"I'm going back home to the west coast" - Coconut Records

Skiing at Solitude with Seth :)

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"'Cause this is Halloween" - Song I learned in Kindergarten

*This was suppose to be my Halloween post. Oops. Better late than never they say. We'll see.

By the way, what happened to songs about Halloween? Why are they only sung in Kindergarten?

I'm tutoring a 4th grader obsessed with Transformers. He has some problems staying focused, organizing, etc., so we're creating a Transformers comic book together to teach him organization, directions, finishing a project, etc. He's really smart and a self-proclaimed nerd. So, naturally, I asked him what I should be for Halloween.

He said Alice in Wonderland wasn't good enough. I should be dead Alice in Wonderland who died by falling asleep and catching on fire and burning to death. So I should wear a dress with holes in it and stuff.

This kid is a genius.

"God’s kingdom has functioned in several political settings" - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Very interesting:


"...the word civilization is only used twice in the Book of Mormon (Alma 51:22 and Moro. 9:11), once when its loss is graphically described. It is impressive to note that the loss of civilization was tied to the growing immorality, not to a decline in Nephite art; and the growing anarchy was the outcropping of a decline in their capacity to love, not a decay in their architecture. The author who chronicled this decaying society commented on perversion and violence, not just the failure of the political systems to perform. The inner deficiencies of men impact on the quality of our institutions." -Elder Neal A Maxwell

Sara Morris gave me the link to this fabulous talk by Elder Maxwell from back in 1972 about his thoughts on democracy. It's definitely worth a read, and will call you to repentence if you find yourself politically apathetic. He does it with a finger pointing at himself though, so don't write it off before you read it.

"I thought I could be anything" - Tallest Man On Earth

I have watched almost every episode of Grey's Anatomy. And I have never been so depressed about anything on this show than right now since Christina quit being a surgeon. I'm beside myself. That coupled with her and Meredith's friendship disintegrating, and the possibility that Meredith has early onset Alzheimer's...I'm on overload.

Whew. I feel better getting that out there.


King of Spain - Tallest Man On Earth

"All my friends know the Low Rider" - War

My 6 degrees of knowing Danny Jorgensen:


I know the camera man who shot the film Andromeda Strain, who knows the original story writer Michael Crighton, who is cocktail friends with Tom Hanks, who co-starred with Kevin Bacon in Apollo 13, who was having dinner when Chuck Norris stormed the restaurant and murdered Nazis at the adjacent table and later asked for Kevin's autograph, who obviously knows Danny from previous ninja training.

Everyone should know him.

Low Rider - War

"Doctor said I'd be alright" - Tom Waits

Had Me A Girl - Tom Waits

Man, what is it with newlyweds and their crafts. I have several friends that have turned into craft masters as soon as they got married. (Please see Exhibits A, B, and C.) These are women who didn't do crafts before. Or if they did, it was like one of those terrible relief society "enrichment nights" or "occassions" or whatever they're called now where they felt obligated. I am probably one of those women. (Weird - just called myself a woman?) There must be something about the marriage institution that turns a woman on to crafts.
I'm hoping my marriage turns me on to my husband.

Also, in my LSAC classes (for the billionth time, Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor), my classmates are starting to be divided by those who did hardcore drugs and those who didn't. I am grouped in the latter. I feel discrimated against because I've done no drugs and I'm Mormon, so what do I know? So lame.

I wear my BYU sweats as often as possible to class just to watch people squirm with discomfort.

"A few honest words" - Ben Sollee

I walked through a town I had never seen before. Thank goodness you were there to guide me. We passed a sofa store and sat on all the couches that looked desireable. We made fun of the ones that didn't. We settled for an over-sized chair that fit us both perfectly. I loved that we chatted about everything for 2 hours.

I learned about your sense of humor, your decor fashion sense, your lack of reading non-textbooks, your passion for the outdoors, how you intentionally walk slow so you can talk to me yet you speed up to hold the door open. I learned you taste like my favorite kind of man.

"[loud ship horn]" - Shutter Island soundtrack

Topics of the night: tattoos.

Whether you think it's cool or not, those are some freaking good drawings of fake bullet holes.

And Shutter Island. OMG.

"I'm feelin' so fly like a G6" - Far East Movement

You'd think I have all the time in the world to blog since I'm getting paid to stay awake for 8 hrs. However, as true as this is, I have zero access to music links and picture uploads, which are my 2 constants in all of my posts. But, it's been over a month since I last blogged, and I can't take it anymore...so...I'll just recommend you songs and paste links. You'll have to do all the searching yourselves until I can figure out a way. *sigh

Tonight I made my coworker Steven watch 500 Days of Summer (I recently bought the movie to add to my collection) and I think he really liked it. We had a good time. It's all about movies these days. We watch at least 1 per night to help us stay awake and alert. (Grave shifts. Psh. Crazy, huh?) We figure we're averaging at least $15/person per movie. By the way, I spend 32 hours with Steven and only Steven every week. That's a freaking long time to be with someone alone. Tonight I told him we are going to be besties, so for the first time ever (I think) we actually talked about real stuff. I told him he had to tell me his life story. I guess he had a similar Summer Flynn story, bless his heart.

Man, how I get the jobs I get is beyond me. I've been paid to watch movies, read books, sleep, eat, ski, snowboard, play in parks, paint my nails, have BBQ's, go to dance parties, participate in volleyball tournaments, the list goes on and on with the cool things I have been paid to do. Can anyone top me? I would be surprised, honestly. I don't think I know how to have a hardworking job.

The other thing I did tonight to stay awake was look at brown boots.
I have been holding out for the perfect pair for 2 years now, and I think I'm ready to make a purchase. Here are the options:
1. http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/productdetails.aspx?catalog_name=web&pg=5108579&p=EC1183916&CMP=OTC-GoogleBase&partnerid=GoogleBase&cpc=GoogleBase&campaign=Rialto&category=W&cpckw=Rialto+Women's+Ringtrue+Boots+(Brown)&CAWELAID=413921161

2. http://www.gothamcityonline.com/Product/index.cfm?Stock=1256156&class=1437&direct

3. http://www.gothamcityonline.com/Product/index.cfm?Stock=1153790&class=1437&direct

4. http://www.gothamcityonline.com/Product/index.cfm?Stock=1152504&class=1437&direct

5. http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/productdetails.aspx?catalog_name=web&pg=5075365&p=EC1114004&CMP=OTC-GoogleBase&partnerid=GoogleBase&cpc=GoogleBase&campaign=Report&category=W&cpckw=Report+Women's+Brindle+Boots+(Brown)&CAWELAID=227958100

I need opinions, people! Right now I'm leaning towards #5.

Your song for the day:
Far East Movement - Like a G6

I am totally down with the white girl voice.
Ex. this song, anything Kesha.
*shrug/clueless face

Ps. A G6 is a super high class private jet. Surprised you didn't know that.

"Share in all the wealth" - Beach House

Sara was so cool to invite us along for a lovely boat ride on Saturday! Learned how to wake surf, wakeboarded only once back to the pier in spite of time (no risks were taken, sadly), and basically partied all day. I'm thinking I need a boat one day, but until then, I'm a willing participator in other's hospitality.

KJ took some awesome pictures, featured below.

"I'm living a teenage dream" - Katy Perry

So Seth and I went to Minnesota.
One thing I really love about Seth is that he lets me play with his camera, and I pretend I'm a photographer. In this game, he is usually my main subject. Good thing he is so attractive and photogenic. :)
Here are some of my favorite shots:

"We know he loves you the best" - Deerhunter

Shoot, it's been a while!

A few updates:

• Started school at the U, which is a totally different experience than BYU. There are pros and cons to both, but that jury is still out. The official list will come soon. 
• I still have no job. Ha! I am closer than ever before, and it's likely I will have one by next week. 
• I moved out of the blind lady's spider-infested house and moved into a friend's mom's house which is like a 1 min drive from the U. Simply put: I got the hooooook uuuuppsss.
• Went to Minnesota with Seth and had a blast. Kayaking on Lake Superior was probably the coolest thing we did. 
• I finally went to Lake Powell, and wakeboarding is officially my new thing. It sucks liking spendy sports. I learned how to board slide the wake and to get up/flip it switch. I'm pretty proud of my few little tricks considering I've only gone 4 times. I'm reserving jumping for later.
• I'm signed up for Yoga again at a legit place, and I'm very excited for it. I am going every day for a month as part of my substance abuse homework. The idea behind the assignment is learning how to complete a "treatment plan" for yourself. 
• The master bathroom in my house is a jetted tub, and tonight I had an extra bubbly bubble bath while I continued to read my book, Eat Pray Love, with a mud mask on my face. I mean really, luxury was my tonight. 
• I have a lovely playlist to share with you, based on the last couple months of music discovery. I am totally digging the retro 60's beach-y synths right now.

Summer playlist:
1. Washed Out - Feel It All Around
2. The War On Drugs - Comin' Through
3. Florence and the Machine - Dog Days Are Over
4. Beach House - Norway 
5. Gamble House - Second to None
6. Deerhunter - Helicopter
7. Cocorosie - Lemonade
8. Mates of State - True Love Will Find You in the End

Summer memories:

"C'est si bon" - Eartha Kitt

I just want to say that today has got be one of the best interesting days of my life.

I spent a long, calculated hour yesterday how I was going to spend today. And it's been soooo worth it.

I've looked at several housing options in the SLC area for about half the morning. Then I ate lunch with (shoutout) Mark Taylor, who is fabulously well off thanks to his incredible job/interviewing skills, and who so lovingly bestowed some tips to moi as we ate lunch a delicious little French cafe. (He also introduced me to this lovely lady as well.)

I then used those great tips in my most desired job interview, and I wasn't even nervous. I was just really happy. And I may have begged the interviewer for the job at the end, but that doesn't matter.

I then went to look at some more housing, and then discovered the SLC library. *shocked face!

I'm already in love. <3
I'm sitting at a computer station with a sweet black man to my left who says in a deep, southern accent, "mmGod bless you" every time I sneeze, which has been a lot since sitting here as I'm sure I'm allergic to the intense cologne of the old man to my right who keeps exhaling/hacking every few minutes. Literally. I can almost time him, he's so accurate. The cowboy hat and cane really do top it off.

To top off the evening, a lovely dinner/movie double date will ensue, after some more housing searches, of course.

But basically I've decided that even if this fantastic job falls through, today would have been a great day anyway.

"I won't forget anything you said" - Little Big Adventure

Tonight, I had to teach an art class to a room of high school students who have been put under the supervision of The State because they chose not to be Drug Free.
Remember this growing up?

 

Either this campaign died after 1994, or clearly these kids didn't get the message. At any rate, going into teaching these groups, I usually have pretty high expectations of everyone hanging on every word I say and understanding me completely.
Every time I am disappointed.
Let's just say that Paper Mache turned into a flour/water eating contest for the first time in art history.

I think I'm the kind of person who expects a little bit too much out of people. Clearly.

"Shes got a crocodile smile and switchblade style" - The Constellations

I hear this song playing in the background. No reason.

"This is a promise with a catch" - Mates of State (Daniel Johnston)

I can't get enough of this cd.

As you may have heard, the california trip did not turn out exactly how I had planned. For example, I lost my $30 Mates of State concert tickets because our car broke down. *sigh

BUT!!!! it's ok because of this website and it's full album streaming capabilities:

http://www.matesofstate.com/splash/


Enjoy :)

Here are some pics from the trip:

The Knight family posterity 

 Shabu-Shabu at it's finest!

Laguna Beach for a family picnic. Jayda's first time! Also, I like my new bathing suit a lot. Good buy. 

Jayda is going to be a model, most definitely. Look at that smile! 

"Stand By Your Man" - Tammy Wynette

Let me tell you about my inheritance.

It was about 2 years ago when I lived with a few sophomores who went wild one night and brought home *2 fish and left them on our kitchen table in your stock goldfish spherical bowl.

About 4 months later, they say, "We don't want these anymore." I being the kind hearted being that I am to all creatures (minus mosquitoes and spiders) I said of course, and promptly added them to my tall vase that holds my bamboo plant. About 2 years, several gallons of straight tap water, and a few unfed vacations later, I somehow still have *1 fish. I've never given an official name to my fish, but nicknames such as Fishy, Iron Will (to live), and Hey You have been most common.

So a couple weeks ago I'm visiting some friends who say, "Please take our 5 gal. aquarium tank." I figured, what the heck. I went to the pet store for the first time to actually consider what it would take to own a successful (and by that I mean no dead fish) aquarium. I couldn't believe all the different kinds of foods, filters, water softeners, etc. I have never had anything of the sort. I figured if I'm going to have a 5 gallon tank in my room I might as well find a friend for Fishy and hope it isn't wussy like all those other water treated fish. Lo and Behold, turns out Fishy is a male Guppy, something I didn't know until about 2 weeks ago when I found him his friend. And that's how I ended up with thissss:

What I've come to realize from my abandoned fish is that they have personalities. Really. 

The following **picture explains my conclusions: 

I'm just hoping for some Guppy puppies soon. :)

*The second fish soon disappeared after I put him with my bamboo plant. Trust me, all options have been explored as to where he went, and it's been concluded that either 1) my bamboo plant became carnivorous, or 2) it was abducted by aliens.
**This picture took me almost 2 hrs to compile. You should know that inscribing text on a photo is nearly impossible to do on a Mac. At least, my Mac.

"Unschooled, impetuous Simon became Peter, Apostle of faith" - President Monson

"To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility." - President Monson

This talk made me feel better today about my current life circumstances. President Monson usually does. Thank God for the prophet.

"Have a wonderful life" - The Fairy King

The fairy king has something to tell you.

 

"I am a weapon of massive consumption" - Lily Allen

I just saw the movie Julie and Julia.

Not gonna lie, my hopes that one day I will be a famous-blogger-with-a-good-idea are kind of high now.
I think I may have to be married to have a successful blog though. That seems to be a major requirement...that and good Enlish *cough* English. Yeah...that was short lived.

I've definitely been away for a while, and it's definitely because things are about to get crazy at work. I was recently offered a promotion - more details once it's final - and I'm still wondering how it's going to work out. It sounds intimidating, but I think I can handle it.

Also, I have been waiting for 6 weeks to hear back about getting into the U of U this fall, and I finally got my ACCEPTANCE letter! *crowd cheers* I know, I know...it's going to be eventful. Unexplored territory. I'll be back in school for one more year, and a couple internships later I'll be on my way to doing therapy fall of 2011. 

Ms. Martha Knight, LSAC. 

Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
So I'm getting (got) a new job, going back to school, moving in August...things are looking up. Seth and I are still together, almost 6 months now, and he's coming with me to Los Angeles to see my brother and sister-in-law and baby niece, Jayda, who I cannot wait to see! She's almost a year now, can you believe that? I am mostly excited about using this brand new towel I bought from Target that is 6 ft x 6 ft. Fantastic for sunbathing on the beach with your 6'4" boyfriend. :)

We went camping last weekend to Yuba Lake, the only 3 days in the last 2 months that have been freezing and raining. Despite our wet and chilly setback, we managed to have a fabulous time. Here are some of our photos. I think the one of Seth is just so model-esque (candid of course). Don't tell him I posted this, he would blush.

One thing about rain is that it brings rainbows :) I know, cheesy. We all have our moments, give me a break.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the exciting job news to come, where I'll end up moving, and oh...you know...stuff. For now, enjoy my favorite song by Lily Allen.

"Another season, another reason" - Dr. John

I  woke up this morning singing the Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack. 
My new favorite duet, although the lyrics are actually really sad:

Dr. John feat Rickie Lee Jones - Makin Whoopie

That boat house sure was cute.

"Can I have it?"

"Anything you want, you got it." - Roy Orbison

I'm sitting here waiting for Seth to come over, 10:31 PM on Sunday. All I can do is look up love poetry. And play with font colors on my blog. I don't know what it is, but chick flicks, love songs, and poetry are more often on my mind than not. I reconnected with this song a couple weeks ago, and this poem may have changed my life. I'll be referring to this next time I'm asked to give advice to a girl who's heart has been broken.

After a While

After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child

And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight

After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers

And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.

Veronica A. Shoffstall

"Swing on monkey bars" - Fujiya & Miyagi

*This post is dedicated to my Pops.

This is us at my graduation, which is also the most recent picture I have of The Man.

So when I graduated from BYU, my parents blessed me with a new (used) computer, a Sony laptop. However, when Paul came home from his mission, he too needed a computer. Being the genius I am, I convinced my parents they should give me their brand new 24" iMac (which they never used anyway and which holds way more music than that laptop--speaking of which, check out this song and it's freaking sweet video), and I could give Paul my laptop, so they could save some money. This little scheme took almost a full year to accomplish, but alas, here I am typing away on my iMac.

As I was perusing the few files that my parents actually saved on here, I came across a really cool one: my dad's scripture journal from one of his scripture studies. Months later I am finally getting around to reading it. I was so impressed with my dad's testimony! He was called about a year ago into the Louisville Temple Presidency, and here are some of his thoughts that he titled, "What I've Learned From My New Calling."

"What Have I Learned in My New Calling?
Things I have learned previously, intellectually.
Now the Spirit has taught me with a different perspective.

The thoughts of my calling are reflected in the personal love, trust and confidence I feel from our Savior as I attend and serve in the House of The Lord. There are many more brethren in this stake who could be in my place in this calling. What I have come to realize is that the Lord has given me a learning experience that I need to help me progress. I can honestly say I am learning more about my weaknesses and my need to be more obedient. I am learning how the Lord knows each one of us and knows how best each calling helps us grow stronger and closer to Him. I wish I could have appreciated it more when I was called to be the primary teacher, the elders quorum counselor or any other myriad of callings I have had in my past. Even though I have been told that before, and I knew it intellectually before, the Spirit has driven the point home into my heart.

It is also amazing how much it costs to run a Temple. I do not mean the monetary cost alone. But I marvel at the sacrifice made by the ordinance workers and office staff that often drive for hours to serve in the temple each day. I am amazed at the volunteers, with large growing families, who clean, garden and maintain the building on their spare time. This could be interpreted as a marvelous work and a wonder! Whether the work is done for those on this side of the veil or the other, the Lord does not differentiate between His children.


As a Temple Presidency as well as the temple ordinance workers, we are taught to ensure everyone has a spiritual experience every time they come to the Temple. We treat everyone as if they are doing their best when performing the ordinances. Everyone who enters the temple should feel the same way. We need to take these principles and apply them outside the Temple. Think what the world would be like if we treated everyone outside the walls of the temple as if everything they did was their best. We would not be as judgmental, nor as quick to condemn. If we could look upon others and respect and love others as we do outside of the temple as we do inside the temple, think of how great the world would be. "

There is more, but it may be too personal. I am so grateful for good, intelligent parents who didn't give in when I tried to get away with being stupid. My dad and mom are great examples of what it means to have faith, and I can't express in words how invaluable those examples have been for me to rely on in times of self doubt. I tell you, the longer I work with my kids in state's custody, the more I am scared to be a parent.

So thanks mom and dad, for not screwing up.
And I know you're reading this, you're not fooling anyone.

"Hello Halo" - Blair

You know what I really hate? Conversations that go like this:

"So do you know who's singing?"
"Um...Godsmack?"
"Ahh...no. It's Weezer."

Also, I really hope Boston goes all the way to the Finals.
Check out this song. I dig.

"I've been silent" - The Dodos

So I was introduced to a new radio station in Utah - KRCL 90.9 FM. How I haven't figured that one out by now is beyond me, but alas, my life is closer to complete. The cool thing is you can LISTEN TO THEM ONLINE! And, visit their blog to check out local info and about the bands. One fine piece of information I found is the lineup for the Twilight Concert Series! AH! I can't wait. For reals, this year is going to be amazing! I am going to all, so if you see me, come say hi.

Here's the (almost) complete list:

July 8th: Modest Mouse & Avi Buffalo
July 15th: Girl Talk
July 22nd: Beirut
July 29th: New Pornographers & The Dodos
August 5th: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
August 12th: TBD
August 19th: TBD
August 26th: She & Him


She & Him - Sweet Darlin'
Girl Talk - In Step
Beirut - Sunday Smile
New Pornographers - Your Hands (Together)
The Dodos - Fools
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights
Avi Buffalo - What's In It For
Modest Mouse - Bucowski

"Da da da DUUUUMMMM!" - Youtube chipmunk

What in the bloody hell is Earth Day and why do people care. I counted at least 10 different Facebook status updates that mentioned Earth Day, not to mention the handful of people I caught talking about it at work. I even heard a commercial about it on the radio. It's not like anyone cares about Cheesecake Day or Other Mother's Day, or Labor Day...why this obscure holiday? Pretentious? Or is it Portentous? No, wait...Panacea.

Lame.


Not lame:

"Who'd you rather be, the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?" - Metric

I went to my 3rd Holi Festival this March. This year, they expected 20,000 people and they sold all 50,000 bags of chalk. I know they sold out because I was right there empty handed when they announced it. Unbelievable! Due to excellent friends, however, I was able to throw some. I'm convinced I'm losing a year of my life each time I attend due to the massive cloud of chalk and the subsequent inhaling of roughly .5 lbs of dust that follows. However, I must say the pictures make every year off my life worth it. This life I'm going for quality, not quantity.

Here are some pictures of mine and a few I particularly liked found here.

"Life's just like 1, 2, 3..." - M. Ward

New favorite video of the week:


PIXELS by PATRICK JEAN.
Uploaded by onemoreprod. - Watch original web videos.

In other news:
Utah is determined to kill me via allergies. Thus, I have discovered the ne plus ultra of allergy aids: Benedryl.

Also, I went to Alta to ski today, April 15. Latest date I've ever skied! I love my life.

As you may have guessed, I am dating someone:

Romance <3

My fealty towards the show V increases with every episode. If you haven't seen it yet, you still have a chance to catch up! Episode 7 this week.

I'm sure all of us have quixotic moments in our lives. I live in abundance. In short, I'm going to be a proctor parent starting in September. Basically it's like a more temporary foster parent. I know, right? I'm so not mature enough for that. But, before you judge too harshly, I have contemplated the matter with gravitas and sincere pondering and I think it's the right thing to do. House warming gifts are most welcome :)

I highly recommend getting 2 free podcast subscriptions to The Current Song of the Day - Minnesota Public Radio and KEXP Song of the Day (out of Seattle). Totally amazing. They changed my life. One artist/song I've been able to reconnect with is M. Ward - Never Had Nobody Like You. Yes, that is Zooey Deschanel in the background. He even came to SLC last summer for the Twilight Concert Series. He's fun. Even more fun in the band She and Him when he (M. Ward) and her (Miss Zooey) combined on more solid terms. 

Last but not least on my small list of updates:

2 very enthusiastic thumbs up: Fantastic Mr. Fox (animation = incredible), Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (surprisingly hilarious), and Sherlock Holmes (very impressed with the sound engineering).