I haven’t blogged for almost an entire year. And the fact of the matter is I haven’t wanted to because this year has been so transitional and I want to be vague about my life. Blame my iron wall.
I have gone through a lot of changes over the past year, as well as I have had a fair share of waiting for things.
I feel a little behind on where I would like to be in life. But, I also feel that there isn’t much more I can do.
Last night was super emotional for me, and it had nothing to do with the election. So, today for my lunch break I’ll be going to the temple.
I find comfort there. But, I also find my most sorrow there. It’s inexplicable. Recently, I realized that I feel the most joyful sorrow there. Could that be true joy? Is that fulfilling enough?
The core of my being is happiness. I’ve always been incredibly happy, outgoing, and positive. And I am so grateful for these past three years of my life, though they have only gotten harder. I’ve found that taking time for others things that make you happy is worth it: hiking, running, yoga, visiting friends, traveling, reading, etc.
Reflecting over the past year is a somewhat painful, yet an empowering cogitation. This change to a new year will do nothing for me unless I allow my own thoughts, skills, understandings, and experiences to push me to new heights. How lucky am I to have this time in my life that I can focus on self-improvement and development?! I am glad this past year happened but I am also glad that a new one is beginning. And I will tell you one thing: I have no idea where the heck 2012 will lead me. No idea.
Some 2011 highlights:
I learned how to sail. It was glorious and I will take anyone sailing with me if you want to go!
I totally learned how to wakeboard. Check out those skillz. I loved it so darn much. I love Lake Powell. Let’s go again soon!!
I went to California twice! Once for a beautiful wedding in Santa Barbara with beautiful people.
Twice for some San Francisco and Palo Alto job interviews. Love life.
I reported for KBYU and BYUtv all year long with an awesome internship with KSL’s Studio 5 in between. I worked on insane deadlines and surprised myself with what I was able to get accomplished. I proved a lot to myself. I ended it all by producing and over-seeing an entire show of BYU Weekly. You can check out our best-of episode here. Here I am bossing my boss around for the show:
Another cool thing was that I started and finished the entire Communications program in the year. They put me on the Dean’s List and they gave me lots of A’s. That was nice of them! And then I got to graduate!
So, this year was incredibly amazing. But, don’t be fooled, it was really rough. I am ready and excited to move forward. There is no reason for me to look back on this year, unless it is on fond memories. The past is to be learned from. I have learned so much this past year and I am grateful for it. But here is to looking forward! Realizing that God has the power and the ability to bless me BETTER! love that. I am completely different person from this past year and all of my collective experiences.
2012 is going to be great.
Here are some of my resolutions for the new year:
Job.
Hi-res: Get a really great paying job in an interesting city, where there are good grocery stores and good yoga studios.
low-res: Get a job at Anthropologie, but in a cool city.
Books.
Hi-res: Resolve to read one book a month.
Low-res: Resolve to finish “The Count of Monte Cristo”.
Yoga.
Hi-res: Resolve to go religiously, master the head/handstands, and get super bendy.
Low-res: Resolve to go more. (I already go lots though:))
Tennis.
Hi-res: Resolve to get an instructor and actually develop some talent that I can go out and confidently play.
Low-res: Resolve to play with some friends and, who cares, just have fun with it.
Obviously, I’ll be going for the hi-resolutions.
I also want to finish reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish, I want to continue to open my heart to others, I want to work on my friendship with some very important people in my life. I want to go to all the weddings that I have to go to in 2012 (lots). I want to surprise myself again this next year; but improving my intellect, my social skills, and my understanding of the gospel. Overall, I want more personal charm and a positive disposition towards this life.
Wow, I can’t believe I blogged about so much! My inspiration was this fine lady.
You take a pic. Make it cool with different filters. And then you share it with cool people!
My daddio “working hard”. You just gotta capture those special moments in life like these. My Grandmas on Christmas day! Fashionistas (like my g’mas) are utilizing Instagram. Which is great, because it is entirely based around images and visuals. There is an article about it on mashable.com.
Grandpa Urban giving his Christmas speech about Jesus, Family, and Football. These speeches are classics!! Me holding/loving/cherishing my baby niece Lucy for the first time. I wore her favorite color. Catholic mass with my Catholic friends at the beautiful Denver cathedral.
LOVE THIS BOY. My nephew is such a little bundle of comedy, kisses, and happiness.
So, then what?? What do you do with these cool pics? Well, you can turn your treasured instagrams into magnets here.
Anyway, just thought I’d share.
Now I am onto writing a post on the ever dreaded New Years party, yet promising New Year.
We planked the other day. But we incorporated some new planking trends. To get things started Michael is planking on a 4-inch ledge my friend. That’s hard to do and makes me want to sing that one song . . . “I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend” . . .
Anyway, introducing . . . The Plank-Fail:
And my favorite . . . The Invisi-Plank!!This is where you don’t even see the person planking! He/she is that good at planking. Megan is the coolest girl alive for achieving that plank-age! This was the aftermath. So cute.
I decided to decorate my home. That way it’s more of a home. And I only did two very small things, but those small things have made me so happy.
First off, let me introduce Ms. Dallas Brooks. A) She is my beautiful friend that I used to work with and B) She is an incredibly talented artist. I love how she see things and how it is interpreted through her work. Please click on her name to be enchanted by her mind.
SO, I bought some Dallas Brooks originals! I can’t wait for when I have an idea of how I want to decorate my home and have her commission something beautiful!! But check it:
I bought “Red Soles” and put it up by my perfumes and jewelry. It seemed fitting and very girly. And, THEN I bought this precious Cindy Lou Who!!!!!!! It’s suppose to be a Christmas card, but REALLY it should be kept in a frame and admired during the Holidays. Isn’t she the cuteness??? Also, I may have boughten that frame and spray painted it gold. DOMESTIC and CREATIVE!!! And I bought those pretty silk gold poinsettias to go with that pretty gold frame. Special. And then my roommates did this. Way to show me up.
I have had a lot of great experiences recently, including some great dates. I am not one to publish my personal life but I think it could be entertaining to talk about some of the guys I have gone on dates with.
The Science Guy
This is the guy that I would be wise to like. He is going to be a doctor or a professor, he may even cure cancer! Not all science guys are like this, but he is most likely socially inept. Just a little clumsy and a bit all over the place. He can be endearing but for me it just doesn’t click, ya’ know??
The Metro
This guy is me, but in male form. Actually, he may even know more about the latest fashions and gossip than even I do. He is the guy that when he steps into my car, I get embarrassed that it isn’t cleaned to perfection. He is ambitious – which I love. But I just can’t seem to date myself.
The Sports Guy
This is the guy that I am currently having a lot of text with. He is cute and funny and he likes to talk about sports. Which is fine, I just can’t contribute a lot to the convo. He is the guy that I am not worried about finding or reading my blog because, if he reads blogs, they probably talk about foot-game. We’ll see what happens about this one…
The Obvious Guy This is the guy that I obviously should like. These are the guys that I come home and ask myself: Why wouldn’t I love him?? He is smart, attractive, athletic, and he pulls off the denim on denim look. He is confident enough to put his arm around me and makes me feel comfortable while doing so. Not to mention, maybe he is one or two years younger than me; that’s kinda fun. These are the guys that have me asking is there something wrong with me, because why can’t I like him? Why isn’t it clicking?
So, I’ve met some great people and it has gone on to a good number of dates. And I swear I’m not looking for this guy. I PROMISE!!!!
I’m keeping my mind and heart open. But maybe I need to put some of my efforts in finding a guy like this:
I love this season, love it; but it isn’t my favorite. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Christmas cheer, the decorations, the family gatherings, office events and Holiday parties. But there seems to be a lot of pressure during the Holidays, not to mention a lot of stress. I am not an expert, but these are things that have helped me at times.
I wish my high pony looked like that during the holidays.
Here are some survive-the-holiday tips:
1. Keep Busy. But not too busy!! It’s a crazy time of the year. When I say to keep busy I mean: read a novel, get creative and make cards to send to friends out of old magazines, or strum on the guitar.
- “[giggle] we are so elite wrapping these presents in our tailored dresses!!”
2. Exercise. For reals, get to the gym, a yoga studio, a rec center, or a swimming pool. Exercise helps ward off any signs of depression or down-on-luck feelings. It also helps me ward off the extra lb’s. Even Sunday strolls do wonders.
3. Avoid any stressful places – shopping malls, toy stores, or any place filled with screaming kids. If you find yourself in one of these places during the Holidays and it starts stressing you out. Leave.
Where are these chillin's 'rents?
4. Pamper yourself. Not in a selfish way, but along the same lines of exercising. Allow yourself more time while you get ready in the morning or for the night’s party. I like listening to nice music while getting ready, or I like listening to a talk from a Church leader. I always feel good after I take a little extra time getting ready.
5. Remember to be grateful. Make a gratitude list. If you are feeling down, this might be harder than it sounds. For some reason the first thing I think of when it is hard to be thankful, are the trees. I’m super grateful for the trees. But try to write down ten things! Look around! It doesn’t have to be materialistic. It can be that you learned how to be a better listener this year, or that you had some great flirty eye-contact with an attractive man at the grocery store, or that you have great opportunities ahead of you – cause you do!!
Hope that helps!! And have the Happiest of Holidays – or at least a worry-free Holiday.
Hi! Let’s take a poll real quick!! I have lots of major decisions to pray about and eventually make. Let me know what you think! And I know, I could easily be JB’s back up dancer, but I don’t know if that is the kind of lifestyle I really want. So just keep that in mind. Peace and blessings!
The other day whilst running on the never-ending treadmill I look over to see what another slave-to-the-mill was watching, he was running to “This Is It”!! YES!! Love it!! Hurry up!! Change the channel so I can watch in on my own little screen!
Commence the daydreaming…
If I were to devote the next five years to developing an awesome, sweet skill; if I were to go back in time and be a prodigy kid, then I would either become a guitarist…
Check this girl out!!!
Orianthi Panagaris shreds the guitar and rocked leather pants and sparkly blazers all at the same time. She must be epic. Also, love the hair.
Shred that.
Or . . . and this is easy . . . I’d be a backup dancer! Like this girl (she’s from Colorado too!). Her name is Tyne Stecklein. No big deal, she was MJ’s backup dancer – AH-MAZING! One of the things on my bucket-list when I go to heaven is to visit MJ and get some dance lessons!! I know, right?! It’s gonna happen. And can you just imagine the moonwalks? They will be pretty phenomenal.
So that is how my run went down. Nothing but a good daydream to get you through 50 minutes of cardio.
Upcoming blog posts topics: dating as of late AND how to survive a breakup in order to become better than EVER!!
This is where you don’t even see the person planking! He/she is that good at planking. 
