My Favorite Flower ... SUNFLOWER!

I love sunflowers. As a little girl my bedroom was decorated with sunflowers. My mom stenciled a sunflower design across the top border of my bedroom. The quilt that covered my bed had sunflowers on it. I loved that room. I walked in and it made me happy.Some days I wake up and miss that room. I miss the happiness that is portrayed from those little yellow flowers. They brighten up even the gloomiest of days.

So when most girls love a rose, gerber daisy, cala lily, or any other flower that catches their eye. I love sunflowers!

My Super Fun Work Weekend!

My job is far from glamours. I typically leave with fifteen new stains on my clothes, greasy hair from the hat I have to wear, and a new bruise from running into something. This past week has been crazy at work. I have already worked thirty some odd hours since Saturday and am planing on working eighteen more (yes that means I would work forty-eight hours this week). These insane hours at work have all been because of this little thing called MPS (Mission Presidents Seminar). All of the new Mission Presidents from around the world travel to the MTC for a week of training. They have training and firesides from the Prophet and Apostles.
On Saturday night the Mission Presidents ate a special dinner with a select group of other Mission Presidents and at least one Apostle in their room. I was invited earlier on in the week to help out with this dinner. I was so excited. I had seen the Apostles in conference but never in such an intimate setting.
I went to work on Saturday and got dressed in my skirt and tuxedo shirt. I helped set up and polished silverware. While I was polishing silverware Elder Perry and his wife stopped and said hello. They were so kind. I then proceeded to set up the room and found out I would be serving Elder Scott and Ballard. They were so nice. They both talked at the end of the dinner to the group of Forty some odd people. They talked about pondering. I think that I need to take time out of my busy schedule and ponder more. I felt to blessed to be in the same room as them. Elder Scott came up at the end and shook our hand and told us Thank you. He was so kind and had a lot of spunk for his age.
After we finished cleaning up we got paid to eat prime rib, shrimp cocktail, and new york cheese cake. All in all I would say I had a great work day. That was one of the neatest experiences I have ever had. It was better than all the celebrities I have worked with. I hope that I can live the kind of life that they have. I hope that I can be that nice, kind, charitable, faithful, loving, and love the Lord like that. It wont hurt to try.

My Life Has Moments of Greatness!

My life can be pretty boring. It consists of a lot of work and a little play.I did not get the chance to go home over Winter and Spring so I went home over Mothers day weekend. I spent most of my days at the beach, shopping, and went to an Angels baseball game. I also got to spend Mothers day with my amazing Mom. Unfortunately the trip was short but it was still super fun.

I came back and jumped into my usual social scene up here in Provo. I bought a bike so I could ride around with my friends. I played water balloon dodge ball and a lot more. Last Thursday night a huge group of my friends and I dressed up as angels and demons to go see the movie "Angels and Demons. It was a lot of fun and worth the three hours of sleep I got that night.

That Saturday I took a half day at work and went up to Park City with a friend. We went shopping at the J.Crew Outlet. I love J. Crew. I got an adorable sweater and skirt. After going shopping and lunch in Park City we rushed home to get ready for Heather's Open House. I have been friends with Heather since middle school. She is so cute and married her high school sweet heart Taylor. I love them and wish them the best of luck.

Love Liz!

Have you seen the new Liz Claiborne line? It is fabulous. I am slightly obsessed. Check it out. Tell me what you think.

My Marilyn Monroe Moment!

Today is a beautiful today. The sun is shining. The grass is green and the trees have given birth to beautiful blossoms. I decided since today was such a beautiful day that I would wear a skirt. The one downfall today is the wind. It seems to have a mind of its own and enjoy blowing in every which direction. I was walking on campus and the wind enjoyed blowing my skirt in every which direction. I wish I could say I was glamorous and held my skirt down like the iconic Marilyn Monroe. Instead I awkwardly walked around campus holding down my skirt while it still blew up revealing my white legs.

Why My Future Career Works For Me ...

Today while watching television and saw an advertisement for "Cash for Gold". A lady in the advertisement had horrible pronunciation. She sounded like a five year old with a speech impediment. Instead of saying the world jewelry she said "jewry". I was shocked. I wanted to jump through the television sit her down and begin proper speech lessons. I wanted to explain that there is an L in jewelry. I also wanted to explain what part of the mouth and tongue you would use to pronounce this sound. I know most of you think this may sound a little extreme, but it has become a growing habit. I listen to peoples verbiage, little children's speech stages and grammar. I cannot wait to be a speech pathologist. This career choice is perfect for me. I will get to work with kids and help free the world of horrible pronunciation.


(Do not worry I am not extremely annoyed by speech problems. I often find myself making grammar, spelling, and even speech errors.)

Coal Turns into a Beautiful Diamond: my new analogy on life

Life is never easy. We all have different struggles in life. We all will struggle with health problems, broken hearts, disappointments, death, stress, economical downfalls and many more. These struggles create pressure in our life and make life a little bit more interesting. Yesterday I was thinking about the hardships that life has in store for all of us and came up with an analogy about coal turning into a diamond. We all start off as coal. This black mess that gives miners black lung. When coal is put under pressure (insert 80's song under pressure) it turns into a diamond. How the coal reacts under the pressure determines what the diamond will be like. If we turn to Heavenly Father and overcome the pressure of life we can turn into the most beautiful diamond ever.

My Favorite Treat!

At least once a week I walk to the BYU candy counter in the bookstore and spoil myself with a little treat. I ask for a small handful of dark chocolate almonds, Jordan almonds, and chocolate Jordan almonds all in the same bag. I love this treat. It brightens up my day and helps with my energy during the all day study sessions. What is your favorite treat?

My favorite smelling candle!

This candle makes your room smell like summer in the middle of winter. It smells delicious and fruity. The smell makes me happy. I cannot be mad when my guava passion fruit candle is smelling up the room!

I love Sonic Happy Hour!

I am a regular at sonic between the hours of 2 - 4! I drive to the local sonic right around the corner and get a route 44 diet dr. pepper with a little bit of vanilla and cherry. I pay $1.08 for the monstrosity of the drink. Oh how great it is! I love happy hour! Do you like happy hour at sonic?

I love JCREW!

I love JCREW. It is so classy. I can always find pieces that I love. If only money grew on trees. Here are some new pieces that I love.

Huge Birthday Cupcake!

That huge cupcake was a dream come true. My sister got it for me for my birthday party! It was delicious. I ate the entire thing by the next day! Yes it is as big as my face ... no big it was worth it. Every bite was soooooo good! I would eat another one if it I had one. I think I might be in love with yummy treats. Is that bad?

Ear Nose Throat

I am going to begin this post by saying I have been so blessed. My back is so doing really well. I can go to the gym, I only occasionally get soar. My health is doing well too. I do not have anymore nasty rashes and I do not get fevers anymore. I am able to go to class, study, and act more like me. The only down side is the annoying sinus infection.
I went to the ear nose throat doctor today and they ran tests, x-rays, and asked a billion questions. I explained where it hurt and how I wake up in the middle of the night coughing and gagging (yes I know a lot of information but just imagine having this since October). The doctor then prescribed me a steroid and antibiotic to take for the next two weeks or so. (I am secretly hoping that I get a six pack by the end of the treatment). I am hoping and praying that this will make me better.
I am not sad about this experience and any of my health problems over the past six months or so. I think that sometimes you are blessed and learn the most when you have trials. I feel so humbled by everything that I have been through. I am so grateful for how much I have been blessed. I know that Heavenly Father has been with me every step of the way. I know that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ knows the pain that I have felt, He knows and loves me. Every night and morning I pray and thank my Heavenly Father for the love that I have felt throughout my life, for the love that my parents have for me, for the love that my siblings have, for the amazing people that have been put in my life, for the Bible and Book of Mormon, for the opportunity to serve others, for the Temple, for being able to have a job,for being able to go to BYU, to be able to express my feelings and believes freely, to be able to work out again, and so many more pathetic reasons. I know that eventually I will get better, until then I am going to be patient and be me.

Excited for Spring!

I woke up and looked out my window this morning to see a thin sheet of white blanketing the rooftops and sidewalks. The sun was shining reflecting the purity of the freshly fallen powder. As I drove to campus the sun began to melt the snow revealing patches of green grass and maroon bushes covering the campus grounds. The snow fell rapidly from the limp tree branches. The trees look old and weak without their leaves. They wait patiently for their blossoms to come and to add a splash of color to their dull appearance.
I am impatiently waiting for the trees to blossom, for the grass to be green, for the sun to shine, and for flip flops to be the primary shoe being used from my wardrobe. Oh how I love spring. I love the hope that it brings. I love how the pastel colors slowly transition you into the bright colors of summer. I love how the snow is still on the tops of the mountains but the colors shine brightly in the valley. I am so excited for spring!

21!

I just had my birthday and it was great! I turned the big 21! I was woken up by two of my roommates and some adorable girls in my ward who made me a delicious breakfast! They are so nice! I had treats all day and officially gained 10 pounds but it was worth it! I had such a great birthday! I just wanted to say thank you so much!

to be blond or not to be blond

I have been internally debating about going back to blond. The warm weather lately has made me think of summer. Summer always reminds me of being tan, the beach, reading books, and blond hair. My question is should I go back to blond or stay a brunette?

Optimistic

I have decided that I am going to be more optimistic and look at the bright side of things. Here are a few great things that have happened to me this week.
1. I was able to go home and enjoy a relaxing vacation in Southern California.
2. I saw my adorable friend Sister Brianna Hobbins at work this week. It was so nice we got to talk about life and how the MTC has been so far. She is the most adorable girl ever.
3. I brought more clothes from home so my wardrobe automatically expanded without having to spend any money.
4. I have plans and have hung out with some friends that I have not seen in a while.
5. I went to the temple this week!
All of these little things have my week great so far. I am so grateful for the little things and be able to see the good in them. I am going to focus more on the little things instead of all the little problems.

Ebi Sushi!

I love sushi! My favorite sushi place is Ebi Sushi. It is on the corner of Crown Valley and Golden Lantern. You walk into a small restaurant and are greeted by an adorable couple. They make you feel like you are their favorite customers. They have a large selection of rolls. My favorites are their Laguna Roll, Crunchy Roll, and their Love Roll. I would highly recommend going. If you ever are in the mood for sushi and a friendly environment drive over to Laguna Niguel and try Ebi Sushi. You will not be disappointed.

Happy Valentines Day!

I am at home sweet home and loving it! My valentines day has been so nice! I have spent time with my never failing valentines ... the family!!

Life Long Goals!

I know that a lot of these will never happen. I can always hope and try to make things happen! hahaha!
1. Run a Marathon
2. Do a triathlon
3. Always be worthy to go to the Temple
4. Get married in the Temple
5. Have children
6. Adopt children from another race
7. Be willing to try new things
8. Always strive to learn more
9. Go to New York (I would really love to live in New York)
10. Get my masters
11. Serve Others
12. Be kind and nice to everyone
13. Travel throughout Europe
14. Go on a service trip
15. Be Healthy

Happy Early Birthday to ME!

My birthday is not until March First! I am turning 21! Most people go to Las Vegas and celebrate with a ton of people at a huge birthday. I cannot picture a better birthday than going to the beach and being enthralled in a good book. Yes I know I am pathetic but its the truth. My big birthday present this year is a trip home for presidents day weekend. I am getting away from the cold and going home to southern California. I cannot wait. I do not want or need much. I am just excited to relax and enjoy the weather and location of my home town.

GLASSES!

I got my new glasses about a week or so ago and I love them! I have them for reading but I think they are so cute! What do you think of my glasses? Its totally okay if you think they are nerdy! I totally am a nerd! That is what I do best!

Eating Healthy ... again!

I love eating healthy! My fridge is full of fresh fruits and veggies. My pantry has whole wheat bread, pasta and brown rice. Since coming back to school I have eaten healthy and loved it. Then about two weeks ago I heard a disturbing rumor about me. I was confronted by a friend who asked me if I had an eating disorder. Okay if you know me you know that this could not be farther from the truth. I have lost about 20 pounds over the past two years but I worked extremely hard. I was always healthy during my weight loss process. So after hearing this ridiculous rumor I started eating bad! Junk food galore! I am getting back to my old ways of eating healthy. I am excited. I have sweet potatoes, salads, chicken, brown rice, carrots, bell peppers, apples, blueberries, and so many more delicious food. I am excited to start eating healthy again! Do not worry though junk food is still part of my diet. It is just not my main food source right now! So does anybody else like eating healthy? I might even start posting my favorite healthy recipes!

Emotional!

(Pass by this post please! This is one of those that I use my blog for my journal entry posts!)

I am not one to get emotional. I hardly ever cry. I normally keep things to myself and show emotions in other ways. Today however I have been a basket case. For some strange reason all the things that I should have cried about for the past year it feels like have decided to come back and open the flood gates today. I think I just realized how much I have grown as a person and how much I still have to go!
I cried in relief society because I thought of my sister and when I was told that she had broken her neck and was almost paralyzed. I should have cried then but I did not. Instead I helped out by constantly going to the hospital and making sure the house was clean.
I cried because I realized how hard it was to get hurt and go home. I should have cried then or when I was in immense pain but I did not! I put on a tough face and sucked it up.
I cried because I am so grateful for my friends and then people who got me out of the house when I was home those two months. I am eternally grateful to Summer, because she allowed me to be her ball and chain when I was home. She got me off my bed and doing something when I was home. I needed that more than I can ever say. I needed a friend when I was home and she was that friend. I know that she will never realize how much that meant to me but I am so grateful. I owe her big time.
I cried because I realized that my chronic sinus infection is not getting better and I need to go back to the doctors. I cried because last time I was there they said that I might have to get surgery. I cried because I am scared.
I cried because I am so grateful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and loves me. I know that everything I have been through over the past year and especially the past six months He has been through more. I know that He atoned for our sins. I am so grateful for the Atonement. I am so grateful that through Him I can return to live with Him and my Father and Heaven again.

Even though my tears are drying these feelings will never change. I will always remember how much I love my sister, and my family. I am so grateful that she is okay. I will always be happy that I went home for those two months because I got better! I will always be grateful for my friends that helped me. I will always love them. I will always be scared and want better health. I will never forget that feeling when you are told that your health is not that great. I will ALWAYS Love and be Grateful for My LORD and SAVIOR!

20 Facts!

I am only 20 for a little bit longer. After getting tagged by a friend. I decided to put 20 strange things about me.

1. I have always been extremely flexible. One time when we were at a doctors appointment my mom asked why can my daughter twist her body in such a strange way? The doctor did a short series of tests and told me that I was double jointed.

2. I love nutrition. I took nutrition 100 for fun my freshman year in college. I loved reading the text book and found it very interesting.

3.I can stick my fist in my mouth. It is disgusting and one of my strange talents.

4.I did not kiss someone until I was 16! I made a deal with my girl friends and made a guy wait 2 months to kiss me. I was so nervous when it actually happened. He planned it all out and I almost did not do it!

5. When I had blond hair people thought that I was Jessica Simpson. I got asked that on a regular basis. I also have been hit on by celebrities. I am the worst at knowing if someone is famous. I will have a full blown conversation and then someone will be like "Kristen do you know who you were talking to?" I never do. I just treat everyone the same.

6. I kicked myself in the head when I was a cheerleader in High School and had to sit out and ice the big red bump.

7. I have a horrible habit of playing with my hair. I have always had a strange habit. I used to suck my thumb, then I cracked my knuckles, and now I play with my hair. I need to stop it is so annoying!

8. I am quite possibly the worst volley ball player ever. I do love sports though. ESPN is one of my favorite shows. I watch it all the time. I will play all sports even though I am very uncoordinated.

9.I love changing up my hair. I have had almost every color blond and am now enjoying the brunette color range. Whats next ... maybe red? haha I am just kidding Mom do not freak out.

10.My sister broke her neck and I got in a car accident and injured my neck and back in the same summer.

11. I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints and know that it is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and He sent His son to die for us. I know that families can be together forever. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that the Bible is true.

12. It takes a lot for me to like somebody. I date a lot but I do not fall easily. I usually fall for athletes though. It is a curse. My friends make fun of me when they realize how many different athletes from different sports and teams I have dated.

13. The Bachelor is my favorite show! I watch it religiously. My friend Erin and I used to watch it every week in high school. My roommates and I now watch it all the time. I really want to try out. I think it would be way fun. I would never make it past the intense screening but its all about the experience right.

14. I like being clean. I do get messy just like everyone sometimes. I am always sweeping doing dishes putting stuff away etc. and I do not mind. When I am at home in California I never clean or anything because I feel like it is my vacation.

15. I enjoy being independent. I am completely comfortable doing stuff by myself. It is a really big problem. I get annoyed when people are too clingy or want to hang out all the time. I need my personal space. It is something I am working on.

16. I used to be so skinny that my mom had to get me french fries every day to gain weight. Too bad I do not have that problem anymore.

17. I had a swing chain take out a chunk of my head when I was a little girl. It was the worst summer of my life.

18. Throwing up is my biggest fear. I hate it. I have walked out of movies because of throw up scenes. Yes it is embarrassing to admit.

19. I do not get in fights. The only person I have ever gotten in a fight with is my sister. We always get in a fight and then a few seconds later its over and we are best friends. I cannot hold a grudge.

20. I trip on a daily basis. It is pretty annoying. I tripped in middle school one time with a skirt on and totally flashed everyone my bright pink leopard print underwear. Seventeen magazine trauma moment about seven years past deadline here we come!

Kristen Improvement

I am far from perfect. I know that I will never be. I also know that I am not a horrible person but there is always room for improvement. I have some small goals for myself to help me progress in the right direction.
1. Study more efficiently!
2. No more leading guys on!
3. Be healthier (no more getting injured or sick)!
4. Read my scriptures more and go to the temple more!
5. Be smarter with my money!
6. Do not talk bad about people!
7. Be more patient!
8. Be kinder!
9. Be more organized!
10. Be positive!
I do not need to make huge leaps in bounds but small steps will help!

Party like its 2009!

A group of my guy friends planned a "kiss at new years party!" It was a huge dance party up in a Park City Cabin. Everyone had to dress up and bring a date! It was so much fun! I have now decided that 2009 is the ultimate party year!

I love the 80s!

I was born and lived briefly during the 80s! I am so grateful for this colorful decade! A large group of us got together to celebrate our first Thursday back in P-Town! We then decided to celebrate by going 80s dancing! It was soooooo much fun! It is not my scene as much anymore but it was fun to get ready and go crazy!