Science and Faith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.