yesterday was a good day

You know those little things in life, that if you made up a list of your favorite things they might not be on it? But when they do happen they make you smile because you realize just how much you love them. Yesterday I had five of those exact things happen.
First: Compliments from old people you don't know. Unless your a sad mean person that despises all things vintage, I think most everyone appreciates a completely unexpected encouraging word from a grandparently like person.
Second: Grocery shopping. Because I'm in college Mom tends to do the shopping when I'm not around. I forget how much I love just walking up and down the aisle gathering the food we need or might like to try for the next week or so. A lot of people say that they hate grocery shopping, but I find it so therapeutic and relaxing that it almost made me be like "Forget it! Never again will I go to a class because I must go shopping!". Well, not quite, but almost....
Third: This one goes hand in hand with the second one, but it still is a little different. I'm always so happy to find out that my favorite organic Wallaby Banana Vanilla yogurt is on sale. I just love it! It is thinner then other yogurts, but has so much flavor. And you have to admit Banana Vanilla is just way too fun to say. Go ahead try to say it out loud, I know you want to:)
Fourth: When you go to a store to find something specific, but your still unsure of what you want exactly, and after a few misses you finally find it. You can practically hear the hallelujah chorus and you feel like dancing for joy. Because despite all odds against your ideas of what you might have had in mind, as soon as you see it you know that that was what you were looking for after all.
Fifth: When your in a store and you hear one of your favorite songs playing. Often you tune out the background music because you either hate the song, have never even heard it before, or are just trying to ignore it in general. But on those occasions when that one song comes on that I just happen to love, my whole day becomes just a little bit brighter, and I often will find myself singing along much to the embarrassment of not only my family, but myself as well.

I seldom actually think of these things when they are happening, It's usually at the end of the day, while reminiscing the ups and downs that I think "oh, that was really funny!" or "That lady really was nice". I find that it's often the most overlooked things in life that I find the most pleasure in, the seemingly unimportant joys that float into my life and leave it's mark somewhere in between pure happiness, and that quirky surprise

Happy Days

You know those days when you wake up and all you want to do is roll over and try to forget that you saw that little hour hand almost completely diagonal, and then there are the other days when you feel like "release me you blankets of bondage!" as soon as you wake up? Honestly I'm not sure what that has to do with my post, but I was just thinking about that right now.
Anyhow, I have been in an incredibly good mood these last few days for no blatant reason besides that it's just so much more enjoyable to be happy, then unhappy. Wouldn't you agree?
The strange thing about being in such a great mood is that I have had some reasons to not be in a good mood.
I'll start back on Wednesday, which is the day I started my happy high.
After Aural Perception I was in a tired daze, a little mopey, and not talkative at all. Aural P always wipes me out, especially if we have to do dictation (which I stink at). So I came home all "I don't know", "OK", "sounds fine" to my poor family, who sadly has to deal with all my negativity. I went through the normal nightly routine, and then decided that I should listen to some music. Always a cheerer upper. So I was listening to some of my more upbeat songs and I was like "I really want to dance". So before my feet and brain had a full communication, I was up and jumping to 99 Luftballons. That is were my metaphorical life started on a brighter path.
Thursday I went to school and even though I was really nervous about a speech I had to give, I was still in a good mood. Hey, I even broke out in the Banana Boat song in Costco (ask Hannah if you want verification).
Friday I went to a piano concert and I don't know about you, but getting dressed up always makes me feel so good. I love that mental haze you get when you have put on perfume and take a drive. Like, I don't care if I'm in a VW bug, truck, or limo, I smell of something wonderful. Unfortunately are car got stuck in the driveway. Suddenly, I didn't feel quite so lovely, just useless. My mom called Dad and walked to the neighbors for help, while I clod in heals, stayed in the van. We got out pretty quick and where soon on our way. It was a really good concert (even if I was over dressed a little *blush*). The pianist has traveled all over the world playing and just recently came back from the Middle East. She is fantastic at her trade.
Today was the "big" day. The same pianist that I had listened to the night before, I was going to play my Mazurka. I'm not really sure what to call it because it wasn't a performance because pretty much every one's song was still in the process of becoming "their song", and it wasn't an adjudication because we weren't being judged. What it was about was we (meaning the students) would play our songs and then the lady Dr. Jody Graves, would come up and work on it with us to help teach the other teachers there how to teach. Like with one kid she worked on how to sit on the chair correctly, another on dynamics, and so on. With me she helped me with the opening tone, and also worked on getting all the notes in this one measure. Overall, she was really funny and personable. At one time, taking my hands, Jody exclaimed "your hands are so cold" and taught everyone this exercise to warm our hands up. It was defiantly an experience that I will remember.
So, I'm still in a good mood surprisingly enough. Some more things that adds to my superb mood is that homework wise I don't have too much, I'm in my comfy cloths a.k.a pajama pants and a cami, blogging, and planning on making a pizza and chocolate coconut cookies. Life is good, you just have to believe it.

S.A.D.

I'm so tired of grey and white: Grey sky, white ground, white sky, grey ground. It seems to never change. On those few days it is actually sunny it feels wonderful (even if it is only like 10 degrees out). This winter has felt so long. I've heard someone say something along the lines that we have only had around 12 sunny days this whole winter. I can't wait for summer, forget spring, I just can't wait for Summer. I believe this is why they throw Valentines Day right in the middle of the gloomiest month; to get some color into this world. Now it's white...., grey....., PINK, and RED! The change is somewhat a welcome. I'm normally not a Valentines Day person, but this year I have been having fun with some crafts.

A few weeks ago I started making lots of cards. I first drew an anatomically correct heart card, then moved to somewhat morbid cards, to well, even more morbid. I eventually decided that I needed to tone it down a little and started sketching these S.A.D. little people. Yesterday I found this neat craft on a blog where you wrap yarn around a wire. It was a little frustrating at first, but I eventually figured it out. I think it would be fun to do names or sayings with this technique. Lastly I found these instructions on how to make these paper flowers on Green Wedding Shoes, and on a whim decided to give it a try. I like the way it turned out, but seriously what do you do with a huge paper flower once it's done?

Besides these few crafts I haven't done too much in the creative department. My life mostly consists of homework, and because I have been a little sick lately; naps, lots of naps.

I hope everyone has a great Valentines Day this year even if you don't have a special person in your life. It's so easy to find someone or something to love. Just look around and tell them you love them. It can be your parents, siblings, dog, random person on the street, I don't care maybe you even love that flowering bush in your room. God gives us so much love everyday the least we can do is spread it around a bit.

*Yawn*

So, I'm settling back into my old routine quite well; wake up, feel tired, do homework, feel even more tired, go to bed, and so on. This is what my "off" days are like, the other ones look more like this; wake up, feel tired, go to classes, feel exhausted, then go to bed. See the resemblance?
OK, it's not all that bad, but I have to admit it the new sleep schedule is killing me. Although (here is were you applaud) I have been getting to bed closer to 12, rather then around 1:30ish! So I'm not sleep deprived or anything just *yawn* pretty sleepy 24/7.
This is what my new schedule looks like for this semester;

Monday: Piano lessons, and Music Theory
Tuesday: Intro to Fiction, Sign Language, and Public Speaking
Wednesday: Aural Perception
Thursday: Same as Tuesday.
Friday: Homework, homework, homework, and possible some extra sleep:)
(In April I add Practical Botany which will add classes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

So far this semester is looking similar to the last one, with the exception of speech and fiction. I think Public Speaking is going to be fun. On Tuesday I'm giving a how to speech on "How to jump out of a speeding car", which I'm both excited and terrified about. Also the teacher is really funny, so I'm looking forward to how that class will progress. Fiction I'm still not sure about, we haven't really done anything besides read yet. So far I don't really like it, but I'm really trying to keep a positive outlook and not hate it this early in the semester.
Although it's been over a month since I was at the college It doesn't really seem like it and I'm readjusting fast. I just hope I don't become overwhelmed in these next few weeks.

Times almost up!

I knew my break would go by fast and it did. I had over a month, but I start classes again tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. I have to admit, besides the constant dread of homework, and the stressful overburdened feeling I get on the not so rare occasion, I'm looking forward to getting back to a routine. For the last few weeks, besides the occasional "activity" I'm been completely bored! I have actually had days where I hesitated getting dressed, and some days spent the whole day in sweats, yes you heard me sweats (don't worry not the baggy guy type). So in honor of boredom I thought I would share with you some of my pointless endeavors that I have done in some of my more extreme states of boredom. I've drawn one too many pointless sketches. Watched almost a whole season of Bizarre Foods "cow stomach anyone?" I spent way too much time on the computer; Playlist, Pandora, Modcloth, Anthropologie (which is were the adorable jacket its from..I think), etsy, ebay, just to name a few.

Wrote around ten poems:

The Sorrow of the Stars

Time is blowing the leaves away

to a place so far unseen.

The stars they came and stole the day

and I'll see the last no more.

Why? I entreat the grass to talk.

Why drain the color so?

The birds look down at me they mock,

and with the wind they fade away.

Why flowers bloom ye then ye die?

Why goslings must they feather?

The rustling hillside webs a lie.

The clouds they part in sorrow.

Sun is shedding tears for me,

enamored with my woe.

Infringing on the Willow tree,

I hide my voice among it's bark.

Time has blown the leaves away

to a place I once had been.

The stars did show me their dark day,

to watch with them forever more.

I've done other things like sewn a skirt, did some logic problems (In my most insane state of boredom), baked a lot (I'm suffering for it), and although I can't think of anything else I did, I might have done something somewhat worthwhile.... I hope.

Sunrise Sunset

Have you ever had something that you love to do, yet somewhat terrifies you? For me it is skiing. I don't really know why, but for some reason every time before we go skiing I get horrid butterflies. I'm not afraid of crashing, dieing, falling in a tree well, or any of the common phobias, so I don't really know why I get this way. But as the 10th came creeping up, the day I was to go skiing I was looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time.

Yesterday was the day. The 10th. I'm here blogging so I most likely didn't die, break my arms, am in a coma, or still suffocating in a tree well. I can't garantee it, but I think if I go next year I might not look at it quite so dismally.

We have to get ready to go much earlier than I like (I'm NOT a morning person). It takes almost an hour to get to the top of the mountain, but it was beautiful ride watching the sun rise over the snow laden mountains. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, well it could have been about 15 degrees warmer, but beside being negative something, it was gorgeous. If you have ever been skiing on Whitefish Mountain/Big Mountain on a clear sunny day, you know exactly what I saw. When your riding up the ski lift, moving your fingers trying to keep them warm, you look behind you and you can practically see the whole Whitefish era. The lake looks like a glass mirror, and a faint mist dances over the town. It is an incredible sight.

But let me back up. When we first got there we went to get our stuff on and then headed outside for the class. There really wasn't nearly as many people as are normally in the class, and the whole mountain was practically bare (probably because it was FREEZING!). Anyhow, I was in a class with Luke, Christan, Mr. Vestal, and four other people, two of which were snowboarders because they didn't have enough to have a full class. I think it was one of the best classes I've ever been in. The instructor Mike was great. He kept us right at our level and gave us lots of good tips. We did go to the top of the mountain, but we never did anything that I felt uncomfortable doing. I actually really enjoyed skiing this year. Last year I felt like the class was just a little too advanced for me so it was stressful, but this year it was just right, except I missed skiing with you Hannah!

Like I said earlier, twice I think, it was so cold. I was well bundled up, but my fingers and feet kept going numb, and my nose was quite pink. I think they said that it was negative 5 at the top, and around three at the bottom. I believe it. After the class was over I skied two runs with Luke but then went inside. I wasn't really tired, but just didn't have the umph to go on.

On the way home I actually napped which was unusual for me to sleep in a car, I guess I was a little more tired than I had thought. I'm glad I went, and now have a happy feeling about skiing which I hope lasts. I don't think I will get to go again this year, maybe, but with classes and homework about to begin again, I doubt it. Sorry don't have any pictures, Kermit took some, but I never did.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Cross, Blackout

As some of you know, or read on my previous post, one of the things I didn't accomplish this last year was donating blood. I'm not a big resolution person considering I seldom keep them, so I decided this year instead of doing "resolutions" I would make a list of things to get accomplished. An actual list that I could check things off of. I'm a big list person. I could write out my whole life just to have that satisfying feeling of crossing something out.
Yesterday, I told mom that the only day I could donate blood was tomorrow because we are going skiing next Monday and after that I'll be starting college again soon so unless I did it that next day I probably wouldn't be able to do it until summer. Mom wasn't thrilled with going to town so she hooked me up with a ride with Tina Vestal "that" day. It was around 1ish and I was happily lazing around in my home clothes when mom said Tina would pick me up in about a half an hour to take me. Wow, I was like "OK, are you sure?". I got ready really quick and even though I hadn't expected to go that day, still I got in the car and left.
Tina dropped me off at the Red Cross and I went in read their forms, got checked to see if I was anemic (I wasn't), answered their questions on the computer, and sat down in the chair. I'm a little squeamish around needles so I wasn't sure how I would do with the whole thing. I'm the type who asks allot of questions (my inner five year old coming out). He rubbed this yellow gunk over my arm, and when I asked about it he said it was iodine. I was supposed to squeeze this foam ball to I think keep my vein up or something, and when he was sticking the needle in I just looked away, and after a quick poke I was fine. I'm good around blood, so I was just watching it fill my little blood bag down below me. I was surprised on how well I was doing I asked the man questions about like how much blood I could lose without dieing, how long is average for it to take, and other stuff like that. I tried not to be annoying, but I think I just came that way. Tina came to see how I was doing and how long I would be and decided she had time to run to Costco. Not too long after she left I started feeling a little woozy. Like kind of sick, but not too bad. I started hearing/feeling my heartbeat and then the world started imploding around vision and I was enveloped by blackness.
I had a dream I don't remember of what though, something green and white and boxy, and then the nurses or whatever they are were around me. If you have ever passed out you know what I'm talking about when I say waking up is the weirdest experience ever. I had to literally convince myself that going to donate blood was not a dream and that I was actually there, and willed myself to wake up. My forehead was really sweaty and I felt woozy. They handed me a puke bucket even though I didn't feel the need too, and put a screen around me. I saw the man taking the needle out of me and even though I could barely see I was pretty coherent. I asked if he got enough and he said no, and that they couldn't use it. That made me sad, but there was nothing I could do about it. After laying in the chair for a few minutes they asked if I thought I was good enough to sit at the table and I honestly did feel good enough. I sat at the table and drank a bottle of water. The people were really nice and kept asking me if I was OK like every 30 seconds. About two minutes later when the one lady asked if I was doing OK, I almost answered yes, when I didn't feel too hot anymore. They came over to lay me down in the chair again and halfway there I started to go. I told them that I was going under, and that I was almost gone. By the time they got me to the table they were three black creatures guiding me over. They told me to stay awake I think I replied with a "Ahh". They said to keep my eyes open and move my feet around. I did and the world started to materialize again. After a few moments I stated that my ears felt funny, and they did, like water pressure when you swim too deep.
It took awhile before I moved back to the table and felt good enough to leave. They said the reason I passed out was my body hyper reacting to having it's blood taken away, like "Help, I'm dieing here!". If I drink a lot of water and fill up with protein before I go next time, I should be fine. The more I give blood the more immune my body will become to loosing that much.
Overall even though I wasn't able to actually donate blood, I'm still glad I did it. I might have to wait until the Summer to do it again, but now I know what to expect and how to prepare, so I will be ready.

not a baby banner

I don't remember when I first decided I wanted to make a banner for the craft room, just one minute I was browsing etsy, the next I was googleing how to make a banner. I didn't look very hard, but I couldn't find any instructions online. I looked at a few photos of ones people had made and how they were constructed, then decided to make my own up.

It didn't take long at all. First I made a quick triangle pattern, then cut out two of each fabric, sewed them together, flipped and pressed, arranged them in the order I wanted, then sewed a ribbon along the top.

I know it does look a little nurseryish, but that wall has been so boring for so long, and I really did want to make something fun for it. I had originally planned on hanging the banner across the window, but I don't know, I just didn't really want too.

So, now it's up, making the horrid mint colored room a little more tolerable (I do have plans to re-paint it) and if it looks a little babyish, who cares, not me!

If any of you want me to put the pattern up and make a tutorial just leave a comment, and if I have time, I would love too.

A Pictureless Post

I thought I would do a nice Christmas post like I normally do for holidays, but for some reason we didn't take one picture! This is very unusual for us, but I'll post on it anyway.

On Christmas Eve we went to a service at a Church we were trying with the Underhills and Cunninghams. It was fine, nothing great, but defiantly not bad in anyway. Later that evening the Underhills, James and Stacia, and Tina and Christian came over for a snackish dinner, games, and to exchange gifts. I think we all had a good time, it wasn't a big shindig or anything, it was pretty low key, but still really enjoyable.

On Christmas morning we had a nice family time. Just doing what we always do: bumming around in our pajamas until it was getting close to the time when people might start coming over. My dad went to get Grandma and Grandpa, we all took showers and got ready, and the Underhills came over again and we had a Lunch/ Christmas dinner. We didn't do as much as we normally do as food goes, but we were all still stuffed by the time dessert came around. Mitch and I played on the WII for around an hour and a half, which actually was a feat to try to pry the boys hands off the remotes. I think we must have looked funny flinging our arms around and getting a little competitive (I beat him at sword fighting!). Hannah and Ridge and the Tina/Kathi bunch came over later and we had more dessert, talked, and played games.

Sorry if this was boring especially without pictures, but like I have said before I use my blog for more like my personal journal so I can look back and see what I was doing at that time in my life.

my life wrapped up for the year

As the year is starting to come to a close, I was reminiscing about everything that I have done over the last year. I thought I would make a list of not necessarily personal accomplishments, or spiritual growth, but things that have changed or I have learned since January 1st. I'm sure I'll forget hundreds, but I'll just start and see how far I can get.

1. I went skiing for the first time in three years.
2. Made a pound cake, vanilla wafers, banana cookies, a lemon chiffon cake, a three layer German chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting, and many other new things.
3. Finished my Kimono.
4. Made myself do the splits with my right leg all the way down.
5. Found out that I have Ehler's Danlo syndrome.
6. Went to physical therapy for a few weeks.
7. Burnt my fingers on fudge and went to the ER.
8. Finished my log and lace pillow.
9. Went to a coffee shop and ordered a coffee for the first time ever.
10. Went paddle boarding.
11. Felted a sweater.
12. Went to 2 different swing dances and enjoyed both thoroughly.
13. Made a duct tape slingshot.
14. Decided to go to college.
15. Taught myself how to wire wrap.
16. Discovered many new songs that I really like, as well as some new artists.
17. Graduated High School.
18. Went camping three times.
19. Went rafting three times.
20. Jumped off a bridge into fast moving, frigid water.
21. Took a tour of the Libby Dam.
22. Dressed up as Genghis Khan and went to Hu Hot to get a free meal.
23. Sat on a Vespa, and rock climbed on the army wall, at the fair, in a short skirt.
24. Went to my first concert.
25. Used dad's power tools to make a wall hanging.
26. Started college.
27. Had my wisdom teeth removed.
28. Changed what I have for breakfast every morning.
29. Hosted a bridal shower for my best friend.
30. Got my first cell phone.
31. Did hair for many different people at multiple weddings.
32. Saved enough for my braces and finally got them.
33. Went to Deaf bowling nights, and helped with the Wha(D)t Deaf World.
34. Signed a song during the Valley Voices choir.
35. Gave a power point presentation.
36. Was a MOH in my best friends wedding.
37. Had my 79th-61st birthday.
38. Brought and carried a pathetic gingerbread house around college all day with me on a dare.
39. Found out that Dystopian is the name for my favorite genre of books.
40. Wrote 2 five page papers for college.
41. Finished my first semester of college.
42. Taught myself how to make an origami butterfly and Ninja throwing star.
43. Registered for my next semester of college.
44. Taught myself how to do Chinese brush painting.
45. Crocheted a panda.
46. Finished my Nocturne on the piano.
47. Wrote many poems.
48. Started and then gave up on a novel I was writing.
49. Did all my Christmas shopping in one day.
50. Can give you a limited life story in sign language.
51. And had my fist manicure since moving to Montana.

And here is a list of things that haven't changed or I've not done yet.

1. My spelling has not really improved at all.
2. I still have never been on a four wheeler.
3. I never did make up that exercise routine.
4. I haven't donated blood yet.
5. Haven't made a lemon meringue pie.
6. I'm still awful at e-mailing or calling people back.
7. I'm still not on Facebook.
8. I still plan on sky diving someday.
9. And I still don't know what I'm going to work towards in college.

Like I said I'm probably forgeting lots and maybe I'll add more as I think of them throughout these last few weeks.

my life. the changing book.

I'm officially finished with my first semester at college. It's hard to believe it's over already. In a way I'm glad it's done, in another way I kind of miss it. I'm such a creature of habit, I could have kept going on with this schedule for a lot longer. But time moves, things change, and experiences come and go.

Life is like a really good book: You practically devour it whole, page by page, living each moment just to turn the paper over and see what comes next, but then suddenly you realize your almost on the last chapter and you wonder if you should have savored it a bit more instead of reading well past midnight every night. When you do finish the book and stare at the cover for about 5-10 minutes (depending on how good the book was) reminiscing, you wonder "can any other book live up to this one?" But although there might be some books that are a waste of time, completely boring, and not well written at all, you find one. One that not only meets, but maybe surpasses the first book. Then you feel somehow that the first book you read was worth it, a sigh of relief. Like wow, that one was good, but this one is better and now I know that even though I wish the first book could have gone on forever, the book and I morphing into one, I'm glad I was able to move on, because change can be good. New characters can be just as interesting, different plot lines can be even more intriguing, and who knows, someday they might make a sequel.

I don't know, maybe it's late, and I let my imagination go a little wild, or maybe I'm just thinking about the book I am presently reading, but this whole book analogy seems pretty legit to how I'm thinking right now. Like I said before time moves too fast. I've never was one of those kids who all they wanted to do was grow up. if anything all I've ever wanted to do is grow down (if that makes any sense) but I just have to keep reminding myself that change is good, and God has me in his hands, and even when I don't know what I'm doing, He does.

All I want for Christmas is "The Zombie Survival Guide"

So, I was strolling through Modcloth (does anyone notice a pattern here?) and I came upon the book that any sort of "off the deep end" type of girl would just kill to get. Well, I just happen to be that very type so I decided to post my Christmas wish, emphasis on the "wish" list.

First up is the Zombie Survival Guide. Complete Protection from the Living Dead. I know how absolutely weird of me to actually even look at a book like this, but come on, you got to love a little imagination and adventure in one's life, and you never know when it might be needed info. Second up is a very girly, comfy, wonderful looking wrap sweater. I don't think I can find one thing that I don't like about it. It's just about as perfect as a sweater can get. I don't really know why I liked this necklace so much, I think I just found it intriguing. A necklace, with a bike, with a watch, it will multitask for you! Last, but not least, is my favorite pair of boots ever. I found these on amazon, and had they not had been almost $200, they would be in my closet at this moment. *sigh*. Anyhow, I just love the color, laces, buckle, you have to love a good buckle, pocket, POCKET!!!, perfect heal height, and so on, how much better can boots get. I mean seriously, could they add anything else to these things that would improve on them? Like the sweater above, they are, as clothing goes, almost a good as it gets.
I hope I didn't waste your time too much, I just really wanted to blog and share my finds with you all, and now when I mention my dream boots you'll know what I'm talking about. Well, I'm so close to being done with my first semester of college, and have enrolled in my classes for the spring, but it's late, and that will give me something good to post about later, so bye, and keep an eye out for zombies (especially around this time of year).

79-61

For my birthday I only had one request, I wanted to make myself a cheesecake. So I found two recipes that sounded great. The first one was for a generic cheesecake with a ginger crust with chocolate chips in it and a cream topping. The second was for a pumpkin cheesecake also with a ginger crust. Well, after seeking many opinions and getting mixed answers I finally decided just to make both. Enough people were coming over to need two anyway. So on Tuesday I got the ingredients I needed and went to work. For me cooking and baking isn't a chore, it's how I relax. Like when I got my wisdom teeth out all I wanted to do was make dinner, or if I'm not having a good day the way I calm myself down is through stirring anything over the stove. I could saute or stir forever. Anyhow, I made the first one well, first. It went together pretty easy, I even baked it in the water bath like it said (which I was worried about). Next I made the pumpkin one which came together much more simply than the first. They both cracked down the middle which I was disappointed about. If any of you know how to get a cheesecake not to crack please tell me. So when they were both cooled I stuck them in the fridge for the night.

Yesterday, I had to go to town to register for my next semester classes. When mom and I got to the college we were supposed to meet Brian Bechtold, but he had gone to the cafeteria for lunch. So most of you know my mom, so of course we had to walk over to the cafeteria, not wait. We get there and I see him finishing his lunch, mom said to go over to him. So after the hushed "no" "yes" "but" "just go" that I'm sure everyone has done at some point in their life, I finally lost and walked over.

"Are you Brian Bechtold?" I asked.

"I depends on why you ask, what's your question?"

"Well, um, I don't really have a question, um, you are my advisor, um, and I came to register, um and they said you were here, and um, I'm sorry to bother you, but..."

I think is the first time I got the you have no clue what your doing stare.

He was mostly done eating so we walked over to the AT building. He asked me what my plans were and I think he quickly determined that I had none. I did know what classes I wanted to take so when we sat down at his computer I had a huge shock. I only go into town Monday and Wednesday and so far my schedule has been working out great. So when we saw that sometime between Monday and Wednesday they had switched ASL to T, TH, I was floored. After some mumbling and just being so shocked, mom and I went to find a computer that we could figure out how to make this all work. I absolutely wanted to do ASL so I had to work everything around it, which wasn't easy. Right now I'm signed up for Music Theory II on Monday (which is going to be difficult considering it's my only class on Monday) Intro to Fiction (which sounds horribly dreadful, but I need the credit), ASL, and then Public Speaking (which I'm actually looking forward to, because my speaking skills are lacking:). Later in April, I'm taking a Field botany class that last two weeks. I'm really looking forward to this class, and the class is already completely full.

So after all this, we got home around 4ish, Hannah came over around a half an hour later. I made dinner (Puttanesca sauce, yum..) Grandma and grandpa, James and Stacia, Dad, and Rachel, all got here around 5:30ish and we ate a little bit later.

The Underhills, Ridge, Kathi, and the Vestals came around 6:30 and we had cheesecake. I'm glad I made two because we ate almost all of them, The first one, in my opinion, was better, but not by much, and the pumpkin one was really yummy also.

OK, funny story. Mom couldn't find an eight candle, so being the math brain she is, I was 79-61. I think this was probably a first ever. James, Ridge, and Eric, who graced us with his presence.And how could I not end this post but with a horribly unflattering picture of me at my eighteenth birthday party.

The best veggie tray I think I've ever had.

Hi, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I thought I would start this post with my brother's zombie snowman. Isn't is great? The one unfortunate thing about this photo is that we have probably 100% more snow. Right now we have around a foot and a half of snow. Yuck! I am so not ready for winter. I still feel gypped about the cool July we had, and I never got my swim therapy in that keeps me sane throughout the winter. So I'm not sure how mentally stable I'll be these next few months, but I'll try to be thankful, we leads me to Thanksgiving. Here is our mismatched, yet yummy looking table. We had a medium sized group this year. The Underhills went to Plains which was the first time they haven't had it with us since I think we moved up. We had my grandparents, James and Stacia, the Vestals, Hannah and Ridge, Kathi and Rachel, and Doris and John Mark. Stacia made a delicious veggie tray:) My mom did the Turkey, and even though I'm not really a big bird fan, It was really good. Luke and Ridge played Chess. I never found out who won, but I have my suspicions.My grandpa, James, and Stacia.Christian relaxing after the meal and the little tyrant Shelby foraging in the background.Hannah, Rachel, and I looked through some books that Hannah brought from the library. We had a great time laughing and striking stupid model posses after devouring Hannah's Anthropologie catalog she brought also. Ugg, talk about drooling over clothing. If only I was a great knitter, maybe I could replicate a sweater or two....

Even though we were missing a chunk of our family, I still think everyone had a blast, I know I did, it was Thanksgiving to be Thankful for.

Tooth Bling!

How much wood, could a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck had braces?

It should be over, and I'll be smiling before I know it. Right?

How 'bought a diet of pain pills!

Shark bait, hoo, ha, ha.

I feel like a horse with a bit in my mouth.

Can you read my pain? Because I can.

I only have around six more months of life without gum. Could it get any worse?

I need baby food.

No pain, no gain, put to the test.

Make new friends, and keep the old, mine our silver and none are gold.

Well, it sort of makes my lips look bigger. Although I think it would have been cheaper to have them pumped.
I wonder if anyone has ever died from braces before....

This it the most expensive pain I've ever been in.

If you were hanging from a tree by your braces, would the braces pop off, or would your teeth pull out?

I can feel you smiling at me.

Can you hear the Hallelujah Chorus? Because I can.

My old familiar friend, how bid thee blog world?

It really hasn't been all that long, but it seems like it's been a while since the last time I blogged. I've been insanely busy with school this last week. I had way too much homework. They must think we are all cyborgs, who never sleep or something. Last Monday I had one of the most intense tests I've taken in a long time in Music Theory. I think I was more fried after that test then I was after my GED. It felt as if I was suffocating on my own breath, or on the breath of others. The whole test was a hazy fog of stress.

Today was another long day, but it ended up going much better than I thought it would. I first had a quiz in ASL, and I think I did just fine. I was stressing over not being prepared enough, but I knew what I needed too for it, and it went smoothly.

Next I had test Aural Perception (do you see a pattern here?). Aural Perception is interesting. If you ever walk by room 251 around 2ish on Wednesday, you will probably see an odd assortment of people sitting in the hall way. Mr. Z has us go out to test us individually on our voices. It is like walking into the room of doom when it's your turn. It's not that the singing is that hard, it's everything. Imagine singing your common do re mi solfege, but set to some tune, getting all the notes right, the sofelge, conducting, pitch, and timing right, all at the same time! For me it's the making of a disaster. My singing alone is OK, it could use much improvement, but OK, but add my arm waving around and I'm lost for good. I seriously can not get the conducting thing. Every time Mr. Z would try to help me, I would just start laughing, because to be honest, my hand ends up just looking like a dieing fish flopping around.

Next I had my presentation in World Music. I think I mentioned something about doing this before, but in case I'm delusional I'll just write about it again. I had to do a 15 minute presentation on the Argentine Tango. I could probably tell you just about anything you wanted to know about the music if it so intrigued you. Believe me, it didn't intrigue me. OK, I give it that it wasn't so bad, I do enjoy the music. But by last night I was so, so done with it. It took me so long to complete, as I had well over thirty pages of information printed out all redundantly stating facts(I know, what a horrid waste of trees). Rachel came over a few times and helped me to organize, de-stress, and overall help with the power point. It was nice to have someone smiling with you over your homework, instead of just being alone with a head sized hole in my wall.

So, like I said before the presentation was today. I think it went good. I talked a little fast, but when do I not? I didn't pass out or start uncontrollably sweating or anything, so I think all's well. Now I just have the waiting game to see what my grade is.

Have you noticed that whenever I do a blog post at night they all end up being really long? So long that I think most of you won't even read all of it. Oh, well. It's like my therapy. My couch, so to say. Which would make you all my psychiatrists. Hum.....

Now that I have midterms over with I'm planing on blogging more. So hang in with me, and I might be back soon:)

The last few days

Wow, the last few days went by in a blur. It's hard to believe it is all over and I go to school again in the morning. Hannah and Ridge's wedding was this last Saturday at the Mennonite church. It was fantastic, but I'll try not to get ahead of myself and start from the beginning.

Thursday: The Takahashi's airplane was to come in around 11:30 p.m., so that morning I needed to have all my homework done for my classes on Monday. I was glad I didn't have too much to do, but still, It was a long afternoon. Mom and I left a little early because their plane came in a little early (How often does that happen?) We got home around midnight, and after talking for a while went to bed.

Friday: That morning I had to finish sewing Anna's dress. I had had it mostly done, but didn't have the zipper and hem in yet so I could fit it to her. It ended up working out great, thanks to God, and I had it sewn within a hour or so. We picked up Rachel and headed off to the church for the rehearsal. We all helped set up the reception area, and it looked great when we were done. Hannah had the great idea awhile ago of putting apples on the tables for decoration and for yummy treats to eat. They got them from an orchard and they were undoubtedly the best apples I have ever had (we "had" to eat the defective ones to find out). Around 1ish, Mr. Vestal came with some pizzas which where really good because I was starting to eye the burnt chex mix. After that Josh and Ridge came back from Missoula and we started the rehearsal. I think it all went pretty smooth. The hardest part was probably getting us girls to walk slow enough down the isle(Hannah included).
After we were done with that, we ran home, quickly changed, then ran out again for the grooms dinner. The Mallery's hosted it and it was really fancy. They had tables set up and even had assigned seating (I have to admit though, our table messed around with the seating a little:) They had a four course meal, and ended it with caramel topped cheesecake, yum!

Saturday: after we all woke up and took our showers, we were kind off in this calm before the storm. We sat around the tabled until about 10:30 and then we went to work. Rachel came over to do hair and makeup. Anna did my makeup, which I was quite thankful for, and I did Anna's hair. Rachel mostly did herself, but with a little help here and there. We put our dresses on and headed to the church. We ended up being a little late, but I think it was OK because they were just barely ready for us anyway. We went up stairs and took a few pictures, and then bummed around until the wedding, trying hard not to get wrinkle butts and eating veggies.
When it was finally time for the wedding we all lined up. Because I was the MOH, I was to go first. I still don't know what happened exactly, but in rehearsal the song changed before we were to walk down, but the song just kept on going. I was like "should I just start? Or should I just wait? Surly they will change the song any minute now". Anyhow, the guy doing the music told me to go so I did. I made it down without falling over, wobbling, sneezing, running, fainting, stopping, or just plain get lost, so I was happy. I think I did go a little fast though, but I think everyone else did too! The hardest part about the whole ceremony was that my feet started killing me. I actually got to the point were I was like "I wonder what would happen if I just sat down before I just fall over?" Needless to say I persevered for Hannah, not wanting to disrupt her most special moment. Besides my acing feet, the ceremony was nice, and I remembered to give Hannah her bouquet this time (I forgot in the rehearsal). We all came down without a hitch, and quickly went to bustle the back of Hannah's dress. After some more pictures, we went to the reception. Hannah and Ridge cut the cake, Rem and I made our toasts, and Ridge was kidnapped. Overall it was a wonderful wedding, and I think it turned out gorgeous.
After lots of cleanup we all came home. My dad made burritos for dinner, and we all put our PJ's on. A little later Rachel came over again and while the moms went out, Anna, Rachel and I curled up on the couch with chocolate chip cookies, and blankets and watched three episodes of Psych.

Sunday: When I finally woke up mom said that Eric, Tera, and Elaina, where coming over in about 15 minutes. So I quickly hopped in the shower and when I came out they had been here for a while. We all talked for about an hour, when the Underhills showed up. Then Tina came over, later Mr. Vestal, and even later John Mark.
Anna really likes the Montana huckleberry lip balm, so my mom went on a phone chase to find a store that still had it. It was strange how many places were sold out. We finally found it and Mitch, Anna, and I went to Bigfork to get it. When we came home, we all played Balderdash for a few hours, and then the Takahashis had to leave. It was sad to see them go, I all went buy so fast. Mom and I drove them to the airport again, said our goodbyes, and came home. I had to finish some Music Theory homework and then we watched a movie. Although this weekend has been a blast, I'm glad it's over with too. So here I am now, in my room, it's almost midnight, typing about these very busy last few days, and dreading college in the morning. Why couldn't I have had a day off?

If life gives you lemons, make a lemon chiffon cake!

Today was the first day in what seams like forever, that I didn't have anywhere to go. Life right now jumps from one place to another, one week to the next. Everyday I feel like I have to put thought into what I'm going to wear and do, asking myself "will I get cold? does this even match?". But today I grabbed an old tee shirt, let my hair go wild, and *gasp* didn't put any makeup on.
It wasn't a boring day though. I started off playing piano, doing a face mask, and then making a lemon chiffon cake for my dad's birthday. While it was baking I did my music theory homework *yuck*. After letting the cake cool, it was successfully inverted:) I then made up the lemon frosting (which was sinfully yummy) and overall it turned out great. It had a nice consistency, not heavy, but light, sweat, but not overpoweringly so.

For once I really don't have much more so say. School went pretty well yesterday. I did much better on two tests than I thought I would, and I got an hour and a half of lab time in for ASL (because the teacher was absent). I don't think I did good in Aural P, but oh well, I didn't really practice much anyway, so it's my fault.
For World Music I have to write a contemporary music paper about once a week on a certain country, and I'm getting horribly tired of it. At first it was sort of different, now it's just *blah*. And now I need to start preparing for my midterm presentation. We were given a list of places to chose from and were put on the spot to chose one to do it on. I took Argentina (tango) I hope that was a good choice. But as you can probably tell from my playlist, I like tango music. It's hard to believe that I'm already half way done with the semester. Where does time go? If you find it please bring it back. It's hard to even think of the future. When people ask me what I'm planning on doing I'm like "Um, maybe this, but I'm now thinking that, but I still want to do...." I'm trying to just live day by day. Having a ruff draft for the next year or so, but ultimately leaving it up to God. I'm so glad it's God's decision, because if it was all on my back, I would be so, so lost. Well, I have more homework, and some hooks and eyes to sew, so ta ta. I guess I had more to say after all.

In my state of blah

Last night, after a very long day, was the first night that I didn't have way too much homework to do. So before I did my ASL assignment, I well, wasted some time on the computer. My brother will play a game to relax, but me, I look at clothing. I try not to do it in an "I want that" uncontent way. Just oh, that's cute. I think I'm not alone, but I confess I'm an avid picture saver. I like to go back and look at what I saved later for fun, and sometimes for sewing inspiration. It's nice because then I have a folder of only items that I really like, instead of scrolling down a site going, yuck, cute, umm, cute, adorable, why would someone wear that?, cute, and so on.

So, last night while I was in my much missed state of blah, I went to modcloth. If you go there you know what I'm talking about, if not. I recommend it. I was looking at their new items, and I could post probably around thirty pictures of misc items that struck my fancy. But to save on my time and your sanity, I decided just to use pictures of boots.

I really like the buckles on the first pair and how high they come up in the leg. The heal is also just right for everyday. Not too high, but not too flat.

The next three I think are just too cute. A little on the high side, but still so cute. Isn't all the crisscrossing fun? The last black boots are actually from sears. The brand is mudd (my absolute favorite shoe band!). I like how cute yet practical they are. Different but not overpowering.

If you want to feel better about your drooling, do you want to know the best part about every one of these boots? They are all under $56.

A bride to be and four mummies

To celebrate Hannah's upcoming wedding, I hosted her bridal shower. Because it's after midnight right now, it actually was yesterday evening, but that makes it sound so long ago, when really we didn't get home too long ago.

Mrs. Coverdell did a devotion for Hannah. It was wonderful. Mrs. Coverdell is the lady who taught both Hannah and I how to crochet, and cook some really yummy food. She would have us over to her house and we would always have a great time doing some sort of craft.Caitlin, Amy, and Christen.

I found this picture funny, as it looked like they were intently gossiping. That morning I was making the poppy seed muffins for the shower when 24 of them came out a little bit to burnt. Our oven has been doing funny things lately, and I couldn't make anymore. I called Amy and she was so sweat, and made some from scratch on the spot. I'm so glad she was able to help. I also made brownies and lemon bars. I don't think our kitchen has ever been that messy before. There was powdered sugar everywhere, and mom had a run in with superglue (long story). The first game we did was a quiz on Hannah. I had had Ridge answer the questions a few days earlier and he actually did really great. Some of his answers were so funny. Natalie enjoying herself a little too much. We played the TP bride game. We had four groups and they each had a "bride" to make a wedding dress for.

This is Amy in her very elaborate toilet paper gown. Rachel in a very simple elegant dress. Rachel's veil. Raijoice had an incredible train on her very original dress.Hannah was the judge and she ended up choosing Rachel's dress. Everyone did a great job (sorry I didn't really get a good picture of the other girl's dress) I still think we should go into business making economical wedding dresses only for sunny weather. And to end on a cute note. Isn't Jubilee just the most adorable little girl ever!