(*DASH OF THUNDER, SPRIG OF LIGHTNING, AND A HINT OF MORE INSANE, MANIACAL LAUGHTER*)
VIOLA!!! you get this....
Yes. This is an actual photograph of the creation, not some crap from pintrest. Please be polite. He doesn't enjoy being stared at for copious amounts of time... Or drool for that matter.
What is this beautiful concoction taunting you on the other side of a screen? Well, I'll tell you. Its a whole wheat angel hair pasta, swirled in a sweet, roasted red pepper, parmesan and butternut squash marinara, dressed with fresh, garden grown summer squash, tomatoes, basil and garlic, and topped off with mozzarella and basil. It was delicious, folks and incredibly simple to make! Who says that delicious food can't be healthy and fast? The picture above is proof that this can happen!
I get the opportunity to cook more and I'm starting to create beauties like this every day. I love it. If more of you are interested, I'll post my recipes here in the future. I think that working on making beautiful food is a good distraction for me right now in my life. And I love sharing it! So if you have any suggestions, ideas, or just want to try a bite, comment, call and let me know. :) I don't want to turn my blog primarily into a foodie haven because that's not entirely who I am. I enjoy writing for the sake of writing and I shy away from doing anything mainstream unless it is, without a doubt, an expression of who I am. So, with that said, if I DO indeed start a challenge, I won't be completely erased. :) Thanks for reading, my friends! I hope that you take the time to create something beautiful today in your world and sharing with others makes it worthwhile. Until next time.
Okay. This is completely and utterly pathetic. It's a Friday night. Its 10 pm. I've already watched two episodes of Bones and Super 8, made and eaten dinner, cleaned the kitchen, eaten some more, ran some errands, and I'm still wired and bored out of my mind.
The truth is, I need someone to share my company with. ( ***pause for desired effect and for pity to dig its grubby claws into innocent, charitable hearts***)
I'm starting to go insane in this house. I may start talking to people who aren't there, or pick up knitting and become a psychotic cat lady. I need breaks like any human being and actual intelligent human conversation! Perhaps an opportunity to hang my head out a car window and pant, run in a park, beg? Okay, I don't want you to treat me like a dog, but it's getting to the point that even that interaction would be pleasant.
So, begrudgingly and with a mountain of embarrassment, I extend this casting call to all those in the Salt Lake County/ Utah County area that would possibly want to audition to be a potential new best friend. There are benefits! I do cook! I have a car. I spout out fountains of hilarium every so often. I'm a clutz, so I trip and look like an idiot all the time- you will never be bored! I'm nice and like listening to other people and I never smell like fish. Cons- I am a clutz, can't tap dance, don't know Justin Bieber, I don't like mushrooms, am ADD and OCD, I freak out if my elbows are touched and I may or may not attract all the freaks at Wal-mart whenever I walk through the doors. It's a strange phenomenon, but I've been told it IS an entertaining one at that. Anyway, I know this is super lame that I have to do this, especially since I belong to the phylum butterflyus socialus, but will you be my friend? Please? If you're interested, or know someone who may be, let me know.
Hello, my beautiful readers. I, like you most of you, am braving another one of life's torrential down-pours. BUT! Instead of blaring the melancholy music, pulling out my already thinning locks, crying so much I have to call a flood specialist, yelling at the heavens until my voice leaves me and eventually becoming comatose, I decided to write you a run-on sentence. Actually, I really intend to write a (hopefully) delight some list of things I'm grateful for to help me focus on what is, in the eternal perspective of eternity, 'but a small moment.' ( D&C 121:7)
I am grateful for...
1. Swings and bare-footed walks through long grass
2. The warm wind through my hair and sitting on park benches
3. Roof-top access from my room
4. Hearing of success stories from some of my 'kids' and knowing that I was able to impart something of value in their lives and make a difference.
5. Fruit snacks and coca-cola.
6. The Priesthood and a caring ward family
7. Hard experiences that prepare you for something else- being able to look back and see the growth that you've made.
8. Music, my ability to sing, and old bugs bunny cartoons
9. Having my best friend know my heart and me, and be by my side every step of the way . It makes things better when earthly friends are far away or gone or aren't able to understand.
10. The time I have been given here on this earth and the ability to share it with God's children around me.
I've been trying to pinpoint specific lessons the Lord is trying to teach me as I trudge through the trails. I'm learning about eternal families, what it means to love and share my heart, to sacrifice all of me, how to work hard, the importance of friendships- true ones and the opportunity to build the most important friendship I'll ever have with my Savior, time clocks- mine and the eternal one, how to make the Lord's will my will, being consistent with my character, patience...
I just need to remember that when my heart aches more than I can stand, it's just the refiner's fire purifying my heart, building character and helping me progress to where He knows I can be eternally. I am going to strive to keep looking for the silver beams of sunlight fighting their way to break through the heavy clouds pouring overhead, blurring my vision from the beauty that STILL surrounds me and the eternal blessings that I do posses here and now. I need to remember that I am only 21, (even if it is only for a few more days) and now is the BEST time to embrace life and be the best me and find and make time to have fun too. To enjoy this journey...
I guess that is what I'm learning, and what we all are trying to learn...how to dance through the downpour.
My dear readers. Things of late have been completely psychotic, to the point where I look at the sky with my arms outstretched and ask "Father, you think that I can do THIS? How!?" It seems as though I'm starting to get swallowed up in the eddies swooping overhead. I'm overwhelmed, my back is completely out, I'm grouchy, my hair is falling out in palm-fulls, my acne is coming back full force and I just may be heading into an OCD overload because I'm up to ears in garbage- literal and metaphorical. I just have no idea what or how I'm going to do in the upcoming weeks, let alone tomorrow. oh. and my grandfather will probably die within the week. Help?
Later...Like a 24 hour period later....
Ok...so I had a baby breakdown, but I'm doing better now. As far as updates go, things still look that bleak, but its okay! For those who do not know, I had to move back to Lehi, Utah to help my parents physically and financially for a time. My dad had back surgery this morning and will be out for 8 weeks or so and my mother suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and her condition is proving to grow and grow worse with much more recovery time as she nears what is ultimately the end of her journey here on this earth. So, its up to me, which proves stressful for anyone, but especially a 21 year old girl. I don't exactly know how long I'll be here in the Lehi area, but I have faith that this is where I'm supposed to be for the time being. I had a job interview today on top of everything else, and it actually went well, so I'm hoping that I'll get the position! I'll keep you updated on everything. Thank you for your support, love and concern every step of the way! Until next time, pray for me?
That's right, friends! You heard me correctly! So, I'm a crazy person. In probably every aspect of the word. For some, there is one guaranteed thing that makes them happy always and can pull them out of a slump. I am not that person. Sometimes I have to try bizarre, out of the ordinary things like baking cookies, driving aimlessly, talking for hours, playing with play dough, kissing babies, volunteering at a soup kitchen, painting, shooting targets, reading my favorite books, creating some culinary masterpiece and deep cleaning my room and I STILL DO NOT FEEL BETTER!! I mean, my room's clean, my belly's full and others too, and I probably helped or hindered some relationships, I could've given a baby some tropical disease, ruined a wall by painting it an atrocious color, read the same story...again, and I now have cookies to share or eat all by myself, but in the end, that piercing ache is still there. So last night I resorted to the unthinkable...EXERCISE!
I think of all sorts of thing to rationalize doing as little exercise as possible. I don't know why. I honestly enjoy exercise when I'm doing it- its just actually getting to get myself to do it that's the problem. and not for too long because I have other things to do. and I get bored REALLY EASILY. and its too hard. and I have had back injuries so I can't do really hard stuff. and in reality i just IMPROVE my appetite when I exercise (like Mr. Winnie the Pooh bear here) and then I over eat. and then don't want to exercise anymore . and I get fatter then I was before. and do you see the terrible, awful, vicious cycle here?!
Yes friends. I rode this little beauty.
So, I decided to resort to my last resort, and it worked wonders. I biked for about 3 miles in a short 15 minute window, and worked merely on pushing my legs and the music blaring in my ears. I would've enjoyed the scenery, but it was one of those awesome, old school elliptical stationary bikes where you self propel a fan and use your arms too! Anyways, after I was done, I felt great, accomplished and actually somewhat therapeutically sound haha. This morning I did some pilates and just excited to build little by little and celebrate changes in my life, even if its just microscopic movements. Hopefully I stick with making these things HABITS and I don't have to worry if I honestly suck at first, because each time I add, I'll be doing my very best anyway. So here are some goals for my overall physical and mental and spiritual health.
1. DRINK MORE WATER!!! 2. Exercise a little more every day HARD! and try to modify exercises into the everyday. 3. Portion control and smarter selection- more water and veggies, less crap and carbohydrates. 4. Think of fun game ideas for fitness at work to get both groups excited about being healthy and strong. 5. Discover and implement meditation. and most importantly 6. Keep praying consistently and ask for help and support 7. Expanding my spiritual and mental capacity by diligently studying the scriptures twice a day (including gratitude journal) . 8. Seek out the best books to help my mind continue to grow and develop. 9. Continue to serve those around me 10. be open to opportunities when they come knocking, but keep dreaming in the meantime!
I hope this comittaphobe can stick to it! I'm going to need all the support I can get! Updates soon to come! And exercise too! Everyone knows we can all use a little more endorphins in our lives! Join with me?
This post is entirely dedicated to my dear friend and associate, Michael Nielsen. So Mike, if you end up being the only one reading this, I decided I don't wish to trouble you with the headache that has been my life this week. So, here are some lists. Lists of things I enjoy, find comical, strange or are just plain random. Here we go.
Things That are Strange
·Mukluks
·Crawdads
·Blobfish
·The fact that Pluto isn’t considered a planet
anymore
·Feet
·Politicians
· Glue
·Snooki
·Facial piercings
·Cannibalism
·BOYS
·Love
·The fact that our ears never stop growing
·Praying mantis’
VIDEOS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY! :D
Some of my Favorite Things
Paintings by Van Gough
Stars
California
Giggling
Hugs
Sunsets
Beaches
Campfires
Children's Books
Miracles
Orange Juice
Heights
Skipping
Chapstick
Frogs
Wind
The smell of a baby
Strawberries
Clue
Moonlit walks
Chopsticks
Cooking
Flowers! Lots and lots of flowers!
Hiking
Farmer's Markets
The twinkle found in the eyes of a stranger
Traveling
Forehead kisses
Antiques
Music Boxes
There you go, friends (or just Mikey) I hope you enjoyed that extremely random, short post! Have a wonderful night/ morning/day! Remember to count the blessings you have, embrace those you love, and seize the moments given to you. Until next time.
So an adorable friend helped me realize the other night that I hardly write on this thing, and if I do, it essentially doesn't divulge the reality that is my life. I choose to tred the vague and whimsical road most oft, talking about nonsensical rubbish, ranting or sharing something, which is good, but it tells you practically nothing about where in the world I happen to be living this week, my happenings, love interests (Yes, I give you permission to pause and laugh here) , new favorite ice cream, people who may or may not have punched me in the face and the books I may be reading. So, with that said, I hereby raise my hand to the square and solemnly swear that I am up to no good and will divulge some more things, unless it alludes to any illegal activity. (We already know I'm not exactly on a 'good list' - and my prints are on file )
Sometimes I wish I could instantly share with you all the pictures I've captured in my mind, the places I've been fortunate to travel, the warm featured faces, multicolored hands; We need an app for that. That's real social networking. I will try to live outside the box more- make more connections, do crazy things even though I feel like I don't have the time or friend base that I used to, take pictures,laugh, make a difference.
I currently work full time (meaning all the time) at a therapeutic boarding school, which is really rewarding and difficult. I love my employers, the kids( most of the time) and the people I get to work with. I get to live with my amazing friend Abbs and her great family, and at the end of the month I get to go skydiving hopefully! I'm SOO EXCITED!!and to make it better, I get to go with two of my musketeers, so that should be amazing.
Yes. This WILL be me.
Part of me feels like I may be going overboard, but let's face it. The past 6 months haven't exactly been the easiest months in the world, and I feel like if I don't do something for myself, I may be reduced to a pulsating, pink puddle. I'm working on maybe doing something about a fun vacation, but we'll see how things go. I'll keep you posted my friends! Keep it real, have fun, do something crazy, live life WELL. Adios!
I'm slightly deranged, adorable, verbose, and a lover of people and life. I'm a mad scientist by day, super hero by night. If I had a pet, it would be a purple starfish named Moe. You think this is random? Try reading my blog.
