Take Luck

I've been meaning to post about this for a few days now, but eh I've been busy. Deal. Anyway, thanks to my dear, wonderful, stupendous friend Wes Holley, and my other fantastic Mr. Fox Chris Beyer (not of the Wes Anderson variety), I got to see a certain Mr. Brian Regan the other night. Chris works for Nuskin and they had a ... kind of strange corporate event with weird videos and awesome give-aways that I wanted. Despite the longevity (glory in my vocab) of the event, it was one hundred percent worth it.

Anyone who isn't knowledgeable in the ways of Brian Regan should look him up right now. Because he's funny. So funny. As in, "man I wish he would stop being so hilarious because my face hurts a little bit" funny.

I truly wish that I could remember more of the jokes he told, because he had some wonderful new material, and I would love to share. But there were a couple highlights that probably won't translate well over the internet. Let's try anyway, shall we?

1. He forgot his own joke. But then proceeded to be super hilarious about it. It's moments like that when I am pleased to learn that comedians aren't only funny when they plan it out beforehand.
2. "As a father, I find myself forming sentences that a normal person wouldn't usually have to say. For example: Hey son, don't balance your cup between your chest and the table"
3. He talked about how when you get older, pain is just something that sticks. "Oh my hip hurts, guess I'm dealing with that forever."

Did that make you laugh? Maybe giggle? Guffaw? Bust your gut? Gross.

It was a fantastic night. Made even more fantastic by wonderful company. I am forever grateful for awesome friends who invite me to cool things.

And now, finals start tomorrow (which, of course, means I'm blogging) and I need to get studying. Happy almost Christmas, everyone! I'm stoked.

PSA

** Having the ability to dance and being a human are not mutually exclusive. Despite what The Killers might tell you. **

Hey Christmas is coming...

I bet none of you would believe where I am right now. Eleven of the clock post meridian time and I am sitting in my dear Harold B. Lee Library. What nonsense is this? It would seem that I am being most studious and actually studying like the wonderful scholar that I am. Finals are just two weeks away and I need to focus, people! Luckily I have great friends that encourage me to do work rather than just sit in front of a homeworkless computer screen.

Now, you could point out that although I am in the library, clearly I am blogging, and not studying. But I won't let you point that out. Because I just did. So there.

How have your lives been, devoted readers? I'm sure some of you are out there, just dying to hear my next thoughts, since they are always so full of wisdom and insight. Well, here goes:

School is death. Grrr.

There are too many people in the library for me to not be running into anyone I know. I know libraries shouldn't be for social visits, but they're no fun otherwise.

My favorite place to study is the fifth floor women's bathroom. Just pop in my ear phones and relax on the couch, while awkwardly avoiding eye contact with all the incoming and outgoing guests.

Thanksgiving was amazing. Here is what I'm thankful for: family. Specifically aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, sisters-in-law, nephews, parents... I think that's every family member I have. If I missed anyone, I love you too.

11:11 make a wish

Did you wish that this post would be over? Because it is.

Ok, ok, I'll go back to my paper outline now. Happy Day, everyone!

No matter who wins, BYU has the best mascot

Yesterday my friend Shawn said this: "You know... dating, and finding your eternal companion is great and everything, but there's nothing better than watching football on a Saturday."

It's clear he was serious because he's 28 and still single. At first I laughed, but then I thought about it, and I couldn't agree more. This was confirmed to me as I spent the entire day watching game after game and realizing that it was a truly great day.

Starting off with the amazing game by my dear BYU with a score of 49-10 over Colorado St. And the crushing defeat of Utah by Notre Dame. Finally everyone knows they didn't deserve to be ranked with their pathetically easy schedule.

Then I watched Oregon very unimpressively beat an unranked California. If only Cal hadn't missed that second field goal! Poor guys. And Auburn and TCU didn't do all that amazing either.

And for a short break from football, we watched yet another comeback by the Jazz for the fifth game in a row to win in the last second. Go, D-Will!

I don't know how many of you knew this about me, but you should have figured out by this point: I love sports. Especially football, but especially basketball, but especially football. I also like tennis.

Death and other happy alternatives to what I'm going through

I am sick.

I have been sick for three days now.

I hate sick.

It's not the "boo hoo I have a cold and it's keeping me slightly miserable as I trudge begrudgingly to all my classes" sick.
No, I wish I were that lucky. It's the "I really want to not fail school, but if I try to walk to campus I might simultaneously pass out and throw up" kind of sick.
And this is the perfect time for me to be on my death bed, because I have two tests this week and a test next week and all kinds of stuff that I can't really afford missing, but I can't really do anything about it.

Also, being sick is booooooorrrrrriiiiiinnngg. All of my roommates keep leaving and having lives and laughing and all that stupid college-y stuff, and I'm like, "Have fun friends. Remember me in my hour of need. I hope you're all happy out there looking down on those of us who are becoming one with our beds."

Blergh.

I'm tired. I have a test tomorrow.

Did I mention I hate being sick?

Sorry this post is so complainy.

Autumnal Equinox

I have been working on writing a post about how much I love the Fall for a few days now. Always kind of working at it and trying to find the best way to express how much I love the glorious season.

I was going to mention the awesome clothes. Sweaters and scarves are definitely my favorite. I was going to talk about how there is a general sense in the air that things are changing and magic is happening. I was going to bring up how beautiful the trees look and how the mountains are like a personal gift to me every day as I'm walking to class.

I was going to go in great detail about the fact that Fall always kicks off the holiday season for me, and makes me all nostalgic for the days when I was a little girl jumping in leaves and getting ready for Christmas. I even have the desire to listen to mostly oldies because it just seems to fit better.

I was going to talk about all of the wonders of this autumnal season...

But then it snowed today.

So I guess that boat's floated.

Happy Winter, everyone.

Airplanes

How can you not love these men?

Can we just talk about General Conference for a second? I'm not really listening to your answer, because we're gonna talk about this anyway. For those readers that aren't of my faith, General Conference is when the prophet and other leaders of the Church speak to the whole LDS Church. It's pretty great. I fell in love with General Conference this year. Don't get me wrong, I have always been a huge fan, but this year was definitely one of those years that I kind of wanted to get up and cheer after the talks, you know, if that wasn't completely inappropriate and stuff. Almost every talk gave me some inspiration that I had been needing in my life. Isn't it funny how the speakers can be talking to 13 million people and still you can think, "Man, they must have written this talk for me."

My favorite favorite was President Uchtdorf. Without getting too whiny, my life has been incredibly frazzle dazzled lately. It felt like everything was hitting me at once, and I didn't know how to handle any of it. I settled into my chair at conference, with thoughts in me head about how I didn't really have time for any of this, there was far too much going on. Then President Uchtdorf starts talking about trees. And I was thinking, "Trees? That's cool and everything, but what does it have to do with flying an airplane?" Ok, I didn't think that, but he is a funny man. This did get me listening though, and I realized that to get through the tur-bə-lence in my life, I need to slow down and take a breath. Focus on the basics of the gospel, and worship the Lord in the most simple way. It reminded me of becoming as a child. A child's testimony is not complicated, it is simple and pure. Full of trust and absolute faith. I loved this talk.

The rest of conference had me thinking along those same lines. Think Fourth Article of Faith. I loved that my notes were littered with words like "faith" and "agency" and "Holy Ghost" and "love." These words aren't hard to understand. They aren't even hard to put into practice. There were many occasions where I whipped out my pen when I thought I would receive some grand new shortcut into Heaven. Oh! He's going to talk about the things we need to do to gain salvation! Better be prepared. ...Read your scriptures, go to Church, love one another. Well duh. I was a little disbelieving at times. That can't be all. Yes it can, Erica. Just look at the snake already, you'll be fine.

So pretty much, I love the gospel. I love the Church. I love the prophets. The Lord doesn't deal in secret formulas for salvation.

Also, Boyd K. Packer. I love that man. His talk was incredible. I wish it wasn't being skewed so badly by the world.

If you are interested in listening to conference, you can find it here. Also, if any of you want to tell me about your favorite talk or inspiration you received, I would love to hear.

It's Been Awhile

Ugh. The title of this post just reminded me of Nickelback. I hate Nickelback. I should change it. But if I did then these sentences would make no sense. So I just looked up that song, and it's totally sung by Staind. In that case. Ugh. The title of this post just reminded me of Staind. I hate Staind. They sound exactly like Nickelback. Anyway, moving on.

It has been a rather eventful month, ladies and gentlemen. But I'm not going to tell you about any of it, because I don't approve of being whiny and lame in public. That's for alone times. However, I will fill you dear readers on some important things I've learned.

Starting with the obscure:
The Disney Channel makes spin-offs of shows with all the same cast and plot but just in different locations. I feel like they don't really understand the concept.

Xena the Warrior Princess is way more awesome and ridiculous than it was when I was 7.

Now it gets sincere and stuff. Be prepared:
Wallowing in self pity doesn't help anything. It makes you annoying and usually you just get more angry with yourself.

Friends are incredibly important. Without them, I would be going nutso right now.
Along with that... I have the best friends of any person in the whole world. Seriously, my friends are better than yours. Sorry.

I love my religion. I wouldn't be half the person I am without it. Favorite and most relevant quote of my life right now: "Come what may and love it." Also, "Forget yourself and go to work." Those apostles really know what's up.

One last thing:
Sometimes I sit down and write on my blog and it ends up being really blahblahgoobledeebloogeebloo, and I'm like, "maybe I shouldn't." Regardless, I just did.

It was '81

Last night, I got to see these guys:



because of this guy:



and I looooooooooooved it. They sounded SO good. But here's things to watch out for at Vampire Weekend concerts:
1. Cowboy short shorts
2. Random old people
3. Guys who pretend they want to get past you to get up closer, and then just stand in front of you and be awkwardly close.

But still, so awesome. SO awesome.

Also, Ezra Koenig was adorable. I don't know why that's the only word I can think of to describe what I thought about him, but it is. Adorable.

See what I mean? No? Well you're just going to have to trust me.

Bertha

If my name was Bertha, I would do everything in my power to be the hottest thing you've ever seen. It would make for some surprising and hilarious times.

"Hey there, hotty! Who you is?" (Yes I realize that person hitting on me in this scenario is a little bit gangsta)
"Bertha."
"Are you fooo real??"
"Yup."
"Weird."

or like...
"Dude, you gotta meet this girl Bertha. She is smokin'!"
"Bertha sounds like a whale"
"She's not though"
"Oh."

Ok, maybe they weren't that hilarious. But still. I think it could be interesting. I'm still thankful my name isn't Bertha

Now that that's out in the open... BYU no longer blocks me! I don't know what happened, but clearly they saw the error of their ways. Oh happy day.

On another note: School is going good. German is hard. Aber ich liebe es! I have Teachings of the Living Prophets with Lloyd Newell. It's pretty amazing times.

I'm going to see Vampire Weekend tomorrow! Gaaaaah! I'm sooooooooooooo excited and it's the best thing ever ever ever.

K now I'm done.

Flabbergasted

I am hurt and confused.

BYU blocked my blog. For adult content. Why, BYU? What did I do to you? Was the picture of me cuddling with fake John Lennon just too much for you? I checked my settings, and I voted NO on Adult Content. Please, dear BYU. Just tell me what I did wrong and I will try so very hard to fix it.

I'm sorry, bloggers. You can no longer waste time in class reading my excellent writing. Maybe that's what it was. President Samuelson felt that my wit and charm was too distracting for the students of this fine institution that I attend. I miss you, BYU.

Mr. Tambourine Man

I think the best kind of morning is a jingle jangle morning.

I'm hoping that's the kind where you actually sleep until it's not morning anymore. Because if it is, then this morning was a jingle jangle morning.

BoomBoomBoom

The thing about me is that I'm twenty.

So that's awesome.


Be honest.








I look more sophisticated now, right?

Expectations

I thought for sure that by this point in my life teleportation would have been invented. And I thought that for sure because my whole life my brother Jason has been telling me that he would invent it. That is the thing he was always going to be famous for. And I'm leaving for Provo tomorrow and how am I getting there? By a chair that flies through the sky that might offer TV and internet access if I pay for it. What is this world coming to?

Jason, I was counting on you.

This should be me

If I were a beggar, I would want a steak.

I guess I'm starting this whole series of things that I think about that don't actually mean anything at all. That makes sense, right?

My parents always said this to me: "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride."

I personally don't think that beggars/homeless people really want a fleet of horses. I think they probably want a house. Maybe some food. I guess they could eat the horses if they wanted.

This has been weighing on my mind lately.

First one to the monkey bars gets to give the first closing statement!

Remember when you were a little kid and you would hear in random tv shows or movies about court cases, and they would have recesses? And you thought that meant that the different sides would all go to a park and swing together and play on the merry-go-round and stuff? And you thought it was a good strategy because it kept everyone pleasant and the justice system working like it's supposed to?

Yeah, times were simpler then.

Coaches

In Europe, there was a whole heck of a lot of time spent on coaches. Yes, coaches. Bow to my British-ness. Anyway, lots of time is what I'm talking about. If I had a talent in estimating, I would give you a number of how many hours. But I don't. Many many hours. These were sometimes really great times, and sometimes really awful, depending on morale, health, sleep deprivation, and of course the coolness level of the driver. There was much bonding on these coach rides. There was deep soul searching, carsickness, karaoke, and of course some serious conversation (mostly about boys). I think if it had not been for the coaches, I would not know these girls quite as well as I do, and I'm so thankful for that time, even though it got a little overwhelming at times.

One of my favorite things was when I got to be on the coach alone. Obviously, I was never actually alone. But there were certain times when every single person fell asleep, and I would wake up and realize that everyone around me was down for the count. This was a time when I would sit and think. I could keep to myself and take in the beauty that constantly surrounded me. Beauty like this:

You can even see the reflection of my camera. Trust me, it was prettier in person. I wouldn't listen to my iPod or try to find out if anyone else was awake to talk to. It was so calm, so serene, and was made even more special by the fact that I rarely had time to myself.

It's not about avoiding people, or not wanting to talk to them. It's just about those few minutes out of the day when I could wrap my head around the fact that I was traveling through England or Ireland or wherever we were, and I was so happy to be there.

And when that time was over, when the others woke up and broke out into a rousing verse of "Single Ladies," it was even more fun, because I had a new sense of appreciation for it all.

I left on a jetplane, and I really didn't know when I would be back again.

So everybody keeps asking for this story, and it's kind of a long one, so I though I would just put in on here for all you wonderful people. I hope you enjoy it and are also horrified by it.

After seven wonderful weeks traipsing around Europe, I was more than ready to come home. It was a fantastic time, and I was sad to leave, but I missed my family. On Friday, August 6th, I woke up at around 6:30 in the morning and started getting ready for big adventure home, not really ready for the actual big adventure that I was about to have. At 8:30 we were picked up by a taxi (for the record, I had wanted to leave earlier than that, don't know why I didn't say anything). I got to the airport with Kari and BreeAnn at Terminal 1 in the Manchester Airport.. We then learned that we needed to be at Terminal 2. So we lugged our giant bags through the airport until we got to the right place and found a massive line leading to the Delta counter. I waited in this line for about an hour and a half, worrying about missing the flight, when BreeAnn and I were pulled aside for security questioning, which was awesome because then we got to jump ahead and get right through to security. We had to rush, but we made it to our flight... and then waited an incredibly long time, as the pilot was waiting for somebody's bags and not taking off.

After an 8 hour flight, and no attempt by the pilot to make up time in the air, I did my best to rush off the plane, get through customs, and get to my connecting flight to Maryland. So I had to wait in a couple more lines, because there was no instruction about what to do with my bag or anything, and at this point I was sick of stupid lines. The lady at the baggage counter told me that I didn't need to wait, and told me in her slowest voice possible that "You need to hurry, ma'am." Yeah I know lady, thanks! By the time I got through the slowest security line ever, the plane was gone. I guess they don't wait for people in New York. So I jumped in the customer service line and waited for about twenty minutes until a rep got me a new flight at 6:35 to Reagan. She didn't mention I was on standby. I played Solitaire with my new Beatles cards until then.

The plane started boarding. Standby passengers were called. None of them were me.

So I jumped in the customer service line again. This one took about 45 minutes to an hour. When I got to the front they got me another flight at 9. I was on standby again, but I was the first person in line, so if they had any standby at all (which they usually do) I would make it.

The plane was so full they were asking for volunteers to give up their seats.

So I jumped back in the line. This time waited for about two or more hours until I finally got up there. While I was in line, my dad had gotten me a flight for 1:55 pm Saturday. Not the ideal situation, but it was a confirmed ticket, no standby. So that's what I told this guy, and he very enthusiastically told me he could do me one better. He told me he could get me a ticket for 8:30. My parents had told me I was on standby for the 8:30 flight, so I didn't know what this guy was talking about. I asked again and again if he was absolutely positive that he could get me a confirmed seat for the 8:30 flight. He kept telling me trust him, and he promised I would have a seat. He also mentions there is a catch. He would not tell me what the catch was until he booked my flight, but he did ask me if I had any cash. I though this man was going to ask me to pay him. I had no idea what was going on, and I wanted him to talk to me about it. Finally, after he booked my new flight, he told me it was at La Guardia Airport. IT WAS AT A DIFFERENT AIRPORT! Can I please remind you that at this point it was midnight and I was in New York City by myself. This man expected me to take a taxi to another airport in the middle of the stinkin' night and find my way around there. I was furious. I tried to make him get my original flight back, but the seat was already gone. I was stuck with this new flight, and I wanted to punch this man in the face.

I was trying to decide if I wanted to go to the airport now or in a few hours, when a very nice security guard told me there would be no point in going yet. She was incredibly helpful and told me where I could go lie out, plug in my laptop, relax a little bit. I bought internet because, by the way, my phone was on the verge of dead. I had no battery left. (Side note: my phone kept making noises at me and telling me low battery since around 11 at night, but I kept using it, and it didn't actually die until I was on my street in Maryland, two seconds from home. Now that's a blessing.) I sat over there and talked to my mom for a while and slept for about half an hour and at about 3:15 am I decided I was ready to go. There was a new security guard at the exit, and he told me that I shouldn't leave yet. I didn't want to take any risks, but I did talk to him for a little while. He was nice and we talked about religion and music and stuff and then I really had to leave, because I was getting antsy. He asked for my email... awkward. But he was also a very big help and was very nice to me, so I can't complain too much.

At 3:45 I went out to call a cab, and the taxi dispatcher was very friendly, helping me to pick the right taxi and talking to me while I waited. The safe, yellow cab came and although it was way more expensive than I wanted, I just needed to get there. At this point, I didn't really care. I got to the airport at 4 and stood in yet another line, only to find out I was at the wrong terminal. I'm so sick of this crap... Soooo I got on the shuttle to the right terminal, and listened to the driver talk about how stupid his customers are. Because apparently this graveyard shift bus driver at the airport who doesn't understand the concept of being in earshot is just a genius. I can hear you, you know! But they got me to the right terminal, and it was for these little puddlejumper airplanes that only flew to Boston, Chicago, and DC. They didn't even open until 6:30, so I parked myself and all my stuff in the front of the line, and slept and read until I could get my ticket and get through security. This part was all pretty chill and uneventful. At one point I started freaking out because I noticed the gate changed, but then I realized that it changed from gate 3 to gate 6, which were probably about 50 feet from one another. Ain't no thang. I got on the plane. It was open seating, and I got my seat all to myself. I stretched out, slept, drank some Ginger Ale, ate the smallest bag of peanuts in the world, and by the time I was finished the plane was starting its descent. I was finally home!

I went to the baggage place to track down my suitcase. There was no way of knowing where it would be. The very loud, very friendly man there told us that it would be coming in from a flight from Atlanta. We got home and found out that flight got canceled. I just laughed. Went to sleep, and when I woke up, it was sitting there waiting for me. My dear parents had gotten it when it came in. I love them. I missed them.

And that's my story. From the time I woke up to the time I fell asleep at home was about 35 hours. I feel like I could tackle the world after that. Go me.

No, actually. We're just good friends.

Let's talk about how this was the best week ever. Actually, I won't talk much about it. But basically, it was awesome. Partly because of this



and this



But mainly because of this







and a little bit because of this



just overall a great week.

And no, that's not anyone famous. He was just really attractive. I don't know if that would confuse people.

French men are ridiculous.

First of all, Paris is the best. It was a nice little vacation from London. And no, London is not a vacation. Something wonderful about Paris is that it is beautiful. Something not so wonderful is that it stinks. A lot. Everywhere you go. But especially the metro. Yikes. While there were many amazing things that happened this weekend, let me just share one story for your reading pleasure.

It's possible that I ate too many crepes whilst in the land of amour. But, really, how can you ever have too many crepes? At this particular moment, I had just gotten a lemon and sugar one and was rather joyful about it. I composed a song on the spot that went something like this "Oh creeepe, I love yoooooouuu." Off to the side I hear "I love you too, baby!" And I see a man sitting at a cafe smiling at me. It was hilarious and I laughed and ran onto the metro in a jovial/slightly creeped out fashion.

And that's not the only story of that nature. Like the time the gold man winked at me.

Paris. Good times.

French keyboqrds qre the zorst

This will be a short post because this is difficult. Next time you are in Paris, I hope you have better luck with a keyboard than I do. On that note: I am in Paris! I would have used a contraction, but I have no idea where the apostrophe is on this thing. Ok I give up, but I will add pictures later and tell you all kinds of hilarious stories. Au revoir!

A Fairytale

Being on a study abroad with other English Language nerds, we tend to find things fun that maybe other people wouldn't. We like to make up stories a lot. So yesterday, my dear friend Rachel and I were playing this game where you write three lines of a story, then you fold over the first two and the next person writes the next three lines based on the last line of that last person's. Hope that made sense, because I want to share the story we wrote. Yes, it was that exciting to me that I want to share it. Rachel's lines are normal and mine are italicized.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful maiden named Erica who only liked raisins if they were chocolate covered. It was unfortunate, therefore, that she only
had seven months to live. She had wanted so much out of life and now it was falling apart. Luckily, she thought of a plan to solve this
which was: find Harry Potter! Off she went, after class with Sister Hallen of course, and on her way she took Liz and a broomstick - which was absolutely necessary
because how else are you supposed to get to Hogwarts? They flew threw the night and tried to catch sight of the train. This adventure made her feel like
a cupcake. After all, cupcakes are yummy, pretty, and pink. She was also yummy, pretty, and pink. (Editor's note: I am writing this as is, and Rachel chose to use the Oxford comma. le sigh) How do we know she is yummy? Because an ogre ate her with frosting
Or tried to anyway. But Harry Potter was there to save the day. She asked Harry if he could cure her disease. He happily agreed and they went to find
the fountain of youth. Everyone wants to live forever, after all. But it turns out that to live forever you have to give up all of your chocolate raisins and Erica was not willing
to share because raisins were her death wish. In the end, Harry Potter was an idiot and couldn't help her, so she died of cancer. The End

Happy Independence, America!

I wish I was there to celebrate you.

But don't worry, I'm over here sticking it to the Motherland.

Overstimulation.

Let me just start by saying that I am loving absolutely every second of this Study Abroad. I love the people, I love the places, I love everything. This is the reason why the phrase "It's the best!" has become so readily used at every turn. People keep scoffing at me and being skeptical: "Oh really Erica? This church is the best? I thought you said the last church was the best. They can't both be the best."
Yes they can. Don't be rude
Here are some things that I have said are the best over the past week:
1. Dublin
2. London
3. The rain in Wales
4. My mom
5. My dad
6. Wesley Holley
7. My shoes
8. Ryan Miller
9. Dr. Pepper
10. The Beatles
11. Any movie the Beatles are in.
12. My family
13. Every other thing ever.

This list goes on for days. Obviously. Because I've been making it for days.

On another note, I have been getting mad exhausted lately. Too too too much is going on and I was starting to get the grumpies. I like that word. Grumpies. I don't like that attitude though. Because then I was not having as good of a time as I should have been having, and that's just pointless, isn't it? So I stopped. Here's how:

Well, first of all. I told myself to stop. And when that didn't work...
I had lunch with Katelyn. That sounds so simple and yet it was the nice breather that I need to recharge my batteries and be ready and willing to do anything and everything that I was asked. It's like how I kept not being able to charge my camera battery, so I had to take less and less pictures every day so it wouldn't run out. Then even when I wanted to charge it, I only had one adapter, so I would have to rotate between my camera and computer. So it never quite got back to its full self and I would be running it around everywhere again. I am a camera battery.

But anyway, this lunch. Think of this. I'm sitting in Cambridge (not the campus but nearby) at an adorable outdoor Italian cafe. Oh man. I'm sitting there eating some heavenly lasagna for a pretty awesome price, and the owner of the restaurant is out there chatting with customers and making everyone feel welcome. There is a street performer in the square filling the gaps between the hustle and bustle of shoppers going by. This is the perfect atmosphere. We order our dessert. Katelyn goes for the Coconut Sorbet (yes, please!) and I get a cake that uses the word "chocolate" at least 6 times in its description. mmmmmmm

There is no rush. They aren't hurrying us through our meal so they can seat a more expensive lunch like they might in the US. They give us time to breathe and relax and just envelop ourselves in this moment. The owner talks to us for a bit and he was so charming. I asked him how many languages he speaks and he wonders if I am from immigration. Funny guy. He speaks French, Italian, English, Spanish and Arabic. He can also speak in an Italian accent. I was fascinated.

It was perfection. I am recharged.

Also, this happened today:



Pretty much a dream come true. Of course it's the summer, so nobody was there. But still, the campus was lovely. Hagrid says hi.

Killarney! Dingle! Muffins and Squash!

I wish more than anything that my internet was the best thing ever and I could upload some sweet cool pics from IRELAND. I'll do my best. On another note, but really the same note, I'M IN IRELAND. Did you know? Probably you did, but seriously. It's awesome. There is nothing wrong with life at this moment. We have gone to so many places and done so many things, and I feel like I should be more specific, but I probably won't be. Not right now at least.
Maybe some highlights? K
1. Buying a concentrated juice mix instead of an actual fruit drink and proceeding to try and drink in, most likely with a bunch of Irish people thinking I'm crazy sauce.
2. Singing in the bus and realizing that I still know all the words to pretty much every Backstreet Boys and N'Sync song, and other songs from this decade.
3. Rain and cold and wet and rain and cold and rain and wet. Then the one day I'm smart enough to wear long sleeves, warm and sunny and hot and beautiful!
4. Castles.
5. Katelyn Gentry, Liz Ballif, Mariah Krauel, Janelle Barrett, Katie Hutchings, etc.

I. Love. Ireland.

Maybe here's some this:
haha! Tricked ya! Photos still not working. Death.

pet peeves

i know that sometimes when you are just writing a quick text it can be super easy and understandable to skip out on the punctuation and capital letters but dont you feel that if a person is trying to sound intelligent and witty they should probably conform to proper punctuation rules? i mean its really difficult to read a sentence that has no pauses or periods or any kind of guiding force to help us through it

I just read Eats, Shoots, and Leaves. It's turning me into a jerk/punctuation elitist.

Also, video:
Watch. Embrace. Love.

London Calling

What a cliche song to use. Shame on me. But on the other hand...

Can we just talk about the fact that I'm going to Europe in THIRTEEN days?
What?!

This is insanity. I'm jumping out of my skin.

Oh, hey, more cliches. How ya doin?

Anyone wanna help me pack?

Words, words, words.

I have so many million thoughts twirling and tumbling and screaming out of my head right now, and have for the past few days. And I always want to express them, but then I don't know how. But I really want to, so I'm just going to say some stuff, and it probably won't make much sense, but that doesn't matter too much to me right now.

I think that when a person thinks a thing, they should say that thing to the person they're thinking it about so that everybody knows that there are thoughts that people are having. Because when you don't know that people are thinking those things, then you act stupid and it's no fun.

I'm super excited for lots of other people right now and I hope that they are all really happy and it seems like they are so it makes me happy. If you are one of those people (and you probably are) then yay for you! I'm so happy for you in all your dealings!

I feel like I should be writing more. When I write, I am set loose my feelings so that I don't have to feel them anymore, but they are forever trapped on a piece of paper where they can stay forever. I am especially into poetry at the moment. Good stuff.

My nails are dark blue. The color is called "all night long." I'm not really sure what that means, but I dig it.

I'm looking forward to a bunch of things and I just want them to be here. England for example. I really wish I was in England.

I miss my parents.

I love Provo, but I really need a break for like a weekend, good thing I am doing that.

Despite the fact that at this very moment I am kind of not so great, I could not be more thrilled with my life. There are so many wonders and beauties and happy possibilities that it makes me feel like there is no excuse to be unhappy.

I am choosing to be happy! My mother would be so proud. It took me a second to remember how to spell choosing, how embarrassing.

I hope that nobody feels like they wasted their lives reading this, because I am thrilled that I got to trap these feelings for the world to see.

Mommula

I told my mom that I was going to text her and tell her things I like about her throughout the day. But I didn't do it. I forgot. Because I am terrible. But here are some things:

1. My mom is a great teacher. She was a substitute and a seminary teacher for many years and was always so good at it.
2. She is a really good cook, even though I am picky, I love her food.
3. She always expects the most out of me, even if I don't expect it from myself. She believes in me is what I'm saying.
4. She loves her kids so much and wants to always know that they are well taken care of. I know it is hard for her to have all her kids so far away.
5. She loves the gospel so much and her testimony is obvious.
6. She always does everything that she is supposed to. She goes above and beyond in everything, even though a lot of times she thinks she is not doing enough. Crazy.
7. She is so funny and can make me laugh so much.
8. She has awesome taste in music and it makes me laugh when I go home and find Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas cds in her car. She's so cool.
9. I had the best time ever driving to Utah with her last summer. I know it was probably not the greatest for her, but I loved it and felt like I got to know her a lot better. And she helped me with some stuff I was dealing with then.
10. Last summer was very hard for me. Mom helped me through it and was so much more wonderful for me than she could possibly know.

There are about a million more things that I could say, but I think ten is ok. I love you, mom. Even though sometimes I give you really weird nicknames.

The facts were these...

Sometimes I get hit with random bursts of domesticity. Or maybe sometimes I just want to eat something and I can't stop myself from making it happen. But I'm gonna go with the domesticity thing. Here's this:



It's peanut butter pie. I made it. It's delicious. Well actually, that has yet to be proven as it is currently in my freezer getting all frozen so I can eat it right up. I'm so excited. The thing is that the recipe said to use 16 oz of whipped cream, but I only used 8. And you know what? It looks reals good, and I even had myself a little taste, and I think an extra 8 ounces is overrated.

You know what else though? After I finished making the pie, I cleaned right up the mess I made. Because that's what my mom taught me to do. I also did the rest of the dishes, because what-the-heck the sink was so full!

But making pie made me reminisce about Pushing Daisies. That was a good show. Remember? I wish it didn't get cancelled.

iPad!

First of all. Everybody notice that if you turn the title of this post upside down, it still says iPad!. Who's amazed? I am

Second of all, every time I go to tetris.com, which I do often, I see that there is an app for your iPad that you can play tetris! Yay! I would totally use that app.
But you know what? I would probably not use it for anything useful. It would just be a really expensive portable tetris game.

Maybe I'm not giving the iPad enough credit though. I would probably play solitaire too.

Namaste

This morning I woke with a bit of an ache in my legs and abs, and a smile on my face. Last night my dear former roommate, Cami, invited me to her weekly yoga session that she teaches at her apartment, and I surprisingly (but happily) accepted. And you know what? I totally dig it. Yoga is awesome. It was hard and I struggled a titch, but it was so enjoyable and I felt so energized and healthy when it was over.

I have always had such a hard time exercising because I don't like anything I try. Running (which I also did yesterday) is awful and exhausting. Lifting weights... are you kidding? And don't even get me started on my avid snowshoeing career, because I don't have one. But yoga is fun and works me hard and I want to do it so much! Hopefully this will give me a kickin' figure.

I am so excited that I love this so much because it is an interest I can share with the rest of my sisters(-in-law). So I was thinking, Keck Family Yoga? Am I right or am I right? It's a genius idea. Tiffany can be the teacher and all us Keck girls can get in shape together. And every once in a while we can watch Kimberly do "the Scorpion." Seriously, sisters, get back to me. This is not a joke.



This is the move I'm working on right now. Ain't no problem.

Bububu

It's like school got too stressful and all my interesting went away. Goodbye, personality.

Here's this:



I like it.

Friday... blech

I really, really wish I was in the shower right now. But I'm pretty sure it's going to start snowing in there in a few minutes with how cold the water is. Everybody should stay a healthy distance away from me today, and I apologize in advance.

On the other hand, Tiffany sent me this picture this morning, and who couldn't have a smile on their face after seeing it?


Guess I should go eat some Chip Mates (like Cookie Crisp, but not) and find a hat.

Studying.

Am I embarrassed that I'm watching the Office and am about to watch Community in the library in full view of anyone who takes a glance at my computer screen?

Yep.

Am I embarrassed enough to stop?

Nuh-uh.

A bit of insight.

My dear sister-in-law, Kimberly, told me the other day that she missed me, although it has not been long since the last time I saw her, and she lives across the street. But she mentioned that she realized why it seemed like she hadn't heard from me in a while: because I haven't been blogging! Side note: the word "blogging" makes me feel pretentious for some reason. I will try to refrain from using it in the future. Anyway, after Kim said this, I thought, "Oh my goodness! Away to the computer so I can write a fantastic new post about something amazing and everyone can glory in my awesome!"

Well that didn't happen. And I don't really have anything to update on, but there is something I have been thinking a lot about lately, so I thought I might share. I hope everyone is ready for a wild ride.

Forgive me for getting all spiritual for a moment, but "love one another" has been hitting me pretty hard. Like punching me in the face. Repeatedly. I'm sorry if this seems a little too violent for a prompting for kindness, but sometimes I need that extra push.

Without going into many details, there is somebody that I don't get along with. But I keep getting these stupid promptings to be nice to her and be her friend. And I'm thinking, "whoa now, I have enough friends and I just don't care about her that much." I was fully prepared to be civil, but I didn't want to invite her into my life even a little bit. Minimum effort seemed necessary.

But then the Spirit smacked me on the back of the head. "Erica, man up and be nice. You're not better than anyone else and we all need friends." I might be taking some liberties with how I felt and what I "heard," but I like to convey things in ways that are clear to me. So then I was thinking a lot. Why do I have to be friends with this girl? She has friends. I'm not that important. But I chilled out and listened intently and finally decided to talk to her. I was friendly and had a nice little conversation. Everything seemed all well and good, and I though that maybe this was all I needed to do. Ha! I win.

Wrong.

So later she talks to me and expresses how thankful she is that I talked to her and that we could be friends. She seemed genuinely happy and relieved that there were no problems between us, and I felt so good. Like... so good.

Why can't I just be friends with people? Why can't I rely on people and let them talk to me? Why do I think I can handle everything all by myself and I don't need to go out of my comfort zone? I don't know why. But it's dumb of me, and I'm going to stop.

Apologies for this ridic long post.

Vamlemtimes!

I wasn't going to write a Valentine's Day post. Mainly because I feel I have been a little over zealous on this blog as of late and I didn't want people to think I was too eager. And also because I haven't been feeling super Valentine'sy (we'll pretend that's a word) this season of love. Not that I have been anti at all, just not super hyped about it like I usually would be. (I'm kind of in love with love) Plus, after watching gushy romantic movies and seeing everyone else with their being in love it made sad for my lack of Valentine this year.

But then, I read this when I got home from a "Nightmare Before Valentine's Day" party (I'll explain later ... actually that's probably a lie), and felt inspired to listen to Frank Sinatra and think about how I too am super blessed to have such wonderful people in my life who love me, and who I love in return. My dear sister can be oh so wise at unpredictable points in my life (Not that she's not always wise, but sometimes it is especially pertinent to my life).

Man, can Franky sure croon.

Basically, Tracy said all I want to say, so this is pretty much just a love note I'm sending to her via the public eye. So through all our troubles, Love and I are back in good graces. And I love all of you.

Hey!

I got a haircut. This is my serious face. Why do my lips look so huge? It's almost Valentine's Day, and I love you.
Well that's everything I was thinking, you can go back to life now.

Denny's

As a college student, I feel it is important to find the time to make some really stupid decisions that often lead to adventure and hilarity. The truly impressive aspect of this is that - unlike college students at any university other than BYU - these decisions are made without an ounce of alcohol in my system. Go me. Monday night (to Tuesday morning) was one of these fatal errors.

As most people know, this morning was the free Grand Slam promotion thing-a-ma-jig. And with college kids, free food is like a scholarship. I don't really know how I made that comparison, but I'm suffering from a serious lack of sleep. But basically, my friends and I were watching the Super Bowl (Saints? eh) and decided that we really, really needed a free Grand Slam. And considering Jordan needed to be at work by 7, we had to get there early. Like... eight and a half hours early.

That's right. We spent the night. At Denny's.

So Monday night at around 9:30 we arrived to find... absolutely nobody there. Sweet! First in line, suckas. So we set up camp (there was a tent involved, but it was never used because I think it was meant for a small child) and waited. And waited. And waited. And at first we were thinking, "haha, it's kind of cold but this is awesome." But by the end of the night we were screaming, "if I don't get my free food and some warmth real soon, I'm going to resort to cannibalism. Also, I think my foot needs to be amputated." Cause you know what's weird? Utah is cold. Especially in February. At night.

Other highlights of the night:
1. Jordan won Phase 10... lame, I was robbed.
2. Wonderful lady who got us HUGE cups of hot chocolate
3. Drunk guy who tried to steal our stuff because he thought we were moochers
4. Other guys finally coming to camp behind us at one in the morning
5. The several times that I went to the bathroom so I could be warm in Denny's
6. The millions of people that showed up for free grand slams
7. The fact that we were third on the list even though we waited for EIGHT AND A HALF HOURS. I hate people
8. When I finally got my Grand Slam and it took me approximately three minutes to devour and then realize that holy [every word I can think of] I'm tired, and we were the first ones out of the restaurant.

Yeah... a lot of stuff happened.
I will never do this again. But I'm really glad I did. Andrew said he felt like we were hobbits who had just gone through so much together that we were forever linked through this bond. I agree.

Oh, baby baby!

Welcome, little baby Joel! Whose real name is Joel David, not JoelMax. But I felt like that's the last time I would be allowed to say that (No, Kimberly, I don't think it's ok anymore). I love love love all 6 lbs 6 oz of this little dude. I can't wait to meet him for real. He's so awesome. And congratulations to the wonderful parents, Brad and Tiffany.

Don't the pictures of Kyle with his new brother just make your face melt by sheer cuteness? He's going to be the best big brother ever.

What the what?!

So I wrote and rewrote the beginning of this post. Including everything from philosophical pondering to sports metaphors. Yeah, I'm totally diggin sports lately. Did you see that sweet match between Federer and Davydenko? Awesome comeback by Rog. Anyway, all awesome ideas for start of this post came up short, mainly because when I use the word "awesome" I mean lame.

But regardless of my stupid desire to be a fantastic writer, I really just have exciting things to say. Well, they're exciting for me, so pay attention.

First, and most exciting is that I'm getting a new nephew today. So he's not exactly born yet, so I can't go into the height and weight details, but I was too excited to wait. Hurry up, JoelMax, there are people here waiting for you.

Next, my very good friend, Steve Curtis, has offically been on his mission in Porto Alegres, Brazil for one whole year. This totally blows my mind. Really? It was really over a year ago that he was buying me J Dawgs and watching football on my couch? And driving me around belting out Fall For You by Secondhand Serenade at the top of his lungs... in the worst possible singing voice he could muster. Oh Steve. This is also the guy who would out of nowhere, stare you down, flex his muscles and whisper "all day" at me. Which made me laugh and laugh and laugh. Oh Steve, I miss you. Maybe I'll write you for the second time. One letter per year seems decent, right?

And finally, holy last season of LOST, Batman! Approximately 30 seconds after the recap I was like "WA-HUUUUH" and then I did it again a few minutes later. And again... and again... and again. What the heck is going on?? I don't even know, but I'm totally loving it.

I feel like I'm missing something, but I don't really care enough to remember what it was. Be excited about life! Awesome things are happening.

Two Things... or maybe three

1. My bathroom is fixed! Yay! And I sincerely apologize to cute maintenance man for saying those awful things about him. Our brand new PURPLE curtain rod totally makes up for it, and even inspired us to buy a delightful new shower curtain. I will gladly flirt with him again... and I did on Sunday at church.
(maybe I will put a picture of it here when I have one)
(Edit: I meant of the new bathroom, not of me flirting with said maintenance man...)

2. Congratulations to my millions (3) of friends that got engaged over the weekend.
Happy couples are:
Jordan Robbins and Meagan Packer
Kylea McMurray and Casey Knecht
Julie Hoffman and Robert Lee

(Bold means they're the ones I know, although I've met both Meagan and Casey, and they're wonderful)

I wish all of them a happy life.
Three engagements in one weekend! I didn't realize I was old enough to have my friends getting married. Weird.

3. Nope I only had two things to say after all

Happy February!

Memories

Remember how yesterday I was super excited because the leak in my bathroom was getting fixed? Yeah. That was awesome.

But you know what else...

Remember when my shower curtain used to hang up in the shower instead of sit in my bathtub? Remember when my ceiling used to be... on the ceiling instead of in my bathtub?


Remember when there wasn't a nasty ugly gaping hole in my bathroom ceiling? Remember when there wasn't a super loud ugly fan blocking the toilet? Remember how it used to be possible to close the door and actually use the bathroom?


Remember how yesterday I thought that the guy who came to fix my ceiling was kind of cute and I might have flirted with him the teensiest bit, but today he is the epitome of all things wrong with the world?

Hey, maintenance man! Come fix the bathroom that you destroyed!

And yes, that is my Old Spice body wash in the tub. Being jealous is understandable.

Shocking Confessions

So I'm sitting here in my living room, my lovely roommate just woke up from her nap and has the most crazy awesome hair I've ever seen. Seriously, it's the best thing ever. I love Bri. Anyway. So I'm sitting here, sleepy after a long (boring) day of school. And my new FHE mom comes in! Yay, she seems nice. Maybe I'll actually go.

So she knocks on the door and she's talking to me for like a half a second, maybe more, and all I can think about is the fact that I'm sitting here in the dark in a very unflattering position on my computer. There are no lights on and I'm not listening to anything or watching TV, just staring at my computer. And also there are mysterious and loud sounds coming from the back because we're finally getting our bathroom ceiling fixed (Did I mention we had a leak? Here's what's not fun, stumbling to the bathroom in the morning and stepping on a completely soaked bathmat. Blech)

To sum up: Loud noises, wet bathmat, dark living room, creepy weirdo first impression made by me. How embarrassing and demoralizing. boo.

She's gonna think I'm a vampire. Maybe I shouldn't go to FHE after all...

Maybe I should turn on the light, because my other roommate just walked in and furthered my embarrassment. Blast!

Weird.

Here is something that I like: Sleeping on the couch.
There isn't really any reason for it, I just find it exciting. The couch is cool. For cool people.

Here is something that I don't like: Waking up on the couch.
Because seriously, once the glamour (yes, glamour) of sleeping on the couch wears off, I'm pretty much just stuck with the pain of an uncomfortable couch and the super high arm rests that put a crick in my neck.

But I still like it.

Happy Martin Luther King Day, everyone.

Boredom

I had this whole day planned. It was going to be stressful, but I was going to manage it. i carefully calculated a plan to maximize the use of my time. I procrastinated homework throughout the week so I would have an exciting Friday full of drama and emotional thrill rides! I was going to do really poorly on my first German test of the semester. There was going to be a mad dash to the finish as I did the last of my online homework due today before three. I knew I would have to wait til after class to scribble out my last journal entry, further postponing my weekend joy. But all did not go according to plan. I finished everything.

And now, somehow, I am sitting in the dear, old Harold B. Lee Library with nothing to do with this excessive free time before my last class of the week. I'm not stressed in the slightest and my mind is racing with the prospects of the three day weekend in my future. When I go home tonight, I will have nothing to do but relax and de-stress from this mad crazy week. (Can't you tell that being an English Language major is improving my vocabulary exponentially?)

While I am thrilled that I was able to make such good use of my time, and even feel comfortably satisfied with my proficiency on my test, now I am lost in the awful limbo that is this hour. With nothing to do, I sit and wait. I stalk people on Facebook, I read my favorite blogs. But nobody had posted anything new since yesterday, and that annoyed me, so I decided to update my own. Hopefully I brighten someone's day in the same way that I am thrilled when I see new posts.

And now, dear reader, I am out of things to say. It happens, but I'm not excited about it as this post took me a grand total of 15 minutes to write, and I still have another forty minutes to waste before class. I wish all of you a more enjoyable time than I am having right now.

Ich liebe dich

Ok, readers (all four of you... hey, mom), don't think I'm being too forward, this is just the only German I know. But not for long! I am thrilled for my next semester at the wonderful Brigham Young University so I can get back to my roots and learn this fantastically angry sounding language. What a perfect New Year's resolution that I have to stick to because if I don't, I will fail a class! And it will be exciting to learn the language of my forefathers. I mean... I'm pretty sure I have some German in me.

Why am I learning German? Well thanks for asking. And I'm assuming you are asking because you typed the url, my friend. I took four years of Spanish in high school, and after discovering that I still don't really know any Spanish at all, and have no desire to learn it again, I felt it was probably time to move on. Spanish is awesome, but not for me. I don't really know if German will be for me, but I'm interested in finding out.

I'm even taking the "intensive" section of the class so I can get two semesters of German in only four months! Try to contain your enthusiasm, but I would be pretty impressed if I were you. I'm hoping that this will make the class more interesting and exciting for me, and not turn me into a German zombie (mmmm... Gehirne!!) that doesn't know her "ich" from her "sie." And yes, I'm looking all of these words up on freetranslation.com, but I won't have to in another month!

So now I wish you all a wonderful New Year, and I hope you can all find resolutions that you will be forced to keep!

Auf Wiedersehen (I actually did know how to say that one, but not how to spell it, so I still cheated. At least I'm honest about it)