I Have Made a Decision

I want a line in the backyard of my future home for drying clothes.

This is mostly inspired by the fact that dryers here at Executive Estates do not work. And I will not pay $1.25 for something that does not work. I made do and found some nails in the wood that I could hang hangers on. Before I knew it three hours later they were semi dry. So I probably should have started earlier in the day, but I just didn't know the dryer didn't work. Oh well.

I learned I want a line in the backyard of my future home for drying clothes.

AKA a clothesline.

And a dryer too. For the winter months and the day that I find out this picturesque idea is not so picturesque.

Could Everything Please Just Happen At Once

Thanks.

I would really appreciate it.

This is kind of how I feel right now.

Out in the water dragging behind the boat. Ready to get up.

Life is a little like wake surfing.

Sometimes you have to take the plunge into the freezing cold water. Get in the ready position while holding the rope and board, dragging in the water, until you say hit it. Then you are up (hopefully). Learning to get your balance before you can let go of the rope and ride the wake.

So this all makes sense in my head. And relates to my life in my head too.

A while ago I took the plunge into college. I am getting ready for life after schooling I guess and there are a lot of things to hold on to. Right now I am juggling getting through finals, figuring out how I am going to get to Seattle, figuring out how I am going to pack for Seattle, new roommates, new adventures, classes I need to take, a boy I really like, assignments I need to finish, classes I should probably attend, religious responsibilities I have, it doesn't seem to end. I am ready to go to Seattle. I am ready to get up there and find my balance. But right now I am just dragging behind the boat waiting until I can say hit it.

Don't get me wrong it is a wonderful journey. And I am trying to enjoy and learn from it.

But Seattle is just so close.

And I am just so excited.

Since I accepted my acceptance into Flourishing Families I have known it has been right. I expect I will learn a lot from this experience. Maybe something about myself, probably something about other people, definitely a thing or two about sacrifice, and hopefully more than I can currently imagine.

So Seattle and I will meet in three weeks. And I will get up and going. But until then could everything please just happen at once?

Thanks.

Deep In Thought

Have you ever had an experience when you are having this deep discussion with a roommate, friend, sibling, spouse, ect and then whatever you are deeply discussing emerges out of no where.

I don't even know if I have a good example.

Let's pretend you are talking about someone random from high school. The situation above would go a lot like this.

Me: Hey you remember Bryan Duffy?

Friend: Yes oh man remember when you had the biggest crush on him in 5th grade.

Me: How could I forget. Oh how times have changed. That one didn't last long. Woosh.

Friend: Wonder what he is doing these days.

Me: Shmi Shma lalala

Friend: ect ect.

The conversation continues.

Then you go to the grocery store that night and who is there? Your 5th grade crush Bryan Duffy. And it is the CRAZIEST thing because you were just talking about him randomly moments before.

Now this particular situation hasn't happened to me. I did not run into BD last night at the grocery store. Nor have I talked about him for a long while.

But the basic format of this situation definitely happened to me.

And it blows my mind.

So do you believe in mere coincidence, or do things happen for a reason?

Temporary.

Temporary

-adj

1. not permanent; provisional

2. lasting only a short time; transitory

I am a college student that lives a temporary lifestyle.

My temporary home is Allred 11.

I am temporarily living in Provo. Someday I do want to leave. Really.

I am temporarily taking Critical Analysis and Research Processes, New Testament, Nutrition, Political Science, Seattle Class, and Volleyball.

This summer I will move to Seattle temporarily.

I am temporarily roommates with Ash Katie and Viv. Someday they will be move out and be married. (Me too please? Someday.)

I have a temporary calling in church.

I have discovered that things change so fast in these college days. Life just moves right along. You move in settle and pack up your life to discover a different adventure. Nothing is too permanent.

It is good. I just wonder if temporary will ever change to permanent? Will this temporary filled time just be temporary?

Time will tell.

That's the Worst

It's a phrase I use commonly in my daily conversation.

I see four bikers and a skateboarder pulled over by a University police and say "that's the worst."

I go to the mailbox and there is mail for no one. "That's the worst."

I watch Maddie drop all her granola on the ground. "That's the worst."

I sign up for two sections of TOPS. "That's the worst."

Our drain stops working after we get it to start working. "That's the worst."

The closet doors of my roommates are still in our apartment, not the storage shed. "That's the worst."

We go to a party and are as unsocial as it gets. "That's the worst."

BYU loses to Air Force.

I can't buy music on itunes. "That's the worst."

Obviously that phrase is common.

So what do you think is the worst of the worst?

Today in my Bio lab my TA was not in attendance.

That is the WORST :)

Welcome Mallory

Welcome to July 2010.

I was thinking about yesterdays post. I was considering that maybe it was not my place to welcome July. I mean it was a nice thought, but July has been around so much longer. So maybe July should welcome us all. What a strange idea right? So I am sure July welcomes everyone to this month of the year 2010.

Anyways as is tradition during the first few days of this month many will be celebrating the Independence of America. It has already started. Fireworks have already started in our neighborhood late at night (what a joy:). And there will be a great parade tomorrow morning. (Parades really do capture the spirit of the 4th, don't you think?) Fried Chicken and Scones will follow! Yum. And more fireworks. That is the plan.

Even though we will be doing most of our celebration on the 3rd of July we will still shed a tear as Proud to Be An American plays in the background. See it is not really about the 4th of July. That date on the calendar. It is just a day. The 4th of July is remembering The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. It is about being thankful for our freedom. It is about America. Not the 4th of the July. The date.

Welcome July 2010

Welcome to my life.

I can't believe it is July 2010. Um can you say time flies? It is going by so fast. And there is absolutely no way possible to stop it. So I guess we just have to welcome it as it comes.

Welcome July.

In order to celebrate the passing of another month my mother and I decided to check out the new movie (based on the book) Eclipse. It was a good time. I laughed, I cringed, I said things under my breath that could not be said in front of an audience of Twilight loving people (such as how annoing Bella is and how dumb Edward and Jacob are. Where did all the good girls of the world go? They need to go find some. They are both much too good for that Bella girl), I did not however cry. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It is totally worth hearing a quiet but audible gasp of love as the audience first views the beautiful Jacob's Abs of Steel. Oh so worth it.

So welcome July! Welcome to my life!

Inspired by the Hit Movie

Toy Story 3

Today we had our own Toy Story. With two kids in college and one heading into the depths of High School, it was time to see where our old toys would go. The task was great. The outcome greater. It was a trip down memory lane. A great, near tearful trip. So many remember whens...So many this was there when... Some things were hard to part with. Some things we had to keep. Among those toys leaving our presence were barbie and her crew and the snuggle bear family. Among those things to stay with us were (contrary to popular belief) the little army guys, Bitty Baby, Samantha Doll, and Muffy Bears. Among the findings were an old Prom Dress (my mothers) which was tried on, which lead to the trying on of an old Wedding Dress (my mothers). Who knew that cleaning out could be so enjoyable.

Although many toys were sent to the D.I. and others were boxed there is one toy that will forever stay in my room and heart forever. Kylee Doll. Kylee Doll is my favorite. Always has been, always will be. I think every girl needs one doll that is common. No frills. No lace. Just Kylee Doll. Named by me at a young age. Taken with me to every location I traveled. Kylee Doll.

Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover

Don't even think about it. How can you know if a book is good by taking a quick glance at a picture, title, or author. Only in rare cases can you do this. Prime Example: My Teacher is Really an Alien. If you ever encounter this book you can judge it and say uh no I am not going to read it. Totally fine. But other than that no judging allowed.

No judging allowed.

Good rule right?

I think so.

Or I thought so.

Until yesterday.

In the midst of a thousand books, not judging a book by its cover was no longer an option. I believe I had under five seconds to pick up a book judge the book by its cover and then decide to keep or D.I. it. After going through boxes and boxes of book I found a surefire system on how to judge a book by its cover without judging unrighteous judgement.

Here is the secret:

1. Check for familiarity. If it is familiar you have probably read it, seen it, or heard of it before. The more familiar you are with it the better it will probably be. (Unless the only time you heard about it was because someone said don't waste your time which means it has the D.I. written all over it:)

2. Check for Newbery Honor or Medal Award. If they have the award they are probably great.

3. Check the Author. A familiar or good author= probably a good one to keep around.

4. Check out the title. Does it sound interesting? Or stupid? Judge Quickly.

5. Check out the picture. In the end a nice cover makes books a little more appealing, so it can be a good sign and lead to a great book.

The formula may seem complicated or long, but it honestly takes a split second.

So if you ever faced with thousands of books use this formula to get through them fast. You can also trust me and throw out the ten copies you might encounter of My Teacher is Really an Alien.

How Do You Know?

Blink.

(Try it. Open and close your eyes real fast.)

What can you do in the blink of an eye?

Can you make a life changing decision?

Yes.

Decisions you make in the blink of an eye are based on intuition.

Although decisions made over a longer period of time can also be purely or partly based on your intuitive sense.

Interested yet? I was. So I picked up the book Blink and dedicated a few hours of my life to learning a little more about intuition.

There were two sentences that I connected with and made reading the book completely worthwhile.

(So if you do not want to read the book, take this idea and ponder it.)

"Our world requires that decisions be sourced and footnoted, and if we say how we feel, we must also be prepared to elaborate on why we feel that way."

Maybe I am the only one that feels that way, but recently I have felt that way a lot. When I decide to do something, I sometimes feel like I have to submit a paragraph explaining my reasons to be initialed by those that question my decisions before I can actually proceed with what I decided to do. It seems like a lot, right? Well it is. And that is how I feel. And mostly I want to say (to those people that need a cited and footnoted reasoning for decisions) what Blink said to follow up the previous idea.

"We need to respect the fact that it is possible to know without knowing why we know and accept that-sometimes-we're better off that way."

So why do I make some decisions? Because I know it's right, without knowing why it's right, and I accept that it can be better that way for now. I also hope that someday I will know that I knew and I can share that (cited and footnoted) with everyone else.

And I Don't Want To Be...

Alone.

Today I kind of experienced something from the perspective of a onlooker. I was sitting in Famous Daves waiting for a seat. A man walked in. "How many sir?" the hostess asked. "One." The man replied. Obviously I overheard. The mans circumstances are unknown. But my initial thought was I Don't Want To Be Alone. Just like the Bee Gees said. I have been alone enough in my life. Eating lunch at the Cougareat. Or studying in the library. And being alone is fine in those situations. But I have never had to pronounce "Table for One." Never had to vocalize my being alone. And I believe this is the first time I have witnessed an alone experience out loud. It kind of made me sad. Companionship seemed to be more important at that moment than any other time. Whether it be with a friend, family, spouse, associate, or random person on the street (not that I advise this route) companionship seems important. Having someone to be with. So you don't have to be alone. I hope that I do not have to ever ask for a table for one. I was just thinking about that. That's all.

A Word of Wisdom

This morning I woke up early to go to the oral surgeon. It was a visit I was really looking forward to. Just your regular trip to get your wisdom teeth out. Like my mom says it is a right of passage. When consulting with the doctor I decided I wanted to be put out for this particular procedure (I am kind of a wimp). I have never been put out. It is kind of a strange idea. I was kind a worried. I guess I always kind of worry about the unknown. I was worried about what my mind would be doing for the hour and fifteen minutes I would have no control over it. Where would it go for those moments? So I asked around. Well mostly I asked my mom. She said she didn't remember anything. She was out until they woke her up. I couldn't quite perceive that your mind could just shut down completely. When I took a seat in that chair one minute I was chatting about Hebgen Lake and (honestly) the next minute they were waking me from my little nap. My mind completely shut down. There is no memory. I feel like I missed an hour of life. But I am kind of thankful for anesthesia. This is one hour of life I am okay with missing. I feel blessed that I was able to take a nice nap while the doctors were cutting into my gums and pulling out the teeth located at the very back of my mouth. I feel blessed that it all went well. And I feel blessed that I am making a good recovery. I have completed one rite of passage. I am thankful I do not have to do it again.

A shout out to Dr. Hicks and assistants. Making the best out of removing wisdom teeth.

Also a shout out to my driver, escort, and mother. I couldn't have done it without you!

The Door of Erised

So maybe I stole the title from JK Rowling. But I did so with a good purpose in mind. I think that the door in room 316 covered in quotes is much like the mirror of erised. When Harry sits in front of the mirror he can see the things that he most desires. When I stood in front of the door I would read inspiring quotes of things I most desired to become. To do. To learn.

Here are a few of my favorites.

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." Audrey Hepburn

"There is in every true woman's heart a spark of Heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity." Washington Irving

"I am happier, even than Jane. She only smiles, I laugh." Elizabeth Bennett

"The most important thing in life is to learn to love, and to let it come in." Morrie Schwartz

"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." Abraham Lincoln

"You really shouldn't say 'I Love You' unless you mean it. But if you mean it you should say it a lot! People forget." 6 year old

"See you at the top!" Grandpa Hart

And since I used JK Rowling to begin, with her I will end.

"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." Dumbledore

Thankful

Today I am thankful.

For BYU. Mostly the people of BYU.

And my Elders Quorum Presidency. They are inspired.

Sometimes. I guess i just forget. About my wallet. Which probably isn't the best thing to forget about... but hey it happens to the best of us..?

So i left my wallet sitting in the Wilk. On a very comfortable couch.

It is a very cute wallet. And it just happened to have the names and numbers of the Elders Quorum Presidency tucked away in it. You see one day they brought these slips of paper with their numbers on it. And then they said "put this in your wallet." So i did.

Well today i left my wallet on a couch... in the Wilk. Did I already mention that. Probably 20 minutes after I left it I got a call. Viv said to call Adam. I called Adam. Adam had received a phone call. My wallet was coming to him. The wallet had been retrieved before I even knew it was gone. I love the people of BYU.

Also a shout out to good old Adam Lane.

Because he was inspired with those slips. Had it not been for that... i might have had a little break down session wondering where in the world my wallet might be.

Thanks ADAM!

Face Masks

Today I was thinking about Face Masks...

I guess I had a lot to think about. It kept me occupied for my walk home.

Come Spirit Come Charm

I love this picture. It just makes me laugh!