I love Summer.

I'm My Father's Daughter

Yeah yeah. These glasses don't make me look like a super model. But there were bugs getting in my eyes. So I stole my dads glasses. 

They didn't work super well. 

Lots Happen in One Year.

I just spent some time going through posts from a year ago - around the time I graduated.


2 things.

1. It's crazy that I had no idea that exactly a year from then I would be in the MTC. Seriously. That's insane. NO IDEA people. No idea.
2. My writing on this blog has gone downhill since then. My writing isn't as...fun? good? Whatever the word is. It's probably because I had more to blog about and more time to think about my posts in order to make them semi entertaining.



A lot of stuff has happened this year.
People keep saying that in the year and a half I'm gone, not a lot will happen. And I thought that too. Until I evaluated this past one and realized that a ton of stuff goes on.


Things will be happening.

I'll come back to 5 new nieces/nephews. Let's make that 6, just for fun. I'll miss a siblings wedding. Van Noy and Hoffmans senior year? Yeah. I will miss it all. Just BYU sports in general...I'll really miss it all. My oldest niece will be in 7th grade (ha. what?) My dad will be hanging around the house all day everyday. He will probably also have placed 1st in 2 triathlons and, heck, probably participated in an Iron Man (is that what they're called?) My parents and little brother will take a trip to Hawaii without telling anyone. My room will be painted some lame tan color (that better not happen actually). My nephew will be better then me at piano. One of my best friends will be married (and who knows...maybe having a child), another best friend will be married or engaged. My best friend from elementary school will be married (I know...elementary school. But we are still friends and she is still one of my favorite people ever). The basement will be finished. My sister will live in New York. My youngest brother will have been on his mission for at least 2 months.


I'm not saying I want all these things to happen. But they probably will. Some of them I know they will because they are already in the process of getting ready (marriages...some of the nieces and nephews...basement...etc).



Off to Zermatt I go to get some gelato while I have the chance!


9 days.

Dandelion Wine

 As I posted on my instagram last night, this book really is the perfect summer book. There is something about the book that really pulls you into it. Like...really.

I needed something to read to fill up some time that I've spent wasting the past couple of weeks so I decided to read a book! At first I started Peter and the Starcathers, which is an easy and fun read. But then I saw Dandelion Wine. Goodbye, Peter! So I'm going to try and finish Dandelion Wine with in a week and a half. I just need to get one more read in before I head on my mission (less than two weeks! Ah!!!).

in honor of Dandelion Wine

Also. I love taking pictures of my nieces and nephews. They are my all time favorite subject. (Sorry, nature and adults)

Happy Mothers Day, Mom :)

To literally the best mom out there. Happy Mothers Day!

Love you. 

Uhhhhh

Totally getting this to wear forever and ever.

Honestly???

And She Lost Her Golden Locks

Before:

After:

Yeah. So I chopped and colored my hair. And let me tell you, in a year and a half I will have my blonde back! And my hair will obviously be longer then as well - cause I'm not cutting it!

Why did I do this? You may ask.


On my mission I didn't want to have to worry about keeping up the color and when my roots are showing too much it drives me crazy. So I went more to my natural (eh, kind of ) and more brown color.


And please. Do not say you can hardly tell my hair is different. Because IT IS.

Let's shed a little tear for the state of my hair.

Now let's get over it and worry about it in  a year and a half.

Good Deal!

28 days and I leave for the mish. eeeehhhhhhh.

 *exhale* 

This Kid Went to Prom

I know. His hair wasn't combed for these pictures. Oh well - all the girls love him anyway.

But really. They do.



Kind of weird that only a year ago I was going to my last prom! It was definitely in my top 5 (maybe even top 3) dances!



Too bad we don't get more chances to dress up like that.

Nutrition Boy

At the beginning of the semester there was a cute boy I noticed sitting by me in the hall as I was waiting  for my class to start. Turns out, we were in the same class! Nutrition. He asked me a question about the schedule, and I answered, then went back to my own thing.


Stupidest idea ever you guys.


I had a chance to talk to him, ask him his name, where he's from...you know, all those questions you ask someone when you meet them at college. But I didn't. I was feeling sick and wasn't in the mood for talking. Let me tell you, I should have forced myself to be in the mood for talking.


This boy then became known as "Nutrition Boy" to roommates, friends, and family members.

Most of the time both of us would be out in the hall for 45 minutes before class started. I wanted to talk to him, but of course I couldn't. I was too scared and nervous. I had PLENTY of chances to go sit next to him and say something. PLEN-TY! And I took none of them!!! None!!!

I would text my friend Sarah and she would give me pep talks trying to get me to talk to him (we seriously went through the same conversation every Tuesday and Thursday). He probably thought I was a texting maniac because I was always texting her! Little did he know, it was all about him! Obviously the pep talks didn't work. Still too scared.  (They were absolutely hilarious though)


Then I saw him a couple times in another building after a class on Friday. Still didn't say anything.



Wimp.


On the last day of nutrition I had my last chance. And I had a chance. And guess what happened? Nothing. (I feel like Elder Calhoun - woot woot if you get that reference).



I went back to my apartment. Cried to my roommates about my stupidness (I didn't really cry, just complained). I was never going to see him again.

"If you see him again, you'll know it's a sign and you have to talk to him!" (a roommate)


Tuesday I went to the gym. Sitting there at one of the weights...I look to my right and what. do. you know. There he was. I quickly look straight ahead, pulled out my phone, and texted Sarah (of course!)


Now talk about a heart attack! You guys! Of all the times to go to the gym...we were there at the same time.  I wonder if he saw/recognized me. Hm.




I wish this story ended how I wanted it to end. I wish I could tell you his name and where he was from. But I have no idea.



I can tell you one thing - if I see him in a year and a half and he doesn't have a ring on his finger (which he probably will) then I will maybe possibly could potentially actually say something to him. If I get the courage up to do so.




No promises.

Bucket List

So. I've decided to start on my bucket list. I'm still trying to find a good place to actually write everything down, but I have some definite things I want to put on it! I decided to share a couple.

One is to go to a fancy restaurant and get a table for one. Don't ask me why...I just want to.



Another is to own my own cat when I don't have kids. You may think that's weird. But I just want my
own cat.

Be a photographer at at least one BYU football or basketball game. All I'm asking is for one, people.


Live on a "Peach Street" sometime in my life. Which means I will probably end up living anywhere in Georgia.



This next one may seem a little odd, possibly conceited, but I assure you it's not meant to be. I am going to make a t-shirt with my face on it and wear it. I'll see if anyone notices.

Or I'll make a t-shirt with my face on it and give it to all of my siblings. Hehe :) 

In whatever the case ends up being, I'm going to make a t-shirt with my face on it. 

There you go! A peak at my bucket list!

Hope and Comfort

James E. Faust - The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope

Please please please make time to read this talk - or listen or watch. It really is a great one to study and apply in our lives. 

My testimony of the Atonement has grown immensely this year. I can't express what it means to me - and I'm still continuing to learn more and more about it!    

"The Atonement has practical, personal, everyday value; apply it in your life." - Boyd K. Packer

Let's Procrastinate!

'Cause it's finals week!
         2 down, 2 and a paper to go!

It's Been a While

I was going through some posts on my sister's old blog and found this

Seriously, I miss Jimmer. And Jackson. And Noah. It was so fun to watch all of those guys play.

Just Addressing the Elephant in the Room

Facebook stalking. We all do it. Well, if you have a facebook. Even then, if you don't have one, you have at least stalked someone once with someone else who does have a facebook.


This is something that when it's brought up in public people are like "you are suuuuch a creep."

But then they do it too - just in private! Then they think "I am a major creep. But oh well."

It's kind of like photobooth - we all take pictures of ourselves on it; we just don't tell anyone.


Can I get an "amen"?

It is one of those ridiculous facts of life.



So yeah. I've just been some doing some Facebook stalking of my own. Judge what you will.

BLESSED

I am blessed beyond belief. Seriously.

Yesterday I had such a great day!

First, I saw 4 athletes (normally I'm lucky if I see one)! And one of those was Cody Hoffman (fiiinnallyyy). Now I just need to see Ross Apo and I'm complete.

The weather went from rainy to sunny and warm!

I went to a baseball game

I went to the most amazing jazz concert ever! I wish I could have taken everyone! I could not stop smiling. Could not stop. It was a BYU school of music's concert - Jazz Legacy Dixieland Band. And Wycliffe Gordon was the guest. You guys, look him up. I am definitely buying one of his CD's. He did AMAZING. I wish I could have a recording of this performance - seriously. SO GOOD.


Those are all good things right?! That's not even the half of the goodness.
Oh my. Great, great day. I just feel overcome with happiness!

Life is good.


       ------------------------------------update-------------------------------------

I saw Ross Apo this afternoon. What?! Yeah. Stoked. My life is pretty much complete. He is one handsome man.

The Big 5-0!

Let's just say I report to the MTC in 50 days.

Definitely one of those "I am sooo ready, but really not at all at the same time" kind of things.

Ah!




***It is currently 77 degrees in Louisville. I wish it was like that here.***

Just a Thought

Do you ever have those moments when you're sitting there doing chemistry - DNA is the topic - and you suddenly stop and think


I was once a tiny nothing in my moms stomach. 


And then you continue on reading because, as cool and interesting as it is, it's weird to think about.



Good. Glad I'm not the only one.

Love this. Love, love, love it.

http://alfoxshead.blogspot.com/2013/04/tattooed-mormon.html

Go read this! It made me want to strive even harder to be a better person.

"Choose. Choose Daily. Choose God."


Also. Watch her videos

Easter

This morning when I woke up I was the only one awake in the house (granted half of the people were gone at church). So I left my phone in my room, went down stairs and sat outside enjoying the sunshine and peace. It is the perfect Easter morning.

Happy Easter, everyone! What an important time to remember our Savior. And not just at this time of the year, but all the time. He has done so much for us - more than we realize.

                                     

Oh the Connections

My jazz music professor is from Brigham City.

My dad is from Brigham City. {well - near enough to it}


A couple nights ago I asked my dad if he knew {name stated here} (don't feel like giving names sometimes)
{name that was stated}?! I graduated with him!"

Graduated college? Nope. High school.

How. Random.


Today I went and told my professor that my dad knew him, and of course, he knew who my dad was as well! And said to tell him hi. And guess what! My dad taught his wife seminary.

Ha! Seriously?!

What was going through my head when he told me that? The following: How far apart are you and your wife???

As my dad stated when we uncovered this truth "who would have thought that someone you graduated with would be teaching your daughter in college down the road." (he said something to that extent). But really, who would have thought? Is someone I went to high school with going to be teaching my kids? Goodness, for the most part I hope not. No offense to my fellow high school graduates, but that would just be...odd.


I love these moments. It was like when I found out that my dad also taught one of my best friends dad's from elementary school. {I hope that sentence made sense} But really, I remember that moment. I couldn't believe it. I still hadn't realized how old my parents were compared to others.

But it's what's normal to me!

Even though I do have those "woh..." moments sometimes when someone tells me that their mom is as old as my oldest sister.


The amazing benefits of being the 10th of 11 kids I guess. And only one of the benefits. There are too many to count.

So today! (and everyday) I am grateful for my big family and old parents! {Parentals, please take no offense. I know you won't for real. You might just to be funny. Anyway}

Missing: Mom, Sister, Sister, Brother, and In-laws and grandkids

From a long time ago

Meeeeh.

I think it's safe to say that I have the best friends.

These two:

brought me this:

Because I spent my time during the night with my head over a bowl and the toilet. 

My roommates have also been super nice and helpful!

 Even though I don't think any of these girls are reading this, thanks a billion. 

If this doesn't make you laugh, then you must have JUST seen something absolutely and outrageously hilarious

Ride, ride, ride your bike

Since the beginning of last semester I've seen lots of bikers around campus. It's normal. And sometimes I wish I was one of them. But that's not the point of this post.

I have seen a fairly decent amount of those bikers - all male bikers - who wear their right pant leg up. It's just folded up to the knee. Randomly. I see them everywhere.


I want to know what's going on. Are they all friends? Did a couple of guys decide to do it and other guys just caught on and joined? Does it mean they're single? Maybe it's a way to subtly let all the girls know.


I think we've got ourselves a biker gang here at the Y. And it's not just a one person gang I'm seeing everywhere.

Happy International Women's Day!!!

Aren't we all grateful to Google for providing all our information on the holidays and all the other random days of the year? Yes, we are!

Some tunes.

"Til Kingdom Come" by Coldplay is one of the songs that I could, and most definitely do, listen to over and over again. There is something about it that fits every mood.

"Wallflower" by Priscilla Ahn. I just discovered this song this week, and I decided that it fits me pretty well! Looks like I've got to find a fellow wallflower...

So the song is a little cheesy. And the video is not so great. Oh well.

Then there is another Coldplay song (Coldplay is just one of those amazing bands. Pick an album or song and they have what you want that fits your mood!) "Fix You"

Wow. Just wow.

via pinterest

Alright, I'm in love.

I wish I could see this whole dress. From this picture it is amazingly gorgeous. And, as a bonus it has pockets. Seriously, I could stare at this forever. It's making me question the fact that I want a lace dress for my wedding. I know I have a couple years, but still...

Holy. Cow. Doesn't it take your breath away?! Simple, but elegant. 

Keep it Coming

I've had a great test streak this week.
I had 4 tests. 1) Jazz written 2) Jazz listening 3) Mission Prep 4) Chemistry (the dreaded).
And I passed all of them! Yes. Even Chemistry. Remember when I failed that last chemistry test (that darn, chemistry test)? I changed my study habits up a bit (meaning adding hours and hours of more study time) and got results.


One test even only took me 7 minutes. Let me tell you, best test of my life. Super short aaand a great score??? Who cares if all the questions where the exact same as the take home quizzes that had the answers posted on Learning Suite - not me! (okay...so it was a little easier than remembering my cats name).

A celebration was held yesterday after my chem test with my friend Reeses and I also invited lots and lots of chocolate covered cinnamon  bears. It was a pretty crazy party. 


I hope that this lovely streak will continue through out this semester.

Just FULL of excitement these days!

I feel like this blog has nothing fun or exciting any more....

I came up with a few reasons:
   1. Very few things happen to me these days. No adventures, no random and awkward occurrences. Well. There are plenty of awkward things. But nothing either worth writing about or nothing I want to write about on here. Some things you just don't want to put on a blog in fear of them randomly, by some magical chance, they find this blog. I know, very slim. But still... I'm a "better to be safe than sorry" kind of girl.
   2.  I have no boy. Even if I did...not sure I would even talk about him. Which leads to my third reason
   3. Like stated in both above, I just don't want to put certain things up here. There are plenty of stuff I would like to, but again, I like to be safe. Maybe that's why this blog is boring. I don't put my heart and soul out there.


I will keep a look out for good stories that are public enough to write to the world. For now, I've got a couple little stories to for you! (yaaaaaay.....)

Some friends and I went and got some free yogurt at Yogurt Land a couple weeks ago!  "Grab a cup and fill at as full as you can and it's all FREE!!!!!"

I think they should do this once a month...



As I was walking home one day I looked over and this kid had his face smashed up against the car window. I couldn't help it, I laughed out loud. Which made others look over and they got a smile themselves. Thank you, random kid.



Jack, the man that lives in my attic at home (I think I wrote about him once...) is up to trouble again. FIRST. He steals my point and shoot. I can not find that thing for the life of me. SECOND. He just stole my battery charger for my Canon and I'm a bit livid. I can't tak ANY pictures!!! My battery is completely and utterly dead.



And one more little story. You know how sometimes you can't help but look over the person's shoulder sitting in front of you in class? And it's always when they're texting someone? Well I did that a couple days again. I couldn't  tell what she was texting, but I could tell who she was texting! Take a guess. No, it wasn't some BYU athlete. Good guess though! It was Mindy Gledhill! What?! Yeah. Per-IT-TEE cool.

Oh, childhood.

I am having little laughing fits over here. The kind where you silently laugh, squint your eyes, have jumpy spasm attacks, and stomp your feet on the ground over and over again.

Why? I just looked up the childhood band I was in love with in 2nd grade.

The Jones Boyz

Oh. My. They came and preformed at my elementary school and my friends and I fell HEAD OVER HEALS for these boys. My friend Sydney had gotten their CD and I wanted one sooo bad. So I got it for Christmas! Boo ya!


Seriously out of the blue last night I thought of them. So, I just looked them up and listened to their songs again. Hilarious. I am just overcome with happiness right now.


I love things that take me back to when I was young.
Another example:

I was on pinterest and I saw a picture of this

It brought back loads of feelings - but I don't know where from! I can not remember for the life of me how old I was or where I first read this book. But I know that I loooved Strega Nona - I can feel it. It's actually kind of weird how I can feel it.


I wish I had a time machine....I miss being young and free to run in the sprinklers.




Well. I guess I can still run in the sprinklers.

I guess after a Jazz filled day, it's expected.

Last night I had my first dream in black and white. Everyone seems to talk about those dreams, but I didn't think they were actually possible. But, I am here to tell you, they are. We watched a bit of a black and white movie in Jazz, I'm sure that sparked it. 

After I woke up I had some Jazz music stuck in my head that I'm supposed to know for a test next week. Good sign? I think so. Maybe I'll do better on this one. Well... I will do better, because I have to. 

On Sunday my niece told me that in order to not fail another test (she knew about that last one...) I needed to always be studying and reading over and over and over again until I talk about it in my sleep! Well, I'm sure dreaming about it and waking up with it in my head is getting pretty close. Thanks for the advice, E. I hope it works. 

Maybe I will watch an old black and white movie for Valentines Day tomorrow...

                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My future husband is going to be like Moroni, from The Book of Mormon. In case you were wondering.

there is hope

Proof that you can look not just cute, but extremely cute, on your mission:

http://bellainberlin.blogspot.com/ 


IT IS POSSIBLE!

   

Staple things for College (At least for me...)

1. Cream of Wheat
2. Cheese, tortillas, and salsa
3. Wheat Bread
4. Raspberry Jam

5. Sweats
6. Comfortable sweaters (I'm particularly thinking of my mom's sweater that I stole for a couple days and made everything seem better. I wish I hadn't taken it back. Thanks mom. )

7. A pair of flats that work with pretty much anything you wear
8. Socks. I just love socks.

9. Notebooks. Any, random, little, big, cute, plain notebooks

That's all I can think of for now. As I realize more staples for college I may stick in a "Part 2"

My Weakness

Bread.

I love it.

Wheat bread
          White bread                               Pumpkin Bread                Banana Bread


                           French bread                                 Baguettes


Zucchini Breads        Bagels              Biscuts                        Rolls

Breadsticks        

                                                                                                               Cornbread
                  Croissant                            
                                                               Focaccia                   Muffins
Monkey Bread


                                Pita                                                                 Etc Etc Etc

HOW do Elders have time for this?

They wrote entirely new words. They didn't just change some here and some there. Gotta love Elders!

Cupcakes

Alright, which should Kim and I make next?


If you can't read them (sorry) go here

I'm thinking the blueberry, banana, or lemon.

Fail.

ohhh heeeeyyyy. It's my face. 

I went down to the creamery and got some ice cream. I normally order a "child scoop"- that has enough ice cream for me (plus, it's healthier).

This time I ordered a "single scoop." I should have stuck with the child.


As I walked home it was just me, my ice cream, and my distraught face.
I might as well have had leprechauns jumping around me with signs that said "SHE JUST FAILED HER TEST."
I literally just failed my test. More than failed it.


So I got back to the apartment and I'm now listening to Skee-Lo's "I wish" and Coolio's "Gangsters Paradise." Those songs make me happy.

Well. Maybe not exactly happy. They make me smile.


I woke up this morning feeling crappy - I shouldn't have gotten the ice cream. But I decided to really get dressed and do my hair...so I guess that makes up for me feeling sick. So the ice cream was okay. (Yeah, there's some good logic for you.)


peace out. I'm going to study my behind off for my test tomorrow.


Hey. The sky is blue. Seriously, what a tender mercy.

Oh hey

Go here:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTLySbGoMX0




Also. Go to Google.
Love it.
Happy Birthday Jackie Robinson!!!

Louisville, Kentucky

Random.

But! Perfect.
It's where I'm supposed to be.


If I'm going to be honest I was a little caught off guard. I wasn't expecting it at all.

The moment I read it (in my head, before the fam bam knew) I absolutely KNEW it was where I was supposed to be. And so I cried. Then I read it out loud and stopped crying.

I'm going to Louisville? Kentucky??? What? 


After going back to my apartment and watching the BYU basketball game I decided to pull up pictures of Kentucky. Everyone had said how pretty it was and to be honest I didn't really believe them. Now I do. And I knew while I was looking at those that I would be going back. Hello beautiful picture opportunities!


Going on a mission is not about where you go, or the language you speak. It's all about bringing others to Christ and serving them and the Lord.

As my mission prep teacher pointed out - "It's not your mission, it's the Lord's mission." We are the tools in His hands who have the opportunity to help Him bring his children back home.



What a wonderful blessing the gospel has been in my life and I want to share it with others - especially those in Kentucky (and Indiana and Illinois). It is the true source for happiness for me.

I hope to meet many wonderful and great people and try and help their lives to be better!


*random little things about my mission*
@I hope to somehow learn to ride a horse sometime while I'm there
@It not only covers a lot of Kentucky but it goes into Indiana and Illinois as well
@I hope I get lots of opportunities to do some manual labor for service! (yeah, this is still Caitlin here)
@There is a girl in my ward going to the exact same mission and leaves the same day. (oh, May 29th by the way)
@If you say "Kentucky Fried Chicken" to me I will not be happy with you. Please, just don't do it.
@I hope I can understand the accents....
@I think it's all four seasons? I've been trying to find out what the weather is like at different times of the year there but haven't had much luck. Granted I haven't tried too hard to find out
@I wish I could take my Canon, but I don't think it's the smartest idea. I am taking a point and shoot though (and I can't find mine!!! So please if you've seen it tell me, Familia! And if you prayed we could find it before I leave that would be nice too)
@I am in the MTC for 2 weeks then I'm gone. Ah.
@My mission Presidents look like Mission Presidents...they look like very nice people.
@I am STOKED.

Remember

Do you see that way ----------------->
Where it says my life moto is "remember"?
Well, let me explain



My memory is pretty eh....so-so.
So my moto is remember so I can remember things I've studied
Things I need to accomplish in a day or week
My assignments and test due dates


Sometimes I need to remember to work on myself
Not to put myself above or below anyone
Keep other's feelings in mind, no matter how much I'd love to say something
See every person as a child of God
Not talk about others
Learn to find good qualities in everyone
Try to love everyone



In my scripture study I've found that a very common thing is to "remember."
      - I've started to mark every remember with a red thin marker -
I need to remember to say my morning prayers
Read my scriptures, even when I'm tired or just have those "I don't want to days."
    {I always seem to forget it helps on those bad days, and even on the good days}
When saying my prayers, I need to be earnest in talking to God - no lazy repeating of what I said before
I have callings...I really need to remember I have those



Healthy living is what helps make happiness
I shouldn't eat that 3rd O'Henry! bar
Fruits...veggies....remember those are edible
Exercise
After you exercise, you feel great and accomplished
Carbs are not the only food on this planet... (debatable though)



So many things to remember in every aspect of my life. That is why it's become my motto.

Heyo!

Mission post to come. This week has been packed full of lovely school stuff so I've had no time.


Thoughts coming to you soon!

Sports Hero Day

Today I skipped classes and went to volunteer! BYU does a thing where they bring 6th graders to campus and then break them into groups and the volunteers are in charge of about 15-20 kids. We take them around to different stations with different sports. I took my group to Volleyball, Football, Baseball/Softball, Women's Soccer, and Men's Track.

It was a blast you guys, and such a great experience. Those kids are amazing and I hope they grow up to do something extraordinary.

The athletes had good messages and fun activities for the kids to do. Then after we had gone to all the stations we all met together for a pep rally and a cheerleader, the Women's Soccer team goalie, Tyler Haws, and Kyle Van Noy and spoke. They all had awesome little speeches. I hope they know how much these kids really do look up to them.

When I said by to my kids, two of the boys (the ones who had more of a "I'm going to do what I want" attitude) gave me a hug! It was so sweet and it made me just happy :) My group was the best.

I can't wait til I get back from my mission so I can participate in this again! If you happen to come across this post and go to BYU and have never done Sports Hero Day, I HIGHLY recommend it! Seriously.



           --------------------------------------------------

By the by, in case by some random chance you didn't know...I DO have my mission call. It came yesterday. BUT I have to wait until Saturday afternoon. I want to open it ASAP.

Don't worry. I will be just barely alive enough to open the call and read it.

And in case you are trying to read the postage to figure out where I'm going, they changed it. That "stamp" they have there has absolutely nothing do to with where you are going. It's one of those "oh good" and "dang it..." kind of things.

So, it doesn't make sense to me either.

Valentines day. Lovers day. Single awareness day. Whatever you want to call it.

In elementary school I loved the holiday because, hello, free candy! AND in the early days of elementary you even got to bring your own box decorated all cute and pink and purple. 

Then I entered Jr. High. What a dumb place to be. I learned to not care one slight bit about Valentines day. Probably because I never, and never have before or since then, received an actual Valentine.

Once I got into high school I just didn't pay attention to the day. Who cares? Not me. It wasn't anything to look forward too by all means. I had no romantic interest. (Well, I had interests...but I wasn't being interested in).

Now. I am in college. And these past couple of days I have been excited for hearts and pink and love everywhere. Why??? Because I have a boy this time!!!!

HA! Jokes on you. There is no boy whatsoever. However, I actually am oddly excited for February 14th. Although when it really comes down to the day, I may be dying and watching a chick flick and crying inside my head wishing I had a boy (not that I don't already do that...). Whenever I tell someone (particularly my guy friends) that I wouldn't mind having a real boyfriend their faces are like this:

Via Google Images

And then they ask "Okay...is this really Caitlin?" Those are exact words. 

Not saying I'm asking for a boyfriend...I'm not. I just wouldn't mind one :)

Yeah, yeah. I'm going on a mission (call comes this week). I remember. 

Anyways. I'm excited for Valentines Day and I don't know why. 

WANTED: CREATIVENESS

Only a couple posts ago I said that I admired those with creative skills. Part of that came about because my blog is so blah and needs color and shape and SOMETHING different. I don't have time to figure out how to do cool stuff on illustrator right now, and even if I did I don't think I would be able to come up with anything. 

SO. If any one out there has some random spare time and wants to come up with some ideas to help spruce up this barren land then feel free. I just have one request. The background stays white. I like that. And I like the color grey, but I love bright colors! (Yellow, Orange, Red). 

I know you all (the so many of you who read this. ha) have busy lives and have no time to come up with a cool design, and that is perfectly fine. I only ask one favor, that you pass your creativity on over to me. Thanks, you're a gem. 

Well that was some fun wishful thinking! Happy Sunday!  

It was a GOOD day

Believe me. It was.



This is the most detailed post ever in the history of the world. I'm sure of it .

People Are Super Creative

And I am not one of those people. My creativity consists of copying other people and doing a less than not so great job on it. It's a good thing I have other skills :)



I admire you creative people. Even if you are only a little creative, I still admire you greatly.

Forgiveness

"...of you it is requited to forgive all men."  - Doctrine and Covenants 64:10

I have been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately. The Atonement brings that great comfort into my life (along with sooooooo many other comforts). When I make a mistake and do something dumb, I am grateful that I have the chance to repent and be forgiven.

I am grateful that others forgive me. If my friends and family didn't forgive me for the things I do when I'm not thinking, I don't know what I would do. 

Throughout my life I have always tried to be forgiving of others. We all make mistakes, and I don't want to lose those relationships over something that is not worth losing it over. I could definitely be more forgiving though. Sometimes it is just so hard to forgive someone else for what they have done, and that's understandable. But I have learned that through the Atonement and asking for help from Heavenly Father I am able to forgive - even if it takes a long time. 

Throughout my life I have also done things that I hope to be forgiven for. I have ruined a couple friendships by doing just little things and not thinking. Sometimes I realize what I'm doing at the beginning or in the middle, and other times I realized I lost a friend after she was long gone. 

One of the hardest things to say is "I'm sorry." Especially when you feel like the other person is thinking oh they are only saying sorry to get it off their chest. She isn't really sorry. And the truth is yes, we are saying it to get it off our chest, but we also are truly sorry and wish to change. 

I am so grateful for the Saviors example of being forgiving. And for other's examples as well. 

I really hope that if anything comes up in my life that requires forgiveness, any hard trial, that I will be able to be like Chris and look toward Christ and use His Atonement to get through it and just love and forgive. 

Thank goodness for the gospel.

Hey Chunky.

This picture doesn't show how bad my face is...and it's still pretty bad.

Icing it, heating it, massaging it....nothing is helping that swelling to go down.

I hope it is gone by tonight (please!) so that I can go to the first men's volleyball game.



I wish they had hats for faces....If I go out in public today, maybe I will wear a ski mask. Anyone have one I can borrow?

It's a Day

I feel like a dog... drooling uncontrollably. I have to wipe my mouth every ten minutes. It's gross.
I also have blood flowing from the back of my mouth covering my teeth. It's also gross.
My mouth is numb. They had to use more shots than normal because I could still feel when they poked.
I want to eat, but the bleeding won't stop. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Not even aloud to drink through a straw.


I'm just coming out of a bad cold, I'm on my period, and I just got some wisdom teeth out. I figure it's just better to knock them all over the head at the same time. But, I think they will knock me over the head before I completely knock them out.

I'm also wearing my "give blood" t-shirt. How appropriate.


I'm pretty sure my jaw should have been broken and my lips stretched forever the way they were tugging and pulling.



I've got my stake president interview tonight...let's just hope and pray that I will be able to talk just fine and that the bleeding will be over (or at least stop for 30 minutes).