sad but true. My time there was wonderful though, I met some absolutely amazing people and saw magnificent things and learned a lot in my short time there. I've got some great pictures and stories that I'll hold onto forever. Here's some of my favorite pictures:

This is the view from my bedroom window. It was the middle of winter, and it's still greener than it is in the middle of our summer. (The little town I lived in was called Coole.)

Tullynally Castle in Castlepollard. Castlepollard is right next to Coole, it's a little bigger of a town. This castle is normally open for tours and such during summer, but seeing as I was there out of tourist season (which was great!) it wasn't open.

Driveway of Tullynally castle. So gorgeous. It "snowed" (more like frost to me) the night before, hence the snow that's stuck to the road (and not the grass). I wish my driveway looked like that. There's a little bit of a glare because I took this through Patrick's car windshield.

Fore Abbey (in Fore, next town from Coole, and Castlepollard). Founded in 630 A.D. by St. Féichín (pronounced Fe-hin). It's settled nicely between two hills. Another perk of going when it's not tourist season is there's nobody to get in the way of pictures!

It's in a ruin-ish state, and it was so quiet there. Walking around it and in it, it felt like Patrick and I were the only two people alive. Kinda weird, yet pretty cool.

These six and a half arches are all that's left of the arches that went around the inside of the courtyard area inside the Abbey.

St. Féichín's Mill. It was IN USE until about 1875. The water comes from Lough Lene on the other side of the hill across the street from the Abbey. The water goes through the hill-but from the lough side it appears as though it's running up the hill. "The water that flows uphill" is one of the Seven Wonders of Fore. Here: http://www.monasette.com/archive/001116.html is a really good explanation of the Seven Wonders if you fancy a look.

Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar (Mullingar is the county city for County Westmeath). Those spires are 140 feet tall and can be seen from miles around Mullingar. It was consecrated in 1936.

Gated archway at the end of the driveway by the Cathedral. There was one over the sidewalks on each side of the driveway.

Gorgeous sunset this night, the sky was cotton candy pink and baby blue.

Pictures really don't do this place justice. A lot of people asked me if I was nervous and/or scared going by myself. And my answer was no. I loved my time there, and I'm itching to go back. The first chance I get, I'm taking it. It's so fantastically wonderful over there. It's known kind of all over the world that the people in Ireland are pretty much the friendliest people you'll meet. And I can say first-hand that is so true! I spent a day in Mullingar by myself and the shop owners, cafe workers will just sit and chat with you (if they're not busy, that is) even the guy at the car wash of a gas station. The lady in one of the shops I went in talked to me for at least 45 minutes. During which she told me I should be in/could be the Rose of Tralee, I'm "absolutely gorgeous". And the guy in the shop across the street from her told me to, "look after myself, now. A pretty little thing like me in a big town like this all by myself." They say what they think, and are quick to smile and laugh or tell a story or joke. I felt easily and comfortably at-home there.
Shortly after I got back from Ireland, I was able to get a job as a massage therapist, so that's pretty great. I'm building clientele and having a good time doing what I like.
I'm also back dancing. Which is SO great. I was only gone from it for three months and I was surprised how quickly my endurance was taken away. But after a few intense weeks and painful practices I'm pretty much back to normal. And now I'm on a break for a few weeks before starting the 5 week summer intensive course thing. So for the next few weeks I will be teaching myself. I've almost got this learned: And I have this learned:
(From 3:10-5:05 it's fun)
I also bought a new camera. It's a lovely upgrade from my little point-and-shoot digital. I love it. It's a Nikon D110. Not as nice (and/or expensive) as the super good ones like my dad has, but it's good enough for me for now. I haven't been able to play with it too much, all I've taken pictures of so far are hummingbirds in my backyard. But hopefully I'll get a chance to go out and play with it soon.
This is plenty long I think. So I'll end here and post more later.

Winter Song

2009-12-20T22:55:00.003-07:00

Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Winter has fully set in here, which makes me happy. And sad at the same time-because I'm leaving before I get to really enjoy it. But that's okay. And while I'll miss the mass amounts of snow, I'll enjoy all the new things I get to experience. I depart for Ireland in a week. Part of me can't believe that it's happening, like some of this is a very realistic fantasy playing out. I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed. That's normal though, right? This is a huge thing! I think the biggest part of it is not knowing when I'll be back. But this is going to be such an epic adventure, I'm going to learn a ton, meet so many people, have experiences and opportunities that I can't get here. So that part is unbelievably and dauntingly exciting. And I'm not going to be disconnected from the people back here, I'll have e-mail and internet access. And I can get pretty good deals on calling cards.
I've had some interesting chats with a few people-who have all said relatively the same things. Which is interesting, but re-affirms to me that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. They've said things like when I get there, it'll be almost like I'm going home (in a sense) and that it'll be like I've been there before (which, in reality, I haven't). And that the things that I'll do and learn and see are going to be both what I need-and what the people I'm going to are going to need as well. Ends are being tied up getting me more prepared to go, there's multiple I'm not going to share online-because who knows who reads this thing. But things like saying final "See-you-later"s to friends, because I don't do goodbyes. It sounds too Final. Especially when you know you're going to see that person again--why say goodbye? It's just more of a prolonged see you later. Renewed my drivers license, my current one expires in a couple months. And I had my last dance performance last night. It was fun and went really well, I'm hoping to keep up dancing while I'm over there. I mean-I'm going to be in the place where the dance originated! I'm taking my dance shoes with me.
Changing subject: Since when is Christmas this week?! I think my mind has been so occupied with going to Ireland that everything else has blanked out. Christmas has totally snuck up on me, but that's okay because I love this season and the energy it brings.

My December

2009-12-08T14:09:00.005-07:00

My December by Josh Groban
(^This song=brilliant)

Just a quick note about the song My December: I absolutely love it! The lyrics, the tone, the orchestration is genius. Listen to it. And then listen to it again. My favorite lines are: "This is my December, this is my time of the year." and "This is my December, these are my snow covered dreams." The orchestration that starts around 4:05 makes me stop what I'm doing almost every time.
Last week, Sunday-November 29, my little Muppet was born. My sister called that morning while they were on their way to the hospital and my parents and I caught a flight to Houston later that day. Muppet landed about the same time our plane did. She's pretty cute, I'm not gonna lie. And I'm not just saying that because she's my niece. And I'm also not saying that because she's a baby. She really, honestly, is pretty. Her name is Sydney-she's got loads of dark blond hair and dark blue eyes.
I had to come back from Texas sooner than I would like, but I had to get to Celtic Beat rehearsal Thursday night. We had a show on Saturday. It went alright-could have been better, but it wasn't bad by any means. It was fun though-like it always is. And that's all that matters.
I'm starting to count down to when I move to Ireland. 20 days! I'm nervous-but all this waiting is making me more anxious. I just wanna go already. I will say though-I'm going to miss the wonderful snow. It doesn't snow in Ireland much-if ever. Mostly rain, which is alright too because I love rain. Just not as much as I adore snow.
Speaking of snow, It's about freaking time we got a REAL snow storm. So I was much pleased when at 1am I looked outside to see outside being blanketed in snow. It's still snowing strong. Which pleases me. I know a lot of people don't like snow--and again, I do not really care. I want my snow before I leave so I welcome this happily. After I leave, ya'all can do whatever you want with the snow. But until then-let it snow!

The Strangest Things

2009-11-25T17:47:00.005-07:00

The Strangest Things by Radical Face

This is the story of just barely when I made part 1 of Mellow Jell-o for Thanksgiving dinner (which is tomorrow). Not much of a story, I made it quite nicely and think it will be tasty. But when I was going to get the eggs out of the fridge I managed to smack my left hand on the corner of the counter. Instantly turning red, welting, and changing color. Now my base knuckle (the PIP joint) of my pointer and middle finger have a lovely bruis-y tender spot on them, a weird purple line thingie going in between the two...could be the vein or something...I don't know. Either way-it hurts. Though, I will admit, I'm enjoying cooking and the adventures and things that come along with it. I'm glad that I get to cook more.
Speaking of cooking more..now on to making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes (from scratch) for dinner. :)
I'm going to stop typing now because typing hurts! Stupid counter getting in the way of my hand..maybe I should go track down some ice to put on it.

Happy Turkey Day tomorrow. Everyone be happy and thankful for everything you have, I know I am.
(I'd be even More happy if I could get some more snow....I'm jus' sayin'.)

Come What May

2009-11-21T14:26:00.007-07:00

Come What May from Moulin Rouge
------Sung by Ewan McGregor; Nicole Kidman

This is the story of The Baking of Famous Mrs. Fields Cookie Adventure With My Mother: It all started with washing my hands. A very important thing to do when cooking. The faulty soap dispenser decided to squirt all over. It got all up my arm, my shirt...and into my hair. Foam hand soap in your hair feels quite weird. Once all the ingredients were in the bowl, the next adventure began. Mixing the dough was messier than usual, little cookie dough spotlets decorated the island. Then, the last thing to add was the chocolate chips. My mom was getting out a spoon to mix in the chocolate chips, and the problematic silverware drawer got locked in the "out" position and wouldn't go back in for a few minutes. Then in mixing the chocolate chips in, the bowl may or may not have been a tad bit too small in which case overflowing chocolate chips. Then a hunt for all the runaway chocolate chips ensued. All was well after that. I'm not normally a messy and clumsy baker, I promise. Actually, I'm quite good at baking and things so I don't know what was up with today. But it was fun nonetheless. And the cookies are delicious! (As they always are.) Needless to say the whole experience left me feeling humored and in need of a shower.
I was successful in my search to become an AuPair in Ireland. I will be starting my grand adventure on Monday, December 28th. I'm quite excited and eagerly (and- I'll be the first to admit, nervously) anticipate all that will come my way while I'm over there. But the family I'll be with sounds fantastic. I've been e-mailing with the mom every day. More details to come as I feel like sharing.
It's supposed to snow this weekend...I am extremely excited. Though, pretty little white sparkly pieces of heaven have yet to float down from the sky. I know some of you out there do not share my love for pretty snowflakes, and to you I say, I do not care what you think. It's winter, snow comes with the territory. Deal with it. But it is almost the end of November- and outside, my grass is not covered in a beautiful white blanket. Nothing is. Which brings me to ask: Dear Universe, Where is my snow??
Well, I've got to go finish baking, do my laundry, and maybe possibly run a bit depending on how tired my body is today.

The Black Velvet Band

2009-11-05T10:26:00.005-07:00

The Black Velvet Band by The Dubliners

This past weekend was awesome. It was so fun to go with Carolyn down to St. George to see Katie. We had a bunch of fun. The coolest park I'd ever been to is in St. George. We seriously need one of those kind up my way. It had all these toys that were like nothing anywhere else. Teeter-totter swings, spinny buckets that get you more dizzy than anything, these twisty things you stand on and using your body weight and momentum you spin and spin and spin and spin and spin and...yeah. Way fun. Rock walls to climb. Basically way fun. Thanks Katie and John for awesome food and fun.
So, being a licensed massage therapist looking for a job...I've been coming up with other plans of what I want to do with my immediate future. I love massage and will continue that as my career- but I think before I hunker down and get attached to a job I want to DO something. And this plan of what I want to do seems to change every month. Two months ago I was devoted to researching about moving to Ireland for a bit. What paperwork I'd need, forms, etc. Just to see how hard it would be. And I LOVE that idea. And then last month the plan changed a little to going to teach English in Russia for a few months. Which I still like the idea of-but the plan has changed yet again. And I like this one best of all. Being an Au Pair in Ireland. I love the thought of joining a family, living with them, helping take care of the kids and house and whatever is needed. This way I can go see Ireland (which, as you know has been a major dream of mine) and help people (which is what I love to do) and pretty much immerse myself in it. I think my parents are more open to this idea- Russia didn't go over so well...but au pair seems to get a better response. I hope it works out.
My mom bought a costume for our kitty, the first year we've ever had a costume for him-and he's like 15 years old.

Winter is Coming

2009-10-27T11:15:00.003-06:00

Winter is Coming by Radical Face

Lorelai: Wait, close your eyes and breathe. I smell snow.
Rory: Ah, it's that time of year.
Lorelai: Can't you smell it?
Rory: You know, it's like dogs and high-pitched noises. I think it's something only you can smell.
(Rory sits down next to Lorelai and pulls a blanket over the both of them)
Lorelai: I love snow.
Rory: Really, I had no idea.
Lorelai: Everything's magical when it snows, everything looks pretty. The clothes are great. Coats, scarves, gloves, hats.
Rory: Thermal underwear, wool socks, ear flaps.

I, like Lorelai, have a great love of snow. So imagine my delight when I woke up this morning to beautiful, sparkly, drifting, pure, white snow. Today's gonna be a great day. I mean, it's go two of my most favorite things ever in the world involved! It starts with snow, and ends with dance. How could that deal get any sweeter?
I'm thinking all around, this is going to be a good week. Yesterday I heard from two of my favorite people/missionaries ever. I got an e-mail from Tim, and a letter from Jacki. Both making me smile. In honor of Tim and his e-mail this week, I will curl up with hot chocolate and watch a movie. Most likely will end up being Happy Feet, good memories.
This weekend, Carolyn and I are taking to the road to go and see our Katie in St. George.
So basically...it's all good.

Everybody's Someone

2009-10-19T15:43:00.004-06:00

Everybody's Someone by Brian McFadden and LeeAnn Rimes

Well, life goes on, and it's all good. Last Monday I was in the process of writing my Tim a letter, I hadn't heard from him in a while. The beginning of my letter was reminding him of something we had talked about before he left on his mission. When I got done writing the first bit, I checked my e-mail. Right there, just minutes old in my inbox, was an e-mail from Tim. It was very surprising. So I read it, and hurried and e-mailed him back just to say hi. We e-mailed back and fourth a couple times, and then went on with our day. But that made my week. We must have been connected at that moment, for us to write each other at the same time, talking about the same thing. It was weird, and way cool.
My friend Drew came home from his mission and his homecoming was yesterday. It was way fun to see him and some old friends from high school again. Weird. But fun. It was a good day.
My grandpa Lynch's sister and her daughter were out here last week from Boston to judge the Crossroads Feis in Provo. Ann and Nancy. It was fun to meet them now (if I'd met them earlier in my life, I was too young to remember it). It was fun to meet people from my "Irish" side of the family.
Next week over Halloween Weekend, my friend Carolyn and I are going to venture to southern Utah. Our friend Katie got married and she and her husband have settled in St. George. So next week, Carolyn and I are going to go see our Katie. It's going to be fun.
Well, I think the cat's out of the bag...it's been killing me not to talk about it on here or on Facebook. I wanted to get adjusted and such before saying anything about it. I am no longer with Crawford School of Irish Dance. Which I'm both happy and sad about. Sad because I really loved dancing with the Crawford Adults, and I'll miss dancing with them. Happy because I've found a place that its better for me and fits what I want and need out of dance so much better. I am now with LaRae's Dance Unlimited. She's put me in with her performance group, Celtic Beat. I had my first performance with them last weekend. It was crazy, but so much fun. It's so good to be at a place where your dancing evolves and improves pretty much every week. Always learning something new. Dancing for longer than 45 seconds at a time (my dances now are at least 3 times longer). Dances that are more complicated and (in my mind) harder than the level I was stuck at with Crawford for over a year. It's almost half the money a month, and I get to go twice a week. So half the money and double the studio time. Anyways...that's enough of that. Bottom line...I'm with a new Irish Dance group and I love it.
Well, I'm off...I have to go buy canvases for to paint on.

Down

2009-10-03T16:48:00.004-06:00

Down by Safetysuit

"Dreams aren't meant to be understood, just like tragedy isn't supposed to be adverted. Life just happens to us as it's supposed to. We learn to be happy when it's good and count our blessings when it goes wrong, and the only certainty is all of it just keeps happening." ~ Harold Abbott from 'Everwood'

That quote kind of stood out to me as I was looking for a way to start this post. This week has been, varietal, for lack of a better explanation. Lemme 'splain.
It all started when my old roommate Jacki came down from Logan to spend some time with me as she gets closer to entering the MTC (next Wednesday). We had such fun, and she ended up staying the night with me. That night, I read on Facebook my cousin was going to the hospital. So at 1:30am I found out that he has pneumonia, the flu, and maybe spinal meningitis.
The next morning results were in and it was pneumonia and swine flu. So he's quarantined. My mom, aunt, grandma and I took him some stuff to hopefully help him feel better. Like offering alms to the Gods, we placed the bags around and backed away. I think today is his last day of being quarantined. As of Thursday night when I last talked to him, he was feeling much better.
Thursday I found out one of my neighbors died. This came as such a shock to me. She was just 55. I still don't understand it. It doesn't make sense. She had an annurism and her brain bled out. It's so sad.
Yesterday I both recieved and gave a massage, went to work and ended the day with a double date. Sheree & Michael, me & Nathan. Michael and Nathan are cousins, both of whom are way funny. We went to a comedy club in Provo that is kind of like "Whose Line is it Anyway", It was hilarious. And the car ride to and from was also a riot. I don't think I've ever laughed so much on a date before.
So this week brought with it a bunch of different things. Which fits the quote I inserted above.
I've also got some more stuff going on that I'm not going to/can't really talk about yet--maybe soon..maybe not. Depends on if I feel like sharing it with whoever reads this thing.
Well, I'm gonna go now. KBye.

Fireflies

2009-09-17T17:45:00.002-06:00

Fireflies by Owl CitySo, my sisters doctor gave her the okay to come. She and Jarmo are with his family, we'll see them tomorrow.
Today I made Christmas Swirl chocolate chip Birthday cookies for on of my missionaries. I find it funny because I used "Christmas swirl" chocolate chips for his birthday next week. If you don't think that's at least a little funny, I guess you just have to be in my brain to find it funny. It's entertaining in there sometimes.
If you haven't listed to The Script yet--do it. Now. Also, I've been a fan of Safetysuit lately...so listen to them too. And if you like Irish music-listen to Natalie MacMaster. The first song I heard by her was Volcanic Jig. I seriously stopped everything I was doing and sat at my computer and just listened. I was pretty much in awe. Mostly because the music grabbed at me. Dance moves and footwork and ideas barreled into my head. Now I really want to find a way to pull off what I've got in my head. That's been happening more and more lately..
Well anyways, I've got stuff to go do. KBye.

From the Back of A Broken Dream

2009-09-09T15:12:00.009-06:00

From the Back of A Broken Dream by Flogging Molly

Here I am. It's been a while..I know. But with Summer quickly ending and last minute vacations, projects and what ever else was happening; this blog wasn't really on the top of my list of things to do. I know. Shocking. Oh well.
Also, I have re-done the template as well as my music list. I've just been in the mood to change everything. Which I must admit has served me quite well. I love it all.
I've blondified my hair. Painted my room. I think my room project is pretty much done. It looks really good. I took a day with my friend Elise and we painted my room and talked while blasting music and getting high off of paint fumes. It was a fantastic day.
Two weeks ago, my cousin Shane invited me along on an adventure. He and his roommates were building a boat. So I documented the excursion with my trusty camera. It was such a good day. It took pretty much all day to build. Then after loading it in the back of Tom's pickup truck, headed out to the Great Salt Puddle (formerly known as a Lake) to launch the "boat" that ended up looking more like a barge.
To our almost astonishment, it floated. (But then again, what doesn't float in a body of water that's like 7x saltier than the ocean?) With one person it still floated. With two people in it, it mostly floated...and three people there was no floating. After fighting with the bugs for a bit we decided we were done and ran back to the cars. The bugs were AWFUL. And for some reason, they really like me. And it doesn't matter how much repellent I wear, I can bathe in the stuff and the mosquitoes will still get to me. I must be really sweet or something. But it's freaking annoying. We got back into Reg (my cousins Commander) itching and freaking out. I've never wanted to scratch off my skin so badly before in my life. We were bitten all over. Face, neck, arms, legs...these nasty little blood-suckers were relentless. So the next day I was curious as to how many bites I had, on ONE ARM I counted an annoying 25 bites. Then I decided to stop counting. I did not want to know the grand total anymore.
To make it even better...I'm allergic to mosquito bites. I have bad reactions to them. It's ridiculous. My arms didn't react too terrible, but my legs suffered severely. I had one bite in particular on my left leg that had a reaction like I've never seen before. It looked horrid. Like I got run over by a truck, or someone poured Acid on my leg, or contracted gangrene or something. This picture was taken three days after and it still looked awful. (The picture doesn't do it justice.) Yes, folks, that pretty little thing is from a mosquito bite. It's a pink color now, but I never want to get bit again. And when I get to create my own world-mosquitoes will not be invited. They serve NO good purpose!
So, all in all, boat-great idea. Great Salt Lake- Worst Idea Ever!!!

Next week my bed-ridden sister and her Muppet-filled stomach, and Jarmo are coming to Utah for a visit. Should be pretty exciting to see how her tummy has grown since I was in Texas visiting them. Hopefully her Doctor will give her the okay to travel since she's been on bed rest for the past couple weeks.
Well, I think that's all the updating for today. There's a couple other things going on but I'm not sure if I should talk about it here yet..if I change my mind, I'll let you know.

Humdrum

2009-07-25T15:23:00.000-06:00

Humdrum by The Corrs

So, dental adventure #2 actually went better than dental adventure #1..which I did not expect, but it was nice. Triazolam is pretty good stuff. Combine that with the laughing gas and I did not care what was going on. I've healed pretty well, I only had a little swelling.
For some reason this week my stomach decided to rebel on me. I've felt like crap on toast since Wednesday. My stomach felt like it was imploding and my head felt like it was exploding. Not too fun. Today I'm doing alright though. Well enough to spray paint my desk, which isn't hard and it was nice to be outside in (spray paint fumed) fresh air. Spray-painting my desk is the start of re-doing my room.I've already got a new bookshelf, it makes my room look a lot less cluttered. (Which, with the size and layout of my room, is great.) I've got paint for the walls, and ideas rolling around in my head. I'm thinking it's going to look great when I get done with it.
So book update: In the Woods by Tana French is way good. It's about a detective who gets assigned to a murder case that hits a little too close to home-since the murdered 12 year old girl was found in his hometown, by the woods where his two best friends disappeared (he was found) 20 years prior. It's way intense, I recommend it. The Likeness is a sequel of sorts to it and is on my list to read.
I'm currently reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. I'm about 1/4ish of the way through it and so far it's good-reminds me of me and some of my friends. I'll let you know what I think when I'm done.
We found out this week that my sister is going to have a baby girl. That's pretty exciting.
UM!...I think that's all, well, all that I feel like expressing to cyber-world for anyone to read.

Closer

2009-07-15T22:58:00.002-06:00

Closer by Joshua Radin

^^I love this guy..
Camping was awesome. We were only there a few days but it was fun. We just hung out, my cousins and aunt and I went on a hike for a few hours. We saw baby and mommy moose. And some deer. The weather was kind of crazy, the first day was on and off rain and very unpredictable (which made it fun.) and the next day it was majorly windy. The day we left it was nice.
I'm getting ready to get round two of the dental adventure done. I go in Friday morning. I'm getting more than the numbing stuff this time...thank goodness. So we'll see how that goes.
I've been itching to play with cameras lately, so hopefully I can get someone to go with me sometime soon. Preferably tomorrow because after that I'll be out of commission for a few days.

The Show

2009-07-11T21:29:00.002-06:00

The Show by Lenka

My dentist adventure went okay. They didn't use any form of sedation though..dumb. Just numbed me up real good and pulled out my top right wisdom tooth. Because it was all the way grown in it wasn't bad. With my next one-it's still under the gum so I'm wanting them to give me something else besides just numbing. They didn't put in any stitches either so I've just got a hole. I bled for longer than I thought I would so not only did my mouth hurt-but it tasted like blood. Yummy...
That's pretty much all I did this week. Haha.
In the morning I'm going camping with my family (well..the ones that are in Utah anyways..). I'm way excited, we haven't gone for a while. This is going to be a fantastic adventure.

The Story So Far

2009-07-06T12:57:00.003-06:00

The Story So Far by Flogging Molly

I got back last night from visiting my sister, Muppet and Jarmo in Houston. It was good to see them-but I think I expected more of Texas. It's stupid hot (100 degrees at least), with stupid humidity (which makes it ever hotter), and stupid drivers. And it's just gonna get worse in the next few months--have fun with that, Texas.
We basically just hung out, went to the biggest mall I've ever seen-The Galleria. Where I'm pretty sure I passed a famous musician while we were walking. Hung out by the pool one day, got a little tan. Watched fireworks get launched off a barge in the ocean. Went to church. Church goes by faster in Texas and I'm not entirely sure why.. So all in all it was good. My sister makes a pretty cute pregnant person.
The flight out was quite adventurous, we had just left SLC, were in the air for about 10 mins when the pilot announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a slight engine malfunction." Well I don't know about you-but hearing the words "Engine Malfunction" does not exactly make me feel all safe and secure thousands of feet above the ground. So, they turned around and we landed back in Salt Lake and had to wait a little over an hour to leave again. The magnificent thing of a good book-is that it does a very good job at distracting you and helping pass the time. Which I did on the flights to and from, and while waiting in the airport. I'm currently reading "In The Woods" by Tana French. It's a Psychological\Murder\Suspense and I'm totally into it.
While adventuring in Houston, my massage license arrived at my house. So I am now Officially: Stacy Lynch, LMT.
I also figured out that I'm related to one of my good friends, Lindsay Rigby. My great great great grandparents are her great great grandparents...that makes us cousins. A little distant, but related nonetheless. That's pretty exciting!!
Well, I'm going to go get ready for round one of two of my dentist adventure.

Vila Rada

2009-06-29T15:48:00.003-06:00

Vila Rada by Nikola Sarcevic

Well, Alexis's wedding was awesome. I was so happy to be a part of it. It was a good evening.
I have to get my wisdom teeth out..yay...but I only need my top ones out at this moment. But all my wisdom teeth look good and they're not causing any problems, all in line and everything. They said they'll come out easy. I also have a few cavities that need to be filled so on Monday I will go in and get one side taken care of-one wisdom tooth and some cavities. And then a week later I will go in and have the same thing on the other side. The plus side--I'm going to be sedated. Thank goodness. I do not like the dentist. Not him personally-but his profession. But I'm going to a new dentist-and I really like them so far. Hopefully I still have the same opinion after this adventure. haha.
I'm going to Texas on Wednesday morning. That was just decided about 30 mins ago. I'm flying to Houston with my mom and we're going to see my sister, Jarmo and Muppet. I'm excited. We'll be down there over the 4th which is going to be amazing! We're going to party and it is going to be fantastic. And hot..
So, I'll be in Houston this week and come back Sunday night, just in time to go to the dentist on Monday morning..whoopee...

Lift Me Up

2009-06-22T11:12:00.003-06:00

Lift Me Up by Kate Voegele

^ That is the song I had stuck in my head while I was taking the MBLEx. Which kind of made me chuckle because it seems so appropriate! So yes. It's over. Security for that test is ridiculous. I got digital fingerprinted like 5 times and had to show my I.D. like 3 times. Why I'm not exactly sure because they were watching me the whole time.
I got to the testing center just after 5pm, and it was raining SO bad. Downpour! (Which I Loved, of course.) and ran inside, found the room, checked in and all that, which took a bit because there were so many security measures. Then got escorted into the testing room, sat at the computer and began my test. My test appointment was at 5:30pm. I took the test (all the while having Kate Voegele's song running though my head), raised my hand and got escorted out of the testing room. They printed off my result right then (That Goodness I didn't have to wait!). I read the paper that was handed to me. I PASSED! I walked out of the testing center and looked at my phone, it was just after 6pm. Go me.
This morning, Shauna (she went to school with me and took her test a few days before I did, and passed as well) and I went into Salt Lake to DOPL (Department of Professional Licensing) and submitted our applications for licensure. My license should come in the mail in the next few weeks!
On another note, one of my best friends, Alexis, is getting married this weekend. I'm honored to be a bridesmaid for her. It is going to be awesome. I'm so happy for her and Eric.

Better Than

2009-06-15T15:06:00.005-06:00

Better Than by The John Butler Trio (listen to it, love it. I just heard it this morning.)

"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swaps of the not quite, the not yet, and the not at all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists. It is real. It is possible. It is yours."
I'm taking the MBLEx on Saturday. It's a hugely important test. It determines whether or not I can get licensed as a Massage Therapist. It's normal to feel some apprehension, right? And I think that's what I'm feeling. I'm nervous, but normally nervous. I think. And I feel fairly confident, but not over-confident so that's good. We'll see how it goes..
I guess the best inspiration comes at night...because I've been in a serious writing drought for a long time, but last night I was watching a movie on my laptop and sentences, phrases and dialogue started ambushing my brain. So I gratefully opened a Word document and started typing again. It felt good.
And I may be the only one that feels this way, but I have Loved the near constant rain the past week-ish. But I don't care what other people think. I love it. But the whole thunder/lightning thing needs to go..
Oh, P.S. My toe is all healed. Still a little bruised, but it's not freakishly disgusting anymore. I can walk, work out, dance, etc.
K,Bye

Scars

2009-06-03T13:10:00.002-06:00

Scars by Papa Roach

So, I came across this quote when I was watching an episode of Everwood online the other day. And I really liked it.
"The more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm not sure who the first person was who said that. Probably Shakespeare. Or maybe Sting. But at the moment, it's the sentence that best explains my tragic flaw: my inability to change.
I don't think I'm alone in this. The more I get to know other people, the more I realize it's kind of everyone's flaw. Staying exactly the same for as long as possible, standing perfectly still... It feels better somehow. And if you are suffering, at least the pain is familiar. Because if you took that leap of faith, went outside the box, did something unexpected... Who knows what other pain might be waiting out there. Chances are it could be even worse.
So you maintain the status quo. Choose the road already traveled and it doesn't seem that bad. Not as far as flaws go. You're not a drug addict. You're not killing anyone... Except maybe yourself a little. When we finally do change, I don't think it happens like an earthquake or an explosion, where all of a sudden we're like this different person. I think it's smaller than that. The kind of thing most people wouldn't even notice unless they looked at us really, really close. Which, thank God, they never do.
But you notice it. Inside you that change feels like a world of difference. And you hope this is it. This is the person you get to be forever... that you'll never have to change again." -Ephraim Brown, Everwood
Well, I think I know what my tragic flaw is.. I'm not going to proclaim it to cyber-world. But I'm all for sharing good quotes and/or thoughts. So here you go.

Always Love

2009-05-26T13:36:00.008-06:00

Always Love by Nada Surf (I am a HUGE fan of this song.)

I am now officially graduated! Yay!! No more school for me! It was a small little ceremony and a nice dinner. There were 5 total graduates, yours truly of course being one of them. I sent in my application to take my licensing test. It's a little of an intimidating thought..being completely done with school. I mean, right now it just feels like summer..but the thought of not having to go back at all is a little weird.
And, my sister is going to have a baby. She's about 3 months pregnant. Little baby-more affectionately known as Muppet (by me), should be here at the beginning of December.
On a different note...Do Not, under Any circumstances let something fall on your toe and smash it. It hurts Real bad. Saturday, I opened the freezer and before I knew it something had catapulted out of the freezer and careened down making an abrupt halt right on top of my right fourth toe. Instantly swelling up and turning a lovely mixture of black and blue. At first I thought it was broken. I couldn't walk on it, I couldn't move it...any contact with anything hurt it. Now I can walk almost normal. And the bruise has gone from black and blue to purple and red and just a little blue. And! It's in the shape of a rainbow. (color bands and all, just not all the colors of a rainbow.)
Plus, I'm improving my room. I really like it so far. I'm probably going to be at my parents house for a bit longer because I have to pay off my student loan, AND I'll soon have a new car. Which is probably a good thing because I've been afraid to drive mine for about two weeks, and haven't driven it since last Tuesday. I was worried it might explode..and the gas pedal doesn't always work as it should...for graduation, my parents said they'd either help get a lesser expensive one, or put a down payment on a nicer one. Yay!

The Mixed Tape

2009-05-14T11:34:00.010-06:00

The Mixed Tape by Jack's Mannequin
When I was up in Logan, We had a quote wall. It was fantastic. Here's most of the quotes from it.

"Charlie Brown is a cartoon character who's never gotten action in his life." -Tim Kerns

“What would Jesus do? Jesus would answer the phone.” –Stacy Lynch

“I substitute eating for never sleeping.” –Mike, the waiter at the Ogden IHOP

“That’s why men need women.” –Ashlee Underwood Nielsen

“Hookers can fall in love.” –Stacy (while watching Pretty Woman.)

“And with our forces combined, anyone can beat us!” –Eric Jeffs

“Why did you make an ashtray in sacrament meeting?” –Ross Nelson

“Tony LOLed me..” –Stacy
“Ew..” –Jacki Thompson

“Jake, you’re rubbing my leg.” –Jason Reese
"JAKE! You're Rubbing My Leg!!!" -Jason, five minutes later.

“Happiest place on earth… only ‘cause there’s meth in the air.” –Tim (talking about Disneyland)

“We should go so they can get to their boys.” –Stacy’s dad
“Maybe their boys don’t want to get with them tonight.” –Stacy’s mom

“I can see why college students resort to fornication. There’s nothing else to do!” –Jon Miller

“Can we please watch Titanic?” –Chris LeCates

“Oh baby stop!” -Jacki
“Pretty sure if that was a sexual reference it wouldn’t be stop.” –Ashlee

“Could you guys please stop laughing? It’s distracting.” –Ross

“This is a really cool picture, huh? –James Ford
“Yeah. If you’re Satan.” –Ian Binks

“Wroth- that’s like 'Ross' with a lisp!” –Stacy

“You should come bounce on my bed sometime.” –Jacki

“You look like one hot Mama!” –Jordan Monroe

“… and I’d wrestle a wild boar!” –Jason
“What about wild whores?” –Eric

“We’re like a jukebox!” –Kelly Christianson

“I think the weather has A.D.D.” –Stacy

“I hopped off IHOP… twice.” –Mike, the waiter

“Everyone in my apartment is crazy! Tim cooks sausage. Jon reads about sex.” –Brian Pincock (Jon was reading his psychology book.)

“We. Have. Foo-duh.” –Jacki and Stacy

“Something can be awkward without being sexual.” –Moe Smith
“It’s just very rare.” –James

“You know how much cooler I would be… if I was from Brooklyn?” –Brian

“Heidi’s world is becoming upset. Her raspberries are ovaries and her peas are fruit.” –Kelly

“Hit me.” –Jacki

“Jacki, you are going to Hell.” –Eric

“I have a prescription to popular science magazine.” –Jaron Newman

“I like to feel my phalanges.” –Moe

“You’re one of those friendly Elmo-type menaces.” –Ben

“My cuticles are numb.” –Stacy

“Hop the boarder and run to Vegas.” –Josh Marchant

“You good? You stable?” –Tim
“No.” –Ashlee
“Ok.” –Tim

“You’re like a freaking boy scout.” –Stacy

“I’d rather not be your bra.” –Jacki
“That’s a little awkward.” –Courtney Twitchell

“Have you seen my monkey?” –Jacki
“It is a valid question.” –Ben

“The quote wall hates me.” –Moe

“To dry unwashed hair… why would you need to do that? It’s already dry.” –Josh

“I need to study for life. I’m failing!” –Kelly

“Wow! Those are some big…. boots.” –James (while watching Phantom of the Opera.)

“I love you too, baby. I love you too.” –Brian to Tim

“Blue is generally not a healthy color for a human. –Stacy

“Ew! Yuck! What is she wearing?” –Courtney
“A dead snow leopard.” –Stacy

“I think that would suck giving birth to a unicorn.” –Stacy

“That was gorgeful.” –Brother Hopkins

“I’d rather share pants with Jacki than have a cat in my pants.” –Josh

“Run Forrest.” –Moe
“Shut up, jerk!” –Tim

“Our friends are retarded.” –Lindsay

“He sounded out of breath when I called him.” –James
“He had to come up for air.” –Jaron

“I swear- the world is turning the boys retarded.” –Stacy

(Knock Knock) “Come in! Ha ha.. They can’t.” –Stacy

“Jacki! You just had a Morgan moment!” –Stacy

“You are deficient!” –Brian

“Whoa! Jane exploded!” –Stacy

“I am possibly the most brilliant person I have ever met. You know why? Because I am an idiot!” –Brian

“Well, what other way is there to cook a microwave?” –Ian

“The demons were trying to get into my… nevermind.” –Tim

“Do you guys mind if we change to ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader’? I want to see how dumb I am today.” –Kelly

“No one goes to school in Mexico.” –Ross

“It’s like a big, clear noodle.” –Moe

“I can’t see your stunning features.” –Jaron

“I’m laying between three guys.” –Jacki
“Dang, you’re lucky!” –Moe
“Wanna switch spots?” –Jacki

“Nothing’s wrong with me except my knees are made of liquid dookie.” –Shane Earl

“Tim, you hold hands weird.” –James (while holding hands with Tim, playing a game)

“If you weren’t getting married we wouldn’t have dirty minds.” –Stacy
“Yeah right.” –Jacki

“What was that?”-Stacy
“That was a gleeful chuckle.” –Jacki

“We’re feeling a little alto-ish today.” – A Tenor
“Not sure if we want to go there..” –Brother Hopkins

“I’m going to give up on Jessie tonight.” –Ashlee
“Oh. I thought you were going to say something about Bon Jovi.” –Stacy

“Coo-Coo-Ka-Chew!... That means pass..” –Landon Frost

"Ask me if I just tripped up the stairs?"- Ross
"Did you just trip up the stairs?" -Stacy & Jacki
"Yes I did. Now ask me how I felt about it." -Ross
"How did you feel about it?" Stacy & Jacki
"Like an Idiot!" -Ross

(Holding a plastic pumpkin) "I kind of want to stick my head in this..." -Tim
"You can't, your head's too big." -Stacy

"You say sorry too much." -Eric
"I'm sor-" -Stacy

World Spins Madly On

2009-05-07T19:36:00.022-06:00

From now on, I'm going to have all the titles of my entries from song titles/lines. This one being World Spins Madly On by The Weepies. Which just happens to be the song I'm listening to right now. No specific reason-although it is a fantastic song. I liked the title for this entry too.

Well Well...here I am. The past while has been quite interesting. I've done a lot. Re-connected with old friends whom I have missed like India misses Gandhi. I've strengthened relationships with friends who are my true friends. I've let people go out of my life because they were clearly not friends and I was just too blind to see it. Sucks, yes. But oh well, I'm much better off for it. I'm done with clinic for school, but I'm still getting requests and appointments. I'm heading into finals for my last two weeks of school. Ever. That is unless I decide to go back to school after graduation for something else..who knows. I had an adventure to Santa Barbara, a much needed getaway.
Mostly I'm posting now to put up pictures from Santa Barbara. My dad had a business meeting and my mom and I flew to California with him. While there, we met my dads high school foreign exchange student (from Sweden), Per, his fiancee, Kirsten, and his soon-t0-be-step-son, Jens, who is going to a semester of college in Santa Barbara. It was really cool meeting them, incredibly nice people. So here's some pictures from my trip (sorry there aren't any pics of us with the Swedes).

The Beach

Starfish
A huge boot. I got bored, and tried to see if maybe I could get inside it..I couldn't...it was too tall.
Fantastic, No? Oh Man..
I found Captain Jack Sparrow.
Turtle!

Water Lilly

I really liked these flowers.

Not so haunted looking haunted house. The guy said it was really haunted! Doesn't look it..I was kind of disappointed. This professor guy used to live in it, and he slipped in the bathroom and hit his head and drowned in the bathtub and died. And he's still there.
Solvang. A Dutch town, windmills, Danish food, totally authentic place. Pretty cool.

Meh.

2009-03-31T22:29:00.004-06:00

Not too much going on the past couple weeks, my birthday was last Sunday. It was pretty good, my roommate Jacki came and spent some time with me. It was snowing and she didn't want to drive Sardine Canyon in the snow at night (it's scary) so she stayed at my house. It was so good to see her again. I'm going to get a weekend where I can go up to Logan and hang out with my cousin, and with Jacki. I miss Logan a lot. Hopefully maybe this weekend.
I got a massage chair, so now I can do chair massages. It's a very comfortable chair. I also got new Hardshoes..they're pretty. Breaking them in is going to suck and my feet are going to die, but it's gonna be fun.
School is good, 7 weeks until graduation.
Here's a random sidenote: Don't you just love it when you wash some laundry (in this case it was my massage sheets), and when you go to fold them you notice they smell really familiar...and then you realize- That smells like an ex-boyfriend! He must have used the same laundry detergent..so whenever you go to use whatever you washed (in my case it was my sheets..) all you can smell is the scent of an ex's clothing..so during my clinic today I was smelling the scent of one of my ex-boyfriends.
Well, there's all the superficial stuff of things I don't care if the world knows for this update.

Fun times

2009-03-19T14:16:00.004-06:00

St. Patrick's Day is over, and so are all the festivities that come with it. It was awesome. I had such a great past couple weeks (after I got done being sick). Parades, performances, parties, playing. The St. Patrick's day parade seemed longer this year. The Siamsa was fun. The Jazz Game half-time was Awesome! It looked way good, if you missed it and want to see it-you can find it on my Facebook. This is a birds-eye view of us at the parade.

I have a new favorite band. The Script, from Dublin Ireland. They're wonderful, they released their debut album in the U.S. on Tuesday. Since I was busy all day with St. Patrick's Day things, I went out and bought it yesterday. I love them. Danny, Mark and Glen.

This week I started 4th quarter, I have Lymphatic Massage, Visceral, Muscle Interaction, Segmented Massage, Hot Rock, Advanced Cranial. Plus ongoing clinic and study for big big tests.

Fantastic..

2009-03-13T10:40:00.001-06:00

So, with all the stuff that I've got coming up starting today through the next who knows how long--I've been and will continue to be pretty dang busy.
Last night I went over to Alys house and we practiced the a Capella part of the double reel (hardshoe). Broke parts down, repeated over and over, then stitched all the parts together and did those over and over. Two hours and I wake up today and my left knee is really stressing. Stairs are not my friend. Walking isn't really my friend either. Will I back off and take it easy? Nope. I've got too much to do.
Performance today, two performances tomorrow, practice Sunday, Monday, Tuesday with a performance Tuesday night, class on Wednesday..So I've got to do those-THEN I can back off, take it easy and nurse my knee..even then I still can't go too soft on it. Haha.
So The Salt Lake parade is supposed to start around 10am, the Siamsa at noon, we'll be dancing underneath the white tents. Tuesday we're performing at half-time for the Jazz game. So, I've got a lot ahead of me. I hope you come out to see me if you can, it'd be great to see people.
Later.

Getting better.

2009-03-11T13:12:00.003-06:00

Okay, well I'm at about 90% better. I still cough, but not near as much as I was. My nose is a little congested but it's almost nothing.
I went to the dance performance on Saturday night, it was fun. Because I don't have a wig yet, I bought at 5/8" curling iron- the smallest on made, and sat for an hour and a half while my ponytail got curled. It looked way good, and it stayed way curly through all the bouncing. I loved it. Dancing did set me back a little in the healing process because Sunday my cough was back, and I felt worse than I did the day before. But it was so worth it.
Finals are all going really good. I had 4 last week, and I have 7 this week for a total of 11 finals.
This Saturday is the Salt Lake City St. Patrick's Day parade at 9am at the Gateway mall, we'll be dancing down the street of the mall. Then at the Greek Orthodox Church at 12 noon is the Siamsa. It's gonna rock.

Ugh...

2009-03-05T19:55:00.002-07:00

So I've been sick for over a week. And it's driving me nuts. It started with just an irritated throat. You know-that scratchy dry spot and no matter how many times you swallow it's still there. Then it progressed to make my voice work half the time and I cough and cough and cough and cough until I gag and can't breathe and sometimes throw up a little. And couldn't swallow all the way. And then my sinuses decided to play. I've missed a dance performance this week as well as my dance class. Unfortunately, no school has been missed due to it being the first of my two weeks of finals. But fortunately- my teachers either let me sleep or leave early when I'm done and I sit in the corner of the room away from everyone else so they don't get sick. So I sleep-wake up go to school and take finals (practically in my sleep-and still manage to get 100 or close to it) and come home and sleep some more. I can sleep just fine during the day, it's night sleeping that's causing frustration. I can't tell you how many time's I've woken up to massive coughing attacks. NOT Fun! But-health is on the horizon and I'd better be well by Saturday for a dance performance or I'm gonna be mega-ticked.
BUT I am reading a new book series- the House of Night novels by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast. I'm just on book one but I really like it. It's a vampyre book (that's how they spell it in the book: "Vampyre") Here's just a paragraph from the first chapter, I thought it was funny:
"Do vampyres play chess? Were there vampyre dorks? How about Barbie-like vampyre cheerleaders? Did any vampyres play in the band? Were there vampyre Emos with their guy-wearing-girl's-pants weirdness and those awful bangs that cover half their faces? Or were they all those freaky Goth kids who didn't like to bathe much? Was I going to turn into a Goth kid? Or worse, an Emo? I didn't particularly like wearing black, at least not exclusively, and I wasn't feeling a sudden and unfortunate aversion to soap and water, not did I have an obsessive desire to change my hairstyle and wear too much eyeliner."

V-Day Comic

2009-02-15T14:19:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was Valentines Day, whoopdeedoo. I'll spare you my thoughts on the lamest of all holidays. I did however, find this on Josh Groban's blog and thought it was pretty funny.

My Busy Life

2009-02-12T11:13:00.005-07:00

The past couple weeks have been incredibly busy and stressful and frustrating- and amongst it all, I have to admit that I enjoyed most of it. I have been incredibly productive and accomplishing so much in many areas. Plus, getting caught up in the rushed chaos that has been my life is both exhausting and satisfying. My life has been consumed of bouncing straight from school, to work, to clinic, to dance (at the studio-or in my basement), then crashing on my bed only to wake up shortly after to continue the hectic cycle all over again. Happily.
My moments of peace and relaxation take place on Wednesdays (possibly my busiest day of every week) when after dance my dance girls and I would go get hot chocolate (which usually never fully consists of hot chocolate) and talk about the most random of subjects, laughing at said random subjects, and I really just enjoy their company for many reasons. For one: they're not drama like some of my friends have been. For two: we can be candidly explicit with each other. For three: there's no judgment that takes place in our little group. And, they're just awesome to be around. I could go on about why I love dance, and the wonderful friends I've made in class..but I won't. I'm sure they'll appreciate this little spiel about them. :)
Another fabulous thing that has happened to me, I was finally reunited with my first ever best friend for the first time in 11 years. She moved to Washington right after 3rd grade and we kept in touch through letters, rare phone calls, and lately- emails and text messages. She moved back to Utah recently and we were able to see each other again on Tuesday. It was so refreshing to see her and to hang out again. I'm still amazed that after 11 years of being apart, we have kept in touch and have stayed close. And we vowed not to wait 11 years until we're 31 to see each other again.
Clinic is going great. I have worked on a wide variety of ages, occupations, etc. From 17 to 82, from student, to teacher, to waitress, to flight attendant, to chef, to a football linebacker. It's really fun and I've learned a lot so far.

I'm in Love

2009-02-01T17:27:00.003-07:00

Alright, Last night I went to see Lord of the Dance at Kingsbury Hall. I for one, Loved it. The mens ensemble was stronger than the womens, and the women softshoe solos seemed pretty simple. The taps were pre-recorded, which was kind of a let down but made sense because the music would have drowned out the sound of the hardshoes. I got over it pretty fast.
When the Dark Lord came out with his warriors, I knew I was going to fall in love. And I did. That dance was one of my two favorite parts of the whole show.

I love that dance. And the Dark Lord was amazing. I loved him (maybe even more than the Lord of the Dance.)
My other favorite part was when the Lord of the Dance danced without music with his warlords.

I am so glad I was able to go see it. I saw Spirit of the Dance in Branson, MO for my 17th birthday. Which was way cool, it incorporated other styles of dance (Salsa, Ballroom, Tap, Jazz, even Hip-Hop) but it centered around Irish Dance. Lord of the Dance was great and it was a wonderful close to some very stressful and crazy-busy weeks. I'm hoping I can relax now..

We create it...

2009-01-20T13:56:00.004-07:00

So, I've been thinking. Which can be dangerous and get me way too stressed out, but this time it's been kind of an eye-opener. Bringing to light things that I've been hearing throughout my entire schooling but never really understood the magnitude of what my teachers have been saying; I've don't think I've ever fully grasped, understood, and started to apply said knowledge until just these past couple weeks. So with all these thoughts going in my head, I figured I'd jot them down for you to read. Hopefully it makes sense. I'm just gonna type and post.
We create our own conditions. We sustain our circumstances. On some level, we've brought upon ourselves the experiences and positions we find ourselves in every day. Whether you believe it or not, it's true. Granted- there are things that are out of our control. I could not stop that guy from abusing me just like you could not stop that car from crashing. But I can choose to either take abuse and blame it on myself, and act like a victim; or rise above it and overcome what happened to me. You can set your intent on how you heal from and auto crash. You can hold onto whatever injuries you may have acquired and play the victim card and pull for attention and/or pity from others, or you can realize that there is health and a full recovery. It's all how you perceive it.
Each of us, every human being, has the ability to heal ourselves. If something happens and you don't truly want to recover from it, then you won't. But if you have the drive, and determination to recover and triumph over it, your body and spirit will account for that and you will. People that claim to be stuck with something, or constantly "holding onto" something will get just that.
There are instances of course where one can't do it on their own. That is where a healer comes into play. A healer is someone who can listen to your body, and assist in the healing process. I'm not just saying this because it makes for a good topic. I truly believe it and have had personal experiences to back me up.
I've been through of some pretty rotten situations, and they have truly left me somewhat inhibited. Starting last week, I have realized how powerful I am in healing myself and releasing the traumas of my life. Truly allowing myself to literally rise above it and be able to move on. It's quite liberating.
Also, I've watched my cousin as he went through what I believe to be a quite damaging form of Hell. He was in an extremely serious car crash and is a living miracle. I watched as his determination to live pulled him towards health. I witnessed his positive attitude and will to get better. I stood by him in awe at his recovery which was far faster than anyone ever expected. For him to be alive today is truly a witness to me. He was ready to move on as soon as he came out of his coma. He was determined not to let it hold him back. He wanted everything to go back to normal and worked hard to make it happen. If anyone had the right to pull the card, he did. But he didn't. He's made the best of everything, and he's my hero.
So if you tell me that you're "stuck with" something, or play a victim card for a prolonged period of time; pardon me if I don't believe you.

Awesome

2009-01-13T20:36:00.008-07:00

So, last week was absolutely fabulous and this weekend was amazing.
I started my clinic so I am now working on "the public". With appointments and clients and all that jazz, I must say- I love it. I am so fired up and in love with it all over again, I have the ability to truly help people still; even though I'm not going into Social Work anymore (But may go back too). Being able to help people and help heal them and help them feel good is great. Although I find that not eating all day and doing massages, I am hungry at the end of the day. haha.
My classes for this quarter are awesome. Study of the Spine, Shiatsu, Trigger Point, SER (Somato Emotional Release), Spinal Touch, Tuina, Clinic, and Sports Massage. Sweet!
I went to Arizona this weekend, my uncle got baptized-it was spectacular and a seriously great weekend. My cousin, Michael (16, almost 17) was able to baptize him. He torqued his back lifting weights a few days beforehand, luckily I happened to bring massage cream with me (because I'm a nerd like that) and I worked on him for a while, and he was able to move and not have pain in his back and shoulders. That was cool to be able to work on him and see immediate relief and benefits.
.This is us in front of the London Bridge.
This is me and my Dev aney.
Devaney, Me, CJ, Nicole, Mom and Alyssa.

Jarmo, Coley, Tony, Allison, CJ, Alyssa, Michael, Me, Devaney, Gladys, Grandma and Mom and Dad outside the church in Havisu.

New Year

2009-01-01T20:11:00.014-07:00

Happy New Year!!
Last night was a great night. I had three friends over- some of the best girls ever. And we just had a fun night!

We played Dance Dance Revolution, Super Mario 3, Drank some bubbly at midnight (Sparkling Burgundy, provided by Lindsay Rigby), Watched some Jeff Dunham and The Dark Knight. It really was a great night. I totally loved it.

So, 2009 came in quite nicely, I'm very interested in what's going to happen this year. I've got a couple boys coming home from missions this year, I'll graduate and be licensed in Massage Therapy and have a career, continue on and progress with dance. To name a few. I'm excited, nervous, kind of scared, and hoping it'll be a great year.

Idioms

2008-12-30T17:50:00.004-07:00

So, here are some idioms, and here is what I think about them. Do I agree? or do I disagree? (I was kind of bored at work, so that's how this came about.)
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.=True, it's best not to rely on one thing. Have options.
When life deals you lemons, make lemonade.=True, make the best of what you've got.
The grass is always greener on the other side.=Traulse. It depends, usually true-but some people don't know how good they've got it and when they look at someone else they think the other person has it better.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch.=True. Don't count on something because you don't know what you're gonna get.
All's fair in love and war.=FALSE! There are things you just don't do! End of story.
Ignorance is bliss.=True. If you don't know something, it can't hurt you.
Easy come, easy go.=True. Anything that comes easy to you can likely be taken away just as easy.
Don't bit the hand that feeds you. =True. You don't hurt someone that helps you.
Actions speak louder than words.=So true. A similar one is: What you're doing is so loud, I can't hear what you say.
Drastic times call for drastic measures.=Traulse. It really depends on the situation.
Every cloud has a silver lining.=True. There's pretty much always an upside to every situation. One that goes along with this could be: Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
It takes two to tango.=True.
Let bygones be bygones.=True. Just forget about disagreements or arguments and move on.
Variety is the spice of life.=True. The more experiences you have, the more exciting your life can be.
You can't judge a book by its cover.=True! Get to know someone/something "read the book" if you will, before you pass judgment. You may miss out on something great.

NeWs

2008-12-29T10:43:00.003-07:00

Well, Christmas is over. All in all it was a great Christmas this year- despite that my brother and his wife weren't around to celebrate with the whole family. I think that's why it didn't feel like Christmas until we were all in Ogden doing the tradition thing-but they still weren't there. There was a hole, at least for me anyways.
On the gift front-I received and unexpected package from my Joseph in Switzerland. I got a massage table, some clothes, DVD's and some jewelery.
My sister and Jarmo are leaving tomorrow to go back to Houston.
My uncle, Tony, announced that he's getting baptized! It's way exciting and we're all congregating down in Lake Havisu City, Arizona on January 10 and my cousin Michael is going to baptize him.
My Heidi was in a car crash on Saturday, she and her mom actually. They're alright- it could have been a lot worse than it was. Heidi's mom has a wicked sprained and bruised ankle-not broken. Heidi has a concussion. She was actually speaking a lot better than I expected cause when I had my concussion I was not speaking near as good as Heidi. They both have bruises, and burns from the chemicals with the air bags. I was with Heids for a couple hours Saturday night and by the time I left, she was looking a lot better than when I got there.
And, I have officially danced a hole in the bottom of my hardshoes...now I need duct tape.

Happy Christmas!

2008-12-24T10:39:00.002-07:00

It's Christmas Eve and I'm still confused on how it got here so fast. It's still not feeling a lot like Christmas for me, but tonight I'm sure will change that. I'm going to my aunts in Ogden for our Christmas Eve traditions which will be awesome.
My sister Nicole and her husband Jarmo (Jason) flew in from Houston late last night. It's been a while since we've all seen each other so that's cool.
Nothing too much to say though, just happy wishes to all.

Someone Said...

2008-12-16T20:49:00.002-07:00

So, I stole this idea from Lindsay's blog. It's a list of my favorite quotes-in no particular order. Some of them don't have an author, but they're still good nonetheless.

"Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despite to forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that in a years time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings. To great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings." -Andre Maurois, Writer
"Those who bring light and sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves."-J.M. Barrie, writer
I am a dancer. I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living.... In each it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one's being, a satisfaction of spirit. One becomes in some area an athlete of God. ~Martha Graham, c.1953
"Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are." -St. Augustine
"I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing." -Agatha Christie, writer
"The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next."-Mignon McLaughlin
"There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them."-Vicki Baum
"Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there."-Josh Billings
"Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."
"All you really need is that one person to trust. That one person you know will always tell you, "Everything will be alright..." and somehow, for some reason, you always believe them."
"Her favorite song will tell you more about her than her mouth ever will."
"A dancer dances until it hurts, a real dancer dances through the pain."
"Behind my smile is everything you'll never understand."
"Next time you're mad, try dancing out your anger."-Sweetpea Tyler

Well, there you go. Just some of my many favorites, who knows-there may be a part 2 of this in the future.

Hair, Finals and Boxes.

2008-12-11T17:03:00.006-07:00

So, I dyed my hair. I love it. Tim says I dye my hair more than he waxes his eyebrows...I hope that's true...haha. I loved having the way blond highlights in my hair-surprisingly-so we tried to do the whole thing that color; it didn't look right. My hair color almost looked confused and dull (to me anyways). So on Saturday-we did this! The box said "chesnut". As you can see, it's a dark red. I am definitely a fan of it.
It's December! Yay!..... It's finals weeks! Yuck! I am half way through them though, so far I'm doing pretty well I think. Anatomy on Monday is going to be a royal pain. Keep your fingers crossed for me! After this next week, I will officially be half way done!!!
My parents surprised me with a real Christmas tree! It's so pretty! I was very delighted when I saw it. This is my second real Christmas tree (my first, given to me by Joseph). It's beautiful.
I sent off boxes to my missionaries. (well, 4 of them.) Yes, maybe I didn't need to. Yes, I put a lot of money into the contents of said boxes. Yes, I put a lot of money into sending said boxes. But honestly- I don't care. They're out there, away from home. Who knows what they're getting this holiday season. I don't want them to feel sad, neglected or anything like that. My brother said that Christmas on missions suck, and if that's the case for these boys-I hope my box will bring them some cheer and comfort to know that I love them and I am keeping them in mind this Christmas. (They're pretty amazing boxes, I'm not gonna lie. I'd love me if I sent me a box like that...haha. I almost feel like Santa Claus to these boys. I love them.) So I think about what these boxes will do for them, and nothing else matters. It makes it all worth it.

My deepest fear

2008-11-29T11:23:00.003-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light , not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make and manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
-Marianne Williamson

I really like that poem-ish thing by Marianne Williamson. I don't remember where I first heard it, but every time I read it I remember how much I like it. Sometimes we forget who we are. Sometimes we don't grasp what we mean to people. Sometimes we're afraid. Sometimes we fail to realize what really matters. I think everyone temporarily looses sight of the big picture. But that's okay, as long as they realize it and make the necessary changes to get back to who they want to be. Whoever that may be. We're all perfect in our own way. We need to not let anything or anyone hold us back from the true potential for greatness that lies within each of us.
We need to stand to make a difference, because let's face it, the world can be a scary place. We need to shoot for our dreams. Reach out to others, we're all in this together.
Even if at times we feel invisible.

It's Coming...

2008-11-28T13:35:00.002-07:00

I'm so excited for winter...mmm...winter. It's my favorite season. I love waking up after it's snowed and everything is blanketed in peaceful, white snow. Joe told me (before he left) that when he wakes up after the first snowfall, he'll go walk slowly around his house outside barefoot...while that's a great thing to do; and he can handle the stinging cold under his feet- I'd probably get frostbite. So I appreciate snow a little differently.
Plus, Christmas is in winter. I love Christmas. Mostly because I see my family a ton with Thanksgiving and Christmas being a month apart- and there's some family birthdays.
Another thing is-of course-the music. I love Christmasy music. But not the "traditional" same-old music. I love the Forgotten Carols, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Manheim Steamroller, Jon Schmidt also has gorgeous and fabulous Christmas music.
Thanksgiving was yesterday. We went to my grandparents here in Bountiful. It was a pretty good day, even though my siblings weren't there. After eating, me and my cousins Shane and Kevin and my cousin-in-law Micah played croquet. Croquet-while fun- is not something that should be done in heels. Running around a grass yard in heels makes your feet hurt pretty quick.
I can't wait for snow- it's coming...I can tell.

Time Flies

2008-11-08T00:24:00.003-07:00

Well, nothing really to report...school is hard, but it's great. I have mid-terms next week which is insane to think about! I'm half way through my second quarter! It's crazy how fast it's gone already-but I find that when you're doing something you love, time almost doesn't exist. And the thought of graduation on May 22 seems way close, but like it can't come fast enough.
It's snowed often this week which makes me happy. I love snow. It's pretty. Peaceful. Sparkly. I can't wait for Winter to fully set in. Bliss.
I would just like to take a second to express my appreciation for my friends. They really are the best ones anyone could possibly have. I'm glad we're as close as we are...and I love how some of us have stayed in touch for years. Goes to show that true friends are really there. Even if we've been apart for ages.
Awesome songs you should listen to:
Everybody's Someone by Leann Rimes and Brian McFadden
Christmas Melody and A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief by Jon Schmidt
Pretty much anything by Delta Goodrem.
Good Night.

I'm Alive

2008-10-15T13:46:00.003-06:00

Oh man...I lived. That was crazy. These last two weeks were ridiculous! Last week it started showing in my face how stressed and run-down I was. I felt like I had a fever-but I didn't, and it looked like I got hit in the face. Twice. I've never had stress and sleep deprivation manifest itself like that. It seriously looked like I got beat up. I shoulda taken pictures. By the time we got to the last 4 finals my brain was pretty much applesauce. It's intense. The trick though!---is to keep breathing. Just breathe.
But I am happy to say that after two weeks, 5 projects, a grand total of 13 finals (yeah, thirteen finals!!) and I am officially done with my first quarter of school. Go me! I'm fairly confident in all my classes I took- pretty sure I did really well on them though I don't have my final grades yet but my teachers have said I did awesome. Yay! I went to Bear Lake this weekend to get away and relax. It was fabulous. It snowed most of the weekend up there so that was like a special little present just for me. This quarter though I don't have classes on Fridays-so that's way nice. This quarter I'm taking: Anatomy 3&4 (Muscles and bones), polarity, cranial 2, reflexology, massage lab, specialized modalities and pathology 2. Woo! I will be done with this quarter on December 17 (I think...).
Lately I've become huge in piano playing. I've started loving it more and more. I've always enjoyed playing but I've been working on some Jon Schmidt pieces and they're gorgeous. I love it. The ones I've been working on aren't as hard as I anticipated given that they're Jon Schmidt's songs...anyone who knows about Jon Schmidt can attest to this mans ridiculous talent with a piano and his work is genius.
So, life is great! Living and loving. Can't wait for dance tonight.

Bodies and Bodies

2008-10-05T00:05:00.007-06:00

Well, the past couple weeks have been stressful, frustrating, slightly traumatizing, annoying and going by really fast. I'm half way through finals. Unlike "college", I have two weeks of finals. One week of written, one week of practical. Which, they're going well, but I'm still stressed. Just Breathe.
The past couple days have been good though. Thursday, I went with my school to BodyWorlds. It is absolutely fabulous. I wasn't sure what to think walking in there, I mean-these are real human bodies...but it is done so artistically and so fascinating that I really didn't have time to get grossed out. There are a lot of things to look at and take in. I highly recommend everyone go to this. It is truly amazing. I was going to take pictures, but photography isn't allowed-so I found this picture on the BodyWorlds website (www.bodyworlds.com). There you can find information on it, and how they plastinate the bodies and such. After we left the exhibit-everyone was craving deli sandwiches...
Friday, I had raindrop therapy, which is nothing like Chinese Water Torture. It's basically a way relaxing froofroo massage done with essential oils. I smelled like oregano the rest of the day. Why oregano though...I would have preferred the wintergreen to linger rather than the oregano...
I also went to the Davis Convention Center in Layton and did on-site chair massages with the owners of the school. It was so awesome! I loved it, and got GREAT feedback from the people I worked on. A lot of them wanted to schedule a massage with me and were shocked to find out that I am just finishing my first quarter and won't be in my clinic for another 11 weeks. Amongst the colorful and assorted types of personalities, bodies and all that entails- I had the privilege of working on a gentleman with Cerebral Palsy. That was really cool-he was really tight, and he informed me that the tightness is always there. He was a joy to work on. He (along with everybody else) said that I was a fabulous therapist, with right-on pressure and I had a great touch and quality to my massage.
So, all in all...things are going really well...getting over the frustrating stressfullness that has to come with things. So yep...until next time.

Engagements

2008-09-21T20:40:00.009-06:00

Morgan and I got our pictures taken today-for when we get married (if we're single) on October 17, 2029. Here are some of my favorites...

Basically, we're adorable. And our wedding is going to be a party.

Waiting...

2008-09-15T21:58:00.005-06:00

Alright. So-things have been going Really well for me the past couple weeks. And they've flown by. Mid-terms were last week, and I am glad to report that I flew through them and passed all of them fabulously. The actual Massaging is going well too. Today I worked on my teacher and she was feeling quite lovely by the time I was done with her. I think it's amazing how I've fallen into Massage Therapy-and how much I've learned, how at ease I am with it and how much it just fits. Everything is just working out and I am doing something I love, and feel really good about- and apparently I'm amazing. Or-at least-the people I've worked on have said so. And I can help people in more ways then I ever imagined possible. I keep thinking how shocking it is that I am in my 7th week and still haven't had a bad day. Or how it feels like I just started and I'm almost done with my first quarter. I keep waiting for something to go wrong-or to not feel accomplished at the end of a day/week and it just hasn't happened. And I hope I don't jinx it by admitting it. Plus-going to the school I do, there are a lot of really intuitive people there (practically all of us going there are abnormally intuitive), and so that does make it hard to disguise my unpleasant emotions if I am a little less happy than normal. And-an unforeseen benefit of going there is everybody is so willing to help you! My back (not my sciatic, thankfully) has been hurting since yesterday after church. My anatomy teacher put my on the table, stretched my spine and was able to pick out exactly where was tight and what hurt. He got into the parts that needed to work and I left school today in no pain and was able to get up without hurting. I could gush about this subject for a while, so I think I'll just end it there.
My Colton flew to Washington today, and I sended him a box which I'm betting was waiting for him at the mission home. I wish I could have seen his face when they gave it to him. My Tim leaves for his mission in a few weeks as well, he is going to be an amazing missionary. (Then all my boys are gone, except for Moe, he'll never leave me.) My Joe hit his 18 month mark yesterday, so he'll be coming home in about 6 months-which is way exciting.
Have you ever wanted to do something so bad, but A-don't know how, and 2- don't know what? That's how I'm feeling. I've been in a writing drought lately and it's making me sad. Because I could honestly sit at this here computer for hours and just type my fingers away--if I had but something to write about. Which I used to be filled with subjects and such to explore, but I'm kind of out now. I want to write something powerful. Whether it be lovingly sweet, adorably kind, or beautifully depressing. I've just about exhausted my basis for things to write about-so if anyone can give me ideas or a list or something-I'd be appreciative cause I'm running dry.

Weekend in Short

2008-09-02T18:47:00.003-06:00

Well, the long weekend was glorious.
Saturday I went tubing/boating with a bunch of girls from dance. I love being with my dance girls. It was lots of fun. I'm sure I can safely speak for all of us when I say it was a great day, thanks Aly! You are the best.
Sunday I decided to trek up to Logan to see Tim and my old roommate Jacki, and my friend Jenny. It was a good day! I loved every minute of it. From chatting with Jenny, to walking through the cemetery with Jenny and Tim, to getting attacked in the cemetery by a sudden onset of the storm, to walking through the rain and puddles with Jacki and Jenny, to baking a cake and watching Hitch with Jacki, to discussing hand holding and trying out different ways of holding hands with Tim. The drive back was way way dark and kind of creepy-especially through the canyon after the storm, and being one of less than 30 other cars on the road. Luckily it didn't start to be stormy again until I was in Centerville. I got home at almost midnight. Then I texted and chatted with Shane for about an hour, and we were both falling asleep so we called it a night.
Yesterday was an incredibly lazy day. I got a phone call that was a "wrong number"...I'm wondering if it was really a wrong number. Moe came over and we hung out, watched a T.V. show and had a marvelous time. (OH P.S.!- Lindsay so kindly reminded me that I forgot....) Morgan and I cuddled and held hands, as did Moe also have his arm around Linds. We're such a close loving group...and then Morgan had to leave and go to bed. So after he left-Lindsay and I had cake batter and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream with mozzarella sticks (Not together....and blame our hormonal state.) and watched an awesome movie by the name of "Just Like Heaven". And drove around listening to really great female empowering songs by Pink mostly. It was quite an enjoyable evening for all parties involved I'm sure.
Today when I got back from school there was a cute little bunny in our yard. It was so cute and little, it was tan with a fluffy white tail. Now I want a bunny.

Slight Update

2008-08-28T20:12:00.003-06:00

For some reason---I feel weird. I just feel like somethings wrong. It was way bad on Tuesday and I couldn't shake it. I still haven't been able to shake it or figure out what is causing said feeling. It's like I feel like something is wrong with someone I know...or something is going to happen. Weird.
Yesterday- my dear Tim came to visit me on his journey back up to Logan. It was so good to see him and I was way surprised when he called to see if he could stop by. He stayed for a couple hours and we completely lost track of time. We had a loverly chat. I'm thinking I may go up to Logan on Sunday and see him and Jacki, and some other friends up there.
School is going good. I did two massages on people not in my class-and I got great feedbacks from both, so that's awesome. I'm still loving it-and still feel great about it.
Well----that's about it...

ABC's of Me

2008-08-21T18:14:00.004-06:00

A = ADVOCATE FOR: Honesty. I hate lies.

B = BEST FEATURE: Why, my personal charm and magnetism!! Haha. Mmmm....either my eyes-they're really pretty blue. Or my hair-it's way long now, down to the small of my back, and it's blond now!

C= COULDN'T DO WITHOUT: My camera, My computer, My phone, My religion, My Friends! My dance!!...all make life wonderful and beautiful.

D = DREAMS AND DESIRES: Finish Massage Therapy school, Step Dance in a pub, Get married...

E = ESSENTIAL ITEM: Oh man...um...probly my phone?

F= FAVORITE PAST TIME: Camping

G= GOOD AT: Being me! haha!

H = HAVE NEVER TRIED: drugs, alcohol, cheating in a relationship...skydiving, bungee jumping, sushi...

I= IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS: I'd buy you a house, I'd buy you furniture for your house (Maybe a nice chesterfield or an ottoman), I'd buy you a K-Car (a nice Reliant automobile), If I Had $1000000 I'd buy your love. I'd build a tree fort in our yard. You could help, it wouldn't be that hard. Maybe we could put put a little tiny fridge in there somewhere, We could just go up there and hang out. Like open the fridge and stuff, and there'd be foods laid out for us, With little pre-wrapped sausages and things. Mmmmm. If I Had $1000000, I'd buy you a fur coat (but not a real fur coat that's cruel), I'd buy you an exotic pet (Like a llama or an emu), I'd buy you John Merrick's remains (All them crazy elephant bones). We wouldn't have to walk to the store. We'd take a limousine 'cause it costs more, We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner. (but we would eat Kraft Dinner. Of course we would, we'd just eat more. And buy really expensive ketchup with it. that's right, all the fanciest Dijon Ketchup. Mmmmmm.) I'd buy you a green dress (but not a real green dress, that's cruel). I'd buy you some art (a Picasso or a Garfunkel),i 'd buy you a monkey (haven't you always wanted a monkey?) I'd be rich.
Okay- so I like that song and I wrote down all the things they said...really though...I'd go travel Europe, and save some of it.

J = JUNKIE FOR: Pictures!! Salt water taffy, fruit, Sharpies/writing tools...

K = KINDRED SPIRIT: My sister. My really close friends.

L = LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Um...I dunno...

M = MEMORABLE MOMENT: Oh my gosh, I can't even pin one! Try...my whole senior year of High School, and my freshman year of college! SO many experiences and memories I will never forget!

N = NEVER AGAIN WILL I: Do the gallon challenge....

O = OCCASIONAL INDULGENCE: Um...buying a DVD or something like that. All my money is going to school---so there's not much indulging going on.

P= PERSON I MOST ADMIRE: Oh good grief...I admire...my sister, she's got a lot of bravery and courage and integrity-and she probably doesn't even know it. I admire my boys! They are so incredible-they treat me like a princess and take care of me and protect me, I love ALL of them.

Q = QUOTE: "Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can come together." "All you really need is that one person to trust, that one person you know will always tell you 'everything will be alright...' and somehow, for some reason, you always believe them."

R = REASON TO SMILE: How blessed I am in my life, I can dance, I can laugh, I have amazing friends and family.

S = SORRY ABOUT: Um...I don't really live with regrets.

T = TAG SOME FRIENDS: Nicole, Aly, Emma, Lindsay.

U = UNINTERESTED IN: Fake people.

V = VERY SCARED OF: Getting hurt, Not being good enough (in any way), Not being able to breathe/choking/being strangled.

W = WORST HABIT: Popping my knuckles...

X = X MARKS MY IDEAL VACATION SPOT: IRELAND!!! Duh.

Y = YESTERYEAR DECADE OF CHOICE: Um...the 40's.

Z = ZODIAC SIGN: Aries.

5 things I love

2008-08-07T20:30:00.000-06:00

Aly tagged me, so I shall happily do this. haha. I tag Nicole and Lindsay.
Five things I love (in no particular order):
Dancing.
I have been Irish Step Dancing for about two and a half years, I love it. It's a great form of exercise, and it is a wonderful escape from reality. Being able to travel across the floor in soft shoe, or stomp it all out in hard shoe. The people in my dance class are also a wonderful part of dance too. I have made some great friends through dance. We all come from different backgrounds, ages, places and phases of life. But we all share a common bond with our love of dance. This picture was taken while I was on my toes in my hardshoes. Pretty huh?

Pictures.
I am pretty much attached to my camera. I have it with me almost everywhere I go. I've got a million pictures of friends, family, scenery. I love it. People who know me know that where I go-my camera is coming with me.
Laughing.
Laughing, Smiling, Being happy...there's nothing better. Especially after going through a lot of really hard, life altering-faith shaking events...being happy is something I think a ton of people take for granted...I adore laughing, there is nothing that feels so good as a hard, gut busting laughing session. I have laughed so hard that I couldn't breathe, cried, collapsed on the floor/couch/chair, got the hiccups, almost got physically sick and threw up. I have laughed through an entire movie. I have laughed for 4 hours straight. Some of my friends from junior high said that they wouldn't be surprised if I died laughing. Laughing always makes you feel better too. Here is a picture of me and my friend Lindsay laughing (which really isn't rare at all...)
Music.
Playing it, listening to it, analyzing it...music is a huge part of my life. As you should know by now. I can relate to music and tie it with situations, events, people, feelings, times of my life... music seems to put into words what nothing else can. When I can't put what I'm feeling down in writing a narrative, I can usually find a song that will fit almost perfectly. It's so versatile. There are some simply beautiful, amazingly inspiring, beautifully depressing songs and lyrics out there.
Massage Therapy.
Even though I haven't been going to massage therapy school that long, I already love it. I can't even really explain it, but I just simply love it. I have been so happy with the choice to go where I'm going. It's not only massage, but natural, holistic healing as well. Cranio-sacral, Meridians, Energy work stuff. It's great!