Das wird sich alles finden...

iphone

2010-06-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

I don't really care for iphones. Not becuase I dislike them - they're cool - but I don't need one to get by in life. Like, instead of playing on my iphone, I talk to the people around me. Plus, I also know that in a couple of months it'll be outdated and I'll be wanting to buy the better one (for example the iphone 4g)

I'm not jealous of your iphone and I don't really dislike that you have one, I just dislike the fact that you bought one when I know you struggle to pay rent and buy food - maybe you should consider the people who have helped you and recognize that they were able to help you because they don't pay extra to have internet or silly games on their phones.

MMM

2010-06-10T14:24:00.001-07:00

It's finally here. The rain and the best smell in the world. I have been listening to the thunder for the past 20 minutes in anticipation. I have always been impatient and I'm just now noticing that I am impatient with just about everything.

Why can't I just be doing what I want to do now? Sometimes I have to remember that the journey is the most important part.

A Vagabond Soul

2010-06-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

I want to go somewhere new just about everyday. Today, it's the northern coast of the US. I want to take a road trip from San Fransisco up to Seattle and hit all the places in between. Actually, why stop? I want to go all the way up to Alaska.

Yesterday I wanted to be back in Vienna.

The day before that, it was New York.

I don't know where this desire to travel came from. Actually, that's probably not true. My parents moved every 2 years. It was before I was born, but I think it's kind of in my blood. My mom would probably disagree with that, but she has to admit it - How many places did you live?

I just like going new places, meeting new people, seeing all there is to see. I mean, aren't you just dying to see this?

What I've been up to

2010-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well, a long time has passed and a lot has happened. I...

- learned to play guitar. Really. And I don't know why I didn't start earlier.

- started going to salsa again. During my break, I magically got better. Odd.

- had my most embarrassing experience. Ever. I'll probably write about it because it'll make you laugh.

- within the same week I had a couple of other embarrassing moments (now, I don't get embarrassed that easily, so the fact that I had memorably embarrassing moments. within a week of each other! That's out of the ordinary.)

- tried new activities such as snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and rock climbing. Some turned out better than others (see above)

- called of my plans to study in Berlin, Germany this summer. Man, that was one of the biggest things I've had to deal with in a long time. Remind me to write about it.

- celebrated the beginning of spring quite colorfully - at the Festival of Colors!

- started my 23rd year - for those who don't get that, I'm 22.

- went to the happiest place on earth and was happy, although I'm not sure everyone with me was as happy.

- changed my major...again....and then I decided to change it back, maybe.

- started a new hobby which you will read all about.

- set some pretty awesome goals for this year, which I'm determined will work out. You'll have to help me with them.

In case you forgot...

2010-05-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

I look like this

It has been a while for most of you. If you possibly remembered what I used to look like, you might notice the change in hair color. I'm no longer blonde. It's been a good thing. I can go about 3 days without washing it. 4 if I push it. Also, I don't get hit on by Mexicans as much as before.

I'M BACK!!!

2010-05-28T23:52:00.001-07:00

Apparently I've had a hard time updating this...

not for lack of material...

or time really.

I guess I just wasn't quite motivated. I've found a lot of other things to do, which you'll get to hear(read) about. Blogging has been on my mind lately and I've decided to commit. I have so much to say, with so few of you to read it.

Awesome.

Everyday's a great day!

2009-11-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

I'm always confused with what I'm doing with my life BUT there are certain things I am very sure about and am thankful for. You should definitely watch this.

Really, everyday there are little things that make my life so fantastic!

Today, I passed a very good looking stranger and decided not to hide the fact that I was looking at him as I passed him. Well, he looked at me and we smiled and he said hi as we passed. Thanks stranger for making my day better.

Have you ever ....

2009-09-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

...been so tired you can't think straight?

...been so stressed out that despite being tired, you can't sleep?

...had your feet hurt so bad that, even though you really want to shower, the thought of standing for a minute longer almost hurts worse?

...been so busy that you haven't had time to wash your hair in 3 days?

...had a day long enough that it feels like an entire decade went by?

...almost been hysterical because you were so happy to be home?

...taken a long time to write even the shortest, simplest blog?

'Cause that all happened this weekend with Parents' Weekend.

It went well. I'm alive and now I don't know what to do because I'm so far behind in everything - school, church, friends and SLEEP!

2009-09-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

I don't have any time. I'm only on the computer as I quickly scarf down food - rice, beans and salsa because it's the only food I have since I don't have time to go shopping. Then I need to finish studying and take a German test. Then I go straight to Salsa Club which goes until 10. Then I need to come home, do homework and try to catch up in Spanish, especially since I didn't go to class today in order to study for my German test.

Then tomorrow, my day is packed full, as well as Thursday. Then I don't even get a weekend because this weekend is Parents Weekend. I've been planning this for months and it's actually here! There is so much to do and so little time! I've been spending my days at work trying to prepare for it, but I keep getting interrupted with phone calls from stupid parents. Really, how hard is it to understand what's on the website. It's not confusing. Ok, not all of them are stupid, but a few of them are. And don't worry, I don't tell them they're stupid to their faces.

Today, while I was waiting for my friend to study, I got to people watch and it was interesting. I saw man boobs that were in need of a "bro." I watched 2 EMT's run into the Library, looking slightly like superheroes. One was putting on gloves as he was running. I watched boys flirting with a girl who was playing dumb blonde....or maybe she was just that dumb. I can't stand it when girls act dumb on purpose and I think it's worse when boys like it. I saw a lot of other things, but those are the ones that stand out in my mind.

I got the coolest assignment today. I'm going to write a magazine article for a children's magazine and then I'm going to submit it to try and get published. How cool is that? I could get published and get paid for it, for an assignment.

K, I need to go study even though I have so much more to write about.

Therapy Session

2009-09-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

You know, I love writing and I love staying connected with people, but I just can't seem to get this blogging thing down. Throughout the day I think of great things I want to write down, but I never get around to actually writing it. I also think that blogging could potentially be a therapy session. Well Doc, I'm laying on the couch spilling out my guts to you.

Today was the International Fair that the Kennedy Center put on. I shouldn't have gone. I want to go everywhere. As my roommate put it, it's like a crack addict going into a drug house.

I'm an addict and traveling is my drug.

I picked up a couple of really good flyers and I talked to the professor going to Vienna next fall about going as a facilitator (I would help run and organize things as well as teach the prep class next semester). Man, so many places to see and so little money.

Here's the real plan though (I think). My professor is taking a group to Berlin in May. It would be 2 months of intensive German at the Goethe Institut (yes, that is spelled right). He is planning to end the program with a tour of Germany. Being shown Germany by a German himself - sign me up! Then I would stay in Europe and travel a little before September when I'd start the Vienna program. Oh, I left my heart in Vienna. It is one of the most beautiful, efficient, clean, and cultured cities and I am dying to go back. Now, I'm just trying to figure out how to pay for it. I'm going to take out a loan for it, try to get a grant or 2, but I'm still worried I'm going to fall short.

If you are willing to donate to my cause, I would really appreciate it. It's not just me gallavanting around Europe (ok, maybe just a little in between) but this is my education. I am a German major and I think the only way I'll truly learn is by being there.

Oh, so the International Fair was just one part of my day. Other things worth mentioning

We did a group assignment in class today and it went well. The girls I worked with were nice. Then at the end, the two of them started talking about Lord of the Rings. At first I tried talking to them, but it didn't really work out. They somehow sensed, before they got deep into their conversation, that I was not obsessed with Tolkien quite like they were. I wasn't even in the conversation when they started it, but then within a couple of minutes, I learned that was a good thing when they started talking about learning elfish. I walked with them, listening to there conversation and before I left them, I overheard the cherry on top - "Oh, I'm actually the sectretary of the Quill and the Sword."* I laughed....out loud, but don't worry, I was far enough away that they didn't see or hear it. I'm judgemental.

There was a pair of black panties in the huge square in front of the Joseph Fielding Smith building. I hate the word panties, but I feel the word adds the effect needed. Yes, I thought it was hilarious. I'm immature.

Recap: I'm an addict, give me money, I'm judgemental and I'm immature. That was a great realization today. Could we have another therapy session this time tomorrow?

*The Quill and the Sword is the Medieval Club on campus. It is frequently made fun of by Divine Comedy.

You see them on campus with their capes, funny dresses, swords and when it's warm, they're barefooted.

Quite often I will ask my roommate "Why I can't get a boyfriend when the Medieval Club is all married?" which is usually answered with "yeah, but they're all married to each other."

Maybe this is why I can't get a B-friend - I'm an addict, I'm judgemental and I'm immature.

This day just keeps getting better

2009-08-10T19:31:00.001-07:00

This is great!

As if the snuggie wasn't bad enough, they had to make This too!

2009-08-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

I rarely ever feel hopeless, but a few days ago I did. Camille and I could not seem to catch a break when it came to looking for an apartment. Every place we could find kept falling through. People would send application/contracts right before us. I was very discouraged.

Then today happened. We got an apartment. Not just an apartment, but an awesome apartment with vaulted ceilings. We will also be sharing this apartment with my friend Bekah and her friend. It worked out perfectly and I feel so lucky to have all those other places fall through. Now we're living with Bekah, we have an awesome manager, the apartment looks great for what we're paying, and supposedly the guy to girl ratio is 2:1. I'm looking forward to a fantastic school year.

Speaking of school...I'm trying to decide what classes to take. I have a couple of set ones, but I really want to take a second language course. What language do you think? Russian, Italian, French, Arabic? So far everyone says Italian, but the other ones might be more useful...but I want to take a romantic language because once you learn one, the other ones come pretty easy.

2009-07-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Somedays I feel inspired to be a better person.

Whether it be watching a movie, or talking with someone I look up to, I absolutely love hearing others' stories.

I feel so blessed to know some pretty great people.

I feel even luckier to be given the opportunity to serve them, even in the smallest ways.

Then it makes me feel like I was a part of their story.

Plans

2009-07-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

I may be insane.

Do you think I could handle working full-time and school full-time?

I really need the extra money for my idea of what I want to do next year. My plans are...big. I mean BIG. In case you don't understand, they are BIG, HUGE, GINORMOUS! But, until I think about it more and find a second and possibly third job, I'm not telling what they are.

Nostalgia at its worse!

2009-07-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

Mein Wien

Oh, how I long for Oesterreich and all it has to offer. Oper, men in scarves, Kuchen, and the U-bahn.

I remember riding a bike through the Austrian countryside. Hiking in the Alps. Walking through the shady Karlsplatz station. All of it went by in the blink of an eye. Memories that are too splendid to really think are real.

I'll only believe them when I'm back there again.

Highlight of this week (before going home of course)

2009-07-09T14:42:00.001-07:00

For work I had to deliver something to a physics professor and I stood around waiting for him for half an hour. I knew he had a meeting at 3 so I headed down to the room where the meeting was supposed to be. It was 3 o'clock and no one was there. Then a couple of guys came and looked in the room. I could over hear them talking. "Do we have group meeting today?" "Maybe they forgot like last week."

I went over and asked them if they knew where the professor was. They thought they had seen him downstairs in the lab. I sat and listened as they talked about whether or not the professor remembered they had a meeting. They were quick and funny and obviously smart and pretty nerdy/geeky guys.

They offered to show me where the lab was. As we were walking towards it, some of their friends met us at the top of the stairs. One of them said "Chicks dig physicists." I think it was in reference to one of the guys shirts - but it was really random, and I don't think he had noticed I was there yet. The group told us the professor was on his way and I could wait for him - but not before I heard more of their funny, nerdy, jokes and jabs. As I was standing there listening, I realized the geekiest one of all - the one that blurted out that "Chicks dig physicists" - was staring at me. I noticed it and then looked back to see if it was true - yep, still staring. Not that really creepy kind of stare, it was more like he was staring in astonishment. I had to hold in a laugh. It was like he had never seen a girl before. It was kinda cute.

I walked away thinking I had met some of the coolest guys (in their own way). They obviously loved physics and lived in the lab, but they were funny and friendly.

It reminded me of the movie Sydney White. That movie reference is for my sister and I'm slightly embarrassed to be sharing it with the rest of the world, but..... I'm Danielle and I'm a dork! haha - that's a movie reference.

National HolidayS

2009-07-09T14:29:00.001-07:00

Last week was a busy one.

That guy I met at salsa... he's a good guy. I hung out with him a couple of times, thought he was cool and then he got overeager/needy/annoying when he would text me 5 times in one day. I got busy with my sister being in town, so I couldn't see him over the weekend and then Monday I get this text.

The 4th of july is gone. But the desire 2 salsa with u is still there. I really wanna c u danny. Give me a call when u get a chance.

I told him I was busy this week, since I'm going out of town. That gave me another week. I'll just procrastinate like I do with everything else, and figure it out next week.

My sister came up to Provo. It was so nice to be with "outsiders" - people outside of the BYU bubble. We had a Canada Day BBQ, watched Indiana Jones, went to the temple open house, went out to eat, had a 4th of July BBQ and watched fireworks, and went to a dinner.

Sidenote: Do you notice the theme of food? I don't think people can socialize without it. Even if an activity isn't centered on food, it's still in there like eating popcorn while watching a movie or the great cookies they hand out after seeing the temple.

It was a great week filled with family and I can't wait to go home to see the rest of them.

Highlight of Last Week

2009-07-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

I was able to attend the Utah Symphony Friday night and they played Jupiter, my favorite movement of The Planets. During the movement, I could hear humming coming from my left. I knew it wasn't my date because he had just told me he didn't know the song. It was pretty loud humming considering we were sitting in the 3rd row and I could here it over the symphony. Then I noticed out of the corner of my eye, my friend and another guy in our group look at each other and start laughing. Their roommate Dustin was the one humming and he didn't realize we could all hear him.

Books, Languages and Family

2009-06-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sunday, was quite a busy day for a Sunday, but I loved it! The highlight was seeing my professor, Cindy's family. Yesterday had been her oldest son's mission farewell. Her family was with us in Vienna and I can't believe how much I've missed them.

It was so nice to be around family rather than the typical single's scene here. We ate food, were surrounded by chaos of kids running around and watched an intense game of Diplomacy (well, part of it anyway, since it's hours long - if you don't know what it is, think Risk, but WORSE)

My favorite part was just to be around so many smart people. Now I'm not saying my friends aren't smart, but these people are geniuses. I heard German, French and Spanish being spoken and I heard some great jazz and classical piano being played. I also listened to books, politics and history being discussed. Man, I wish I was that smart AND cool. I think in order to be that smart, I'd have to hide myself away from the world to study it all, which would negatively affect my social skills. I'm already having a hard enough time being cool.

If you can figure out how to balance it, let me know. In fact, if you know how to just be cool, I could really use some advice.

A New Beginning

2009-06-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

I feel I should start documenting my life.

I'm sorry if you're reading this and you find my life boring, but I find it hilarious.

And I'm sorry to the people in my life....because I'm going to write about you.

If you didn't already know, I'm vice-president of BYU Salsa Club - a title I'm still confused by. I'm white, I don't speak Spanish and I'm still just trying to get past the basics of salsa dancing. BUT, until my President Ana realizes that there are much better people for the position, I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

Last night I went to the local salsa club, Salsa Chocolate. It's a great place where no alcohol is served and dancers - beginner to advanced - are welcome. This time was a little different than it usually is. I went by myself! Usually I have the security of my friends or a "wing-man". Surprisingly, I found it to be a liberating experience. While I was slightly insecure of being there alone, I wasn't insecure of whether or not my friends thought I was lame or if they were bored.

Well, last night was also a little different because

1. I actually gave my number to a guy I don't know. This guy Joe asked me to dance a few times and he was really nice. I think I've seen him before and I figured - why not?

2. I wasn't asked to dance by a million old mexican men who are a foot shorter than me. Well, I didn't dance with them, but I still got hit on. A couple of them kept smiling at me as they walked by car as I was about to leave. Then before I had the chance to pull out, one guy pulled in next to me and tried to get me to roll down my window to talk to him. Maybe it was rude, but I declined.

Man, even if they are creepy old mexican men, it feels good to know I was looking hot last night.

But then again, I always look hot.

Haha, that was a joke. You should see my hair when I wake up in the morning.

Things on my mind

2009-05-18T12:34:00.001-07:00

I got an awesome job!

I made a mistake at work today and now I need to find out how to tell my boss.

I saw a raccoon the other night! Not that exciting, but I was so close to it. It was dark, so I didn't realize it was a raccoon 'til it scurried into the gutter to hide from us.

I have a sweet tooth. I could go for a really good vanilla cupcake right about now....or a cherry limeade from sonic. Random?

I'm still looking at majors. I WILL have one picked by the end of summer.

I should go to the gym.

I miss my computer! It died and I'm still waiting to hear back. I love that when I took it in and the guy was filling out the paper for the diagnostic, he put b.s.o.d. for blue screen of death. I don't know why, but I found that really funny.

I should work on the ward directory, but I just want to go home. That's why I miss my laptop. I'm a homebody...who knew?

I think this girl sitting next to me in the library is neurotic. Maybe that's why I miss being at home.

I hope she takes a long time at the printer so she doesn't see what I wrote. haha

I've got some pretty awesome friends.

I had fun playing soccer at the park last night. That means a lot. I like soccer, but I'm not good at it, so I don't always enjoy playing. AND I was playing barefoot.

I still need to learn spanish. Why do I keep putting it off?

I don't like the pants and shoes I'm wearing. I can't wait to go home and change.

OH, I got my hair cut on saturday. It looks good, but it's really short. Now I really wish my hair was really long. Maybe I'll save up for extensions.

I think I need to go eat lunch - the sun chips I just ate aren't going to cut it.

I'm impressed if you just read all of that :)

I'm a Duck Expert

2009-04-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

Even after the mess the duck prank left in our kitchen, I still love ducks. There are two little baby fluff balls at the duck pond that my friends and I got to hold last Sunday. Then today, we were quite excited when we looked outside and found these two.

After listening to my roomates argue over whether the one with green head was the boy or the girl, I finally just looked it up (the boys are the ones with the green heads) When I looked it up, I found out a lot about my duck friends.

Did you know?

The ducks are generally monogamous, although these bonds generally last a single year only. However, mallards form pairs only until the female lays eggs, at which time she is left by the male.

Mallards also have rates of male-male sexual activity that are unusually high for birds. In some cases, as many as 19% of pairs in a Mallard population are male-male homosexual.

The ducklings are precocial, and can swim and feed themselves on insects as soon as they hatch, although they stay near the female for protection.

Despite widespread misconceptions, only the females of most dabbling ducks "quack." Male mallards have a nasal call and the females have the stereotypical "quack."

The urban legend that ducks quacks don't echo has been debunked by Mythbusters AND the Acoustics Research Centre at the University of Salford.

Wow, I could go on and on! My roommate is making fun of me, but it's just so fascinating. I never knew there was so much to learn about ducks. Man, if only I was this fascinated to retain the information in my college classes! I've got a brain full of pretty useless knowledge!

Anyway, they came. We fed them bread.

And then they went on their way.

DONE!

2009-04-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

I finished my last final!

Uh, this semester wasn't so good for me. But it's over and that's all that matters.

Now that it's done, I am going to the library or the bookstore and getting myself a couple of books to read that are for fun! I need books with NO substance. Books that are about love and are funny and don't use big words. My brain is mush and that's all I can take right about now.

Life isn't a musical

2009-04-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

It's true. I am so sad it's not socially acceptable to sing about everything. I guess this isn't real life though...

Internet Art

2009-04-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

This is an art form. It took someone a lot of time to do this and I personally feel like it gave me a new perspective on Paris Hilton - A barbie doll that's really made out of plastic and dressed up.

You cannot miss this either!

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing Easter. Church was very edifying. I loved the talks given, the choir sang beautifully and the lessons were great. My friends came over and we all made a delicious home cooked meal. We finished it off with homemade carrot cake - Thanks Rachel, that was awesome! I feel incredibly blessed and am so grateful for my life and happiness. I feel all of that, I owe to my savior. I really enjoyed these videos, so if you have time, take a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oteno81QzzQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc

To kick off the weekend

2009-04-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

I've always wished my life was a musical. One day I'll coordinate one of these things. I could do it now, but let's be honest, at BYU, this kind of thing just wouldn't be that suprising and that would take all the fun out of it.

Enjoy!

Decisions are the Worst

2009-04-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'm currently looking for employment, but it's hard because I'm not quite sure what I want to do.

I am really indecisive. When I have too many good opportunities, I freak out. I'm always worried because I want to pick the RIGHT one. The one that would make me the happiest. The one that is what I'm supposed to do. I just don't like making mistakes.

This is ultimately my problem - with life.

I don't like to miss out on anything. I've been like this since I was little. I didn't want to go to bed because I knew everyone else was awake, and I didn't want to miss out on the fun. I still can't go to sleep if I know my roomates are playing - even if it's 2 in the morning! It's worse though, because it's carried over into life. I can't do homework because I know my friends are getting together and I don't want to miss out on what they're doing. I can't choose a major, because then I'd be missing out on all of the other ones. I can't rent just one movie. I can't read just one book. If I let it, it could slide into my ENTIRE life. I wouldn't wear the same outfit, jewlery or purse more than once because there are simply too many to use - but I'll never have that kind of money...or vanity.

Anyway, if anyone can remedy my awful sickness, please help. Maybe I'll start a support group. And everyone will never miss a meeting because they'll be too afraid to miss out ;)

Oh, and if you know anyone hiring so I can make some mulah over the summer (AZ or UT) please let me know

2009-03-31T23:12:00.000-07:00

I love accents!

Spanish

Italian

German

Japanese

French

I think everyone does, but I think I love them more than most people. I typically don't have a hard time understanding accents. Even if I don't understand them the first time, I don't mind asking for them to repeat what they've said.

I've been noticing accents a lot. A girl in my german class is from Switzerland and has a beautiful French accent. All of my friends that are hispanic have accents. Recently, some of them from South America have been imitating a Mexican accent, or a Bazilian Portuguese accent. It's so interesting.

The real inspiration to this post is this guy in my class who is from Boston.

Oh, I left my heart in Boston.

Our professor asked him to speak today (which was really good, and I was happy to hear his story) and out comes this thick Boston accent. After saying "pawty" instead of "parrrrty", he laughed and said he hoped we understood him and "maybe I need a translata". I couldn'ce translated for him :) While it's not exotic or beautiful, I LOVE IT! I think he and I should be friends - I even told him so. I just didn't admit that the main reason for our friendship would be so I could hear that accent!

I wish I had a Boston accent....or at least be really good at imitating one - then maybe people will believe I'm from there. It's funny, talking to him, I could totally slip back into it, but when I'm not around it, it's hard for me to do.

I really just want an accent - almost any will do (except southern...or utard) Have you noticed how people with accents are always so much more interesting. I strive to be interesting. I knew a girl from Australia who everyone wanted to get to know and I attribute it to her accent.

Beside Boston, I want an Italian or a French accent. They're pretty and pouty and mysterious and interesting - remember, I strive to be interesting. What accent do you want?

2009-03-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you a story.

Once upon a time there was a white girl with blonde hair and green eyes, who didn't speak spanish. She wanted to fit in with her Latin friends. She started going to salsa club. Today, she is Vice-President of BYU Salsa Club! Dreams do come true!

That girl is me.

And I still don't speak spanish.

2009-03-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

I Simply Love Simply Limeade

I think SPRING came back today. It's beautifully sunny and warm and that makes me happy.

I had a great night last night (costa vida, a couple of great movies) which is helping me to have a great day today.

I had breakfast at McKinlee's apartment in honor of our friend Matt, who's been spending his spring break here.

Then I went to target, where I got some new clothes! They were much needed and I absolutely love the way new clothes make you feel so great.

Now I'm preparing for a german video project....maybe I'll try to post a clip of it when we're done. We're reenacting Peter Pan, but auf Deutsch.

Then it's off to my Prof. Kelling's for a class party, and then DANCING!

Yep, it's a great Saturday, but I unfortunately did not fit in homework....again. But my new favorite quote is "Don't let school get in the way of your college experience."

2009-03-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

This is important. Are video games helping children? While I have always been dead set against video games, this, however, may have changed my mind.

Oh, and sorry about the craigslist link. My roomate had posted her uterus for sale (don't worry though, on it she made clear it wasn't for surrogacy) It was quite funny, but someone flagged it and it was removed in less than an hour of being posted.

AWE-SOME

2009-03-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Things that I've found that make hump-day a little more bearable.

The definition of transpire: a male vampire dressed as a female vampire.

This new book to add to my reading list.

The lady reason that caused my roomate and I to spend the afternoon watching movies also prompted her to do this.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten about this for a while until the other night. Perfect timing for today!

And then to follow that up.....

Those are two different videos. They're very random, I know, but they make me smile.

Spanish Conversations and other Confusing Things

2009-03-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

Standing in the bathroom, washing my face, I here conversations from the couple downstairs. Entire conversations. Now, if only I understood spanish. Then I'd know all the secrets.

My roomate does know spanish. And lucky her, her room sits right above their bedroom. Sometimes she laughs and I ask what? and she just says they said something funny downstairs. Sometimes she comes out of her room so as to give them "privacy" while they have conversations she doesn't want to know about.

I love my house. And my roomates.

I have a lot of things I love and am grateful for. Here have been a few in from the past week.

Burnt grilled cheese. It's better a little black.

Peanut M&M's.

Friends that ask you to do stuff in the middle of the week just because.

SUNSHINE!

My German Professor telling me I'm ready to get married because I can make good banana bread. Haha! Last week he asked me if I had a boyfriend and when I said no he said, "Good. You have lots of time to do your homework." What am I supposed to do? He's giving me conflicting advice.

Friends who cheer me up and support me no matter what.

The thick Boston accent from a guy in my class. I wish I had one so people believe me when I tell them I grew up there.

My roomate's new fish, Gypsy. She's already become quite attached to this beautiful Beta and I have to admit, so have I.

This semester has not been the best school-wise and I still don't have a job, but I think I've been happier this semester than any. I just feel so blessed, like all of these things are given to me just to make me smile. Some days I wonder what I did to deserve such a great life.

We got caught!

2009-03-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't updated about our pranking situation.

Well, last sunday (a week from yesterday) we had plans to get those boys back for the duck. Ours did not include any animal cruelty.

2:00 pm - At church, we decide with our friend Tashina that the time had come

7:15 - Call Tashina to solidify plans. She comes over and we spend 15 minutes deciding on how to get those boys out of their apartment without locking the door. She was to convince them to go to ward prayer.

8:00 - We go hang out at Sam's apartment while we wait for them to leave.

8:30 - They leave for ward prayer and we get a text from Tashina. Apparently, these boys are too lazy to bring their keys, so they don't lock their apartment.

We run over to their apartment and start carrying out plan #1 - CUPCAKES.

For Valentine's Day, my roomate decided to make cupcakes for the entire ward, but she got busy and never got around to frosting them. Some of them were burnt too. So, what do you do with a ton of cupcakes that are 2 weeks old?

Plan #2 -Kaneischa's friend has this mannequin head and boy is it creepy. I went in my room one day and found "Helga," as she's known around here, in my bed.

Plan #3 - Unfortunately, plan 3 was not carried out. We were beginning it when Kaneischa heard someone come up to the door. She ran behind the door right as it started opening, but not me. I was a deer in headlights as Ryan and his cousin walked in. He wasn't even surprised to see us. He just said "You're pranking Preston and Justin." When Kaneischa said, "No, Preston and Ryan." He gave us a funny look and we said "gotta go!" and ran out.

We've never been caught before! We don't feel like we're even, but nothings going to happen right now. Actually, we stopped by last night, and there might be some collaboration in the near future. It made for a great story and this ward hasn't seen the end of our pranking :)

Brought to tears

2009-03-02T20:02:00.001-08:00

This little gem can't be overlooked. My roomate were entertained for about an hour.

http://mymomisafob.com/

PS "FOB" means "fresh off the boat," so it's nothing bad.

PRANK UPDATE: We sorta got them back. Story and pictures soon to follow.

Why days like today should be everyday

2009-02-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

~The girl I sat next to in class started up a conversation about a topic I love - Why do the first people that get to class sit on the end and make everyone climb over them? I'll have to make another post sometime about that pet peeve of mine. We bonded over something so simple, and now I feel like I have a new friend.

~I ran into a bunch of old friends. One even gave me some advice about something. It was so great to be reminded that I'm so well taken care of.

~I gave service! I helped my friend Allison get front row Utah tickets as she was one of the last 5 still up in the wall sit competition in the WILK. She's awesome and I knew she'd win. Now I'm off to go help out my roomate by watching over SEGOarts. If you've never been, you really need to come check it out. It's a great place. On University Ave between 1st and 2nd.

~The weather was wrong! I checked this morning and it said it was going to rain, but I walked home looking up at clear blue skies.

~I feel empowered like I can do whatever it is I set my mind too. I can conquer the world! So many people believe in me and want me to succeed.

~I live in an awesome house with great roomates!

Life is excellent and I have every reason to believe that I have great things coming in the future.

I confess!

2009-01-26T16:31:00.000-08:00

I smuggle food in and eat lunch in the library.

Great, thanks, I needed to get that off my chest.

Yes, I break the rules now and again....actually almost everyday. They have a strict NO FOOD policy, but honesty, how do they expect us to study without brain food.

Well, I really need to stop because I not only have a problem with eating in the library, but I have this habit of bringing noisy food. Oh man, but I love carrot sticks, crunchy apples and granola bars. Those poor studious students surrounding me were in silence until they start hearing package rustling and crunching and munching.

One day I was good and brought yogurt, but that didn't go so well. I opened it and it exploded on the sleeve of my shirt. Then, after it was open, I realized I didn't have a spoon. I wasn't going to waste it and I was hungry, so I pulled out my noisy granola bar and used that as a spoon. It was noisy and messy and I actually didn't study much that day....I think I was watching The Office haha.

Today I brought my green apple without even thinking and when I got hungry, I took two crunchy bites into it and then decided to go home. So I packed up and walked out with my apple. That wasn't such a good idea because my hand holding the apple almost got frostbite. Man, what is the library thinking making us eat outside? :)

DUCK UPDATE: I'm sure the duck got back to pond just fine. We now know it was a girl from my ward. She had accomplices, we just don't know who. They don't know what they just got themselves into. If you have any good ideas on how to get them back, leave a comment.

What do you do on a Friday night?

2009-01-23T22:06:00.000-08:00

I had a nice Friday evening. A relaxing evening. A kinda lonely evening, spent just to myself...mainly because my friends were busy and I didn't feel like calling anyone. A nice quiet eve......until this happened.

My roomate was in the kitchen and our other roomate had gone off to wherever she was going. Then I heard the back door. I assumed that it was Kaneischa coming back, and apparently Roxy thought so too. All of a sudden, from the other room, I hear

QUACK, QUACK, QUACK! QUACK!

I started laughing before I even saw it. I actually thought that Kaneischa had walked in with a duck. Nope, someone just dropped him off.

So much for uneventful Friday's. That made my night.

How was your Friday?

Life is....

2009-01-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

always made better by BYU Creamery Chocolate Milk....even when life is already going great!

Life is also funny sometimes. I love BYU and I've missed it. It's funny because I definately did not feel this way two years ago. In fact, I hated it here. I did not know why so many people liked it when the classes were so hard, you were just one of the many faces, and everyone seemed so wrapped up in their own lives. A lot has changed since then I've learned what a great place this is. Here are some reasons why.

- The Mountains. Beautiful, but also gives a sense of direction.

- The Classes. While hard, you always are learning something and professors are always willing to help you outside of class. They even manage to learn your name.

- Campus. It's always clean, the walkways are clear in the winter and then come spring, there are always tulips.

- Devotionals and Firesides. Sunday night I saw President Monson and today Elder Holland. I didn't use to go to devotionals on Tuesdays, but I find them to be a great way to relax during the week and re-evaluate my priorities.

- Friendly People. I used to think they were always fake (which sometimes they might be) but then when you've had two great classes, listened to devotional, did homework and drank creamery chocolate milk, you really are just happy, so why not say hi to strangers?

- Friends. I've made fantastic friends and I've been able to learn something new from all of them. I love running into them on campus and remembering the great times I had with them.

- Church. From great devotionals, to fun wards, to sharing testimonies in class, BYU has been a "spiritual high" like everyone has said. It's a great environment to learn in and it also is a great way to see the Lord's hand in everything.

Yep, I turned into an advocate of BYU. And just think, I did that without ever having gone to BYU football game. :) But I still bleed BLUE.

Oh yeah, and add the Creamery to the list. It provides a place for freshmen dates, great ice cream, and of course, CHOCOLATE MILK!

Home.

2008-12-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'm HOME!

The last little bit of Vienna was great/stressful. I had so much to do before I left with finals, getting souvenirs, and fitting in last minute things. It was crazy at the time, but coming home was such a relief. I think I got a couple of A's and the rest A-'s/B's.

Before I left, I went and saw the ballet, Giselle in the Staatsoper. It was amazing! I definately recomend seeing it. We also had our ward and school christmas parties. I loved the ward christmas party. The ward has been so kind with trying to make us feel at home. It was fun mingling with all of the great friends we had made during the past 3 months.

We flew home on the 15th. We left our apartment at 8 in the morning, Vienna time. The flight from Vienna to New York was almost 10 hours long and I got a head ache an hour into it and I had a headache for 9 hours until we got off and Marinda gave me something for it. Then we had our layover in New York. We went through customs, got our luggage and then we had to figure out where to check our luggage again. I decided to ask at this desk. At first, I was trying to figure out how to ask it in German and then I realized...HE SPEAKS ENGLISH! He said he could help us and then asked us how we were I replied, "I'm just so happy you speak english!" We found we were happy to be back in a country where we all speak english and it is perfectly okay to smile at complete strangers!

Our flight to Salt Lake was delayed a bit. We sat on the runway for an hour. We finally got going and I managed to kind of sleep the whole flight. We arrived in Salt Lake City about midnight. That's 9 am Vienna time. We traveled over 24 hours! My parents picked me up at the airport. They went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert and stayed the weekend. On Tuesday we drove home and I FINALLY got home Tuesday night.

Being home has been nice. I've just spent my time with family. Last week Aubrey and Darrell went out to San Diego to help Brenda move so I watched Jamie, Courtney and Whitney. They are adorable. I can't believe how big Whitney has gotten! Then Brenda came with Jonah and Jemma and right now I'm babysitting them while Brenda finishes up her Christmas shopping.

I'm happy to be home for Christmas. This is my favorite time of year...cookies, great movies and of course, remembering the birth of our Savior.

What a fantastic week!

2008-11-22T04:59:00.000-08:00

So, I admit that I'm not always very good at going out and doing things. Like, I felt bad when Chelsea came and I didn't even know what cool things there were to do in Vienna other than the good, cheap treats and chocolate... Anyway, this week was different. I went and did quite a bit.

Wednesday night a group of us went to the Austria vs. Turkey game. It was my first proffessional football game (yes, it's the REAL football, not the American kind, but I've never been to one of those either) Man, Austrians are crazy about their national team and they aren't even that good. We lost, but it was a BLAST! EVERYONE is decked out in red and white (the Turks too, because those are their colors as well haha) and then had flags painted on cheeks, carried flags, had scarves, hats...you name it. It was fun learning the cheers. I still occasionally find myself singing "Immer wieder Oesterreich!" Yeah, we lost 4-2 and the Turks didn't let us forget it as we left. Man, it was crazy. If you didn't know, the Austrians treat the Turks worse than we treat Mexicans, so it's a big deal. This was just a friendly match too, but they still had police and security EVERYWHERE. I guess at the last game, a riot broke out. It was quite the cultural experience.

Thursday night I went and saw Rebecca....again. And no, that's not a person, it's a musical based off of the novel by Daphne du Maurier. You may have even seen the Hitchcock film. Well, the musical is amazing! And I got to see it with the original cast, in the orignal language, in the city it premiered in! It's up for th e 2009-2010 Broadway season so keep a look out. This woman has the most amazing voice! I love it and am considering going a 3rd time - it really is that good. This time I had a better seat than when I went with Chelsea. I also bought a program. That night we had the whole original cast except for the famous guy who plays Mr. de Winter (I kinda like the understudy's voice more) At the end, this time, the cast got a standing ovation. Then, as we were leaving, I decided I wanted to go wait by the stagedoor for autographs. No one wanted to because it was freezing, but if you know me, you know I'm really stubborn, so I made us go just see. GOOD THING! We made it just in time as people came out. I got 5 autographs! And a couple of pictures! I'm still a little mad at "Mr. de Winter" because he ran away. Ugh! Meh, he wasn't even the lead anyway. Now I'm currently listening to the soundtrack.

Friday night was fun. It started out with the talent show at the Outreach center. Then after playing pool and darts, a group of us went to the Flex, a club right around the corner from where I live. It just so happens that the night we go happens to be the cd release of this guy, Stefan, who we had met about a month ago. We got to hear him and it was awesome. It's so funny because Vienna is a pretty big city. Anyway, we saw him and his band and they were great and I think I'm going to buy their cd. Then they played techno and we danced until 3:30 this morning. Oh, I forgot, on my way there and on my way home, I passed a crew filming a movie on my street. They were still there at 4 am when I was going to bed. That was pretty cool. I think the best part of the night was when I walked home by myself, enjoyed the quiet AND....It started snowing! The first snowfall is always the most magical. So it didn't stick, but it's still snowing. I cannot explain how amazing it is here at this time of year. Christmas music is playing everywhere, lights are everywhere and the displays are great. Arizona Christmas will never live up (but my family's there, so I guess I'll have to live with it)

So there would be no better way to end this week other than going to this tonight for the opening of the Schoenbrunn Weihnachtsmarkt.

2008-11-19T01:19:00.000-08:00

Well, since it's been so long, here is just a quick overview.

We went to Prag, which was beautiful. Lots of tourists, but still beautiful.

Chelsea came to visit on my week off. It was a blast and we saw a lot of Vienna. Chelsea saw her first opera - Die Zauberfloete (The Magic Flute) It was alright, but the queen of the night wasn't that great. We also saw Rebecca. Oh my goodness! It was so good! Even though Chelsea didn't understand the German, she still loved it. It's in the 2009-2010 broadway season so keep an eye out for it (but we saw it with the original cast, where it premiered!)

Last week we went to Budapest. I loved it! Others from our group didn't, but i did. It wasn't a city that is only for tourism. People live there and live normal lives rather than just living off of the tourists and stupid souveneir shops.

This week, I'm trying to catch up on homework. A few others and I are starting to get homesick. We're just tired of traveling and now that we are registering for classes and looking for housing, so we're all looking to the future. It may also be the fact that the holidays are approaching and we're all sad to miss out on Thanksgiving, but so excited for Christmas. How could you not be when you pass this everyday?

The streets are lit, Christmas music is playing and the window displays are all festive! The Weihnachtmarkts are opening. This one opens Saturday, and I'm going to be there!

I LOVE Christmas! I'm in heaven

Italy

2008-10-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

My German professor definitely wasn't expecting my answer when she asked what the best part of Italy was. You should have seen her face when I said, "Ein Italienischer Mann hat mich gekuesst!" HAHAHA!

If only she knew the whole story. The first picture is the guy who tried selling me a bag by saying "You dropped something....my heart." It didn't work with me, or when he tried it on Melissa. He did, however, get a kiss on the cheek from both of us.

The next is Mossimo, who told me I was cute. He was pretty cute too. We became friends with him and Carlo. I was the lucky girl who they decided to kiss.

Here are some other pictures of our trip to Italy.

Sorry :(

2008-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Umm, so I'm not a good blogger. I just don't have time or patience. I hiked in the alps, got swamped with homework and then I just got back from Italy....Oh boy, do I have a great story from Italy! I'll definately be posting it in a couple of days.

What you may not know...

2008-09-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

is that in Vienna, the toilet (aka the WC-the wash closet) and the bathroom are two separate rooms. You go to shower, get undressed, start the water, then have to turn off the water, get dressed again and run across the apartment to go pee because you forgot. Also, washing your hands is interesting. At home, it's no big deal, we just go to the kitchen or the bathroom to wash our hands, but sometimes in public places, they don't have soap. At school, a couple of the bathrooms don't have sinks so you have to wait for someone else in the other bathroom to finish so you can wash your hands....we've gotten used to carrying purell.

Also, Europeans are still catching up on the smelling good thing. You see, most Americans say they don't really like their deoderant. We're pretty sure some of the old people don't wear deoderant. Marinda and I think the main reason, is they don't shower right. Europeans are all about saving water/energy (which I agree with) We think they control this is by making showering very uncomfortable so they don't shower as often and not as long. All of the showers are very narrow. Ours is really narrow and the curtain doesn't even cover half of the shower so you're constantly worried about splashing water out. Also, if say you take a 10 minute shower because you have to shave your legs, you run out of hot water. My family will be happy to know...drum roll please...I take about a 5 minute shower every other day! You know, I'll probably go back to my longer showers when I come home, especially when my hair grows back (if it ever will) Luckily it's cold so everyone is bundled up and they don't smell as bad.

They also save engery with laundry. Most places don't have dryers. THat means you have to plan your laundry accordingly. Jeans take about 2 days to dry. ALso, we can barely move in our room when the drying racks are up.

Another interesting thing...they boil their whites. We thought that was funny. We'll have very clean underwear!

Oh, they also have smaller fridges. you buy fresh food every or every other day. Ours isn't that small, but considering we have 4 adults and 2 kids, it's smaller than we'd have in the states. It's a bad picture but you can kinda see it.

A few others...most places don't have elevators, just stairs. My friend walks about 150 steps to get up to her 6th floor apartment. Our apartment is over 100 years old and has orignal wood floors(that squeak!) We have a weird courtyard thing in the middle of our apartment. Um...you don't sit anywhere where people will walk such as sidewalks or hallways and you never put your feet where they don't belong, they only belong on the floor. They think ice is unhealthy. Also walking on cold floors without shoes. They think americans have horrible table manners(which they do) and yeah, in general, they are always very proper. They are a funny people.

Umm, these are just some. We've been embracing the differences and there are many things here that we like more than the states. I hope my roomate doesn't mind that I'm sharing her drying underwear with cyberspace. Meh, it's okay.

Our fun day at the Burggarten

2008-09-19T12:35:00.001-07:00

We pass by this everyday on the Strassenbahn. We finally went in to see it.

Where I live.

2008-09-15T01:04:00.000-07:00

If you look closely above, our window is the open one. We also have flower boxes in all our windows. The apartment goes to the left from our window and wraps around the corner. It's a pretty big apartment.

This is across the street. It has the military and police in it.

Our entrance is under the Bar sign

The entrance to the apartment

My Roomate Marinda!

The first week

2008-09-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, so much has happened in the past few days and I haven’t had any time. I’m looking forward slightly for the normal routine to kick in because I am exhausted.

On Wednesday night we moved into our host family’s apartment. Alex and her son came to pick us up. I am so happy she was so determined to fit all our bags and all of us into her tiny European car. It was cramped but we made it. Her apartment is on the 3rd floor and like most places here, does not have an elevator. They’re actually in the middle of putting one in right now. After Marinda and I struggled to get our heavy bags up most of the way, the nice elevator-worker-guys came to the rescue and had our suitcases up in no time.

This is the sign that greeted us on the door to our room.

We unpacked a bit and then took a walk with Alex, Issak and Cyra(the dog). We went to pick up her daughter, Marie-Louis and then went grocery shopping for dinner. Dinner was good….very Austrian: Bread, Meats, Cheese, Tomatoes. I found in the following days that that is pretty much the day-to-day food here, no matter the meal and there are lots of places to get it. Our host family is great. Alex served a mission in Temple Square so she is fluent in English. Actually, she speaks English all the time, whether it’s with us or teaching her kids. It’s maybe not so good for us. We’re trying to break that habit before it’s too late. There is another student here from Utah. She is not with our program, she just always wanted to go abroad and now she is taking German classes at a school here. She’s been here 2 weeks and doesn’t speak any German. She’s really nice, but we’re worried that we are going to be speaking too much English.

Thursday was the first day of classes. We just had our cultural class with Prof. Brewer and then we had German. Our German class is combined with 201. We have different work and the lessons plans are switching the levels every other day. Thursday was a 201 day and it was a bit boring but a really good review.

After school, Marinda and I came back and hung out with our host mom. She is so nice and has become a good friend. Then we got to meet her Dad, who speaks more German to us, so we like when he is around. Then Marinda and I decided to go get eis from Schweden Platz. Oh man was it good! We’ll definitely be going back.

We saw these awesome street performers infront of the ice cream shop.

Then we decided to wander around. We found our way to Stephansdom and we didn’t even use a map and we didn’t get lost! We had a lot of fun exploring the city.

Stephansdom

Friday morning we got up super early to meet our group to go to Bratislava. If you didn’t know, Bratislava is about an hour away from Vienna by train and is the capitol of Slovakia. We a tour guide named Ivanna and she showed us all around the Oldtown of Bratislava and we got to learn all about its history and legends. Bratislava is unique. It’s very old, and you can see it. Some of the buildings didn’t look very well kept and then others you can tell had been refinished. I loved learning about the buildings and the old city called Perbern. While I loved the city, I think my favorite part was hearing Ivanna’s feelings on the way the US and other countries treat Slovaks. She has lived through socialism and communism and the way the US screens her if she wishes to get a visa reminds her of how she was treated during that time. She doesn’t understand why people are so afraid of her. It was an eye opening experience for all of us students.

Marinda and I at St. Michaels Gate in Bratislava

Even though we aren’t speaking all that much German at home, I know my German is getting somewhat better. On our trip to Bratislava, I was with a lot of students who were trying to speak all German. There are certain phrases that just naturally come out in German. I even almost started writing this auf Deustch!

Getting There

2008-09-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

I am in Vienna!!! So, I'm sure you all don't want to hear about my long hours of sitting in a plane, but as usual, I have fun(detailed) stories to tell.

I'm pretty sure that yesterday morning was the first time in quite a while that I have woken up before sunrise. We got to the airport in plenty of time and said goodbye to Utah (I flew with my friend Marinda, who lives in Salt Lake. She will be my roomate in Vienna) We had loads of time before our flight took off. We checked our bags and I was relieved my suitcases weighed in at 48 lbs and 46 lbs. I really did try to pack light. I even left a few things at Marinda's house to lighten the load. Anyway, check-in, blah, blah, blah. We meet up with other girls from our program and all sit with anticipation/dread for the day ahead of us.

On the plane, I had the window seat and Marinda had the aisle. The middle seat was taken by a woman who sounded Australian. We never really talked, but she was definately a cool lady. Us 3 girls shared a few laughs and giggles at the things we heard and saw around us, such as the lady who was given bag from the overhead compartment because the attendant needed the room (and because it fit under her seat) but then as soon as the attendant turned around, hopped right up and put it back.

Really, this first flight could not have gone any smoother. You see, it was intended as an international flight. We were getting off in New York, but the plane was continuing on to Barcelona. That meant that movies were free! And because I had remembered my ipod, I didn't have to pay $2 for ear phones. Delta airlines was great, made it really simple, but the real reason I liked them was that I got to pick my own personal movie on the screen infront of me. Like, I got to scroll through a bunch of new releases and pick. I watched Made of Honor (typical chick flick that even I could write) and Leatherheads (well, I slept through most of it). Then the flight was shorter than expected and we landed 10 minutes early :) It was great!

Then we got a little confused in the JFK airport. A nice guy that worked for Delta saw us struggling and gave us great directions and even walked us through most of the way. The whole cause of the confusion: Terminal 1 was not on the map. Yes, thank you JFK airport for giving us platform 9 3/4! We were supposed to know that we needed to board the airtrain at the 2/3 platform (the platform between terminal 2 and 3) and then take it to the terminal that on your map, does not exist. Anyway, we got there, got in the wrong line, accidentally cut a woman in line (I hate being rude to others) and then had only 40 minutes to get through security and find the gate.

Well, I lead us in the security line. I hand the guy my ticket and the envelope with my itinerarymy stuck in my passport. He hands me back the envelope and jokingly says, "I don't want yo' money." Haha, we both laugh and I reply, "Well, if it gets me through any faster." He laughs, and we all get past him and are now waiting in this rediculously long security line. Well, then my jokester friend steps in and opens up another line for us, giving us "the VIP treatment," as he put it. Unfortunately, he didn't know that all the pilots and attendants were going to come cut us in line because they have priority. I stood and waited and waited and waited and the line never got shorter. Then a French pilot (who was very handsome) smiles at me and told me sorry. He wanted to help us, but he really didn't know what to do. Finally the security guard let us go through because he had watched us stand and wait patiently. I ended up running into that French pilot again. He was happy we made it through.

Well, the the next 8 hours weren't that exciting. It involved sitting uncomfortably and trying to sleep. We finally got to Vienna. The whole first day was just a big blur because I was a walking zombie. We sat in the airport for a long time waiting for everyone. We hung out at a hotel and then we went to an awesome italian restaurant for pizza. I got the regolo. It had Tomatensauce, Mozzerella, Knoblauch(garlic), Oregano, und spinat(spinach). It was SO good, but I had horrible garlic breath for the rest of the night.

At the Restaurant

Vienna: A Haiku

2008-09-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning
I jet off to Vienna
I am excited

It's Coming!

2008-08-20T18:30:00.001-07:00

Less than 3 weeks! EEEE!

Today I bought some awesome luggage and I've practiced packing. It's going to be hard having to shave down what I'm taking with me, but I'll figure it all out. I'm not so much worried about space, it's just weight. I have to get them under 50 lbs. And I'm going to want to leave room for more stuff. Well, I'm sure as soon as I get there, I won't worry about it too much.

I don't know if I mentioned it, but I got my visa. That was when it really hit me. All this week has been me realizing that in 3 weeks I will be wondering the streets of Vienna, with a pastry in one hand, a map in the other....and my German dictionary in my backpack.

Well, for all 3 of you that actually read this, I'll be keeping you posted on my adventures abroad. I'll upload pictures, tell you all my embarassing language mess ups and maybe brag about the chocolate.

Man in the Mirror

2008-08-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but this is my current obsession. I admit I do like a lot of Michael Jackson's music. I have been having this song run through my head for the past week. Maybe it's a sign I'm supposed to be making a change. Haha, who knows?

Anyway, sit back and enjoy the music, or maybe just watch this great dance

Update

2008-08-07T15:46:00.001-07:00

So I'm not a very good blogger. I'm sorry I've failed all 3 of you that actually read this. I guess an update is in order.

The past 2 weeks have been AWESOME and here's why:

My visa application was completed and submitted. Finally. Hopefully they liked it so I can get the pretty stamp in my passport.
I made some great friends here and went to a couple of parties. That always makes life more enjoyable.
We got a new VCR since the old one pooped out. That means we can watch Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. It's so much better having a larger selection of movies. I was getting sick of Harry Potter and Toy Story.
I got a short term loan and a new credit card. Okay, maybe I shouldn't have told you that, but it's a big deal 'cause I don't really have all that much money for Vienna.
A bunch of my friends are going on missions.
I've eaten more broccoli and actually enjoyed it! (Seriously, if you know me, that's HUGE! I'm a picky eater)
I got a letter from my friend Spencer in the army.
I finished my book the Host (highly recomend it) and bought Breaking Dawn last night.
I also bought a new outfit last night.
Brenda and I also ate Thai food last night (with broccoli!)
I did baptisms at the temple today. It was my first time in the San Diego temple. I think I should go more often.
I fly to Vienna in 1 MONTH TOMORROW!

K, so there was the stinky part about not having a full day off at all this week and other things that go with that, but overall life is great!

P.S. I forgot that Jonah said something really cute the other night. Jemma was being annoying and wouldn't go to bed and my sister could hear her bugging Jonah. Then Jonah yelled down to her "Mom, jemma's kicking me! Ow, Jemma, that hurts my heart! Stop Jemma, that hurts my heart." She went up to find Jemma's foot pushing on Jonah's chest, but it just sounded so funny.

My Glamorous Life

2008-07-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some things that have happened this week.

-I've wiped snot from Jemma's nose because she and Jonah had colds.

-Felt sick to my stomach for 2 days straight.

-Walked through a spiderweb and got a spider on me. This is the 3rd time I've done this.

-Went to the park with the kids, where on the swings, Jonah has a great conversation with our friends Ronan's and Waylon's moms that included:

"I threw up on the couch." (He had in fact done this, but it was over a week ago because his dad fed him too much junk food. The moms then were probably afraid of him getting their kids sick.
"Jemma doesn't have a penis." (Very true, but I don't know where it came from.)

-Tried to sleep through Jemma talking in her sleep. Yep, she talks in her sleep. Last night she mumbled for a little bit, then out loud said, "Mommy, I pooped." I guess that's what a 2 yr-old dreams about.

-Swept up a million leaves from the back porch. Okay, that wasn't bad. My friend Jacob came and helped and it only took an hour. BUT, there were a ton of huge spiders and considering that was only a few hours ago, there should not be so many leaves already. Seriously, why do they keep falling?

-Cleaned up Jonah's throw-up. He was really tired and was having a tantrum and he still has this cough which triggered his weak gag reflex. It wasn't that much, but it was on my arm because I was holding him at the time. Yeah, I know, I live a glamorous life.

I got tagged

2008-07-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

What was I doing 10 years ago:
um, I was 10, so probably exploring in the woods behind my house, annoying my sister or trying to get myself an invite to go swimming in a friend's pool

What is on my to-do list for today?
get dressed (maybe....i admit, that it's 2 in the afternoon and I'm in basketball shorts and a tanktop...I love my days off!)
Clean
Yoga
FHE

What are 3 bad habits of mine?
1. Not calling people back (sorry)
2. Not putting away my clean laundry
3. Never finishing books that I start

3 Things You might not know about me:
1. I took Karate for 7 years
2. I love math and science
3. I would love to be an opera singer

Four Movies/TV shows I love:
1. The Office
2. School of Rock
3. Meet Me in St. Louis

Four Books I Love:
1. Harry Potter
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. Twilight series (I know, I can't believe I'm admitting it)
4. Tie between Jane Eyre and To Kill a Mockingbird

Four Jobs I’ve Had:
1. Nanny/Babysitter
2. Waitress at an assissted living home
3. Habilitation Provider
4. EFY counselor!

Five Places I’ve Lived:
1. St. Louis
2. Westford, MA
3. Mesa, AZ
4. Provo, UT
5. Encinitas, CA

Five of My Favorite Foods:
1. Chips and Salsa
2. Carrots/Peas with Hummus
3. Chocolate
4. Chicken Panang over rice
5. Fruit

Five Bloggers I’m Tagging
1. Aubrey
2.?
3. ?
4. ?
5. I'm not sure who really reads this, has a blog and hasn't already done it. oh well

Short Hair

2008-07-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

This past winter term I took marriage prep. No, I'm not looking to get married anytime soon, but it was Dr. Barlow's last semester teaching. I loved the class, it was great and Professor Barlow professed a lot of great things.

One thing that he told us, was most boys at BYU prefer girls with long hair. Well, with that in mind, I'm stickin' it to the men at BYU! I have joined the short hair club and I like it.

I don't understand why men want women with long hair. They are just asking for high maintenance girls and then they complain when they take so long to get ready. Not all girls can wear short hair and I feel for those who can't....Actually, anyone really can, if they are confident enough, it doesn't matter. Don't boys want confident girls? Don't boys want practical girls? Short hair is practical.

Here are some reasons short hair is great

1. When my hair is wet, the back and shoulders of my shirt aren't soaked through.
2. It takes about the 3rd of the time to blow dry and then doing it takes about and 8th of the time.
3. I can wear cool earings and you can actually see them!
4. I will pay less for shampoo and conditioner.
5. When I lay down, my head doesn't hurt. I don't have that uncomfortable bump that I used to have with my ponytail. It's much more comfortable going to bed.
6. I won't have hair elastics around my wrist. I can actually wear a bracelet! Now I can get rid of the tan line I've developed from always having one or two around my wrist.
7. People will like me for me and not for my hair. (I don't know if that was a problem before, but now I'm 100% positive it isn't a problem now)
8. When I get a drink from a drinking fountain, I don't have to hold my hair.
9. Babies can't pull my hair
10. The back of my neck won't be all sweaty (maybe that was too much info, but you get the point: short is better!)

I mean no offense to any long-haired girls. I think long hair is beautiful, but it's a pain. I'll leave you with proof that short hair can be beautiful...okay, beautiful women can look beautiful with short hair.

Happy 32nd B-Day to me!

2008-06-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

I feel I should do a little catching up since it has been awhile. Things in life are pretty good. It's gotten warmer so the kids and I have been spending most days at the pool. I'm going to the singles ward and I've met some very nice people there. My sister has been extremely generous and I don't really have anything to complain about.
Funny story...I've talked to this one guyat church a few times and on Sunday, as he was passing me he calls me by name, asks how I'm doing and then gives me a hug. The problem...I can't remember his name. EEK! I feel horrible because this is someone who is taking the time to get to know me and be really friendly at a time when I need to make more friends and I am a total dweeb and can't remember his name. I hate when I do this. It's been hard because I meet new people every week. Really, it's confusing who is actually in the ward, who is visiting from out of town, who is new to the ward or who is just stopping in from the LaJolla ward. I'm going to have to figure out some way to learn his name...preferably before I see him again.
Another funny story, a week ago I met some girls in the singles ward and we decided to all go salsa dancing. I was so excited because I haven't gone since I left Provo and it was a chance to make some friends. So we are getting all of our plans together, we finalize everything and then my sister, Brenda turns to me and asks, "Where are you going? Do you need to be 21?" I didn't even think about that because I'm so used to Provo. Sure enough, we were going to Cafe Sevilla, a bar in the gaslamp district. I called Mary (the girl I was planning this with) and she felt really bad for forgetting that I'm only 20. To be honest, most of the time I forget that I'm 20. Majority of my friends are older and I hang out with my sisters and their friends so I figure the average age of my friends is somewhere around 25.
Instead of botching the whole idea, Brenda helped me out and let me use her old passport to get in. Her driver's license didn't look enough like me and had a lot more info on it, but her passport was taken when she was about my age and has her birthdate. So last Thursday night, I was 32. Yes, I know I was breaking the law, but it's not like I even got close to the bar. It was really funny because I was so nervous about lying, but I used my past drama experience and played it cool. It was funny because the bouncer took a long time staring at my friend's license when she really is old enough, but mine, he didn't even look twice. Should I be concerned that I so easily passed as someone 12 years older than me?
It turned out to be a fun night of dancing. I still miss dancing in Provo with all of my Latins, but it was fun to get out and make some new friends.

When I'm not lying about my age, I am enjoying day-to-day life. Here are some things that are making me happy.
1. I'm TAN! I know, I hardly believe it myself.
2. My nephew takes the broom from the closet and picks up a tennis ball and plays quidditch in the family room.
3. I am still going to yoga.
4. My sister texts me in German for me to practice.
5. I AM GOING TO VIENNA!
6. Shopping spree at Gap outlet.
7. I actually made friends.
8. My Bishop, his wife and a few other random people from my ward remember me, where I'm from, and what I'm doing here. They're all so friendly.
9. *Perfect Weather*
10. My sister bought season passes for San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.
11. I've found the music stylings of She & Him. I love Zooey Deschanel's voice.
12. My niece thinks she's a princess.
13. I'm going to be helping my mom with family history work.

Okay, that was a lot, but I have a lot to be happy about.

I Love My Jonah-bear

2008-06-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

Jonah quite often tells me he loves me. Of course it's usually right after I tell him to stop jumping off the furniture to distract me as he climbs back up to do it again. Today was proof that he does love me though when he walked into the bathroom while I was doing my hair and started this conversation.

J: "Danielle, you're pretty."
D: "Thank you Jonah. You're very handsome."
J: "You're pretty."
D: "And you're handsome."
J: "Danielle, I love you sooo much."
D: "Ah, I love YOU sooo much."
J: "Yeah, I love you more than anyone in the whole world!"
D: "Wow, I love you too. But what about Mommy?"
J: "Yeah, and Daddy and Jemma. I love them..... (As he walks out of the bathroom) You're Pretty"

He's so darn cute!

Wedding Bells Nightmare!

2008-06-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel amazed by the strange dreams you dream up?

I never have typical dreams. I've never dreamt I'm flying, or I'm in my underwear or anything like that. The only reoccuring one seems to be running away from something chasing me and never feeling like I can get away. (I once dreamed of my aunt chasing me around our old house in Massachusetts with a large knife.) Now, don't try to tear it apart and figure out some subconcious reason for it because that's not even the dream I had last night.

I manage to have very realistic dreams that sometimes leave me with feelings that last the whole day. It's funny and I wish I understood why. I had a dream last night that I was riding a horse with my fiancee, who happened to be a boy I barely new when I was little. We are madly, deeply in love, which is weird for me. I admit to having never fallen in love, but now I feel like I understand the feeling. Then all of a sudden I'm at the reception hall for my wedding and nothing is the way I want it. It's horrible! I didn't have flowers, only paper ones that are colored with crayon. I don't even have a dress! I remember being with my mom (no offense mom because it is only a dream) and being mad at her and she was trying to make it better, but still didn't get that I just couldn't be getting married if my reception was going to look like this!

Then I woke up.

I have had the feeling of love all day, but I also get the wave of anxiety, fear and anger whenever I think of that scene. Maybe it's my subconcious telling me to be a wedding planner! :)

Bikram Yoga

2008-05-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

This is me....or at least it will be. Haha! Well, Brenda and I have been discussing working out and she made a deal with me. If I do the 60 day challenge (60 sessions in 60 days) she'll pay for my yoga. I'm going for it. I like challenges like this because in a couple of weeks when I'm sweating my brains out, trying this pose above, I'll be cursing her and it'll keep me motivated. Of course, I'm not sure I can actually do the 60 day challenge because of scheduling and I think she'll still pay for it. What's very cool is that there is a bikram studio in Vienna so maybe I'll keep it up while I enjoy all the pastries Vienna has to offer!

Blackmail

2008-05-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

This was Jonah yesterday. Notice the designer pink Dora boots, that go perfectly with army pants. As a true cowboy, he has a lasso. This not just any lasso. If you look closely you'll see it's a purple, sparkly lasso. He's quite proud how stylish he is.

Encinitas!

2008-05-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

I'm in Encinitas, CA. My plans for the summer have changed a million times, but I'm finally settled. I've moved in with my sister and am helping her with her kids. I'll either be a nanny for Jonah and Jemma or I'll go work for the resort, The Grand Del Mar. It's a tough decision. I mean, I love the kids, and I would love to help out my sister and I could get paid without taxes being taken out, but I can just imagine in a couple of weeks, I'm going to be starved of contact with "the outside world" and a conversation that doesn't involve talking about disney characters. As much as I love watching Sleeping Beauty, I think I might prefer working with people my own age.

Ahh, but I am in California and I'll get to go to the beach. Maybe I'll surf this summer. It's beautiful here!

100 Things About Me

2008-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

These are what make me me!

1. I love peanut butter and I eat it just about everyday in some form.
2. I love baseball and basketball.
3. I wish I had more time to read books I like.
4. I could watch the movie Elf year round.
5. I love to cook and bake.
6. I've always been really good at arts and crafts.
7. I had wanted to be a vet or a doctor for most of my life.
8. I have always enjoyed creative writing and I excel in it.
9. Chocolate is it's own food group in my life.
10. I have never been to any other country outside the US except Canada.
11. I have been to an awful lot of states because my parents have lived everywhere.
12. I still consider Massachusetts a home.
13. Arizona is too hot in the summer.
14. I learned how to surf and I wish I could go everyday.
15. I love vacations and having fun.
16. I love being outside.
17. I wish I went camping, hiking and rock climbing more.
18. I am a FANTASTIC listener and I love being a good friend.
19. Sometimes being a good listener gets me in trouble because everyone comes to me with their problems. I don't always mind, but I get stuck in the middle quite often.
20. I daydream a lot.
21. I think my life should be a musical. I have to restrain myself from breaking out into song and dance.
22. Coconut joy is my new favorite ice cream from the creamery.
23. I sometimes talk in my sleep.
24. I am actually a lot more outspoken than people realize.
25. I was a complete brat when I was little.
26. I was told I was the prettiest baby ever!
27. I can't wait to be a mom.
28. I can wait though, because I love sleep!
29. I am a morning person.
30. I love yoga.
31. My favorite candy bars are snickers. They're classic.
32. I cry in movies...most movies.
33. I love Rachel Ray, I think she's adorable.
34. Somedays I wish I had my own talk show.
35. I played basketball a year in highschool and sometimes regret quitting.
36. I miss playing the violin and clarinet.
37. I took karate for 7 1/2 years.
38. I hate the smell of coffee. It is slowly gettting better, but no, I don't like it.
39. I like to dance hip-hop.
40. I am the biggest procrastinator.
41. I can throw things together in less than a day, and not forget anything important.
42. I am great at party planning.
43. I wish people would listen to me more because I am smarter than they think.
44. I have always had a strange love for reptiles.
45. My mom's allergic to dog's so she told me if I found a dog she wasn't allergic to, I could get one....she didn't think I could actually do it.....but now we have Maggie.
46. I am stubborn and I get what I want.
47. I don't like people who use the terms "gay" or "retarded." They are asinine and need better vocabularies.
48. I hate being bad at anything, so I give up on things I'm bad at.
49. Except Music and performance. I didn't sing or act well, but it's the only thing I really want to get better at.
50. I think people should do what makes them happy instead of what makes others happy.
51. I'm against NCMO.
52. Everyone's a hypocrite, I at least admit I am one.
53. I don't really like inconsiderate people. They may even be really nice to me, but I don't like people who don't consider everyone.
54. I love the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel.
55. My sister was on Who Wants to be a Millionaire and won $50,000.
56. As a kid, I always wanted to be on a Game show like Family Double Dare or something.
57. I have a very active imagination.
58. My favorite thing to do is people watch and eavesdrop on strangers' conversations.
59. I am really good with kids and animals.
60. I am slightly afraid of heights.
61. I hate seafood. Even the smell makes me gag.
62. I love baseball games.
63. I'm a pretty open and honest person.
64. I really want to be liked by everyone and am always hurt when someone doesn't.
65. I don't always like talking on the phone, unless I really like the person and I know they want to talk to me.
66. I have the cutest nieces and nephew in the universe!
67. I find cleaning the kitchen to be really relaxing. (when it's my mess, not my roomate's)
68. I have never been to New York and I really want to go.
69. I am actually very good at math and science.
70. I think my mom listens to "hipper" music than I do. I burn her cd's becuase she has the newest, coolest stuff.
71. I LOVE Disneyland!
72. I'm quite often called Chelsea, which is my sister's name. The wierd thing is, people who don't even know I have a sister still call me Chelsea by mistake for no reason.
73. FLOWERS MAKE MY HEART MELT. Anyone can win me over with flowers.
74. I love card games, board games and puzzles.
75. I doodle when I am bored in class.
76. I constantly have to be doing something with my hands.
77. I'm not anxious when I am tap dancing around. I just can't stand still. I don't even realize it.
78. Oh yeah, I can tap dance a little.
79. Gene Kelly is amazing!
80. I love old movies.
81. I am a nerd, and I don't mind.
82. I think when people embrace who they are, then they are cool.
83. It's true, dogs are man's best friends.
84. I love Arizona sunsets.
85. I wish I was a photographer.
86. I'm thinking about writing a book.
87. I want to save the world.
88. I think love is the best service anyone could ever give.
89. I don't like having to do my hair, it takes too long.
90. I love getting my hair done for me.
91. I used to have white blond hair.
92. I can't get a tan for the life of me.
93. I don't like people who are really prideful and have to have the best to show off to others.
94. I love quiet nights in with a close friend.
95. I am competitive because my mom never lets me win. Man, it was a great day when I beat her in racquetball.
96. I could beat you in boggle.
97. I like change.
98. I love conversations with people I don't know.
99. I am optimistic and pretty much always happy!
100. I think you know enough about me now.

2008-01-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

The past few days I've felt like a chicken running around with its head cut off. I would forget what day of the week it was, I had forgotten homework assignments and mainly this is because I've averaged 4-5 hours of sleep a night! You may ask why I'm doing this to myself and the answer is simple...I'm dumb. I decided on Friday that I was going to audition for the Music Dance Theater program this year and not next year. This means my application had to be done today. I got my recomendation, resume, essay, and application and today I had my headshot done at a one-hour photo lab since my roomate took it around 10:00 last night.

Good News: Application is done and turned in! and I got to go to the Eyring devotional today (5th row!)

Bad News: I have to take a German test, catch up on homework, do laundry, catch up on sleep, makeup for two classes I missed AND now that I'm actually auditioning, I have to find and memorize monologues and perfect my two songs.

No Sleep for me!

2007-12-04T20:24:00.001-08:00

Oh man....life never seems to slow down.

I've recently come to the conclusion that I still don't understand the way life goes. A lot of things have come up. A boy from highschool died, a little boy has a brain tumor, my roomate is trying to decide between a mission or marrying her boyfriend, I still have no clue what to do with my life and nothing seems to be slowing down. While a lot of these things tend to stress me out and make me sad, I feel happier than ever. All of them have shown me that I'm living! I'm experiencing, feeling and learning. That's all life is about.

I am loving life, but the idea that I'm growing up scares me. I don't like work, paying bills or thinking about what I'm going to do in years to come. I was happy bopping along without any worries. I guess I have to take the bad in with the good though. College has been great and I cannot imagine anyone not going because it is so important. I'm growing so much as a person. I just feel like I finally know what my priorities are. I did a service project the other day and it reminded me that I love serving other people, being away from my family helps me to remember how much I appreciate them and all of my classes are teaching me to think analytically and critically. I've matured a lot, but because I'm away, none of you get to see it. Then when I come home, I go back to being the obnoxious little sister because someone's got to fill the role. I am a smart and independent woman now. I love life and I look forward to what's in store for me.

Fall is my favorite time of year

2007-10-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I conformed and actually got one. At the same time, I am excited about having a way for people to know what's going on in my life with less phone calls. (We all know I hate talking on the phone.)

My life is currently wonderful! I've actually decided on a major....Music-Dance-Theater. Now the problem is getting in. The program only accepts 16 students a year. I'm auditioning in January and the date seems to be coming too fast!! This semester I'm back in voice lessons and I LOVE IT!!! It's quite different from my old ones that were classical. I like contemporary singing because it's something I naturally excel at. I belted an E last Friday! I had no clue I could do that! This is just what I'm supposed to do. Now I have to find monologues. Any suggestions for plays would be much appreciated.

This semester has just been great. I feel like an official Cougar now, although I still have never been to a football game. Honestly, I don't care for football and after seeing the snow at the last game, I don't think I'm missing much. This semester I'm finally taking classes I like. My favorite is tap, of course. I don't stand still anymore. I'll be standing in line at the store or talking with a friend and my feet are constantly going. I love it and I'm actually decent at it. I really like them all, though. I sometimes feel swamped, but it's not too bad.

I'm also really excited for the Red Sox. I wish I was in Boston right now. I miss it a lot this time of year. I love fall there. I just watched Hocus Pocus with friends and it reminded me of how I once lived there, I used to see all the fall colors, I played in the leaves and I was surrounded by sox fans! One day I'll go back.

But for now I'm learning, making friends, dating and laughing a whole lot. What more could I ask for?

Ho Hum

2007-08-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here have been some of the highlights of summer