My Life: From My Perspective

how pretty!

2011-06-25T19:14:00.001-06:00

I'm trying to make this my new go-to lazy day hair do instead of just a plain old bun. So far I can't tell if it's cute, or my efforts look stupid.

basically, I like to sleep

2011-06-21T17:58:00.002-06:00

I wasn't always this way. Well yes I was. I liked to sleep anywhere, any time EXCEPT for at night, and except for in my bed. There is plenty of photographic evidence for this.

However, this is true now, more than ever. I LOVE SLEEPING. I love napping on the couch, sleeping in the car, sleeping in my bed, sleeping outside in the sun. Sleeping is nice.

However, sometimes the shifts I work make the sleep I like impossible to get. I'm talking about the I NEED 9 hours a night to be the functioning, cheerful, optimistic Amy we all know and love. Lately, I've been closing a lot on Saturdays, and thanks to the 9 o'clock church block, that means about 6 hours of sleep, especially if I'm going to shower in the morning before church. You know, you're supposed to be off by 10, but the store is messy so you're there until at least 11 or 11:30, then you drive home, you unwind, you get ready for bed, you put the finishing touches on your sunday school lesson, and before you know it, it's 1 or 2 in the morning.

So, I've been really enjoying the re-introduction into my life of the "SUNDAY AFTERNOON NAP."

It's a treasure. However, sometimes I'm not that sleepy, but I really need to catch up if I'm going to do anything at all after 6 pm. Here is where you perk up and pay attention. here are 3 things proven get an adult to sleep- please note they are all movies/television users.

1. The Lord of the Rings extras- from any one of the 3, but preferably from the extended cut, where you will have hours upon hours of droning about details that is boring enough to put anyone to sleep. *Please note here however, that I ADORE these extras, and sometimes I watch them just for fun. But usually end up sleeping.

2. Planet Earth. It is interesting, informative, beautiful...and soothing.

3. America: The Story of Us: slightly interesting, but really monotone and not that interesting. like a history class film you would watch the last 2 weeks of school. May as well skip/sleep.

The extra added bonus is a comfy couch, and late afternoon, indirect sunlight streaming in, giving everything that soft nappy glow. Definitely wonderful.

business trip

2011-05-19T19:55:00.003-06:00

So, this Saturday through next Wednesday (why don't we spell then wensday?) I'll be working at University mall to prep the brand new store! for it's grand opening on (I think it's) Friday. I'm treating it like a little business trip, packing and staying at mom and dads for the whole time. I think it'll be nice to be so close to work again! only 5 min!

But I'll tell you what else: it stinks packing a weeks worth of black clothes...

On a different note, I have a love/dislike/love relationship with the weather. rain is bad for people in flooding areas, and there is a lot of rain melting a lot of snow, and I would really love to see the sun...but I love the hard, pounding rain and hail on the metal roof of the covered parking outside my bedroom window...downside? I like to open my windows to hear that lovely sound more clearly, and then...wet carpet in my bedroom. whoops!

2011-05-14T22:17:00.002-06:00

Last week Elder Oaks popped in to our ward, and we were so lucky that it was our fast and testimony meeting! I want to share a little snippet of what he said that touched me.

"We can retard our progress by characterizing ourselves, rise above that. Don't hold yourself back by viewing yourself in any other way than as a daughter (or son) of God, beloved by Him."

A simple and touching reminder that only our Heavenly Father knows what potential hides inside of us.

Welcome to our abode!

2011-05-11T18:40:00.000-06:00

Today my roommate, Emily and I got the rearranging bug, and we needed to hang a mirror that I got from my Aunt. It used to belong to my grandma Knight, so I think that's pretty cool.

Come on in!

From the front door, coming in.

The living room area. You might notice I am attracted to sunset type things...

the other side of the living room, with our little vacation painting.

our newly restlyed and much more full bookshelves! (you might remember the old ones, from this post about where I live)

closer view. I love that now there is a lot more about US on there! not that many people come over to see them...)

And here is the little reading nook we fit in next to the dining table. We moved the biggest pillow trying to cover the ugly fabric on the chair until i decide what i want to recover it in. I think something gray, if I can find it, since I couldn't find it for my sofa...maybe a vertical strip or even plain white or cream...I have no idea. Hope you enjoyed the tour of our "new" living room!

Tulip Festival

2011-05-11T18:14:00.000-06:00

Last week I went to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point, and it was beautiful! I have actually never been to the gardens there before, so it was a fun treat, even though it was windy and really pretty cold, and I was unprepared for that. Tyler came with, and took most of these pictures so I could try to finish up a roll of film(!) I still have a bunch of half used disposable cameras lying around...and I have a little diana camera I've been trying to figure out.

We happened upon this little goose family on the path, and papa goose was very defensive until they got in the water. What a perfect springtime scene!

Luckily he just happened to have 2 quarters, so we could each get fish food! It was so cool, they really gather for those little pellets, and there were a lot of fish!

A pretty little prospect. I love the trees like that, although they don't have a very beautiful name.

There is nothing I like more than a little color organization.

I was trying to get a photo of all tulips that I could print to hang in my room, but this is the closest I got with the Nikon.

I had to take a photo of this because this tulip looks so much like a peony that I have to remember it! It's so beautiful, and if I can grow these, that will save me some money in the future, I'm sure!

I like this garden because it looks like a couple at Versailles, but prettier! It's oh so European, and definitely made me wish I was headed to Europe soon (oh what could have been!)

Ha, this was a funny point in our visit, and this is very beautiful, isn't it? I wish the raised beds weren't quite so high, though. but what a nice place to sit that is!

A New Perspective

2011-04-27T01:03:00.004-06:00

sometimes Heavenly Father puts people in your life long before you end up really, truly needing them...before what they offer you in your relationship really shows itself. I am grateful for those people, who I've been able to build relationships over years, so that when I really need to hear something, they know me well enough, or are in tune enough with what the Spirit is telling them, that they can deliver a message that I need. Especially when it's unexpected.

I'm sure I need them for a lot more in life than that one thing, but I hope they need me just as much, or that I am contributing as much to their life as they are to mine!

On a different note, I've been thinking a lot about the only real "what if" I have in my life, and all I can conclude about it, is that I wish I were more brave. So, I am going to try to be more brave in the future. I don't believe in living wit regrets. What we decided, how we act, and what we do-they're a part of who we are, and we can't undo them, or change who we are-we are who we are because of what experiences we have. The best we can do is learn from them. So, here's to being brave when you're afraid, trusting when it's easier to doubt, and stepping out on a limb from a safe ground.

AND exercising a little self confidence! I think we're always inclined to think less of ourselves than others think of us, and isn't there just something wrong with that?

rainy day off

2011-04-18T19:05:00.002-06:00

My room has been getting a little messy lately, so I promised myself I would clean it before I go to FHE today. But I still haven't. I did take a nice nap to the soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings extras (thank you Peter Jackson, for how long those are!) So I suppose I should start before I get nothing accomplished on it.

I was also thinking about restyling our bookshelves, just for kicks and because I've seen lots of pretty pictures of bookshelves lately. But I didn't do that either.

That's what happens when it's my rainy day off, especially after a late night at work. mostly, I just nap, and run a few errands, and nap, and resist buying pretty things.

love, amy.

happy thing

2011-04-11T23:18:00.001-06:00

It smells like mowed grass outside. yes.

But Moses he knowses his toses aren't roses

2011-04-10T01:29:00.007-06:00

As mo-oses suppo-oses his to-oses to be!

Remember how Singin' in the Rain is one of my favorite movies?

"you look lovely in the moonlight, kathy." "and I can't stand him... and I cahn't stand him." "i love you, i love you, i love you, i love you" "no, no, no...yes, yes, yes...no, no, no...yes, yes yes..." There are some not very great little musical numbers hidden between all the amazing ones. But THIS is my favorite. Unfortunately, I can't get the video to imbed, so do yourself a favor, take a 5 minute joy break from whatever you're doing and WATCH! Because if you didn't, you can't fully appreciate what I'm about to show you...

did you go watch? okay...I trust you.

It may or may not be that I've always kind of wanted one of these. so, last night, since my roommate jaclyn and I were home and a bit bored we decided we needed to fill an empty wall in our house, and we decided we'd start to make stuff to fill it. I made this exciting vowel and she made these cute little birdies.

So, it's a start. if you have a suggestion for what we should paint next, you can feel free to make one. We're ready. and that wall is kind of big.

and

2011-04-08T22:30:00.001-06:00

I don't know why everything is publishing as one big paragraph. weird.

Also,

2011-04-08T22:25:00.002-06:00

my shift key sometimes won't press down, so that's sometimes why I'm not capitalizing. And sometimes i don't want to. BUT I just realized there's one on the other side of the keyboard...but who uses the righthand shift key? anybody? and then I realized that to type a question mark is the only time I actually use it...to use it to type anything else requires a complete rerouting of my mavis beacon teaches typing skills. BUT the actual real reason I started this post was to say i have a new calling in my ward. that is to say I have a calling finally in my new(ish) ward. I am a sunday school teacher. hurrah! apparently, when I taught at our mite night, the bishop and sunday school president came to scout out my teaching skills and thought it would be a good fit. should be fun, I think.

you're probably not now, nor have you ever

2011-04-08T22:18:00.003-06:00

ACTUALLY wanted to know this information, but since I'm bored and just watched an intersting movie, here are some of my favorites in no particular order except how they come to mind: -Sunrise (A Song of Two Humans)-Casablanca-Finding Neverland-The Departed-An Affair to Remember-Singin' in the Rain-Emma-The Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers-Casino Royale-Holiday Inn-A Lot Like Love-The Young Victoria-An American President-Persuasion-Meet me In St. Louis. I also reserve the right to ammend this list at any time, for any reason. Like right now, when I want to add Easy A. Just because I can, and because I think it's really funny, and slightly inappropriate.

Midway Ice Sculpture thingy

2011-04-05T20:52:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago, my friend Tyler and I went up to the midway ice sculpture thing. It was really incredible, beautiful and a little bit creepy. Unfortunately for us, it had been pretty warm before we went, but it was still perfectly icy. Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure, and to entice you to go next winter and pay the few dollars to wander around in a surreal north pole. (If I were you, I'd probably go in January, when it's at the peak of perfection.)

They're almost all beautifully lit like this one.

Here is Tyler in his throne. In his grand throne room.

A lot of them have cool tunnels so you can go inside of them.

They're very drippy.

Here am I.

It was colder than I expected, though I don't know why I didn't expect it.

Snow exploring in the winter, anyone?

This one was my favorite! It reminded me of a cathedral with all of those niches.

They're just waiting to be filled with some incredible sculptural program.

Although, if it's like any cathedral, it's this one:

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

source

Go there next year, and tell them I sent you. You'll get a discount!*

*okay, not really. But wouldn't that be cool?

2011-04-05T19:53:00.011-06:00

Today I finished a crafty little project I've been wanting to do for a while.

In 2009, when mom, dad, Sarah and I were in Prague, we happened upon (and really couldn't avoid) the Easter market.

It was beautiful, and incredibly interesting. But it gave me some inspiration for something I've wanted to do since then: an Easter tree!

We try to keep fresh flowers in our apartment, but our windows don't get any sun, so any plants we get die, and cut flowers only last for so long.

So, last week my roommate Jaclyn and I headed to the park and found some tree trimmings, so I brought them in, and today I painted them, and added some spring decorations.

I wanted to add more flowers to it for fun, but these purple ones were all I had left from the wreath I made.

One night mom and I were doing nothing. (I think.) and she had a coupon for Thai Pan that I tried to steal for a wreath...only the one the I wanted cost $120! Umm, no thanks. I figured I could make one just as pretty, and in the end made one a little more colorful. At first I couldn't decide if I liked it really or if it was ugly or cheap looking, but in the end, I like it a lot. PLUS, it adds a cheery dose of color to our front door, and identifies our apartment as a place where fun lives.

Holy cow, I don't know where all this crafting is coming from, but it's a little bit fun.

Faber est suae quisque fortunae OR every man is the maker of his own luck

2011-03-26T09:43:00.003-06:00

Since I am undecided on what path I will eventually take with graduate school, I am currently preparing for both a business degree and a humanities or art history degree.

I am cultivating business relationships who can give me excellent recommendations, and studying the math I need for the GMAT, and I am working on some new writing samples and just picked up a book I want to tell you about.

I was always annoyed in high school that Latin wasn't offered, and when I got to college so jealous of those who had been luckier than I. But, at BYU I was intimidated, and less driven, and so never seemed to make it a priority.

My friend Jason, however has recently introduced me to Wheelock's Latin, which is apparently a great text for self-learners. SO, I am teaching myself latin. It will surely be a slow process, but I am going to share what I learn here. I am really excited.

Why does it even matter? Well, when I go to graduate school, if I study humanities or art history my favorite periods are 1)ancient roman and okay, greek-so maybe Greek is next but it's all in Latin anyways and English for that matter, and 2) middle ages and renaissance-but particularly as it revolves around the Catholic church-where most things are in Latin!

I think it will just be helpful. Although, I see in it everything that I hated about learning French. However, since I already have a certain amount of French under my belt at least I'm already familiar with it, and they're cognate languages (yay!) so I already have some vocabulary mastered.

Wish me luck!

FORTUNAE!

Rodney Smith

2011-03-17T00:45:00.002-06:00

Have I written about him before?

It was probably 5 or 6 years ago when I first heard of him. He had an exhibit at BYU, and I fell in love.

His photos have so much whimsy and delight in them. But they're also so beautiful.

One of my art wishes is to own his book. But I don't have a spare $800 right now...although I guess if it really were my top priority I could not take vacation for a year and own it. but no, that's absurd, right? right? yes.

Or even a print! I would choose this one or this one. Because that second one was the cover of the guide to his exhibit, and I may or may not still cherish it like it's a real print.

I admire him. I also like to read his blog and get insights into his life. I know that's kind of creepy stalkery since I don't even know him. But that's basically what blogs are for anyways, so I don't feel bad about it.

2011-03-14T00:45:00.004-06:00

I am in general a pretty cheerful person.

Sometimes (okay, kind of often) I get frustrated or even a little angry, but I try not to let things get me down.

But sometimes I get very sad. Yesterday was a sad day. Wake up the next day with a puffy face and a headache sad.

At first I couldn't place it. Work was fine. I'd even gotten over my cough finally so I could take a morning jog outside.

When I got home and no one was there, I realized that I just wanted to be with someone I knew.

I felt... Homesick.

Not homesick like "I live so far away there's no way I can get there" homesick. I don't live that far from home. I could have just driven there ( I do it all the time!) or called my mama. or my sister. or my dad or anyone in my family.

Homesick for company. for friendship. lonely even.

I wanted so desperately to be with anyone I knew, but the few people here I know were away.

And I just couldn't get over it. I cleaned my room (I know, thrilling on a Saturday night).
I even scrubbed my tub.

I walked around my whole complex looking for anyone I might know. no luck.

I have a quote I try to live by "Don't worry about having friends, worry about being a friend." But as I looked at that quote in my room, I just felt guilty for feeling lonely. I have done a poor job of meeting new people, and I knew it was my fault for not trying harder, maybe not being as charming in group settings as I could have been, or being as open and friendly to new people to make them feel at ease around me.

But then I just lost it. I missed feeling at home.

BUT THEN TODAY

I felt the love of my Heavenly Father, and I knew He was aware of me, and that wherever I am, He is my friend. Christ is my friend.

He reminded me that He hears me, and that I should have more faith in Him and confidence in myself.

I almost forgot that it took over 6 months of sitting by myself in my old ward (with people I grew up with!) for me to make a friend-and that she was intimidated by me from a distance the whole time.

And today at church, a nice person smiled and said it was good to see me again.

and I am so grateful. Probably they'll never know that their simple smile was an answer to my heartfelt prayer last night. But I'm grateful they're close enough to the spirit to know to smile at me today.

And I hope that I can pass it on. And be a friend to someone who needs it more than I.
Or maybe we just need each other.

2011-03-11T19:51:00.002-07:00

Last night I gave my presentation at our weekly MITE night.

It seems like it went well. I was really nervous that people wouldn't find it interesting, but quite a few told me they enjoyed it. (yay!)

I loved doing it, presenting, teaching about something I love so much.

A group of people in my ward is heading to Europe at the end of April-if I'd known a little earlier I would DEFINITELY have been on board with it. Already today I was looking at airfare, but I just don't know if I can justify it.

I think I'd rather save a little more and do something different-a south African adventure? an outback getaway? a tropical escape? I'm not sure. But after looking at all that art, I ache to be in Europe again, traipsing around charming cities, saoking in the history, the sun and filling my heart and my eyes with the museums!

oh well.

On a brighter side, today I bought the most beautiful dress from Banana with giftcards I received from work. (yay for a nearly free dress!) I'm convinced it will be my go-to the whole spring and summer. It must be. You can dress it up with a cute belt, some wedges, or ooh, a sparkly cardigan or dress it down with a t-shirt and sandals.

and my last thought for the day. I went to Forever 21 on my break yesterday, and all I could see were things that looked like they were made by hippies who only had access to pioneer fabrics. gross.

Cabin Fever

2011-03-08T23:51:00.005-07:00

With all the on again--off again weather, I'm getting a case of cabin fever!

I can't help but wear my spring shoes and dresses, and spend as much time out of doors on the nice days as possible.

So, I've been doing some shopping. Well, some planning...

I've had my eye on this little sweatshirty jacket for at least a year. I meant to buy it for my plane ride last fall, but since I didn't, I think it'll make the perfect spring/summer/fall traveling outfit-don't you?

And if I'm going to have a cute jacket to travel in style, I think I should go somewhere exciting.

My passport expires in July, so maybe a last little foreign destination with the trusty gal? or maybe a US Virgin Islands destination or Hawaiian escape?

OR I've been thinking about taking my little cube on a nice roadtrip. He travels well and he's comfy, so maybe up to some national parks and wildlife exploration? I've been wanting to go to Yellowstone, and I've always wanted to go see Mount Rushmore.

any recommendations? I have a little over a week planned to take off at the end of April. I'm thinking that is the perfect time for a little get-away. (what do you say, Meagan?)

This ones for you!

2011-03-04T10:12:00.004-07:00

Lots of people I know that read this (all 7 of my family members and Meagan) really LOVE books and language.

I've been reading the autobiography of Mark Twain. He desired it should only be published 100 years after his death so he could say what he wished without the worry of offending anyone and disguising the truth.

Here's a sample so you'll all want to buy your own copy or borrow mine. And you are welcome to.

His grammar is foolishly correct, offensively precise. It flaunts itself in the reader's face al along, and struts and smirks and shows off, and is in a dozen ways irritating and disagreeable. To be serious, I write good grammar myself, but not in that spirit, I am thankful to say. That is to say, my grammar is of a high order, though not at the top. Nobody's is. Perfect grammar-persistent, continuous, sustained-is the fourth dimension, so to speak; many have sought it, but none has found it....This reviewer even seems to know (or seems even to know or seems to know even) how to put the word "even" in the right place; and the word "only" too. I do not like that kind of persons. I never knew one of them that came to any good.

It's a few hundred pages of delighful, well crafted memories and a few boring details which are usually interjected by the editors. I think I will revisit some of his other works after this.

Where I live

2011-03-02T20:57:00.003-07:00

I like color. You will see that.

I sometimes wish I lived in a beautiful neutral home,

like this lovely family.

But who am I kidding? I don't think it will ever happen.

But I do love the way she does things.

I love my sofa. It sure is comfy.

And the painting by my sister!

note the old sofa in the corner

I wish I had bigger booksheves.

But these are working for now.

I like mirrors and reflective things, and pretty things.

Here is my bed, with the bedding I've had FOREVER
(but still love)

I labored over this mix of art and stuff for a while,

but I don't LOVE it.
I think maybe it's a little much.

That little pillow is my favorite.

And it looks good on my couch.

The art is all over the place-some of it is real art,

some traveling souvenirs, the photos are all ones I took,

or of my family, some of the paintings are mine.

If you've been reading my blog for a while

you'll recognize my favorite art around my room.

I am very grateful to be in the master

and to have a large closet and

MY VERY OWN BATHROOM!

I don't like lots of little trinkets,

but the ones I have remind me of great places

I've been and fun things I've done, and

VERY SPECIAL MEMORIES.

Masks from Venice, creepy puppet from Prague,

camel and lantern from Morocco, little blue rock from Zion.

pink flowered lamp from London, Grandpa Roberts hat,

Tiffany box (I sure do love that color!

Thus, inspiration for my bathroom) from work.

Lady Jane Grey

2011-02-24T23:00:00.004-07:00

I have a small obsession with Tudor England...but not with Henry VIII or his wives.

The drama after his death! most especially I feel so sad for poor Jane Grey. She may not be as innocent as history makes her seem- a victim of mean, insecure Elizabeth-she may have been as motivated by power as the other candidates for the throne.

But in this painting by Delaroche my heart breaks for her.

Poor Jane, a victim of ambitious parents and opportunity. On the throne-the Queen of England for 13 days.

This painting is beautiful-definitely one of my favorites. Her dress looks so real-you can practically hear it rustle. She is ready-succumbed to her fate, but you can see the loss, the awe at the injustice of it all in the eyes of her companion.

Sad. But Beautiful.

On a side note, I'm preparing a short presentation on the synbolism and role of the Virgin Mary in Northern Renaissance art, and I LOVE being immersed in the world of Art History again. I sure do miss it.

Wish me Luck!

2011-02-23T16:16:00.002-07:00

Last weekend I submitted an application for a merchant-in-training program.
I have loved working in retail and decided to take the opportunity to try to change the direction of my career into more of the home office direction. It is very competitive, and if I get in it will be the biggest compliment! There are a lot of rounds of interviews ahead of me (if I get through the first round!) but I couldn't pass this opportunity by.

Being accepted means going through a 7 week training program being partnered with a senior merchant, ending with the opportunity to become a junior merchant for one of our brands.

and relocating to either Columbus, OH or New York, New York.

We'll see how it goes. Either way, I'm excited that I took this step!

*most people are familiar with a merchant as a BUYER, or the people who decide what the stores will carry for each season.

who knows? maybe in a year or two you'll be buying things I picked out for the store to carry!

moustache?

2011-02-05T11:16:00.003-07:00

Last night I watched the kidlets, and so this is what we did for a minute. Little Miss Hayleigh didn't want one because she thought it would hurt, but the boys and Sadie thought they were pretty fun.

get them cheap and easy at modcloth.

dun da da duhn duhn DUHN DUUUHHHNNN!!!!

2011-02-05T11:11:00.002-07:00

So, the pictures I took aren't anything amazing. But here it is!

It's so comfortable. And I love it! I am looking for a deep yellow-marigold colored rug and coral, pink, and yellow pillows...like the roses in the background.

But not just any pillows-textured and interesting. They need to hold their own next to this luscious sectional. SO, if you know where to find some, let me know! I think it's gonna take a while, or come down to my own creations.

on praise and recognition

2011-02-02T19:47:00.002-07:00

I love my job.

Sometimes it probably seems like I don't. Because sometimes the people and situations make me angry. But I do.

I am SO lucky to work for a company that is values based, that stands by its values, that invests in its leaders and am even more lucky to be viewed as a valuable leader by people in that organization.

Today I was talking to someone who used to work at the executive level about what I valued and what I needed from my leader and we were talking about recognition. I told him I thrived on positive recognition, and he said he did too. But what else he said really got my wheels turning. He said that as you grow in position, responsibility and authority, less and less positive recognition comes to you from your leaders. That positivite feedback has to come from the people who work for you, and their attitude. It may not be that they praise you or recognize your efforts. But if they enjoy working for you, and you've created an environment where they like to be, then that is praise-that is positive recognition.

He's right. (He's right most of the time.) I don't need someone to tell me I'm doing a good job to know I'm doing one. I am great at my job. I thrive on meeting challenges and exceeding expectations and making the people around me better, too. And if they love to work for me, then that is where I'll find my success.

I also love that at my new location I have the opportunity to get exposure to more of this thinking. I have been challenged in the past 6 months, definitely. Did I think more than one time about handing my keys over and walking away? Absolutely. But I have grown as a leader.

I am elevating.

And I LOVE my job.

I would show you if I could.

2011-02-02T14:24:00.002-07:00

But I can't. I don't have the plug thingy to my camera. whoops.

(Too bad, because I even have cute roses to have in the photos, oh well.)

But, it is BEAUTIFUL! A little lighter than I remember, but it is still amazingly beautiful. I am in love. All I need now is proper throw pillows and a proper rug. It goes really great with your painting, Sarah! What a lovely place I live in. Thanks roommates!

blue velvet

2011-02-01T09:16:00.002-07:00

I'm so excited! my new sofa sectional is being delivered tomorrow. I am SO excited to see how it turned out, so I'll put up pictures and you can see how it turns out. Today I am going hunting for simple shams and a great rug to go with my awesome sofa. I'm going to try home goods. I've never been there, and have heard some good things about it...wish me luck!

bedding

2011-01-26T23:16:00.004-07:00

I am in LOVE with this duvet cover.

I've had the same bedding for about 7 years! Which, to many may not seem long. And I love it. But I really love this, and I am extremely tempted...

All I need to find is the appropriately simple shams and I am all set.

upcoming vacation!

2010-09-19T23:59:00.002-06:00

YAYAYAYAYAYAY!

I finally bought my ticket to go and visit my wonderful friend MEAGAN in London next month.

I'm so excited!
I always take a vacation this time of year-I can't take any vacation days after November 1st, because then it's Holiday Season.

So, guess when I get back? October 31st. It will be a wonderful 10 days. hallelujah! Shopping in London and other exciting places-here I come!

oh work...yes, yes you are.

2010-09-01T22:16:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I officially handed my store over to the new store manager. We spend one day together next week so I can finish "transitioning" her.

I'm not gonna lie. It's hard. I cry a lot. I'm frustrated. I feel quite a bit like a failure.
(which is an irritating feeling.)

I daydream of days when the people that worked for me liked me.
When I didn't have to be the mean guy.
When they would trust my judgement and KNOW that the feedback I was giving was honest, fair, and in their best interest.

It's been a little over a month since I started my new job...so far...I almost wish I hadn't done it.

BUT, I know in order to grow, you've got to get out of your comfort zone.

I am really truly incredibly grateful for the assistant I have. She is WONDERFUL. And if i didn't
have her, I would probably hate me life completely and have asked for my old job back.

KEEP CALM and CARRY ON!

right?

2010-08-12T10:55:00.002-06:00

So, I am currently in limbo.

Staying at my parents house-everything in boxes trying to find a place to live.

Granted, I could have been giving it a little more effort all along.

However, I am optimistic.

enough about that.

I am excited about education week next week. I had completely forgotten that I had already taken the time off of work until it showed up on my calendar a few weeks ago. (yay!)

Last time I was there I learned:
-that it's practically a commandment (from the way the instructor presented it) to make yourself more beautiful if possible.
-that every woman should own a pair of nude shoes
-that every woman looks good in coral and teal
-about how to remember more things (this clearly did not work, I have gotten ridiculous at remembering things if I don't write them down and look at them daily)
-about the brother of jared.

and other things I don't remember, so I didn't really learn.

This time I am excited to learn about:
-testimonies of christ through paintings and sculptures
☺☻♥♦♣6♠•◘○◙♂♀♪♫☼►◄☺‼¶§▬↨↑↓→←∟↔▲▼ (wow! look what I just figured out when you hold alt and use the 10 key-that's cool)
-more about the apocrypha which I find really fascinating

oh, and I'm going to this class about how to overcome my fears of dating-which I must have because I'm still single :) but one of the days is on how to deliberately fall in love. I'm going. Mostly I want to see what they say, and see if hey, maybe it is true, and partly because I want to give this information to a friend of mine, who REALLY should go hisself.

And on Thursday (cutting into my education week time) is Lagoon with my ward and my bff ANG before she heads to Peru to dig up long dead things for 5 months!

It's not like I'm her mother or anything. But I am SO PROUD OF HER! I just wanted to tell the world.

I'm even more proud of my sister SARAH because she is taking classes and moving herself towards her goal and masters program and excelling at it. Well done, Sarah!

I'm constantly impressed by the people around me. They are so motivating.

My new job is hard. I haven't been challenged like this in a while. It's pretty frustrating, and refreshing. It's been a long time since the feedback I got at work was anything other than "great, wonderful, perfect." So, it's difficult to hear "unacceptable, fix it, make them work or get rid of them" but I will only grow, and so will my team. The problem is I'm now in charge of something that hasn't been done correctly for over a year, and some of the people there are very resistant. but it's okay. I'm a teacher, and a coach. It's what I do best. Pretty soon, we'll be hearing "perfect, show others, that's what I want to see!"

*Pretty soon is a relative term...I'm hoping to hear those by Christmas...or MAYBE Thanksgiving.

So...I'm moving.

2010-06-22T00:04:00.003-06:00

It's not that big of a deal.

But it is to me.

I'm moving out on my own (I hope) but striking out in the world ( a little). I'll be moving up to the Salt Lake Valley because I am making a slight change in work. Same company, different store, different position.

I am hoping to find a perfect little studio or 1 bedroom apartment-(wouldn't a loft style be great?)on the east side in the south end of the valley (or close to 215)...if you hear of anything, or see anything will you let me know?

I do hope this is just the change I've been craving and needing. It's a little away, a big enough change, and the start of something new. I think I've become a little too complacent.

Graduate school is still in the future plans for me, but since I just don't know exactly what I want to do, I feel it's a little silly to go now. So, it's in the plans-maybe in a year.

For now, a little change goes a long way.

Wish me luck!

Vegas, Part II

2010-05-26T17:17:00.002-06:00

We took other pictures on the way (but on a different camera). However, the cool thing to know about Holly is that FILLMORE was the most south she had ever been before this. Since we hit at just the right time, we decided to take a little detour and visit the St. George Temple. I love it because of the way it's pure whiteness really stands out from the green and the surrounding red rocks. It's just beautiful.

The flowers were so pretty, and so is Holly. aawww.

It was a nice little detour. But then, on to Vegas!

On a sidenote-I think it's so funny when I ask people to take pictures for us. It's a digital SLR, but it works just like a regular old camera-but no one seems to know to look through the viewfinder. It's so funny. You can see them all-just holding it out in front of them-wondering why they can't see anything on the display screen. uuuhhh...

Las Vegas: Part I

2010-05-23T00:05:00.005-06:00

TEAMMATES!!!!!

I have this fun way of passing time: and it's called teammates.
NOTE to all the people who are more kind than me: this involves identifying stupid/incredibly trashy people.

See, everytime you see someone who you think is incredibly disgusting/stupid/trashy etc. you say "teammate!" and try to get the best collection of award winning crazies for your team. We tried to get pictures of all of our teammates, but we couldn't. Some wer just too quick to spy.

So, here are some of our teammates. Sorry if you're offended by our playing this game. We used to play in college with people on campus, and you know what? It's just fun.

Whoever owns this property-they are my teammate.

These people have bombs in the back of their car (okay, not really, but it kind of looks like it)-TEAMMATE!

This man was smoking a cigar and talking on the phone with the windows rolled up-Holly won the battle on this one. Her teammate.

Check out his awesome car that goes lower and higher (What's that called?) well, whatever. It also says "Amigo" and there was a child in the front seat-Holly's teammate.

Okay, it's not Holly's silly expression-but the girls in the background. Yup, my teammates.

Don't I look awesome in this visor? I become my own teammate here.

**We didn't even get pictures of the lady with the platinum wig, with her own hair sticking out from under it, OR the guy we were laughing so hard at we couldn't even spit out the words teammate.

OR my teammate from Hoover Dam with his beer belly over his gross pants and his necklace. TEAMMATE!

Try playing sometime, it's very fun.

There's a creepy noise coming from the garage/kitchen area, but I'm too chicken to go check it out.

2010-05-16T01:16:00.002-06:00

I'm wide awake because since I was really tired today (because I was up way too late last night and way too early this morning) so i did the really awesome thing to do: which is drink Dr. Pepper.
Did you know I used to LOVE Dr. Pepper, and stopped drinking it about 2 years ago, and only drink it rarely? I heard a doctor on TV (I know, very smart of me) say that the soda we drink is one of the worst things women do to their bodies, so I stopped (and I heard one of my aunts once say her doctor said it was bad, so I went with it-I mean, that's 2 sources people).

So today, when I was at work, exhausted-I guzzled a large Dr. Pepper, and now, even though I am exhausted, I am awake. So instead of putting away my laundry like a good girl, I am making lists and forwarding emails to coworkers and thinking of all that I need to do tomorrow, when instead, if I would just go to sleep I would remember it all tomorrow anyway.

here: you can know, too:
-print off a paystub (so I can go shopping in Vegas with my discount!)
-pack ( oops!)
-hang up the rest of my clean laundry
-submit payroll (ick!)
-church (yay!)
-charge zune (hello movies on the drive!)
-try to look decent for church-right now I don't even care what I'll look like tomorrow, but tomorrow I will, and I'll want to look cute-although there is no one I'm trying to impress except myself-and that is a fun challenge each week.
-take a gift to someone before I leave
-leave a note for my team
-forward conference call and meeting agenda for the next week (not gonna lie-probably not going to get done-but this is just something I wanted to do-not required, so I guess that's okay)
-be charming and collected, look beautiful, stay awake, and relax!

VACATION!!!!!!

Holly just came in and said "I've decided anyone who makes a list like this! (holding up a piece of paper) for a 3 day trip is high maintenance!" she points. I smile, and point at my paper- which looks almost exactly like hers. Except, instead of headings over my categories, I just have them separated out into separate sections of the paper. you know: clothes, toiletries, entertainment, shoes, etc. that way, you are sure not to forget anything. The first thing that went in my bag-my swimming suit and pool cover up-I don't care if I forget everything else except my wallet. Those are the necessities.

You know.

2010-05-15T09:47:00.002-06:00

Today is Liesl's birthday (that's her blog on the right). Happy Birthday, Liesl!

I appreciate you! You are fun to know, and you are so sweet, and caring about everyone around you. Thanks for always being a good example to me of a kind heart.

I hope you enjoy your 20's.

They're awesome.

It's going to be a busy few days

2010-05-14T09:55:00.003-06:00

because on Sunday Holly and I are headed to Vegas for a few days of relaxation.

Hello, sunshine and relaxation.

Now that I am paying rent and a car payment I am much poorer than I was a year ago, and so this little vacation may have to suffice for a long while.

But check it out:

I mean, it's no Pelican Hill (I'm forever spoiled) but still...

I'm pretty excited to go and literally lounge by the pool for a few days. I hope I do very little esle-except get a massage and do a little shopping.

Lounge and read-we've even committed to leaving our phones up in our room while we're lounging so we're not distracted by work. holla!

It's time for a picnic!

2010-05-13T23:39:00.002-06:00

It's finally going to start getting warmer (I hear), so it is time for a picnic!

Or, for you to join the provo picnic club if you live in, or near Provo. Fun!

I love me a good picnic, but I have a BRILLIANT idea for a wonderful picnic party in the near future. Cross your fingers it all comes together for me the way I want it to-it could be simply beautiful and wonderful.

I like this painting.

2010-05-10T00:06:00.003-06:00

And it's part of the permanent exhibit at BYU. It's by Abbott Thayer, called NOON.

I appreciate people who paint women beautifully. And adore looking at those paintings.

And today Mother's Day. Happy Mother's day, to all the moms in my life (especially my own, dear one).

Fancy Schmanciness

2010-05-04T22:55:00.003-06:00

Tonight was a very elegant affair-the art gala of Foothill Elementary School. While I don't have photos, dad does. It was fun, we got all dressed up-though I apparently went a little overboard (but I like getting dressed up!) -and went to see Taylor's art. Dad has pictures, so maybe I can snag some.

After that we had a relief society dinner-I assumed it would be dress up, so didn't bother changing-and ended up being extremely more dressed up than EVERYONE and felt a little silly. Mostly because I had so much fun being dressed up, but one girl said "wow Amy, you certainly are trying to impress aren't you?" and I wasn't and it made me feel kind of bad, for a minute. But I had a good time. Here are some photos.

"Wonferguel," Me (rockin' my first lady hair do) and Kyra.

Isn't Monica (Wonferguel) beautiful? sometimes she stuns me-like here!

And Kyra-kick it up Kyra!

we had to try like 4 times to get a photo-but this one's my fav.

Our silly faces. Who doesn't love to pull a silly face?

I wish I were better at pulling silly faces.

They always look more outrageously silly in mind.

You know, the beauty of the first lady hair do is that tomorrow I can just stick in a headband and I look JUST as put together, if not better.

fate intevenes!

2010-04-30T23:01:00.004-06:00

So, yesterday Liesl and I went to the Springville Museum of Art where I was totally surprised and pleased to see art by none other than our dear friend J. Kirk Richards, who I love, hanging on some of the walls. It was even more beautiful in person (obviously) and such a joy to see. There were some other really beautiful things on display during the spring salon. If you have a chance, go see it!

Someday / Madonna and Child

2010-04-29T00:23:00.008-06:00

I have lots of someday dreams...

these include the someday dreams of a family full of children, but I'll spare you... I'm talking about these kings of someday dreams:

YOU KNOW...

someday I hope to have a big porch, with a swing on it.

someday I hope that I have a pretty sparkly chandelier above my bathtub.

someday I hope I take good enough care of a garden to cut fresh flowers every day.

someday I hope to travel to Africa.

etc...

But I really hope that someday I have lots of original art works in my house. I don't even care if they're by famous or even "real" artists.

Even if they're just paintings by me or my super talented sister (I already have a painting or two of Sarah's in my house and people always compliment them). I just think original artworks bring something special to a room-they just feel substantial and special.

I really love this artist. J. Kirk Richards...he's pretty talented. I would happily have pretty much any one of his paintings hanging in my home. But I especially love his Holy family:

I LOVE paintings of the Holy Family, but especially of the Madonna and Child. I just think there is something special about the mother and child, universal- maybe only women feel this way, I don't know for sure, but I think so. It's just something that connects, even though I don't have children. There are many, MANY that I love.

Okay, I don't remember who these are by, because they've just been sitting in a file on my blogger for a while. Sorry! But aren't they beautiful?

Rogier van der Weyden

By Sir Joshua reynolds, found via my new favorite blog

Hope you love looking at mothers and children, (did you love it Denise?) I do.

2010-04-25T01:30:00.002-06:00

A year ago I was enjoying life at the spa...
On Monday, two other store managers are headed off to enjoy the beauty that is Pelican Hill Resort and Spa.
However, I did get a spa gift certificate, bonus and am ex gift card from my company, who loves me and who also loves to throw contests.

Cross your fingers I win the drawing for the $4,000 travel voucher. I will take a HEAVENLY vacation, which I seriously need.

This Thursday and Friday mom and I are headed to the womens fair or whatever it is at BYU. I am really excited to take a minute away from the rest of the stress in my life and help me realign on the things that matter most.

yay!

If there's anything I hate loathe despise and abominate it's a BULLY!

2010-04-21T18:32:00.002-06:00

But I really love the movie "Meet me in St. Louis" it's quite wonderful.
Right now I'm reading this book called I, the Divine. I like it. It's written like every chapter is the first chapter of a biography, so every chapter is chapter 1. It's a story about a Lebanese woman-the daughter of a Lebanese man and an American woman, who grows up in Lebanon and moves to America-and how and why she is who she is. It's very interesting. Maybe one day I'll try to write a book about myself this way. It seems like yes, there are some really outstanding events in her life, and definitely some very interesting moments.

But this is what I think: anyone's story can be fascinating, exciting, exhilirating and wonderful-it just depends on how you write it. I had a wonderfully suburban, middle class childhood, but the way I saw it was different than how anyone else saw it, and I could probably make it a very compelling story that any person (with at least a slight interest in that kind of a story) could enjoy. If you've ready any of the stories I wrote , you know that I at least had an active imagination, and a terrible fear of being kidnapped...so that's something that added a colorful element to my early years.

Look forward to the possibility of future installments...

GRATITUDE

2010-04-19T22:50:00.004-06:00

Have I ever told you that my calling is FHE co-chair?

Well, I started writing this post about how frustrating that experience sometimes is.

But instead, I want to share something else.

Today, our lesson was on having an attitude of gratitude when things are rough.

So, that's what I'm doing.

Today I am grateful for:

people who can read my mind
a couple of my girlfriends in particualr, who just know how you feel, in a minute.
BIG HUGS!
sunny sunny days
zebra wallpaper
seeing the awesome skills of my friends: Christie is putting on her BFA final show next week, and I'm so excited.
the words "I appreciate you" and "thank you"
people love to work for me

I get along with everyone on my team, and get along well.

random text messages from random people that surprise me

painting

finding something in the scriptures that sticks out to me

eggs

glitter

flowers

rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens

bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

kindred spirits

long drives up the canyon with the windows down

zits that get smaller

my super awesome family, and especially the little kiddos in my life.

friends I haven't seen in a while, and will get to see soon

the joys of reunions, when it feels as though a minutes hasn't passed

paid vacation days

upcoming womens conference-I've never been

pretty little books

good hair days

funny tampon commercials

GLEE

that's all.

Tampon commercials in general are seriously annoying.

2010-04-15T12:31:00.002-06:00

Which is why these are seriously awesome.

My rommate and I love these commercials. Have you seen them?

You might hear us saying some of these things:

"I'm believably attractive..."

"Oh, that's what's supposed to happen!"

"By day 3, I just want to dance."

"I wear white pants, and have good hair, and you want to be me."

"Don't all these angles make me seem dynamic?"

I appreciate when people take a new approach to things, and it catches my attention. SO FUNNY!

Happy Birthday

2010-04-15T00:06:00.008-06:00

MOM

I am so grateful for you.

Your kindness,

willingness,

love.

You have always

been there for me,

supported me,

loved me,

inspired me,
and all of our family.

You are an example to me of

so many things

like twirling in the hills and loving musicals, being silly, friendly,

thoughtful, putting others first, being a lifelong learner,

prioritizing relationships, planning, being flexible, and serving others.

and

you are pretty much everything that

I want to be in a mom someday.

Thanks for being my mom, and for believing in me.

my mom turns 36 today

or maybe 51, I can't remember.

I stole this from someone else

2010-04-09T23:28:00.002-06:00

Because I don't have the energy to come up with something different, and it's bugging me that I vented on my blog and that's the last post that keeps coming up at the top.

It's been a really crazy few weeks/months at work. It's like when you're so close to being overwhelmed that you just barely manage to stay in control-and it's hard, but I also like it that way, because I am still just managing to stay in control, which is great.

so, anyways. This is fill in the blank Friday, where someone, somewhere comes up with some phrases and I just fill in the blanks-seems easy enough: let it commence.

{1.} The strangest thing I've ever eaten was: WILD boar- that the hunter had recently hunted in the German countryside. While staying at the quaint little bed and breakfast in BAD LIEBENWERDA. (I think that's the name of the town).

{2.} My best friend is: Ang. Man, I'm lucky I know her.

{3} If I could live in a different era it would be: Maybe the Victorian, but only if I were rich. Or, I could live in the 50's. I think I'm pretty grateful for when I live-people would probably think I was crazy if I lived in another era. But I like the clothes in the 50's.

{4.} I like: friendly people. And people who don't take me or themselves too seriously.

{5.} If you only know one thing about me it should be: wow, ONE THING? I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and live like I am. okay, I can't just do one thing. I also really love to get to know people and their stories, and sometimes I ask so many questions I think I make people nervous, but I'm just curious!

{6.} My favorite book of all time is: Ella Enchanted. or the Historian.

{7.} The one beauty product I couldn't live without is: mascara. or eyeliner. They both really do the same thing. I don't feel like soap, shampoo, conditioner or lotion fall into the category of beauty-I find them more hygiene, so those are automatically included.
{8.} Blogging is: whatever I feel of it that day. Today it's a nice outlet, to wind down from a long day and not think about other things I should be thinking about. Normally, it's also just a place for me to put my thoughts out there.

{9.} If I could star in a movie with any actor/actress I would want to work with: Ummm, I don't know: either Reese Witherspoon, so we could become best friends and she would share her clothes and stylists with me, or some handsome hunk who could tell me I was beautiful all the time and mean it. That would be cool. Then he would probably fall in love with my beauty and winning personality, become a mormon and we could be MARRIED. And then he would introduce me to Reese Witherspoon, and we would become best friends and she would share heer clothes and stylsits with me.

{10.} One of the best feelings in the world is : feeling completely and utterly accepted, loved, respected and appreciated. And knowing you give the same in return.

That was fun. Clearly, I am very wordy.

Can I share a frustration here?

2010-04-08T00:37:00.003-06:00

* mostly because I feel a little anonymity here, even though everyone that reads this knows me...but things I say here I probably wouldn't say in person-unless I was in one of "those" moods, much like I was tonight, but only to some of the people that read this, so it could be considered a sneak peak into the me that some of you never see.

Okay, so...
WHY DO GUYS ONLY WANT TO
a) make out with you,

or

b) be your very best friend and not love you at all??

Desn't it sometimes just suck? The people that want to make out with me-I don't want to make out with them. I don't like them. Although they are now at my beck and call I guess. I could start to be one of those people that just makes out with people for fun. I could try it, it seems like people go through that in their lives, and I've never really been that girl. So I could try it...I guess.

Not that I'm a hater. I appreciate that they at least want to make out with me, but COME ON. ask a girl on a date.

-and, why do they want to come over and mess with my hair ONLY WHEN IT'S DIRTY?
-although, my hair is currently very clean, and I had two offers tonight...hmmm, bed calls.

In Honor of Easter

2010-04-05T22:41:00.012-06:00

I am 100% certain that if I were not a Mormon, I would be a Catholic.
(I quite enjoy the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the Catholic Church). There is something wonderful about being Christian.

I love knowing of the divinity of Christ, of His Earthly mission, and the knowledge I have of His resurrection and the hope that it brings to mankind.

Sandro Boticelli-Annunciation

The gift of God-His son, a sacrifice for all of the Earth! A woman-willing, blessed, and worthy; A Son: obedient, hopeful, and strong; A Father: loving, gracious and merciful.

I feel very, very fortunate that I grew up in a home where I know how my parents feel about the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also where I wasn't sheltered from other faiths and ideas. My mom and dad always did a great job of helping me know that other people believed differently, but that they were good, their beliefs were good, and that they had truth in their lives.

My dad would always visit religious sites in his travels and bring home pictures. I remember seeing pictures of him in Buddhist and Hindu temples- shoes off, respectful. As I grew up, I wanted to know what they thought, what they believed, what they hoped for in life. The more I studied art history and humanities and came home with a fresh perspective on religious history the more my mom would say little gems of wisdom to me, encouraging my learnings, but grounding me in truthfulness and her testimony of the gospel.

(I wonder if they knew they were teaching me these things as they explored and lived curious lives?)

Because of that upbringing-and because of the COUNTLESS churches and museums my parents dragged me to in Europe as a child ( yay!) I grew up knowing that art could be religious, and loving it. I remember feeling something special about art-a special spirit that lives inside each painting-a story, a testimony, a moral.

I get to my point, I promise. Because of this, I love any religious painting-they hold such a special place in my heart. I see a painting of a religious scene-it's a story, a testimony, a moral frozen in time. But more than that-it connects! I get it in such a different way than in words. Most especially I love paintings that have to deal with the life of Christ; from the Annunciation to Mary, the Adoration of the Magi, anyways, any of them. ( I also really love stories from the lives of the Saints, and stories from the Apocrypha-especially those still revolving around Christ-Anna and Joachim etc.) here are some of my favorites.

Rogier van der Weyden-Deposition

Okay, how beautiful is this? Besides the compositional harmony, again it just catches my emotions! I love to learn the stories behind the characters-like Veronica over in the corner.

Isn't she wonderful? Look at her beautiful tear-she weeps. Oh, it just reaches out from the canvas and grabs my heart.

Giotto-Lamentation

Oh look! They don't understand that although He is dead, He will rise again. They're so sad-grieved-distraught actually. Yet, look how lovingly the Mary's cradle his body.

(Plus, Giotto puts someones back against the viewer-how very risky!)

I guess I love these stories because they show the mortality of Christ, but in showing his mortality, hint at his immortal divinity. He OVERCAME death! He is risen!Caravaggio-Doubting Thomas

And although it may be difficult to believe at times, that such a blessing as gracious as the atonement can be a part of our lives, I am grateful and hopeful that I can, and will have it as a part of mine, everyday.

I don't think I'll ever catch on.

2010-04-04T01:10:00.002-06:00

Or remember not to believe things people tell me on April 1.

For Instance-no my friend did not get in a car accident. No he did not need surgery. He IS very lucky I didn't actually go to the hospital all worried and make a fool out of myself, or we would probably no longer be friends. (Although, let's be real, I fall for everything, no matter the date.)

No, there is also NOT a sky writing convention in SLC.

There is also not someone living secretly in my backyard.

The other thing: I'll never be able to take care of the big scary, hairy spiders by myself. I would rather scream, run away or leave the whole house for hours until someone else can take care of it. Seriously.

Tonight, I got my crafty on.

2010-04-01T00:39:00.005-06:00

This is the result: Hannah and I spent a couple of hours "wallpapering" (actually, yes, papering the walls) my dining room with leftover paper from our new marketing campaign at work.

The first square! Go us!

The first row, wasn't so bad.

Hannah and I with the final result. Don't mind my wings, it happens.

Hannah demonstrates our fine quality measuring and cutting skills. Yes, we did cut all the way around our lightswitch.

The Final result. I wish I'd taken a before, but it was covered in a fabric wallpaper and had a bunch of nails in the wall and dry wall screws.
We're putting a big mirror on the right wall, and moving the light fixture with a hook so it's centered and we can line everything up.

See the confessional screen in the 2nd picture? Man, I wish we could tear it out. This house we live in has a LOT of potential, but we rent, and we're 3 girls, so our style is so different.

We also came up with some house rules:

1. No making out in bedrooms or hallways, that is what the living room and basement and front steps are for. (okay, not the front steps...)

2. You have to be okay with walking around in undies, it happens.

3. The house is called the house of the beautiful brunette bombshells, which means you have to be a brunette to live here. sorry blondies.

4. We share, but that doesn't mean you can take whatever you want.

5. there is no limit to the rules we can make.

For realsies everyone...

2010-03-25T01:04:00.004-06:00

don't you just love to flirt?

I love it. I think it's so much fun!

And besides that, it increases my skill with witty banter, (which is really pratically the same) a skill, which it is always good to be up on.

Flirting does a lot for you, not only do people you flirt with automatically like you better, it's not like they have to be a potential date to flirt with them (although flirting with them in the "I'm interested in dating you" way increases the likelihood they will become a date).

You can flirt with friends, random strangers, customers, co-workers, superiors, policemen, people in the service industry (they'll ALWAYS flirt back and give you better service) I mean, the list goes on and on...you can even flirt with girls (if you are one, but be careful...this is a different kind of flirting than "I'm interested in dating you" flirting). It improves relationships and makes everyone more pleasant. For an added bonus: it definitely makes you more approachable, which to be honest, is a quality a LOT of people could benefit from having.

I have GOT to remember that more often. Go, my friends-get your flirt on!

It may not have been the best thing...

2010-03-24T00:13:00.003-06:00

that I disovered dry shampoo, because now I'm even less motivated than before to wash my hair when it's dirty: today is day 3 (and I worked-eeeewww), and tomorrow I'm off work. Likelihood my hair will be washed before Thursday (slim to none: except for institute-that's the only motivation).

On Saturday...and Today...

2010-03-22T23:38:00.007-06:00

On Saturday I went on a lovely pinic with my Best Kindred Friend Angelina Lucille DeMarco.

She is pretty cool. She is so inspiring to me. She has really made things happen for herself. Not only is she dedicating herself to shool, she is working so hard, that she is accepted into a couple of different really incredible summer opportunities. And she's had a swith-now she's studying bioarchaelogy or something really amazing. (I know it's something like that, but I just don't know exactly what it is.) Anyways, she is inspiriational, I am so impressed. Way to go Ang! I know my opinion matters little, but I am SO proud of you, and the brave steps you have taken, and for putting the faith in yourself, because you deserve it, and you are truly superb. I am grateful that you are in my life!

Today, after work and FHE ( of which I am the co chair, have I mentioned? mondays are CRAZY!) I put together one of my new bulleting boards for work. I am so excited because I am rearranging my office and this is one of my TWO new bulletin boards; one for planning, and one for development plans-for me, our store and each of my assistant managers. So exciting. I hope that keeping everything visible will help them all focus more on their development and not so much about the little things that can get in the way of that. I am in the business of growing leaders, not just driving results.

I will say this for my awesome company. Even though they have given me an incredibly stressful month (that has so far contributed to my having 6 humongous zits at the same time!), they have also given me the tools to succeed, and I am now muh more maniacal about how I spend my time when I'm at work. My time is valuable.

I know you don't really care (that's why this is in small print) but on the top left is the calendar for the AIM program, on the top right is my calendar (underneath is the
training calendar for the new store manager I'm helping to train), the bottom
left is my DM's calendar, in the middle is the operations calendar for the next
two moths (the current month calendar is only slightly smaller than a whole
bulleting board, so gets its own spot, and the bottom right is the next month of
weekly management shedules. YES!

You know, I have always kept a planner, and usually used it. But now I'm pretty maniacal about it. If it's not in there, I'm not gonna remember. That's why I forgot to email someone a calendar, complete an action plan, or finish the April and May calendars in the midst of everything else today.

I know everyone is busy, it's life, that's how it is. I am just grateful that I have become a better planner and a better exeutor of those plans. It's helping me beome a more effective person. Not like I don't have a lot of room to grow. Do you use a planner? Do you Love it?

And yup. the team name of our pinewood derby competition on Saturday: the Fiery Flying Serpents...let's get on that, Liesl.

at our picnic we had potato salad just the way we like it: potato, eggs, dressing and very few other crunhy icky things...just the good stuff.

Caught in a bad romance-whoa-oa-o-o-oh

2010-03-20T10:50:00.002-06:00

Going on dates with stranger is rarely fun. Maybe it results in good karma?

You gotta give credit to strangers who ask for your phone number because you smiled at them.

that takes guts.

So you give them a chance.

But that doesn't mean it's gonna be a killer good time. or even a really good time. or even a good time. it was just...time...spent...

But it was nice that he asked. And it was nice that I went.

look! gross!

2010-03-19T10:01:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I went on a nice long walk, in shoes I've had forever...and this is the result:Do you see those gross blood blisters on both of my little toes? gross! and don't mind my ugly feet, now made uglier by weird blisters. Want a closer look? Well, I know you don't, but here's one anyways. eeeew!

Have a nice weekend!

Besides the awesome Old Spice commercial

2010-03-18T22:56:00.002-06:00

This is my other favorite. so clever. If you haven't seen it before, you can now be appropriately grateful to me for opening your eyes.
Except, I can't get it to imbed like I wanted, so you'll have to follow the link.

Go cancer awareness!

Summary of March 17, 2010

2010-03-18T12:35:00.004-06:00

Today I gave performance reviews and no one cried!

I got to see lots of women I haven't seen in a while, and that was fun!

The sun was shining.

Springfest (hey!) is scheduled

I reconnected with an old friend

And reconnected with a newer friend

we kept all the doors open all day at work

I loved seeing all the different efforts people put into wearing green!

I have to wear all black to work, but managed to fit green in...

I stood up for someone being verbally beat up by a bully.

HARMONS: YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD GROCER

2010-03-13T10:00:00.004-07:00

You're not supposed to be loyal to a grocery store.

In fact, in our district we talk about how it's easy to be satisfied at any grocery store-you can find what you're looking for without much hassle. It takes something special, a wuality of service or method to win loyalty.

Harmons-I am loyal to you. I will drive aross the city instead of to the Smiths a few blocks away. I love to shop there. Now, especially more than ever I love Harmons because when I went there last night I saw these waiting.
YES! Girl Scout Cookie time! So exciting! made my weekend.

you know you text too much when...

2010-03-10T22:17:00.001-07:00

...you type the word "see" on the computer and expect to see "are" come up and have to fix it, just like it does on your blackberry...

here is the book I am currently reading:

2010-03-10T21:45:00.005-07:00

I am learning how to have crucial conversations. To tell people that they are not meeting the expectations of their job, to suggest that they pluck their eyebrows to look more professional, to communicate with people in my life and tell them what I expect, want or need from them. To learn how to more effectively communicate when "stakes are high, opinions vary and emotions run strong."

People who handle crucial conversations well are people that I respect. This doesn't mean being able to share your opinion, or get your point across in any situation, but handle a difficult situation well, that leaves the other parties also feeling understood and respected. I'm not gonna lie, as soon as my boss recommended this book to me (literally, within 5 minutes) I had it in my hands. I bought a copy for another store manager too. I certainly respect him, and he does well with critical conversations. Every time I come away from a conversation with him that I was afraid was going to be difficult, I feel respected, appreciated, and understood, even if the outcome isn't what I desired. THAT is my goal.

I also had some realizations. I know I'm the queen of living the "if I ignore it, it will go away" mentality. I always have been. but I am slowly learning that it is the worst way to handle most situations...luckily, nothing of it has ruined my life or relationships...yet. But I intend to keep it that way.

Being a business leader is hard.

We also worked on our personal development plans. This is something I love about my company. We make a plan each year to develop some aspect of ourselves-business or personal, and are accountable to it in our work environment.

This year I am working on my communication skills, and that's where this book comes in to play. I also plan to have 15 minute conversations with each of my assistant managers each week where I give them effective/more effective feedback (you are very effective in this way, you can be more effective in this way) and set clear expectations for the upcoming week and follow up the ones set the week before, and where I also ask them how I could have been a better support to them in the last week, and what they need from me in the upcoming week.

I really hope this helps with some of the communication issues we've faced in the past few months...shadow of a leader. If I'm not an effective communicator, how can I ever hope that they will be? and I don't want to hold them back at all. I want to be an enabler in their careers.

So

2010-03-09T22:13:00.003-07:00

not like I would leave the company I'm with right now...but there is an opening at Anthropologie at the Gateway...that's all.

and I always thought I would love to work in their visual departments (visual execution and the customer experience are my favorites) and here are the qualifications. who knew? that's crazy!
Don't think I'll ever be doing that. So, something different must be in my future.

listen so I, uh, ha! ummm....yeah.

2010-03-09T20:55:00.004-07:00

It has been such a long couple of days-a long week. Since Sunday I've already worked about 30 hours...and I have 24 more scheduled...not including all the outside of work things I need to do this week.

However, today, to help my day become wonderful was a great opportunity to take some of my peers to Temple Square. Yes. it's true. We've been in meetings at the Gateway today, and today I got to take some of them to Temple Square. These awesome ladies (last time we met together, in February) confessed to me that all they know about Mormons comes from watching Big Love. Oh, and also now, from me. That's a lot of pressure, knowing that the only real, accurate perspective of Mormons they have is me... Actually, it's not that much pressure, at all. It's just interesting to me. I live my life, and I think they see what I do, and can learn more about my beliefs.

What a wonderful opportunity for me, though. Usually, I don't know what to say. But today, it flowed. They were asking me lots of questions and were so receptive. It was interesting because their lives are both SO different from mine, and the things they believe are so different from what I believe. BUT, because of the completely open and honest relationship (very transparent) that we have in work, I think we were able to bring that to this discussion. I was able to explain about the purpose of the temple, and the covenants, and the sacredness of it, and also a little bit about what we believe about the second coming and resurrection and modern day revelation.

I was so grateful for this! It was just what I needed in a day full of self examination and very honest feedback with other store managers and HR... a moment to pause, enjoy the quiet of temple square, and reflect on the spiritual side of my life.

Also because generally, when I'm asked questions about my religion in work environments I JUST DON'T KNOW what to say..."why don't you drink?" "I just don't...I choose not to..." or "why don't you want a cigarette?" "I don't smoke...thanks, though..." I always wish I know what to say, but I was so grateful that the words were able to come to me, and that I was able to put coherent thoughts together instead of stutter my way through it.

Speaking of talented people...

2010-03-07T16:32:00.008-07:00

This person is an amazing painter. was. was an amazing painter.

His paintings are amazing. Did you know he used a brush with only 1 hair? can you believe that? I guess that's how he was able to capture the details. Thank goodness for the people in the North discovering oil (Ithink he was actually one of the first to use it) and it's slow drying properties (that's probably why).

JUST LOOK AT THE DETAILS! (lots to come, because I love him.)

I know you can't see it very well, but those are miniature scenes of the passion of Christ around that frame. yup. crazy good. Here is more goodness. This is the altarpiece at Ghent.

Can you seriously believe that? I also just LOVE the Virgin Marys of the Northern Renaissance...they're beautiful, but not in a creepy way like they sometimes are in Italy.

I give you the Madonna and Child with Chancellor Rolin.

You have the Virgin (the queen of Heaven) being crowned on the right and Child.
Her lap is presented like an Altar- and the baby Jesus as a sacrifice upon it. Here, instead of being robed in her virginal and pure blue- she's in the royal robes of red.
The enclosed garden-Mary's guarded womb and purity. And I love how there are so many links between the Old Testament and the New Testament, the fall of man and the redemption of all through the life and mission of Christ. So cool. I love the detail the stories from left to right the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, Cain murdering Abel, and the Drunkeness of Noah-failings of men abouve Rolin.
Above Christ and Mary-the only one you can see is the meeting of Melchizedek and Abraham. Noah was supposedly the first to plant the grape and make wine (thus getting drunk) and Melchizedek was the first to use it in the Eucharist-bloodless sacrificial symbol.

I could go on for days about symbolism in the North, and for days more about van Eyck because I LOVE him. If you want to see more by him, google it. 'cause he's awesome. one of my favorites, simply for his skill, and the era he epitomizes.

2010-03-07T15:51:00.006-07:00

Do you remember the photo of the Grand Canyon I showed you? If not, that's okay...here it is again.

Here is my Christmas Gift to Dad, based on this photo...I apparently can't actually paint unless it's something I'm copying from a photo...something I'm continually working on.

It looks a little different in both lights, and actually I think it looks better in person. I don't remember if I made some changes after this or not. Actually, I did. At least to the white in the middle-I made it yellow...I don't remember what else though.

After trying to paint, I have a new respect for people who are really gifted at it, and take the time to do it properly.

who doesn't love this painting?

2010-03-04T15:59:00.003-07:00

You know you do. And now you know that I do.

I really love a lot of Fragonard's paintings. Even though some are on the inappropriate side, I still find them fun, lighthearted, and interesting. But more than anything-they're so beautiful! Plus, I really love this girls dress. I would totally wear it any day, for any reason.

I've had 25% of a grown up relationship this month.

2010-03-02T23:05:00.004-07:00

It's true.

Holly and I both. But different parts of a grown up relationship.

I have realized (thanks to a delightful conversation with a delightful friend) that when I wonder what's wrong with me the answer is nothing. When someone decides they don't want to be my friend anymore or has a problem with me, or doesn't ask me out again there isn't something wrong with me. It's just that it's their decision. or sometimes mine.

Not to say there isn't always opportunity for improvement, but it's not because I'm not enough, or there's something wrong with me. It's just because they have a choice, and I may not be what they're looking for right there in a friend or whatever. And that's okay.

This is not coming from anywhere-I don't think there's anything wrong with me, and I'm not pining or anything. But I've been thinking about this for a while.

image from here

Because there are some people who are always there for me, and for whom I am just right.

1. Heavenly Father

2. Jesus Christ

3. My family.

I am grateful for you, for this conversation and others we've had like it. You are pretty inspiring to me. And I'm glad that you happen to have thoughts along the same lines as me, often, but happen to also have the ability to put those thoughts into words. It's a gift.

*whenever I used to have a moment of heartbreak or when I felt like I wasn't enough -I used to listen to this song by Kasey Chambers:
"Am I not pretty enough, is my heart too broken? Do I cry too much, am I too outspoken?"
what was wrong with me? Why did I put myself through that and wallow in self destruction and unacceptance? I still like that song- it's good for a minute, but not for long. But, I'm glad I don't do that anymore. I don't think it was very healthy.

Can you imagine being in a stall and having the door kicked open?

2010-03-01T23:54:00.003-07:00

One of my friends has a friend who wants to ride down the aisle to her groom on a john deer riding lawn mower.

NO JOKE.

And, I appreciate that I can have an honest conversation with my boss. Just throwing that out there. He is great. I hope I can be a good, inspiring leader like he is. If only he would tell me more how much he appreciates me instead of just telling others.

And once I decided that I was going to go to campus, and study in the business building so that I could meet a smart guy. also no joke. and you know what? it worked. I was LITERALLY in the building for maybe 5 minutes before I met a guy. I think I'll try that again.

MARCH

2010-02-28T23:17:00.002-07:00

It comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.
I think.

Well, this is true.
Already March is hard. (And it's technically still February. )

I look at my calendar and am not sure when I'll find the time to breathe.

I'm nervous.

I'm afraid of failing at all the things I have on my plate.

I'm worried I won't be able to be there for people on the level I have before.

(and I'm worried they'll be disappointed or sad because of it)

I like to be there for people, more than anything.

I'm stressed a little about work, there's a LOT going on.

and I'm afraid my boss will think I can't handle it.

(but I'm not sure I can, to be fair)

and I'm ready for the sun to be shining all the time.

(wow, this is a selfish post)

Also, I am excited for March. I think it's going to bring lots of good things too. and life is all about balance, right?

And I do like it when I'm busy. It forces me to be more productive and to make the time I have with people count for something more.

But hopefully, it really does go out like a lamb. I would be grateful.

I have a problem.*

2010-02-25T20:19:00.004-07:00

I can't distinguish between all the things I love and my real, honest to goodness favorites.

I tell customers all the time that the thing they've picked out is my favorite. I don't mean to do it. I love a lot of things, why do I have to have a favorite? OR. More than that. Why can't I have lots of favorites? They're all things I like more than others- things I would recommend and enjoy. And at times, eah one is my favorite. Like good gummy candies, sometimes, I just can't get enough of some of them. I prefer them over other things and so they are favorites.

the end.

*This entire post is a disclaimer so that I can call anything and everything I want a favorite. You have been forewarned.

I think it was definitely the music that was getting to me

2010-02-24T20:43:00.003-07:00

I am SO tired and happy that it's Thursday (well, almost). I am excited to do these wonderful things on my day off:

1. sleep. (I wish it were in this bed)
2. read.
3. sleep more.
4. eat mashed potatoes.
5. clean my room.
6. do the dishes.
7. do laundry.
8. watch the "Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work" from the DVR.

Well, I don't know that I'm excited about 5,6,7 but I am excited to have the time to do them.
I am excited to sleep well and long tonight. Our regional manager came today. She is super nice, but only comes to my store once a year, so I really felt the pressure to be perfect. And now that it went off swimmingly (mostly) I am really happy to rest and relax a minute.

Also, I'm excited to plant the amaryllis Susannah got me for my birthday, because I still haven't.
That is one of the best and coolest birthday gifts I've ever gotten, mostly because I ALWAYS (like, since I was about 6) really wanted one but never told a soul how much. Thanks Susahanananaha!

Also, a couple of funny tidbits from tonights time with Holly:
"I hate the NAACP awards...we don't give out white people awards-then we would be racist."
"I'm racist against little people; they creep me out."
"I only fall in love with him while he's singing"

Good or Bad?

2010-02-22T23:31:00.003-07:00

I have this new idea, and I want you to participate-if you want.

Is it good, or is it bad...

that you can buy string cheese and it doesn't expire for a few months
that I can (and do) go days without showering and still look decent (even if I run... eww maybe? But I don't mind...)

I have more ideas...but that's all for now. What are other things you wonder about-any or is it just me?

That's all.

Daily Ten: Feb 20th edition

2010-02-21T01:20:00.003-07:00

Today I am grateful for:

Updating my running playlist with the giftcard my parents gave me.

Taking a nap on the couch-seriously one of the most enjoyable things of all time.

Getting a mani/pedi with Holly, because I love having a manicure.

The awesome massage the chair at the nail plae gave me-it really helped actually.

People who make me feel like they need me. Thanks!

Hanging out with my sisters tonight-we went to Color me Mine and a movie.

The movie: Twilight:New Moon. It was exceptional. NOT. But it was fun.

That I discovered some tasty new marshmallow treats for about a dollar at Shopko!

Did I already say taking a nap? Because it was wonderful, and it was snowing outside.

Pizza. Mmmm. It was good.

Oh and check out this awesome picture: funny!
I don't remember where I found it, though. pity.

BEST DAY EVER!

2010-02-20T01:23:00.003-07:00

Okay, I can't quite get the pictures off of the camera. I was hoping to give you a little treat until I could pull them all; however, I cannot. But you should know that it was amazing, and my sovenir is fantastic. So fantastic, that someone wanted to take a picture with just my chest. yes, it's true. If that doesn't keep you coming back for more, I don't know what will.

Dear duc du berry...

2010-02-18T23:46:00.006-07:00

Thank you for commissioning beautiful works of art like "les tres riches heures..." and also this beautiful little gem. I know that you are a different duc, and that's okay. But thanks for being a patron of the arts. I also know you didn't demand this little guy, you really just wanted a coffin- a pretty place to store your bones in a church, where people could come and mourn for you, but thanks for picking Claus Sluter, who was able to bring the world compassion and emotion in stone.

I give you "Les Pleurants" (well, my favorite little guy)

Isn't he full of emotion? What I love most about this:

1. That he makes me feel what he's going through. He's sad-not tragic.

2. I love that his little face is a mystery-and that all I want to do is peak under the hood, and see what it's like.

3. How he's using his little monk robe to wipe his face, because it looks like a security blanket-type move-and gives him a childish innocence and tenderness-it makes me want to comfort him.

4. How his robe looks so soft, and drapey- and it's made of stone.

5. How his hand hovers over his heart-trying to sooth the breaking that's going on there.

I love that he is one of many called "the weepers." Isn't "weeping" much more evocative of the emotions behind it than just "crying" or "shedding tears"? When something sad or dissapointing or heart breaking and heart wrenching happens, I weep. When something annoying or frustrating or angering happens-I cry. you know? you know. You're all girls-you've done both.

here are a few of his other little friends (I keep saying little, because they all adorn the side of a sarcophagus, and are no more than a foot or so tall, and depict an actual procession of people in the funeral march for this duke. tender.

owie owie owie owie!

2010-02-18T23:26:00.002-07:00

I just said that a lot of times in a row out loud and thought. yup, that sums it up.

I have an owie. And not just any owie, a BIG one. For days I've had this ginormous tension headache (made all the better by some tear shedding) that just won't go away no matter what I seem to do. Where excedrin has never let me down before, the past few weeks have made it a miserable failure. (Did I ever tell you about the time I bought excedrine migraine and this is what it said on the box "consult a doctor before using if you have the worst headache you've ever had in your life..." and it was? well, I didn't consult my Dr. I just took some, and it helped.) I think a massage maybe would help? I don't know. So I have a proposition-who wants to give me a massage? Not just as a gift- nay, in return, I will give you...

MY GRATITUDE!

and also a tasty treat of your choosing, or a card or service or I will do an unpleasant task for you or live in your debt until forever...seriously. I am not joking.

Although I think I may also head to the doctor. This is getting ridiculous. It keeps coming back in the same place on my neck-it hurts a LOT. In fact, sometimes so much that I want to crawl into a dark hole where there is no light and no noise and no heat and no cold and also no smells. Because they are irritating.

"Everyone is concerned that figure skating is an art form, not a sport."

2010-02-17T20:22:00.003-07:00

So says the commentator. But I, for one, am not concerned. I am fine with it being either, or both. But I am not okay with the feathers on the man gloves. I know it's an art form, but can't you have a masculine outfit and be a figure skater? The feathers are completely unnecessary. Even if they were designed by Vera Wang. (that being said, I thought his lines were really nice.)

STOP. NOW. Moving on. okay, no. just to other Olympic Sports.
The downhill thing the women are doing right now looks scary, but Lindsey, you look so weird/creepy doing your visualization, why did the cameras follow you? good luck, although, this really has already happened. I'm just watching it delayed, like half of the world. oh! two crashes in a row! icky. These ladies are BRAVE. A faceplant at 70 miles per hour? that's so sad. I'm pretty sure that if I had the stick-to-it-iveness to ever reach the olympics (or some other competetive level) in some sport (ha!) that something like that would surely happen to me.

Also, those poor curlers-do you think they ever hear the end of it?

Another favorite...

2010-02-16T21:05:00.004-07:00

I have a lot of favorites by the way. If I like it more than a little, it's a favorite. But this really is an absolute favorite sculpture. It's a gem in the Louvre collection, and represents one of my FAVORITE myths-that of Cupid (or love) and Psyche.

See, (feel free to skip this paragraph if you don't want a mythology lesson)once there was a king with three beautiful daughters, but the most beautiful was the youngest, Psyche. She was so pretty that people began to ignore their real lady love, Venus. She was jealous (as always) and asked her son Cupid, to make Psyche fall in love with a horrible monster. But upon seeing her, upid dropped the arrow, pricked himself and fell madly in love with her.

Even though she was beautiful, no one wanted to marry Psyche, and her parents were told her beauty was too great for mortal men. They took her to the top of a mountain where the wind carried her away to a palace where she was waited on by invisible servants, and loved by an invisible husband-who only came to her by night, and only on the condition that she must NEVER try to see him.

Psyche grew homesick, and in her loneliness begged, and finally persuaded her husband to allow her sisters to visit. They were jealous and convinced her to sneak a peak. When she did, she was so surprised to see the beauty of her godly husband, and dropped some of the wax of her candle onto his shoulder, waking him. He fled-unable to trust her-and she began wandering endlessly, searching for him. She begged Venus for help, and Venus agreed-giving Psyche task upon painful and arduous task to accomplish. So tiring were the tasks that Psyche died, Cupid came along, and with a kiss, revived her.

Zeus decides that they can be united, and she become immortal: And they lived happily ever after.

A story of love (at long last) lived happily.

Don't you love it? I remember seeing it for the first time. I fell in love with it.
Not only is the story beautiful, but LOOK AT THIS! It's so well designed-every curve takes you back to the focal point of their faces-their lips. *sigh* it's just beautiful. I can hardly get enough. I hope you like it.

Stay tuned for more stories of love. Next time: love unanswered, in fact, rejected in the most harsh of ways.

BE MINE.

2010-02-16T20:09:00.005-07:00

I'd have to say I'm a pretty lucky girl. I don't know many people who love their birthday as much as I love mine. There are many reasons behind this. Allow me to share a few, if I may.

I don't know if you know this, but I was born on Valentine's Day. my lucky mom and dad!

My name is Amy, which means "beloved" in francais.

I love to share love with people.

I love hearts-they're my favorite shape.

I also love glitter- hearts and glitter and I belong together.

I never have to be one of those people that doesn't LOVE Valentine's Day.

I love to celebrate LOVE-family love, friend love, romance love, all LOVE .

But I love Valentine's Day. I LOVE that it's just an excuse to share with people how much you appreciate them in your life. It's like a LOVE thanksgiving; it's about the relationships-the people in your life that make you who you are.

And, I turned 26. That's weird. I don't feel 26. I feel...maybe 24. But not like that's a big difference. I think I'm one of those people who will probably feel like I'm 24 until I'm 60. And I'll probably act like it too...yay. I like me.

I just wanna say what I want, and judge people while I watch tv-okay?

2010-02-11T00:01:00.002-07:00

Okay. Holly and I are watching American idol. That's where the title comes from. Because that's why we like this show. We watch, we say what we want, and no one is the wiser. Except maybe the other people that happen upon us during this time, or are priveleged enough to be invited into these precious moments.

My wasted heart will love you forever...

2010-02-10T21:48:00.004-07:00

I was reading a few funny stories about romance gone awry, especially in college on other blogs and it's funny. I'm reminded of some of the stories from my past...are you ready?

*Please note that all names have been changed...only because people who know them read this, I think...okay, not all the names have been changed. (actually, I just won't use real ones, how about that?)

Also, let me preface this by saying that I am not good at dating, at love, at understanding why in the world people would ever have been interested on taking me on dates earlier in my life... I'm kind of awkward. I'm much better at being friends.

As I sit here writing this, I realize there are lots of things I don't remember about my life. Good thing I keep journals. But I digress...to start? a story I remember, thanks to being reminded of it a while ago by a friend.

In jr. high my friend had a crush on me I suppose. Sweet... except I liked his friend, the ultra attractive, tanned, bleach-tipped funny guy that liked my friend the super-cute more-fun-than-me blonde girl... yeah. This is how jr. high was for everyone-right? moving on. He really was nice. I liked to talk to him. I don't remember how we met, at all. I think probably in band where I met all my friends, since he wasn't from my ward like all the other friends. So, one year for Valentine's Day (coincidentally also my birthday!) he came to my friend Susahanananana's and brought me a rose! (which in my 14 or so year old mind made me say ick! in general I think when people do things like that they are playing some sort of rude prank on me. why would they want to give me a rose? are they trying to embarrass me? I prefer not that.) with a note that said "sometimes good friends need to be reminded just how special they are." Sweet, right? Well, this is the first of many times that I responded like a jerk. I think I waited nicely for him to leave, and then took that rose and threw it away. I know I was a jerk. I really try to be nicer now.

Want to hear an awkward date story? Fast forward to (maybe just after?) high school, when the boy that told me I was "easy on the eyes" (what? who says that? I think I remember being slightly offended, though I don't really know why-now I would just say, "awww...thanks...that's weird that you said that, though.") asked me on a date. Okay, fine. Mom said "give everyone a chance" so I did. We went to a movie, where he told me he was scared (oh yeah, by the way it was a Bond, James Bond movie. so scary-right?and asked if I would scratch his back to comfort him. ummm...what? no. except I did for a second until I pretended to be so engrossed in the movie that I gradually stopped, then folded my arms while he was touching my leg ummm...STOP! well, that's okay. Because even after that, when I gratefully assumed that the date would be over and he would take me home, it turns out it wasn't. The dear date turned to me and said, "do you mind if we stop by my mom's house really quick before I take you home?" "ummm, okay," I say. So we do. We stop by his mom's house, where LO AND BEHOLD! she conveniently has some hot tasty dessert that just came out of the oven! and would we like to have some? So we do. and while we're there have I ever played some dice game that I will of course be horrible at and not enjoy at all? "no? why don't we play a quick round?" over an hour later, when I am nearly in tears because of the awkwardness and how tired I am, I finally get the courage to say something very polite like "it was so nice to meet you Mrs. dear dates mom. I have to be home by midnight (thank you, invented curfew!), otherwise I would love to stay and play some more. (No, I would not ever like to be here again, ever.)" and he takes me home. I think I turn to him and say, "thanks, dear date. See you later!" and proceed to get out of the car, leaving him in no doubt that I am a very gracious person. Also, I would have thought that an exit like that would have kept him from going for date number two. nope. Another time though. This is already too long.

I'm sure you have funny stories-you should share some, here or on your own blog. Because I enjoy reading of how other people are sometimes awkward like me.

GUESS WHAT?!?!?!

2010-02-09T21:53:00.003-07:00

There is a TV series on KBYU that's called Monarchy: the Royal Family at Work. How did I not know this? I love the Monarchy! I would become British in a hot minute. I sat down an hour ago to watch (what I thought was a one time thing) a documentary about the Queen coming to Jamestown for the 400th anniversary of its founding, only to hear at the end "next time on Monarchy: the Royal Family at Work..." what? yes! I am a happy camper. (oh no! it's only a 6 part mini-series...oh well. DVR that!) I love the history of the British monarchy. To this day, my favorite souvenir from my first trip to London is a book about the history of the monarchy and magnets of all the monarchs faces. I pull it out every few months and brush up on my knowledge and remember all the fun stories. But for sure the 14-17th centuries are my favorites. EASILY. I want to meet the Queen. I know lots of people do, but man, I REALLY want to do something impressive or become famous just so Ican meet the Queen and also buy whatever shoes I want and buy a house with my own furniture to put in it. Those are the things I would do if I were impressive.

Today I had a great day. I really did. My head still hurts, but I managed to figure out that a little advil/excedrin concotion goes a long way. but it was a nice day-I had a nice long sunshine-y run in SHORT SLEEVES THROUGH THE PARK! I did grown up responsible things, I took a nap, I even showered, visited with a good friend, ran into another one, discovered a show about the monarchy and discovered I fit into a pair of jeans that didn't used to fit. Oh, and right after heaven on TV is 19 kids and counting! yes. I LOVE the Duggars. But I am glad I'm already too late to have THAT many kids. (wow, can you just believe their communication skills? I think they are great! and also, their last baby was born 3 months early? I can't even imagine.)

Ummm, I used to be really good at making cookies. It was my forte. But now, not so much. Every time I try to make them they turn out *blegh* BUT I think it's the oven in the house I'm in...because my roomie Holly, hers turn out *blegh* too. They always look deliious and then collapse like crazy-anyone out there know a solution I could try?

It's only 10 DAYS until the Billy Joel/Elton John Face to Face tour. (Mom, aren't you excited!!!!!?????!!!!!??? I guess it's cool...) I thought it was in March, but I wasn't sure, so I googled it today. wahoo.

I have been researching flights to visit my friend Meagan------> (the one who knows more words than I ever will) and am excited to nail down dates-I'm going to buy my ticket next Tuesday I think!

Bed calls. yes! I love it.

I don't know where I found this beautiful depiction of Spring. But don't you love it? I SURE DO.

Sometimes I have good ideas, sometimes I don't.

2010-02-09T00:07:00.003-07:00

dear holly,
i think it's funny when you say things like "i was laughing so hard {at you} and i drooled.

dear ali,
that was stupid. please don't try to do an ed repeat. you shouldn't have left.

dear nissan,
will you pretty please wash and vacuum my car again? i like that she feels new after she visits you.

dear mom,
you are funny. that's something I love about you.

dear cute boy in my ward,
you are effective when we laugh and talk and have a good time. you could be even more effective if you would ask for my phone number.

dear self,
let's not do that again, okay?

dear tension headache,
it's been two days already. please go away.

dear business world,
are you where i belong?

LOVE, Amy

Since it's Sunday...

2010-02-07T22:03:00.003-07:00

I've decided to share one of my favorite little paintings. It's something I love (although if you're sensitive to nudity you may want to avert your eyes-it was during the renaissance after all) because I can really feel the emotions and it's something that I've had hanging in my bedroom for a while now-I always keep it in there as a reminder for me of the joy of being in the presence of Heavenly Father and the misery of being away from Him.

This is a small section of the Brancacci Chapel in a small church in Florence. The painter is Masaccio, one of the first great painters of the early-high renaissance (the quatrocento) and he was one of the first to really bring emotion into the paintings, which I LOVE! Anyways, I love this painting because I can relate to them, even though I don't remember being with Heavenly Father, I can imagine the joy that I will feel upon being reunited with Him. Anyways. I love it. It's one of the few that I still hang in my room so I can ponder it.

Have you seen this?

2010-02-07T22:00:00.002-07:00

Wow. This is a beautiful exhibit! Have you had the chance to see it? My roomie Holly just showed me this slideshow, and I would gladly accept a gift of any of his prints (but especially angels, joy, or resurrection). I love when people find their own way to share their testimony and love for the Savior. Thanks to you Mark Mabry.

something new:

2010-02-05T17:17:00.006-07:00

You all (okay, the three of you that look at this, let's be honest) deserve to benefit from my fine college eduation. I have then, decided to share with you once a week or so a favorite art work of mine. And on perusing Sarah's photos I came across this one from a beautiful church in Vienna. (not St. Charles' church- but one seriously nearby...I think there was a park, and a church, and a street...)

Which happened to remind me of a common painting theme among northern renaissane paintings of painting the Madonna in the nave of a cathedral (okay what I love most about the renaissance is how the paintings were just CHALK FULL of symbolism). But without further ado, I give you one that I like: Jan van Eyck, Madonna in a Church 1425This is atually not the exact one I wanted. I swear there is one that has the Madonna cast in the light from a stained glass window. But this will do just fine. Don't you just love those little pools of light behind her?

Frought with symboolism, love it.

The obvious reason is because of the season:

2010-02-04T20:23:00.008-07:00

Spring, spring, SPRING.

I am so very excited for Spring. Winter is hard. It's cold. It's wet (sometimes). It's dark. It's long. Too much time is spent indoors. I know it's early. I know it's much too early to be getting excited about spring-about 2 months too early.

But I am. I can't help it! I love spring SO much- the sun shines, the grass turns green again, little waterfalls and streams babble happily, people have picnics and play frisbee and croquet, little green leaves bud on the trees and sneak up through the thawing ground, the breeze turns warm. So many wonderful things happen in the spring.

Photos by me, of Paris in the spring!

Petticoat Brigade

2010-02-04T10:33:00.003-07:00

I've decided I need to take some Mission Prep sunday school classes. I often get opportunities through work to share the gospel in small ways-usually when people ask why I'm not drinking or why I'm (gasp!) still a virgin... However, I usually do horribly, I feel. I think I get the point across, but I think I could do it a much better way. The last conversation I had about the word of wisdom ended with one of the people saying..."so, your prophet is a doctor too?" ummm...uh-oh. How do you explain it without getting into prophets, modern day revelation, Joseph Smith and all the things to give the backstory? I only had a few minutes.

However, at least they now have a better understanding of mormons than what they get watching "Big Love..." At least living my life is a little bit of missionary opportunity-right?

aaaah.

2010-02-02T20:52:00.003-07:00

Breathe a breath of fresh air. All bad things come to an end. The sun shines. Things were touch and go there for a while, in lots of ways. But you know. The sun always comes back out. I am grateful to Liesl (her link is on the right!) beause on Sunday she reminded me that the moment you're in always feels liks you'll be in it forever, and that you've been in it forever, and that it's sometimes strange to think that it will change because it reminded me that it isn't that way. Thanks Liesl! But in other news- I spent the past two and a half days in meetings sitting down=icky! I learned TONS! And I am really excited for the upoming months at work...there's cool stuff coming your way!

We did a visual lab on Sunday at a store, and I was reminded how much I LOVE merchandising. So maybe that's a good plan for my future. limited brands does a really great merchant in training program, so maybe I'll consider that. I have two weeks before the application is due.

Then yesterday we had a meeting from 8 am (boo!) to 5:30 (boo!) with a working lunch (boo! that means more sitting down!) but then we went to the Jazz game, and even though I wasn't that excited because I don't love basketball it was SO FUN! we won, which is always nice, but I also got to really bond with our district team, so that was awesome. And then I got to go to sleep and that was awesome too! I had to do a two hour presentation yesterday to present my new role, and instead of being given two hours I had to do it in about 40 minutes (eek!) but it was great.

Then today, more visuals and meetings. Tomorrow-regular work.

and-did you know that people rollerskate like ice skating? I mean in couples dancing, and sparkly outfits and everything. It's true. I saw them on America's Funniest videos tonight.

oh! and! I am so excited that even after days of sitting and eating junk in my meetings I was still so excited (well, that's probably why) to go on a nice long run. It was so great to get out and just run until I was so tired- you know. That's a good feeling. okay, that's all. Until I come up with more.

Maybe soon. Maybe later. I'll keep you in suspense.
oh, and can you tell that I have recently learned how to change the color, size, font and justification on text in my blog. cool, huh?

The Daily Ten Again...beause sometimes, when the rain is pouring you have to look for the sunshine and little rainbows- you know?*

2010-02-01T23:34:00.009-07:00

1. Go JAZZ! Going to the game with the SM team was so FUN!
2. There is such a thing as constructive feedback, and I loved, loved, loved getting it and knowing what I can do to be a more effective leader.
3. That people around me know I don't drink, tell others, and refuse it for me when it's offered. That's cool.
4. Family outside of your family.
5. But even more-my regular family. We have it good, don't we you guys? I love you.
6. A calming influence inside a friend.
7. Okay, this might be weird, but sometimes random creepy people hitting on you is flattering. So thanks, random creepy guy.
8. sleep.
9. This photographer- look how cool she is! I really want to try that-when it's a little warmer outside.
10. Peace from the savior and breaths of fresh air. Isn't it wonderful?

*Okay 11. (Again, sorry!) but notice the "c" missing from the word because? Well, I am grateful that my "c" key doesn't work very well, because it makes me smile when it makes little mistakes in my spelling.

The Daily Ten

2010-01-30T01:00:00.005-07:00

Today I want to do what lots of people do. A daily 10 of the things I'm most grateful for today.

1. Ang. Over and over Ang. She could probably be 1-10. I am grateful for her. No one knows me like she does.
2. Going to see a really horrible movie with Tyler-they both made me laugh a lot.
3. The nice things that Don said (he called me capable! and said he respected me and appreciated me-my boss!)
4.This customer that told me to have a wonderful day before I could tell him-he was so happy, it rubbed off a little.
5. A bite of good asparagus that reminded me how much I love vegetables.
6. Seeing my little assistant managers become capable and motivating leaders.
7. Standing my ground, even though it would be much easier to just give in.
8. Cute headbands-they make a world of difference between a ponytail and a done hairdo.
9. Making my bed-it instantly pulls me together and calms me down-and it looks so nice
10. People who love me, and tell me, beause one can never hear it too many times.

and actually...

11. The prospects of a new day. "Tomorrow is always fresh-with no mistakes in it."

Sunset over the Grand Canyon. Photo by me: you can tell beause I have the horizon line problem like Sarah.

Thank you for bein' a friend...

2010-01-27T23:54:00.006-07:00

(name that really cool show about four old lady friends...awesome).

Premier Chagrin, 1892
Daniel Ridgway Knight
BYU Museum of Art

aka one of my favorite paintings EVER and definitely one of my favorites in the BYU collection. (Did you know they have over 17,000 works in their collection?)

You know those days (girls) when you really just need a girlfriend who can relate and commiserate and really make you feel validated? Tonight I had one of those, and I am grateful for that girlfriend in my life tonight.

But you know one of the things that she did for me that was most significant? Call me shallow or vain or whatever, but she told me she thought I was pretty. I know, I know... but, to be honest-it was so nice. Sometimes a girl needs to hear it. It was something I needed (that pesky self-esteem!). It meant the world to me. Thank you!

Oh, and she helped me make a really scary decision. So that deserves some definite thank you waves in her general direction. Ask me if I'm so grateful next week, but we'll see...

Oh, and just in case you didn't get the answer from my subtle hints, it was Golden Girls. I loved that show when I was younger. Weird, definitely. But I always wanted to be a nice mix of all of them. But probably a little more Blanche than Dorothy for sure. Just look at them! Blanche was so much more fun-look how scary Dorothy can be.

Okay...thanks for listening, world.

Something from a long time ago...

2010-01-25T22:48:00.004-07:00

...when we went on this lots of wards activity that was semi-fun...meaning, it was fun because of the people I already knew, not because of anyone new that I met, which I think is supposed to be the whole point of these multi-stake singles ward activities. (cool story Hansel). Oh well. I did try to make new friends, but here are the photos from it:

Note Celeste's awkward hanging position, Susannah's hand and guilty expression-yup. You know what just went on there...moving on...

...to the photo I love so much I'm going to make it my new profile picture I think. I like it. Because I look like I'm five, doing what I loved to do when I was five, and guess what? what I still love to do. Swinging and sliding-two of my FAVORITE things. (by the way, how cool is it that this house we went to had this fun playground inside?

welcome to the fun house! Please meet Felicia, Carol and Jim. It was nice to meet you. Since we weren't meeting many new people, we decided to reinvent ourselves and get reacquainted. I think in another life my name could be Felicia-don't you? (really, Amy, Caitlin my cool old visiting teacher who is good at math-lucky her- and Andy the firefighter. I once had a crush on him-sigh* but I moved on.)

Hey! here is another one of my roommates! That's Denise on the left, Marcie in the middle and on the right is my dear Susannah-we've been friends longer than I've been friendly with anyone else. And that's pretty good, because she knows what I wrote about her in my journal, and we had some rough patches-but in the end, we just accept each other for who we are, and that's a good freindship I think, even if we're not super super super close. I'm there for her, she's there for me. DONE. love her. (oh, except for here, she's actually Shaniqua-and isn't she beautiful?) okay, enough, I digress...

Here is your typical singles ward group shot-notice all the beautiful girls and the two lucky gents. That's Aaron in the front-don't you think he could be a Spanish Movie star?

it won't be long until we'll all be there with sno---ow. I want to wash my face, my hands my hair with snow...

2010-01-24T01:35:00.007-07:00

(cue jingle bell noises...) When the snow was falling the other night, I decided that everything looked lovely and lacie and wonderful. So I decided to go for a nice little walk and take some pictures...and then my walk turned into a run. It was funny I was wearing my coat, my boots, my beanie and I was running through the park...weird. But without further ado, here are some of the pictures I took.

with the flash

and these two are without.

After this, all I wanted to do was go sledding, so even though it was late, I did actually manage to find some friends to drag sledding. I wish I'd taken some pictures, but I didn't. It was fun, though! Now I just need to make a snowman to make my winter complete. Oh yeah, and fall in love-because that seems like a wonderful wintertime thing to do...

CONFESSION

2010-01-21T22:31:00.003-07:00

So, the other day I was with a group and we were talking about "guilty pleasures." I have quite a few... Someone was saying that their guilty pleasures are things they don't love to own up to, but to be fair- mine are just things I shouldn't really waste time doing, but I do. Things I love to enjoy, even though I should probably be doing other things.

1. I'm gonna throw it into the universe-I like Star Trek: the Next Generation. LOVE IT!!!! I love Captain Picard and his sexy voice. I love Counselor Troy and her cool abilities. Commander Riker is pretty attractive too. I love Data. I love it. I just do.

2. Ummm, I love me some Britney Spears. that's all.

3. I really love to eat grilled cheese sandwiches.

4. I like to shop online, and create shopping carts and shopping carts FULL of exciting, beautiful expensive things, and then just close the browser. It's heartbeaking, but so satisying.

5. Okay, I also love to think of all the mean things I would say to someone who upsets me, or is rude or who hurt my feelings, and ALL the hurtful things I could say to them, and then think " but I won't." or write them down, and throw them away. It's so satisfying.

6. Schmurfing. It's my favorite.

Update: 3 am

2010-01-20T08:55:00.003-07:00

I HATE YOU. Please stop being a part of my awake time, and further, please tell 4 o' clock and 5 o' clock that if they want to be a part of my awake time they had better stand on their own, and not come after you. I don't want to be awake for 3 hours in the middle of the night (or as the case may be, 3 hours early) sincerely, me.

Hope Springs Anew...

2010-01-19T21:58:00.002-07:00

These are the possible career options I have pondered today:

-fashion merchandising
-event planning
-MBA event organization
-hospitality management
-international business
-MBA-marketing
-just plain old MBA
-continuing in retail
-historical preservation
-being a copycat and doing what Meagan is doing-historical research
-giving up and being a bum FOREVER
-crawling into a whole and dying

I thought I was WAY too late to apply for business school and Graduate school this year, and I might be for some programs, or too late if my test scores aren't good enough the first go-round. But you know what I learned? a lot of schools have rolling admissions for their programs

Today I am grateful for lots of things, but in particular for hope and optimism. because I was having a hard day, and it's easy to think: I'm too old to do that (I know, I know, I'm not old...), or I'm too late, or I wish I'd really been on top of that...But, you know what? There are SO many options. I'm not too late until I say I'm too late and stop trying.

I hated Mrs. Friel in fifth grade, oh how I hated her! But I do remember this thing that she made us say five bazillion times each and every day before we could do anything productive:

I'm not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed; and the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I fail, and keep trying.

So, you know what? I'm going to try. Why not? what's holding me back? if I want to try it, I'm going to. I'm not going to be afraid of challenges, or scary intimidating cooler people, or smarter people, or more prepared people. I am going to own it, because that is what makes me successful.