Recital Dress

The next day we went out to find my senior recital dress. I had the perfect one from Davids Bridal, but they totally failed me because the dress was only available in California. Then why do they have it on their website!?!? Grrrr. Anyways,I was heartbroken.  Then my wise mother suggests that we try Nordstrom Rack, and I slunk across the street to half heatedly to check it out. And of course what happens? I find the perfect dress and it was half the price of the original one...SCORE! Mom's always save the day.

BUT I am not going to post a picture of it...you will just have to come to my recital to see it : D

The picture I will post is of the totally awesome gift Linnea brought back for me from Australia, my very own boomerang!! It's legit. Now I need to wait for a nice spring/summer afternoon to go try it out on Foss field.

Welcome Home!!

I am well aware that I am a couple days behind, but I have pretty darn good reason: my twin sister came home after studying abroad for a month in Australia!! So the past couple days have been dedicated to spending time with my sister.

I got to go pick her up from the airport on Saturday night, and I almost tackled her to the floor of SEA/TAC I was so excited to see her!! I brought her home and we had a welcome home party for her with Pat and Terri.

My mom made her famous spaghetti and we ate and ate. What was amazing was that I actually got to eat. Reason being that usually when I come home I just talk and talk about school and all that jazz. But this time, Linnea was doing all of the talking, so I got to eat my yummy spaghetti in peace with no interruptions (^_^)

Pun'kin and Button

Meet Molly also known as 'Pun'kin.' she is one of my greatest friends. We met in music and culture back from freshman year. We don't see each other all the time, but the times we do spend together and fan-tabulous! She is amazing inside and out no matter what and always makes my day a million times better when I see her. We were trying to take pictures together and this is what we got:

This is our relationship in a nutshell. Just Button and Pun'kin, two crazy friends that can't live without each other. 

Letters

I hate technology. I hate how we rely upon it so much. I hate how all emotion is mixed up and often "misread" because of technology. Sometimes I will I could go back in time to when technology consisted of the radio and telephone.

I have always loved letters. The joy that comes with a hand written letter is incredible! Plus is is something you can keep for ever. Unlike text messages....blah. When I went off to college I wanted to keep in contact with all of my friends and family, via letters. There is nothing greater in life then opening your mail box and getting a a hand written letter from someone you haven't seen in ages.

Over the past four years, my collection of letters has grown enormously! And I still cherish them. I will admit that this past semester I have been terrible about writing back. But there are two people I would like to thank: Hanna and Emily. They are the only ones of all the people I have written letters to, that actually respond consistently. You're letters always make my day, and I love getting them!

These are all of my letters from 2011-present:

I have letters from as far away as Australia, China, Mexico, Colorado, Alaska, Oregon, and of course Washington. I have three letters to respond to, then I will be all caught up. (Sorry for the late response Hanna, Emily, and Eric!)

Beauty Around Every Corner

On my way to class on Thursday morning, I came face to face with beauty.

Then that night, I had a "Tim Twiford Moment." Two of my best friends from home, Kelsey and Taylor (whom you will meet soon) have a crazy dad named Tim. Now the thing I love about Tim is his passion for the sky. He is always wanted to go out to see the sunset or sunrise or moon. Because our families do so much together I have developed this love for skies as well. So every time I see a beautiful day or night sky, I think of Tim and and stop everything for a moment to take in the beauty of it all. On Thursday night, the sky was clear, the transition of evening light to the purple darkness of night was spectacular, and on top of that you could see the crescent moon. Now the only thing I hate about the moon, is that it is virtually impossible to take a picture of it. So I instead, if you did not see the sky last night, I leave it up to your imagination to make it your own. If you did see it, I hope it brought you as much joy and happiness as it brought me.

End and Start the Day off Right

After HERmonic rehearsal and performance on PLU Idol, I came home and watched my favorite movie in the Dol House, My Life In Ruins. I absolutely love everything about it! The story, characters, plot...AH so great. Now I am off to bed and the first thing I will be doing tomorrow morning is Yoga!

What a perfect way to wind down and begin your day!

DONUTS and Chocolate!

After Non-Concert Concert rehearsal last night, I went over to Kelsey and Harmony's house to borrow Kelsey's Yoga DVD. I ended up staying and watching my all time favorite kids movie "Cats Don't Dance." While we were watching it Harmony and Kelsey were craving chocolate and I was craving donuts. So we dropped everything, hopped into the car and raced off to the store to solve this problem. And this is what we came back with.

It hit the spot  (^_^)

Final Day at Home

I decided to stay home an extra day this weekend, and my mom said that she would teach me how to make my all time favorite dish: homemade Seafood Alfredo!

With our powers combined, my mom and I made the best Alfredo yet, I am a professional stirrer : D

Here is the extravaganza!

This would be me "I'm in heaven" face. 

Happy Birthday Pat!

On Saturday night was Pat's birthday. It was Mardi Gras themed complete with Hurricanes, gumbo, and beads! It was his 49th birthday and I am so lucky to be apart of it. Pat and his wife Terri are the most wonderful people I have ever met. Our families are so close they are practically my adopted Aunt and Uncle and their sons Robby and Chris are my adopted brothers. I love them so much!!

Here is the neighborhood gang that was over for the awesome party:

 Mom, Kelly, Terri, Gerri, Dad, Carrie, Pat, and Tom. 

These are the best neighbors, ever! And I was so lucky to get to celebrate this special day with all of them. As a birthday present to Pat, I sang him my new solo in HERmonic, a true classic Holding on For a Hero. Happy Birthday Pat!

Cooking Lessons

On Saturday I was in a cooking mood, which is strange because I don't normally like to cook. I had looked through Linnea's recipe book before I left and picked out some dishes I wanted to make so I could eat something other than tacos and pasta when I got back to school. After going to the store to stock up on ingredients necessary for this cooking extravaganza, I was all ready to go. I was going to make: cowboy caviar, homemade sourdough bread, tater tot casserole, and two loaves of pumpkin bread.

Meet my mom, Gail

She is the best mom in the whole wide world and an amazing cook. My mom is the master muilti-tasker, queen party planner, hostess with the most-est, always willing to help, and the most loving person on the planet. As I started chopping ans stirring I realized that I didn't really know what I was doing. Without missing a beat she swooped in and taught me new cooking tricks as well as basic cooking tricks, like how to properly slice green onions. Apparently I have been doing it wrong all of these years. Well better late then never right!

This is the tater tot casserole AKA the best comfort food ever!

Here is my homemade bread  and a bottle of Riesling (and I am bringing the bread maker machine back to school with me...HOORAY!

The final taste test...D-E-Lightful, delightful! I didn't take a picture of my pumpkin break (because it was still in the oven) or my cowboy caviar but I will make them again soon. 

Escape

On Friday, I had another snow day, so I spent my time cleaning my entire house. It was a mess, so after 7 hours of scrubbing, vacuuming, dusting, washing, and organizing it looked awesome! But then I realized that I had to leave. I have been getting frustrated with things at home, at school, and in life in general so I had to get away. I also have been missing my sister. We have never been apart this long and not been able to talk to each other. Throughout the day, I spent most of it being torn up inside. So I needed to escape, and there was only one place that would make it all better....home.

I packed my bags, called my parents, shoveled the driveway so Alice and I could get out, and I left. 

As soon as I got home, I took the battery out of my phone so no one could contact me, and shut down my computer. Every once in a while I go through these phases where I need to get away. I don't want to talk to anyone or see any one. This one was so bad that I burst into tears on the way home. But as soon as I hugged my parents, I knew I had escaped to my own paradise. 

Once I got home and had a glass of white wine, I started reading my book:

My other resolution that I made was to read one book a month. Eat Pray Love is amazing! I find myself crying and literally laughing out loud both at the same time while reading it. I saw the movie a long time ago so I don't remember much. But what I do remember was the amazing actress that plays Elizabeth Gilbert: Julia Roberts. Casting directors hit the jackpot with choosing Miss Roberts. She fits this role so well that as I read the book, I can even hear her voice as though she is reading to me. It's incredible!

Snow Day # 2

Today was our second snow day in a row, however it was not possible to enjoy the snow at all, because it had a sheet of ice over it. So I had a lazy day, and spent most of it in my one-zie and watching Phantom of the Opera. I also made an avocado tuna melt that was heavenly : D

Then after HERmonic rehearsal, Erin came over and we hat hot chocolate with special sauce and watched SNL. IF you look closely you can see a solid 1/2 inch of ice in the snow clump.

It's just a little crazy weather out there. 

Double Skype Date

Meet  my Best Friend Lauren: She is currently studying abroad in England, Germany, and Greece. We first met in music history 1 back our sophomore year. Going all the way through all music history classes and Buddhism, as well as being roommates through Europe on our Choir Tour through Germany and France last summer. We connect so well and never miss a beat with each other. I love her dearly and miss her terribly! Can't wait till you get home. 

Meet my Best Friend Jackie: 

We met in the 10th grade, because I was sitting next to one of my friends in the hallway, and she was sitting on the other side. I guess you can say the rest is history because we have been best friends ever since : ) We have both gone through so much, loosing contact with each other more times then ever thought possible. Yet every time we do talk, it's like we never were part. I miss you and love you so much!

Beautiful Falling Snow

I started the day by doing yoga with Kelsey at 7am. It was wonderful and I am so excited to keep this going!
I was driving home from her house and saw this:

I could watch snow falling all day long.

A Very Potter Musical

Today was a wonderful, because I watch A Very Potter Musical. And I truly believe that AVPM > HP.

The actors in this show are extremely talented, and I love them all!! Hopefully this weekend I will watch A Very Potter Sequel : D

The First Snow

Yesterday was the first of hopefully many days of snow that will come in 2012. I love Snow more than any other kind of weather. I am a kid at heart and I can't get enough of snow! I have lived in Washington my whole life, but I always secretly wish to live somewhere where it snows all the time.

This is the view out of my kitchen window. The snow has slowed down, but I spent most of my day watching it fall. It's one of my favorite things to do. 

The Amazing Sheli!

Yesterday was my good friend Sheli's Senior Recital. She was absolutely amazing and I am so proud of her!!

All six of us have been in choir with Miss Sheli at one point or another. But one thing remains the same...we are all Mama Altos!! Represent. 

Yesterday and Today!

Two for the price of one! I came home yesterday and literally pasted out, and when I woke up this morning I realized that I had not posted for yesterday Gah! So here are two pictures from yesterday...

This was the sunset yesterday! I have been so lucky to have beautiful sunsets everyday this week. I melt for sunsets like this. 

After HERmonic rehearsal I went swimming with Annie and Erin. Erin and I aqua jog while Annie swam laps. It is the highlight of my day (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) because after a long day we go to the pool  and get to vent and gossip (in a good way) plus get a good work out!

FRIDAY!!!

Then I woke up this morning to this beautiful sky! While walking to my 8:30am class.

After class I ran some errands and then had a skype date with my best friend Abby! I haven't see her since December before winter break and it was SO GREAT to catch up with her. I was super excited to talk to her because we scheduled the dates I am going to go visit her in Colorado in March AHHH! 

My excited face :D

And the stunning Abby! I miss you so much!!

BONUS

It's Christina's (my housemate) 22nd Birthday today and this is what I got her.....

 Strawberry Champagne, red velvet and vanilla cupcake. YUMMERS!!! Happy Birthday Christina!!

Mac and Cheese

I am not a cook. But I am slowly getting better....sort of. However I can make a mean batch of Mac n' Cheese. My favorite kind is the Kraft figurine Mac n'Cheese. I don't know why this is so much better, but its scrumpcious! Anyways today my neighbor brought me over Mac n'Cheese for me after I watched over his cat...the evil Taco. My picture of the day is with my yummy dinner and my new magazine that has 10 Best Recipes of Mac n' Cheese. Mmmmmmm so happy : D

The recipies are as follows: buffalo mac, cheddar-apple sausage mac, pesto alfredo mac, spanish mac, meat lover's mac, smokly wild mushroom mac, antipasto mac, chicken parm mac, goat cheese, fig & walnut mac, three cheese baked mac. I plan to make every single one!

We Honor You

Today, January 10th 2012 marks the Memorial for Ranger Margaret Anderson, a Park Ranger at Mt. Rainier State Park who was shot in the line of duty. The Memorial Service was held on campus in Olsen Auditorium and was a huge effort. 4,000 people came to campus today to celebrate the life of a wonderful women: Police Officers, Firefigthers, SWAT Teams, Bomb Sqads, Park Rangers, News Casters, Co-workers, friends and family. Though I never knew her personally, I do know of a close family friend Paul, who is the Park Ranger at Blake Island, who was going to the service today. When I found this out it was a huge reminder of how we are all connected in some way or another. It doesn't matter how present you are in someone's life, all it takes is one single moment to change a life forever.

Now I did not take this picture, but it captures the phrase "we are all in this together." These are two different fire trucks from two different stations, yet differences aside, they can still create something out of nothing, and make it beautiful!

Margaret Anderson, you will never be forgotten. My your light shine down on all those who knew you. 

 May you rest in peace.

Perfection in the Sky

Yesterday was the Blake Island Reunion with my whole Blake Island Family. It was very fun to see everyone and I can't wait to go back this summer. On my way home, there was beautiful sunset and I had to stop driving and go to my second favorite place to watch: Juanitia Beach. I got out of the car and saw this:

I wish there could be beautiful sunsets/sunrises every day, but unfortunately that doesn't happen in Washington. 

As for my long forgotten part two from the other day, this is my favorite place in the whole wide world: Blake Island. I have been going there since before I was born, and in all my years this is the best picture I have ever seen of my amazing Island.

Skype Date with Linnea

Meet my twin sister Linnea:

She is currently in Sydney Australia...and I miss her. She is taking a communications class there for the next three weeks. There is an 18 hour time difference, so this is her at 7am on Monday morning. It will be 4 weeks before I see her again. The longest we have ever been apart was 2 weeks, so this will be very weird. After 4 days, I miss her like crazy! Love you Nea <3 

Late Night Movie Night

Alright, just a couple days in and I am a half day behind. But fear not you will get two for the price of one today.

Part one: Bridesmaids

 Tonight, HERmonic had their first performance of 2012 at the half time shows for the Women's/Men's Basket Ball games. And it was a special night as I have taken on the Co-partnership of the title "Beat Boxer" with the talented Marina. I have been practicing my skills since this summer and last night I dropped the beat for 2 out of 3 songs!

After the game I decided to have an impromptu movie night at my house with a couple ladies from HERmonic and we watched Bridesmaids....aka the funniest movie EVER!

Just Hangin' Out

Meet Rachel and Erin:

They are wonderful! I have know both of them for the past three years and have loved every minute with them. This is the first year that the three of us our in both Choir of the West and HERmonic together and it is an absolute blast! After our first BIG rehearsal of the new year, we came back to my house to hang out and catch up. Three hours later, we were still laughing our heads off and having a spectacular time. Both Erin and Rachel are so down to earth and wonderful, I love spending time with them : D I can't wait for more nights like this!

An Unexpected Surprise

So this morning was the first day of class in 2012: jterm. I am taking computer science which I think (pray) will be easy after having philosophy last year. A word of advise, never take philosophy over jterm. Brain exploding will occur. The only bummer is waking up early for class. The double bummer is not waking up early for the past 3 weeks...harumph. But oddly enough I woke up easily this morning, probably because when I looked outside I saw this:

I have a HUGE weakness for beautiful sunrises *blushes*

And then what happened...this went away and the rain came. Booo!

Back to School

Today was the day I headed back to school after a wonderful winter break. This is what I did as soon as I got home...plop..lock...and dropped my stuff in my room. Gross!

So I decided to not only clean my room, but to re-arrange my entire room, and this is how it turned out : D

HOORAY!

My Motto

"Love you to the moon and back!"

That is the title of my blog because that is my life motto. Other motto's say you should always give 110% on everything you do. This is great and all, but I am a visual learner, so how are a couple of numbers/symbol suppose to help me? Instead I must have a visual representation, for example distance. In this day and age we are constantly traveling from one place to another, whether that is going from class to class, to home, to your favorite vacation destination, people can visually see how far they have gone, and how much farther they need to go. A distance between point A and B is a perfect example to 'paint a picture' of the question "how much?"

When I love something, I put my whole heart into it. It drives me crazy when I see people that don't put their heart and soul into what their passion is. What are you doing then?!? A perfect example is doing a cannon ball into the water. In order to make a HUGE splash you cannot walk up to the edge, dip your foot in to test the water, and just fall in. No. You have to take a flying leap, risking how cold the water will be. 

As an aspiring teacher, I am always trying to find different ways to explain one thing. "Love you to the moon and back" does just that. By giving a student an auditory and visual way of interpreting something. YAY TEACHING!

This picture frame was given to me for Christmas by the wonderful twins Hanna and Emily. I have known them since they were a day old, and now they are sophomores in high school..WOAH! I love them both so much! We have been pen pals since my freshmen year at PLU and I always sign off with "love you to the moon and back." so to get this gift from them means so much to me. This picture frame will go next to my bed to I will see it every day and think of them both : D

Happy New Year!

I cannot believe that it is 2012. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was a freshmen living in Foss Hall at PLU in 2008. Now four years later I am getting ready for my last semester before student teaching. WOWZERS!

This year was the second annual Seattle New Years Celebration with my two best friends Maurine and Kelsey! Last year we started a tradition where we get all dressed up, go out to a fancy dinner, then got see the fireworks at the Space Needle. Being all 21 this year, we decided to go out to Seattle for the whole afternoon, and go to our favorite bars Tini Bigs and Hula Hula. We had the most amazing time! I can't wait for next year to do it all again!

So Happy New Year from my beauiful ladies: Kelsey, Maurine (MAMA), and Megan!