"It's sad...but true!" - Ursula, Little Mermaid

Hey guys.
I'll just come right out and say it.

I've got a new blog in honor of married blogdom. I'm kind of excited about it, actually, so just go easy on me when you see it. It's a little cheesy, a little cute, and a lot of awesome :)

smmorris.blogspot.com

Ok? see you there :)

"There's a burning in your heart..." - Death Cab for Cutie

I'M MARRIED! 

What the heck, right? First let me say I HAVE NOT ABANDONED YOU in this time of awesomeness in my life. In fact, I have no internet at my current residence. Yes, Seth and I are going a bit crazy because of it.

But back to wedding happenings! It was perfect. I had a fantastic bachelorette party the night before filled with sushi, mani/pedis, and drinks/dessert at Spark (thanks Blake!). Then I slept over at Sara's where we talked about whatever until I was too tired to be nervous anymore. I woke up early, showered, got my hair/makeup done, and then had enough time to sleep for 30 min in my car before walking into the temple. Seth got there after me, and holy cow did he look hot in his new suit. Mmm mmmmm...you'll see in pics later. We got our papers all signed and official, and then we went to change. The sealing was perfect - Dad did a great job. Seth was sure to write down everything he wanted us to know afterward. Yes, I cried before and after the sealing. I think the overwhelming emotion was that of awe. It felt more like a dream really, like it wasn't happening. But it was. And when I realized it was happening I just smiled. And cried some more. And so did Seth. :) I loved getting ready because I felt so pretty. My favorite part of my whole outfit was my hair. I'm so glad I went with real flowers in my hair. And thank goodness for my mom! She saved the day at least 10 times by having stuff I didn't, and knowing how to put the flowers in my hair, and running back and forth getting stuff for me. She was perfect. I LOVE YOU, Mom. :) Pictures were great, and here are just a few that Lora has yet to fix. These are the originals, so they'll probably be that much better after Lora has her way with them. By the way, if you are in need of a photographer, she comes highly recommended from us! I would have wanted her even if she wasn't my sister-in-law. 

We got sealed at the Draper temple. Also, isn't my dress fantastic?! Mostly custom for super cheap! Also, my flowers were perfect. Seriously, perfect. I could not have asked for them to be better. The reception place was also perfect. I don't think I can express just how perfect everything was, so just know that I was the happiest bride ever. :) One of the best experiences at the reception was when 2 of my EFY girls came and told me how much they loved me as their counselor :) That was one of the hardest summers of my life, and they made me feel so good. One of them told me, "You were my favorite counselor, and I just wanted you to know how much you made an impact on me that summer." My heart was already a pool of happiness, but it just got deeper when I heard that. Other highlights included a few friends who flew/drove in, Seth spitting out his cake at me after I shoved it in his face, and getting to read all the well wishes from our guests. Ok, but let's be honest. We all know you're here for the pics: 

If I had to pick a song for a potential soundtrack to a video or photo collection of our perfect day, it would definitely be this one: 

You Are A Tourist - Death Cab For Cutie

"It's a new generation" - Jennifer Lopez

I get A's when I want to. Take last semester for example. This semester I chose to get B's. However on Monday I was informed I got a D- when I was sure to be careful to calculate a B. What the heck, right? I was so confused. I think I emailed my teacher 10 times that day trying to figure out where my D- came from, and she said it was from 2 unexcused absences. 10 percentage points per absence off my final grade. Um...definition of punitive. My teacher then told me in order to pass I had to write a 20 pg paper by May 31. HA! The program director was really mean and not helpful in the slightest, so on Thursday I camped out in front of the dean's office armed with my prof's syllabus only to talk to her an hour and a half later. I proceeded to show her how my prof's math and grading were bunk, and she agreed with me. An hour later my grade was an 86%.

Boo ya.

Thanks for the lesson in "advocating for the client."

PS. Happy rapture day

"Who knows what tomorrow will bring" - R2DJ

I'd just like to dedicate this post to my awesome future-husband-to-be, Seth Morris. He is so wonderfully thoughtful, unselfish, incredibly kind and patient.

Yesterday was a disaster. It all started on Friday when I only got a few hours of sleep, but woke up at 6 PM to meet Seth in Draper to see a dollar movie together. Driving for an hour to see each other really sucks, PS. It should be noted that he ended up driving 40 min while I only had to drive 20. We saw The Adjustment Bureau, which was surprisingly good. I didn't expect it to be more of a chick flick than an action movie, but it worked. After only about 4 hrs, he had to drive home while I went to my grave shift. I came home and was expecting to shower, drive to Provo, and help Annalee, Seth's sister, with pictures; next, clean our cars, make our new apartment more presentable, go look at a few mattresses on sale, and just have a really nice day overall. Unfortunately, I was called in to my second job (midwife's assistant) and had to stay in Salt Lake. The couple stayed a little longer than they were suppose to, making me stay a lot longer than expected. I got home at 3:30 PM, called Seth, and begged him to not make me drive to Provo. He let out a soft laugh, and said it's no big deal. I told him he should come up here instead, and that we could just relax at my house that night, wake up and go to church the next day. So about 20 min after, I think I should take a shower but decide I'm way too exhausted. I've been awake for almost 24 hrs at this point without eating since who knows when (which is a way too common occurrence these days), and then I get a call from my midwife place again saying there will probably be another birth later that night. I called Seth back and told him he didn't have to come, but he said he would anyway because he wanted to see me even if it was for just a little bit. He shows up after I've been asleep for an hour, and he does homework/laundry/eats dinner while I'm sound asleep for the next few hrs. At 3 AM, I finally get the call, and I wake up to find that Seth did some grocery shopping for me including a few of my favorite snacks. :) How sweet, right? He is the best. He puts up with my crazy schedule so well and I just love him for it. Our 2 nights of plans were ruined, but he managed to make it right. He does stuff like this all of the time, and I don't think I tell him enough how much it means to me. If it weren't for him, I think I would be bald by now. I couldn't ask more from anyone.

One of our favorite things to do together is go to the temple. We have gone once a week since I've been endowed. I love talking with him about the Gospel, and we'll just sit in the Celestial room for an hr after a session. I really hope we make it a priority forever. I think we've already reaped many blessings from our service. Seth finally declared a major (yay for Portuguese!) and he has a solid plan to apply for the marketing program next spring after talking with a few advisement people. He sold the Volvo as well, finally, and now we have some extra cash for schooling. He also got a couple job interviews - all of this in the same week! I'm just so grateful for his perseverance and patience. I feel like I have so much to learn from him. :) Also, I love this talk about marriage. What good advice. We read it together for scripture study this week, and committed to how we can implement some of what Elder Scott teaches. Seth and I have got so much closer since we've been engaged, and it has made all the difference. 32 more days...

"At last my love has come along..." -Etta James

I know, the lyric choice for this post is so cliche right? But it's SO TRUE! Being engaged is THE BEST so far, and I can only imagine how cool being married must be. Here are a few engagement photos that my lovely sis-in-law, Lora Knight (she is still developing her website, but have a look) took of us at Sundance and around Utah lake.

I think we're kinda cute :)

Any opinions on which one should be our invite picture?

"My old Kentucky home far away..." - Stephen Foster

***May 19, 2011 edit: I was close. Soldat was 3rd for most of the race at least. And was I right or was I right about the odds and the placement? The whole thing is rigged.










I really wish I was going to a Derby party in Louisville, KY today. If I was a betting woman, I'd put money on 2 horses:

 Soldat: 15-1 odds

and

 

  Archarcharch: 10-1 odds

 Here's my thing with picking a Derby winner. You'd think that the favorite horse to take it all would win. They obviously have the best track record, they've competed against most of the horses in the race at previous races before, they're usually one of the best bred in the whole world for crying out loud, but...somehow the Derby winner is NEVER the favorite. What the heck, right? It just doesn't add up. Seeing as I'm a skeptic, I happen to believe that most major sports are in bed with the mafia and other polluted political rings. If you think about it, more money is paid out on the dollar with a horse who wins with greater odds. And there you have it: never pick the favorite. EVER. Usually a horse right in the middle (odds and gate placement alike) will win. Soldat and Arch have pretty close-to-the-top average range odds, with 15 and 10-1. They've both proven to ride well in dirt, mud (which is just as important), and other terrain. And, with the 2011 favorite (Uncle Mo) not in the race anymore, everyone is saying that it's anyone's race...

If you've ever seen the movies Secretariat and Seabiscuit, you know how important a good story can be towards a horse's momentum going into a race. Arch has the story, and for that reason, if you really twisted my arm...I'd pick him.

So Happy Derby! May the best horse win.

(yeah right.)

"I got da diamonds and da ice all hand set" - Paul Wall

Fantastic artwork - thanks to you, miss elsputh, for bringing it to my attention. :) I really would pay to have this in my house.

Go here for more Matthew Clark paintings.

http://matthewclarkfineart.com/index.php?option=com_igallery&view=igcategory&id=1&Itemid=2

In other news, I am leaving for Ireland in 3 weeks! I'm not sure what we'll be doing there besides riding around in a car looking at beautiful green countryside, but in those boring hours I'm definitely going to imagine a huge whale tied to a balloon floating in the sky. If anyone has any good recommendations of things to do/see in Ireland, hit. me. up.

Also in other news! Paulsie is engaged!

 Click on the picture for a better view

The story really is perfect. He took her to a super nice fancy restaurant, surprised her with a carriage ride, stopped to "just take a few pictures" in front of a beautiful cathedral downtown SLC, and then surprised everyone (even the random 2 guys across the street who apparently yelled, "Say yes! Say yes!" followed by obscenities AND the carriage driver who had the camera) with a *ring and a speech. I trained my brothers right, that's for sure. Yay for another wonderful addition to the Knight family!

Future Mr and Mrs Paul Knight

Speaking of engagement stories, mine was pretty great. So great that it deserves it's own post.

*Today's lyrics come from Grillz by Nelly, still one of my all time favorite rap songs, who features Paul's namesake. 

"Do you love me like I love you?" - Jewel

First of all, it's snowing like mad outside and it's April 30. Not that you haven't read about a million and a half posts on [fill-in-social-network-site-here] about how crazy the weather is right now in Utah, but I just want you, my reader, to know that I sympathize. I am usually that person who rejoices at snow, but that was when I could go to the slopes on any given notice. Winter is revengeful when you can't come out and play.

Second, Royal Wedding biz? Thought it was bogus until I was watching Kate Middleton in that fantastic dress, and I caught myself daydreaming I was her and marrying royalty. The whole idea of becoming a princess overwhelmed me, and I was suddenly glued to the TV. What girl didn't want to be Kate Middleton yesterday? And then I realized I am marrying royalty. The blessings of the temple are just that awesome.

I mean, the queen anne neck with a plunging V? And Prince Willy's Grandpa's tiara? And earrings symbolizing her new family crest? Can this ensemble be more appropriate? I dare say nay! 

And, although the Duchess of Cambridge may have beat me on all levels as far as wedding extravagance, I am still mighty proud of my custom wedding dress which I can't wait to wear. Yes, I plan on wearing it all day long. And yes, I plan on busting it out on occasion after the big day. Doing laundry, cooking dinner, and watching TV in your wedding dress are sure to spice things up. Don't be surprised if you see me out to dinner next year and I'm wearing my wedding dress and Seth is in his suit. Ok let's be honest, he'll probably be in a t-shirt.

And third, I'm just about done with wedding plans! *Cue the Hallelujah Chorus. I just gotta pick out a cake, nail down the budget for flowers, and show up for my last 2 dress alterations. What can I say, it's a girl's life.

"I want my baby back, baby back, baby back..." - Austin Powers

So at work I found this future baby photo software online...

Turns out one of my fears in life is creating ugly children. She's not so bad looking, right?!

Come on, I had to know.

Dang, does this make me a freak?



"If at first you don't succeed, you're not Chuck Norris." - Anonymous

This post is dedicated to my anonymous follower, lucky number 21, whoever you are.

"Am not I a fly like thee?" - Esperanza Spalding

Well shoot, I forgot how much I love blogging.

I have just about had it with grave shifts, mostly because I'm not awake for my social life...

But it's been a good experience.

My internship has kept my spirits up, and they've recently endowed me with my own Job Skills class and my very own client! I was very nervous my first session, but he's a cool guy. He's 45, been homeless for the last 6 months or so, has a family that he sees occassionally (who are not homeless), has been abusing heroin mostly for the last 30 years...I'll let you know how it goes. He seems willing to get his life back, so I'm excited for his enthusiasm.

I wish I had a cool picture, but I don't. Like I said, I haven't been awake for a social life in about 6 months. BUT! I am getting my hair cut tomorrow, so I'll have to take a picture and post that one. :)

Also, new favorite artist: Esperanza Spalding. She sings this fantastic song called Little Fly. Seriously, it's music art. Art music. Musart. Sounds like Mozart...

Coincidence?