We are finally settling down into a routine around here, for the first time since I don't know how long. Probably since I got pregnant heebie jeebies. I got some cleaning done, have been running a million errands, and even knocked out a project or two. Plus, London is back on a regular nap schedule, which has literally been like my heaven on earth. Yesterday she took one giant marathon nap...it was incredible. I felt like a new woman by the time she woke up! You would think I was the one who took the nap.
On our third day in Yosemite, we mostly hung out in Yosemite Valley. We did a quick hike up to Yosemite Falls, which I'm sure the peeps who had hiked Half Dome the day before we're thrilled about. ;) But it's the tallest waterfall in North America, so I mean, ya gotta see it while you're there, right? Plus I am all about my hiking and nature walks, and I'd missed out on Half Dome, so I was probably excited enough for everyone.
Are we having fun yet??
London had a blast playing at the pool down at the bottom of the falls, while some of us scrambled up the rocks to some pools a little higher up. I gave up about 3/4 of the way to the highest pool, because the rocks were getting pretty treacherous for an off-balanced pregnant lady. But I had fun up to that point. I wish I had taken my camera, but I was worried it would get a little banged up, and I didn't even have my phone on me to take some crappy pictures. Bummer dude.
The whole gang!
We also went to the visitors center and checked out the Ansel Adams Gallery. Earlier on the trip, we kept joking, "I'm no Ansel Adams, but I'll see what I can do." Ummm, yeah, after looking at some of his work up close and in person, I can state that with even more confidence than before. I would love to have a print of his blown up all huge for our home though. Incredible. He really captured the majesty of the park in a way no one else could.
Mason learns about Native American culture in the visitors center.
That night at the cabin we had a lip synch competition with all the families. We performed "The Brady Bunch!" I was going to post a video, but I've been having some technical difficulties...I did manage to create this super fast madness. So you get the general idea.
All the lip synchers were so cute! But I don't think I'll ever forget Aunt Vicki's family and their rendition of California Gurlz. Katy Perry and Snoop Dog (Lion???) never looked so good!
I'm already missing all the trees, winding roads, sheer granite cliffs, and the late night talks. Can't wait to share our last day with you guys--Sequoias!
In case you wondering if I miss my job, the answer is no. Even when London is sleeping, I still have fun. This is how I spent the morning after London went down for her nap:
I ate cheesecake for breakfast. But it's ok because I worked out for the first time since before I was pregnant.
I took a long, luxurious shower.
I trimmed my bangs.
I had a dance party.
I took pictures of myself.
And here are some pictures of me singing.
And it's another beautiful, sunshine-y day, so I'll probably go on a walk this afternoon. Staying at home is the bomb.com, poopy diapers and all.
I'm sorry we couldn't have breakfast before I left.
I hope that the meeting went well. I miss your smile, and I miss your company.
I'm thinking of you on the train and I'm thinking about you when I'm busy. I like you so much,
I like the jumpers you wear
I like your teeth
And I like when you cut your hair.
Getting drunk on Rose A,
Dark chocolate, roast dinners,
Number one would be indulgence, Sending postcards, drawing pictures,
Always remembering.
Falling over, banging heads,
Holes in both our tights,
Bruises, both late,
I forget, but you always remember.
Perfume fresh,
Wooden floorboards,
Wardrobes, charity shops, and tube stops Sisters, fights, tears and thoughts about the future.
But lets stick to the present
Like cello-tape wrapped up so tight. I love thinking about you.
I've never laughed so hard,
Felt so good, like a child,
As free as a bird, a naked one.
Spray me with the hose when it's too hot in the summer Sweaty, clammy hands.
Holding hands
So much crap in my bag.
Too many things, but we love keeping things:
Letters, pictures ripped out from magazines,
Photos, memories, broken bits of jewelry.
I'm convinced one day I will make this into something cool.
Makeup, dress-up
Tear and run down my face
Over my body, through my veins Make my hair stand on ends
Give me goosebumps, confidence.
A secret, I feel safe and warm and I don't want to leave because
I'm back to when I was seven years old
Covered in glitter and smooth lines.
Scratch, jump, run, fall and we're back up. Bread, I love eating bread. I love when you draw something and it's not dead;
It moves off the page and round people's minds.
You make other people laugh,
But everything you do could make me cry.
I want to feel, be, live, breathe, touch, see, fall, eat
Make glue, rip, do, I want to be with you.
I haven't time for anybody else-- I want to move to our house in a field,
Just tell me when and I'll be there.
I'd drop everything for you;
You are my best friend.
I don't even have a boyfriend,
My mind is occupied,
My buzz is rocket high,
Above the moon and back again.
Who I love is you. You are the most unpretentious,
The most fun, most exciting,
I want to spend most of my time with you
Because you are the most worthwhile,
You are the most clever, cute, and stupid,
Hungry, energetic, passionate, scared, interesting,
Like a film, made up person.
I want to drink cream, eat chocolate,
Get that nice surprise when the butter is unsalted,
Eat salt out of the packet, Scream till I am blue in the face, Meet French people, go to the pictures,
Show you my cobbled streets,
Meet everybody that you could ever meet,
Just so that they know that I am your best friend,
And that you belong to me.
Yes, I know you think she's cute and funny
But, actually she is not an I, she is a we.
A united nation of absolute nonsense,
A community, neighborhood watch
A fire station, a theme park, space, time and energy Talent, beauty, my best friend.
They don't love you like I love you.
The End.
--Kate Nash.
This has been in my head the past few days. I went through something of a Kate Nash obsession my sophomore year of college. She was on repeat constantly in our apartment. One of the three songs I know on guitar is hers. I even cut my hair like her. Her songs (and style) are awesome, but this poem is extra wonderful to me. I hope everyone has a friend that immediately comes to mind when they read this. I'm lucky enough to have a few. Here's to kindred spirits.
Normally little creepy crawlies would give most women the heebie jeebies. But that doesn't scare the men folk away from using them in sexual innuendos (or sexual in the windows, as my roommates and I used to say). Today when I was driving home from work, Brad Paisley's song, "Ticks," came on the radio. If you haven't heard it before, I've placed it below for your listening pleasure (complete with lyrics!)
This song always gives me a laugh, because let's be honest, this is the best pick-up line in the world. It gets me every time.
What's really funny is everytime I hear this song I think of John Donne. John was a ladies man back in the 17th century, and wrote some pretty racy love poems. But also some pretty funny ones. One of my favorites that we studied in class was called, "The Flea."
THE FLEA.
by John Donne
MARK but this flea, and mark in this,
How little that which thou deniest me is ;
It suck'd me first, and now sucks thee,
And in this flea our two bloods mingled be.
Thou know'st that this cannot be said
A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead ;
Yet this enjoys before it woo,
And pamper'd swells with one blood made of two ;
And this, alas ! is more than we would do.
O stay, three lives in one flea spare,
Where we almost, yea, more than married are.
This flea is you and I, and this
Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is.
Though parents grudge, and you, we're met,
And cloister'd in these living walls of jet.
Though use make you apt to kill me,
Let not to that self-murder added be,
And sacrilege, three sins in killing three.
Cruel and sudden, hast thou since
Purpled thy nail in blood of innocence?
Wherein could this flea guilty be,
Except in that drop which it suck'd from thee?
Yet thou triumph'st, and say'st that thou
Find'st not thyself nor me the weaker now.
'Tis true ; then learn how false fears be ;
Just so much honour, when thou yield'st to me,
Will waste, as this flea's death took life from thee.
A little explanation might be in order. Here's the story: John is flirting with his lady, when all of a sudden she finds a flea on herself (pretty common back then I guess, since he's not weirded out). She's about to smash it, but he exclaims out not to. That kind of catches her interest, because why wouldn't you kill a nasty little bloodsucking flea? John then goes on to say that since this flea has sucked from both of them, their blood has mixed and it's similar to a physical union between the two of them, and it's just not fair that flea gets to have all the fun. Poor John, it just breaks his heart their union took place in the flea, and not in reality. She must have thought that was pretty funny, because he continues to elaborate on the metaphor, calling the flea the emblem of their union, their marriage bed, etc., and that smashing it would be a sin times three, because she's killing the two of them as well. Finally she gets sick of the nonsense and smashes it, albeit in a saucy and flirtatious manner. John pretends to be all torn up about it, and then says, "Whatevs, baby girl, I know you want me."
So there you go. Bugs. Men have been using them in pick up lines for centuries, and they're just not stopping.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to perform at our stakeRelief Society Activity. Shout out to Melissa for inviting me to be in it/being the best musical director ever.
This was a really neat experience that allowed me to learn more about the history of the Pasadena Stake. It seems like Pasadenans...Pasadenians? Pasadena-ers? Pasadena-ites??? Are really proud of the heritage of this stake. I guess you can be when Howard W. Hunter is among the stake president alum. (Oh yeah, Mormon name dropping. We just entered a whole new dimension of nerd.)
It was also really nice to get to know some of the other sisters in the stake and my ward a little better. Plus it meant Melissa and I got to hang out a lot, and who doesn't like spending time with Melissa??
Here are some pictures thtat Jenny O'Neil took of us rehearsing and performing.
Our buddy, Shakespeare.
P.S. This song we're singing is from the first musical I was ever in.
We could be on Broadway!!
Plastic Grapes...you just had to be there. (And by there I mean the 70's)
I have spring fever. Which is ok, since Spring break/vacation is right around the corner (Monday can't come soon enough). In ode to my chomping at the bit for a little freedom, here is a little fun fact.
Without fail, every spring I hear a fantastic, catchy song that will inevitably become my theme song for the summer. That may just be because it gets stuck in my head and I can't get out for a few months, but I also feel like most of the songs that have become my summer manifestos reflect a sense of carefree-ness, brightness, and hope. Which are emotions I tend to have during the summer; the possibilities seem endless this time of year. So, without further ado, here's the jam of 2011.
Pumped Up Kicks--Foster the People.
P.S. The lyrics are...a little weird/morbid. It's more the tune and the beat that feel like summer.
"So it's time I forget the past, and just swear to love what I have. Cuz I love waking up to your laugh."
For the record, this song is best sung at the top of your lungs in your car. P.S. I am awesome at singing this.
Is it any wonder The Format remains my favorite band?
For your viewing enjoyment, I bring you the moment I met Nate Ruess (aka: the voice behind The Format).
I'm aware I look slightly deranged in this picture, but please keep in mind I'd been up since early that morning, stood outside all day long, and didn't eat anything the whole time. Plus I partied hard, sang my heart out and danced my you-know-what off. All for the sake of meeting this man. Creepy? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely.
I can't believe I'm so close to finishing this 30 Days challenge. Where did February go again? What was I even doing this last month? Who knows.
10 things I am thankful for:
1. My husband. I lucked out in this department, seriously. I can't say it enough.
2. My Savior. Always there for me, even after I ignore Him. And always with open arms and a way back.
3. My "goodly parents." Thanks Mom and Dad! My parents are the bomb.com, if you haven't picked up on that yet. While we're on this topic, we'll throw my Grammie in here too, because she phenom. (Yeah, I just abbreviated phenomenal. It's ok.)
4. My kindred spirits. Ellen, my old roomies, both the C/Katherines, and Miss Lyse. My husband is in this list too, but I already mentioned him.
5. Music, art, literature, fashion, CULTURE, and the history of it. I love the creative capabilities of the human spirit.
6. My job. It's nice to have an income, something to do during the day, and wonderfully pleasant people to work with.
7. For the beauty of the earth. For the sky and the beach and the smell after it rains. For Spanish moss hanging from trees, long roads to nowhere, and weeping willows. For mountains and grassy fields and ...DOUBLE RAINBOWS ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE SKY.
8. For indoor plumbing. Not even joking. I know I reminisce and and wish I lived in a different time period, but this is one thing I'm not willing to give up.
9. For my college education. Even though it didn't really land me a career. It was worth it.
10. For people who care about what I have to say. Maybe you find me inspiring, maybe I make you laugh, or maybe you just feel like saying the same things and you're glad someone agrees with you.
Obviously this list isn't very comprehensive, but there's my ten. Goodnight friends.
Something that makes me different from everyone else.
I'd like to think that my musical tastes help make me a little different from everyone else, but then I'd be branded as a music snob/elitist--which I'm not. Okay, maybe I can be sometimes, but I'm trying to overcome it.
I feel like a lot of the time, I just blend in. Think Anne Hatheway in Princess Diaries when she says, "I'm invisible, and I'm good at it." Obviously my red hair makes me stick out a little, but how lame would it be for me to use that for today? "My parents both possessed this recessive trait and passed it on to me, so now I'll use this element of myself that I have no control over to show how unique and awesome I am." Yeah, no.
I think music is one of the first things that came to mind for me because as I was thinking about what to write for today, I had my itunes on shuffle. Naturally, the Backstreet Boys started crooning through my speakers, "What makes you different, makes you beautiful!" Slightly eerie coincidence, but this led to me contemplate what first made me different for Dan from the numerous other girls who could date/dated before me.
I'm one of those people who loves to rehash every moment of getting to know/falling in love with someone, so obviously I've done this a lot with my husband. He's claimed that the first time he really started to like me in more than a "that girl's cute" sort of way, was when he first stumbled on my ipod. Previous to this, he thought I had horrible music taste (ie Britney Spears). One night, he and his roommate gave me and some friends a ride home, and for some reason I don't really remember, he ended up with my ipod and started scrolling through to see what I listened to. The first two bands he mentioned were Bright Eyes and the Format--my two favorite bands. Suddenly he was impressed and wanted to borrow some of my music. I think music is funny that way. It's a way for people to delve into a culture that's all about being different, but we all want to be different with other unique people who like the same things as us so we can bond and honestly, yeah, so we can feel like we're on a different level than other people sometimes. I see evidence of this in my own life, from my little clique in high school having our own theme song, to having a boy message me on facebook because we were going to the same university and he felt like we'd get along based on our similar musical tastes. Music brings us together by isolating us from other people around the group. Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile know this "being different together" dynamic really interests me and I even wrote a paper on it in college, but obviously I'm rambling now and have gone off topic.
I think it's hard to pinpoint something that makes me different, because I like to see connections everywhere and connect with other people, so even though I have lots of quirks, I know I share them with other people too--or at least I like to think I do. Plus, I'm not nearly as big of a music buff as I used to be (sadly).
However, I feel like I am one of the few people in this world who knows what an okapi is, so I guess that makes me different too.
In the midst of all the Valentine's excitement yesterday, I forgot to post for 30 Days. Oh well, today you get two thrilling posts. I think it's ok, because Day 16 is just a picture.
Day 15 (first ten songs to come on shuffle).
What You Thought You Need--Jack Johnson
In City Transit--Canoe
Bright Smile--Josh Ritter
Dance Hall--Modest Mouse
I Am Fred Astaire--Taking Back Sunday
My Heroine--Silverstein
Baby We're Invincible--Rocket to the Moon
Song for the Fireflies--Josh Ritter
The Takedown--Yellowcard
Lucky Charms--The Moldy Peaches
I was relieved there was nothing too embarrassing, other than a band or two I haven't really listened to since high school.
And Day 16 ( a picture of myself)
Senior Year of High school
Fun Story about this picture: This used to be my myspace profile pic back in the day (it was to show off my sweet new haircut). Well, unbeknowst to me, my future roommates were stalking me on Myspace, and took one look at this picture and were like, "wow, this girl looks like a jerk!" And they were all scared that I was going to be some snotty, annoying girl or something like that. Which they probably thought I was at first, because I was a punk the beginning of freshman year and was like hardly ever at home because I was too busy off galavanting with boys to be concerned with the basics of college...like getting to know my roommates. However, once I did start to get to know them, it was clear that we were all a match made in heaven, and we're all still BFF's. My point is, don't judge me by my vain high school pictures. Obvs I'm a ton more fun than this pic would lead you to believe.
I feel like my blog name is pretty straight-foward: I'm a girl and I have brown eyes. Really though, I agonized over what to name this blog. I wanted to be something a little unique, but not something that I would regret in a year or two--like unto my e-mail in high school. (I was a fan of the whole "xXputawordhereXx" thing.) I wanted it to represent me, obviously, but still be fairly general. Seriously, I think I took longer picking a name than I did writing my first post. Fortunately, Van Morrison helped me out.
When I was little, my dad used to sing this song to me all the time. And I'm still his brown-eyed girl, because 5 kids later, I'm still the only one with brown eyes. Granted, three of those other kids are boys, so the song couldn't apply to them anyways, but allow me to feel special. My dad is the only one in the family that has brown eyes too, and I'm a daddy's girl at heart (don't worry, Mom, I love you too!)
I think the name suits me, because more than two years after the fact, I think I like it even more.
(On another note, the first time I really listened to the lyrics in this song was in high school, and I was slightly disturbed by the third verse, seeing as how this is my daddy-daughter song. I just try not to listen to that part.)
"And youuuu my brown-eyed girl"
Surprise! We got a piano! A VINTAGE PIANO! More importantly, a fix-it-up piano. But a FREE piano. And a family piano.
Once upon a time, a family by the name of Holloway lived in Maine. In 1914 they bought a lovely upright piano. But, eventually they decided to make a move outwest. So the piano was shipped from Maine to California via the Panama Canal. I'm sure it was played and loved, and then handed down to the next generation. In the 1950's, the Holloway family attended a fair (or something of the sort), where a gentleman convinced them that the best thing to do with their piano was to "modernize" it. Apparently that meant to take away from the original exterior, add new pieces, and put an interesting grey wood finish vinyl upon the piano. Cool right? Apparently the Holloway's daughter didn't think so. She felt like the vinyl especially was a horrid addition, so she ripped and tore at it, but just couldn't get it all off. This left the piano in quite the pathetic, dilapitated state.
But the piano remained in the family. The Holloway girl grew up and got married to a nice Italian-American man by the name of Vaccarello. The piano came with her, and when their first daughter grew up and got married (to a nice man from Utah by the name of Snow), she inherited the piano. Her children learned to play on it--one even broke the mirror that was attached to the front (although whether that was an original piece or part of the "modernization" process, I don't know). But eventually, she grew tired of it. After all, it was a bit of an eye sore, and they could afford a nicer one. So she gave away the piano to a family they attended church with that was in need of a piano. But this family moved and couldn't take the piano with them, and they gave the piano away to another family in need. That family had the piano for a little awhile, and then they too gave it up another family. This happened a few more times, until finally the piano ended up in someone's garage.
One day, the Snows visited some friends from church. Mr. Snow noticed something in the neighbor's garage, and decided to investiage further. He eventually called his wife over to the neighbor's and exclaimed, "Carrie, isn't this our old piano?!" Indeed it was their poor, old piano. Carrie was delighted to have come across this family heirloom in a friend's garage. She told the current owners that if they ever felt the need to get rid of the piano, to let her know, because she had some grown children she felt might appreciate it. A few days later in church, the piano owner approached her to say that, actually, they were considering giving away the piano. Carrie was excited--but nervous. Would any of her children actually want such an ugly, ugly piano?
A little before Christmas, Carrie gathered her family together before they all left their separate ways for the Christmas season. She approached her daughter-in-law, a little hesitant, asking if she would be interested in having a piano. "Of course!" gasped the daughter-in-law, for she had been hoping for a piano of her own for oh-so-long. Carrie related the story of the piano (with the help of her mother) to this newest member of the family, along with the disclaimer that the piano was "as ugly as sin."
"Oh, I don't mind at all!" said the young lady, "as long as it plays, it works for me!" The daughter-in-law thought that the heritage and history of the piano was an added bonus as well. And so, eventually, the piano made its way to her and her husbands little apartment. And with much rearranging of furniture to fit it in, the piano found itself a new home.
My husband. And getting to spend a whole, entire day with him! Love!
My family.
All of my wonderful friends everywhere in the world.
When I'm making brownies and have to mix the butter in and it looks like this and smells so unbelievably good I feel like I could just die happy right there.
The first time I heard Lily Allen was towards the end of my senior year of high school, at drama state competition. I was in a friend's hotel room, and she said, "you guys are going to LOVE this song!" And I did. Lilly Allen managed to succinctly wrap up everything I had ever wanted to say to the majority of the male population in a fun, poppy, witty, complete-with-British-accent package.
When I was single, I used to wonder if I wore a big sign on my head that read, "Weirdos, please come; will date." Or maybe I was emitting geeky radio signals. Or some sort of creeper magnet. Regardless, they always found me. And they never understood the word, "no." It happened way too often to be funny.
Fortunately, being married NORMALLY prevents these socially awkward moments from happening. Until today.
So there I was, walking home, minding my own business. Thinking that today had actually gone pretty well. My presentation went flawlessly, I ate cheesecake for breakfast, and I'd been complemented on my outfit multiple times (I'm vain, sorry). Anyways, when I was getting ready to cross 9th East, a car started honking, so I looked up to see what all the commotion was. I saw a shaved head leaning out his car window, from a small, red car on the other side of the street, grinning straight at me. Now, my first mistake here was probably that I broke rule #1: provide no encouragement. I waved. Now, in my defense, I was laboring under the delusion that this bald-headed man might be my friend Dmitri, who has been known to shave his head from time to time. That fantasy was broken as soon as the man gave me a thumbs up and sped off. Really? "Great legs girl, I give 'em a nine out of ten." I don't know why it makes me made when guys judge my body, even when the judgment is in my favor. Probably because I can't think of a more shallow way to pursue someone. Anyways, awkward moment sped off with bald man and his thumbs up in the red car, never to be seen again.
Or not. What real winners do is turn around and pull into the CHURCH parking lot, slow down in a very creepy manner, as if they'd been waiting for you, and lean out the window and say, "Hey, you want a ride?" Ok, slimeball. Sure, I'll just jump into a stranger's car and go for a spin. Do you have any candy?? Cuz that'll really seal the deal.
Point being, now this song is stuck in my head, and I love my husband ten billion times more.
I started school on Monday. I'm actually kind of having fun, because I actually have something to do. =] French is my favorite class. Which is weird, because last semester, I hated it. I think it's mostly because I just like my professor a lot more. And it's pretty much a literature class, just in a different language. So money in the bank on that one. I'm still not that excited about Genealogy and Living Prophets...but they're growing on me. Kind of.
Good news though! I get to go on vacation with Dan's family on July 13!! We're going to a lake in central California...I forget what it's called. Apparently, I have to learn to wakeboard. Ha. I'm not so excited about that, but I am pretty excited to hang out with his fam. You marry the family. =] (Excuse me the blatantly obvious hint there.)
Spring and Summer term are boring and quiet and slow, and I don't know if I like them. Nobody is here, nothing is ever happening, and it's been hotter than an armpit in hell the past few days. It is nice to only have three classes, but they're at supersonic speed. Physical Science taught me that nothing travels faster than the speed of light, but I don't think anybody took these classes into account.
Also, I saw The Proposal...I loved it. Shalee and I went to go see it...yesterday maybe? I nearly peed my pants at least three times. Honsestly, one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while.
I'm kind of scared for this next week, cuz Katherine left today, Lacey is leaving tomorrow, and Shalee starts EFY on Monday. I'm going to be a friendless loser. Sad life. I have new roommates...they're cool/cute/nice, but they just barely graduated high school, and I'm really shy without Katho and Sha and Lace. I guess I have to get over it.
I love Meg & Dia lately. I love my hair lately. I love baking cookies with Shalee and watching movies. I am weirded out by boys who sit next to me in the JSB to tell me they saw me walking through the Tanner 20 minutes before, and they hope to see me around. I don't love 8 minute abs. I don't love Dan working late nights causing me to ramble away in here. Although, Brother Minert would be proud. This probably counts as some form of a Personal History or something.
Katherine left a picture of Miley Cyrus hanging on the wall right in front of me. That little terd.
I started listening a lot to this artist today. He's really jazzy and great.
Speaking of music, I have a confession. I have become an American Idol junkie. I do not know how this happened. In high school, I refused to watch this show, because...well it's ridiculous. But this season, I have been sucked in. I watched an episode once when Dan and I first started dating...and then maybe a few other times, and then when we visited his family, I just got really into it...and I VOTED THIS WEEK!!! Mostly, I just really hate Adam Lambert. I mean, I'm sure he's a nice guy and everything, he's just a really obnoxious performer. Also, I'm in love with Kris Allen. Good thing they're the last two, right??? It's a battle to the death. Point being though, I actually really do like Kris' music. I bought some of his recordings on itunes today. (I told you, I'm a JUNKIE!!!) Anyways, you should go listen to Kris perform Sinatra's The Way You Look Tonight...or the acoustic version of Heartless (not the studio recording one...just watch a video from the show) It's just so cool!! He just seems really down to earth and normal and somebody who I would actually want to buy an album of. And I sound like a creepy fan girl, so I'm going to end this post and go to bed and stop being ridiculous.
