tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20151770771234752622024-03-05T23:48:20.818-08:00a m a n d aiBlogAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.comBlogger504125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-60137372478143347492015-03-29T14:42:00.003-07:002015-03-29T14:43:59.690-07:00Easter LessonThis last week I read a talk by Elder Bruce R. McConkie entitle, <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1985/04/the-purifying-power-of-gethsemane?lang=eng" target="_blank">The Purifying Power of Gethsemane</a>. </i>As I read it I had an Easter lesson idea for Young Womens since Easter is also <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/?lang=eng" target="_blank">General Conference</a> so we won't be at church. <br />
Towards the end of his talk, Elder McConkie talked about three gardens, the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Garden of the Empty Tomb. He said a little something about each garden and it hit me that talking about those three gardens could be a really cool way to learn about all of the events of the Atonement and relate to Easter as well. I still wasn't totally convinced to go this direction until I was in the car listening to a John Bytheway talk and he said something along the lines of, "the most important events in the world have happened in gardens." After hearing that I decided for sure to have that be my topic.<br />
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I had to come up with a way to present the lesson so it would be similar to the Come Follow Me curriculum where the girls could have a meaningful discussion and learn from each other as well as the scriptures. I ended up making a simple handout- not as "pretty" as I intended but that doesn't matter.<br />
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Here is a download-able PDF version of the handout if you're interested. I plan on using this to kick-start my personal study on these events and maybe someone else is interested too?<br />
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/44t298rgoc9kjka/Easter%20Garden%20Lesson%20Handout.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">Three Gardens Easter Handout</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsiyXL0OvhXRoxyC84cjUQBddl_IAs2RnOhy2Ei8XiBgjX3L_9SY0K8pvkjsTD3GZmdwVvfvolrC1tLdu-zspp9Kw8wmEvQQjuy2G3PC5hyuI3mlvGgJX8OGdHyyO9JUH38qrr6LOn5lI/s1600/Easter+Garden+Lesson+Handout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsiyXL0OvhXRoxyC84cjUQBddl_IAs2RnOhy2Ei8XiBgjX3L_9SY0K8pvkjsTD3GZmdwVvfvolrC1tLdu-zspp9Kw8wmEvQQjuy2G3PC5hyuI3mlvGgJX8OGdHyyO9JUH38qrr6LOn5lI/s1600/Easter+Garden+Lesson+Handout.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These pictures are from the lds.org media resources</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I printed them out double-sided on card stock, folded them in half then cut on the dotted lines halfway across the page so it was like a little "flip book" of sorts. Probably not necessary but I like to complicate things :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_p1fFvJSL1WVcTdhipX2gDwZx5h_eiq6Hq1D2t2c6EGfgJvO9dQLaoYrhvBFcRaSXV3KhTFtua5QRMwWrqVDVsR544e7sdxvJqaqkzWeUADrT3jXbB6Vieb7IzoIHStUM66qn3XmKwGG/s1600/Easter+Garden+Lesson+Handout2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_p1fFvJSL1WVcTdhipX2gDwZx5h_eiq6Hq1D2t2c6EGfgJvO9dQLaoYrhvBFcRaSXV3KhTFtua5QRMwWrqVDVsR544e7sdxvJqaqkzWeUADrT3jXbB6Vieb7IzoIHStUM66qn3XmKwGG/s1600/Easter+Garden+Lesson+Handout2.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a>We had some reallllly good discussions. I broke the girls up into three groups and gave each group one of the gardens to learn about. They read the scriptures listed on the handout and the quotes in their groups. Then they all talked about what they learned from their study and why it's important to them personally. The girls had wonderful insights and I love when they share why different gospel aspects matter to them personally. I had some Easter videos to watch "just in case" but they all got really into studying about their garden and all shared really great insights which is so much more spiritual than showing them videos they can watch whenever (the videos are GREAT and they really do bring the spirit as well but I'm not about to interrupt teenage girls relating these gospel experiences to their real lives!) </div>
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Anyways it was just really good and I'm really glad that I randomly came across that talk and totally randomly heard that John Bytheway comment. </div>
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I hope you all (whoever you are!) have a wonderful Easter week.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-64475024800975079612015-01-26T23:28:00.001-08:002015-01-26T23:28:37.807-08:00#babybaby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't blogged for awhile. I'm not sorry about it either. The last few months have been cray so I'm fine with my lack of blogging. Besides don't you know that instagram is totally the new way to "blog"?<br />
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I thought I should at least make a mention of an exciting thing that happened on November 20, 2014. #babybaby was born! Erika is my wittle baby niece and she's kind of cute. She likes me a lot. She smiles when I hold her and stares at me for uncomfortably long periods of time without blinking.<br />
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Here are some pictures of her cute face. She's just over two months old now and she already looks kind of different. She basically holds her head up and has rolled over a couple times. She must take after her gifted aunt. <br />
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For the first couple weeks I thought she was part teletubby because the
hat she always wore stuck up like Tinky Winky's triangle headpiece.</div>
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Fear not! Alas, her head proved to be appropriately shaped. </div>
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I teach her all sorts of things. <br />
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We take naps after church on Sunday's<br />
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One time it was Christmas Eve and she dressed up like Santa. That was cute.<br />
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Christmas day she was all dressed up and ready to impress. She's smiling because she knows just how badly she got spoiled.<br />
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We will have the "modesty" talk soon. Her big belly just wasn't going to be contained by those newborn pants....<br />
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She got to go and visit her family in Minnesota at the beginning of January. It was very cold there but she's hot blooded so I think she was fine :)<br />
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When she got back from Minnesota I swear she had gained a pound in 10 days and was as chunky and cute as ever.<br />
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#tebowingsincethewomb<br />
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And that is all for now. Hope you enjoyed the 542 pictures of #babybaby Erika :) I decided that she'll call me Auntie Favorite. It has a good ring to it. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-11315496648183030532014-11-13T11:15:00.002-08:002014-11-13T11:15:17.562-08:00TempleLast night for our mutual activity we did Personal Progress! Yay for that! All the girls really want to get into personal progress so we've been focusing on that a lot lately.<br />
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Our theme was temples mostly because I really wanted to make this craft and mostly because it's a great topic. Nicole found an experience that they could complete that night, Choice and Accountability #3 which she tied into the temple quite well. She printed a cute little handout as well- that I don't have a picture of :( <br />
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I saw something similar on Pinterest one time and I've been thinking about it. Should we give it as a gift? Should they make their own? We decided they should make their own.<br />
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We talked about it and we needed 36 pieces to make 12 temples and Kristy said she had a lot of spare siding that could be used. Then she's a genius and decided that was a ridiculous amount of work to cut all of those pieces so she went to the hardware store and bought garden stakes! (Not steaks :))<br />
She bought 3 packs of 12" stakes, the "problem" was we needed two of the three stakes (per temple) to be be a bit shorter than the longer one. Again genius she asked one of the employees to cut 1.5" off the bottom of two of the boxes. He cut right through the box and had them all cut in a jiffy.<br />
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What we did was use quick dry wood glue and put the two shorter pieces on the table just a little ways apart. Then we put a bead of glue on each of the inside sides of those pieces then put the taller piece on top of them. You can mess with it a little bit until it looks like you want it to. Then put a book or something on it until it dries. While we waited we worked on the value experience and by the time that was done it was time to paint! Basic white paint. Easy. <br />
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This is one of the many reasons I'm thankful for a very competent presidency who take an idea that I really wanted to do and they are the ones that make it happen. School has been very time consuming lately and I've felt really inadequate at my calling because there are so many things I want to do but don't have time to do. Oh well it is actually good because it makes me rely on those around me more which is something I need to do. Learn to let go! <br />
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On to the pictures which is the most fun part!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavS0-Pc9_mGb542jqNPxj7a-6LcrKRRmkKAP5st-VyCXMGmVmZSYfDur9Izvo9JZzkx0lgqOUFdMlgeMFbMGd_7UqkqhCz8sQrFksIS2Crs-bM49_GBNnXah10tSQqsHtp1imVUVP_rEH/s1600/2014-11-12+20.27.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavS0-Pc9_mGb542jqNPxj7a-6LcrKRRmkKAP5st-VyCXMGmVmZSYfDur9Izvo9JZzkx0lgqOUFdMlgeMFbMGd_7UqkqhCz8sQrFksIS2Crs-bM49_GBNnXah10tSQqsHtp1imVUVP_rEH/s320/2014-11-12+20.27.20.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenUe0Xnsr_H1pH_oSN3iqETeQcTUdmnBK0u4YWFIGo1ipaFPk_u-9kO9HiszN4hGWT4yHntvel2sXBxxsaHZO-q0ZIRc0oCPqaCS8CtAwqwEbDylVuJILlZs550viPMzn80r8BiVi6gXB/s1600/2014-11-12+20.28.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenUe0Xnsr_H1pH_oSN3iqETeQcTUdmnBK0u4YWFIGo1ipaFPk_u-9kO9HiszN4hGWT4yHntvel2sXBxxsaHZO-q0ZIRc0oCPqaCS8CtAwqwEbDylVuJILlZs550viPMzn80r8BiVi6gXB/s320/2014-11-12+20.28.56.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I made these little quote cards and printed them on card stock. They the girls tied them on with tulle once their temples were dry. <br />
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Taking a break with a photo shoot at the end of the night. Some of the girls had already left.<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwe4DYZ8UBYKPzT6iaW94U_FlkxTE5O_FufzpcvW-h7ZHxwM5zXgYqmNzKghkRMYH95l1hnzHcP3pM3KwcR63VanQoN-zp7x07rc8iq_mJGGa2xqnxX0UblagOZTqWwyYVTde83IXzG4I/s320/2014-11-12+13.59.06.jpg" width="240" /></div>
Here is a closer picture of the quote I made. You can go <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7jocuOnRXz4OWNUdEstRkhzUkk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you'd like to print off your own copy of this page. There are five to a page.<br />
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This is our take on someone else's idea but it's the "easy" version. <br />
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Oh PS happy 1 year to our presidency on November 3rd :)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-10346051865112695812014-09-11T11:27:00.001-07:002014-09-11T11:27:37.637-07:00Things I love right now 2014 editionI've done this kind of post in the past and it's always fun to look back and see the different random things that make me happy in the different 'seasons' of life. So here is my 2014 list- incomplete as it might be because there are lots of things to love. (Sorry if the pictures are all messed up I don't have time to figure it out)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSKMOP9_m696VSmbFDXelWSHFW7GGZe7pYKhNv57MzII-Ij4JCJloflzGToOc_DKjIoMOkhc0SwoSyrA95NKF00doiiUMN1UpZfxK4cU-Wbg5kV0FBxkuhq_-z-cXz2NDo4l4MEreM-mU/s1600/2014-08-06+14.38.19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSKMOP9_m696VSmbFDXelWSHFW7GGZe7pYKhNv57MzII-Ij4JCJloflzGToOc_DKjIoMOkhc0SwoSyrA95NKF00doiiUMN1UpZfxK4cU-Wbg5kV0FBxkuhq_-z-cXz2NDo4l4MEreM-mU/s1600/2014-08-06+14.38.19.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8scVSjxixslNjeB5RrYaMeuLW1W4uybzj1jqip_xiwY944lUbfLbN4ZxEjaEB6jpZLQZHVOGqC7mlIiGQVwhEaGAjjxf1c6ZlHmAvtDFONWpznTpw_RR-qppi8vixAhUTyjOmFx-ANer/s1600/2014-08-28+15.32.03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8scVSjxixslNjeB5RrYaMeuLW1W4uybzj1jqip_xiwY944lUbfLbN4ZxEjaEB6jpZLQZHVOGqC7mlIiGQVwhEaGAjjxf1c6ZlHmAvtDFONWpznTpw_RR-qppi8vixAhUTyjOmFx-ANer/s1600/2014-08-28+15.32.03.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Gardening and just being outside in general has become one of my favorite things this summer. I never knew I liked gardening but apparently I do. One day I randomly mowed the lawn (usually Sam's job) but I just wanted to so I did. I quite enjoyed it- haven't done it for YEARS since my brother's took it over. Except it hurt my hand to hold down the lever. Also BUTTERNUT SQUASH is one of my favorite food so we're growing LOTS of it this year :)</div>
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I was never a huge fan of waffles or pancakes really growing up. I ate the occasional eggo waffle but that was it. Ummm Nicole has a super fancy waffle maker and I've decided I LOVE whole wheat waffles with strawberries and real maple syrup. I'm obsessed.<br />
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<br />Baby things. I've been spending way too much money on baby things as of late. My brother Ty and his wife Jessica are going to have their first baby in November and I can't stop buying things which is expensive :) but I've also been loving all the funy baby gifts. I've not only been buying girl things but one of my good friends is having TWIN boys. She's actually due around the same time as Ty and Jessica but will probably have them mid October.</div>
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Honey bees. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone I love these little things. I study them. I know lots of "useless" facts that aren't really useless, maybe just boring to those who don't like honey bees like I do.<br />
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This picture is a two-fer. I love sweet potatoes. Especially sweet potato fries. I like this little baby :) He's our YW mascot. His mom is the 2nd Counselor in our YW presidency. I had never talked with Kristy before last November when they called me to be the YW President but as soon as our Bishop extended the calling her name popped into my head and I was confused because I knew nothing about her but I followed the feeling and am so very glad I did. Nobody knew it at the time but she was expecting this little guy at the time so when we found out it was a fun surprise! <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-kPl7NaTCWvt2gNe2P2MhQVUSsyavZA1zW3-9Mh_IArTJ5PHNDCn_aguus-LfTbbBBrILiplTlqBv-Xzt5rs2kP-7I8Nf666AqhA7JSRw09fmJgTRdj5ZGDZVTKEVElCnMaC4_cHg6SQ/s1600/2014-08-24+00.43.02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-kPl7NaTCWvt2gNe2P2MhQVUSsyavZA1zW3-9Mh_IArTJ5PHNDCn_aguus-LfTbbBBrILiplTlqBv-Xzt5rs2kP-7I8Nf666AqhA7JSRw09fmJgTRdj5ZGDZVTKEVElCnMaC4_cHg6SQ/s1600/2014-08-24+00.43.02.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a picture of our YW Presidency (minus Dixie our secretary). I'm really grateful that both of these girls agreed to do this whole YW presidency with me because they do A LOT and I would be sitting in a corner sucking my thumb without their help/support! This pic was taken a few weekends ago at our stake's youth carnival. We had the topic of entertainment and media and we found out that our ward needed to provide a booth with an activity two days before the activity. So naturally we made our own shirts first. Priorities. They say #sharegoodness. Camden had to represent with # with his onesie too of course :) We had a 'selfie booth' and a quote game.<br />
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I've been really adventurous with my clothing choices as of late. It's kind of embarrassing but I don't know much about fashion, never have so I just go with it.<br />
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Personal Progress! I've always liked personal progress but I've developed a deeper appreciation for it over the last year. I actually just finished it for the 2nd time this last week so I've earned the fancy new medallion :)<br />
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This is weird but we had a 'book' baby shower party for Kristy so I ordered several funny baby books (meant mostly for the parents) but this one ended up in my cart for me and it's pretty funny.<br />
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Speaking of ordering and buying things. I'm obsessed with Amazon. Like for reals. I go on there almost every day even if it's just to browse. I order a lot of things for work as well. Plus you can't beat free 2 day shipping and if you're in a pinch $3.99 one day shipping :)<br />
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I haven't drank pop for many many years and I've never really been a juice drinker either and I never ever drink milk (gag me) but I love these crystal lite liquid water flavors. My very favorites are strawberry lemonaid, pineapple coconut (or something like that), and blackberry lemonaid.<br />
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#'s are a big thing right now. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, just random everyday conversation :) I especially like the hashtag #sharegood.<br />
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I don't know that this is any healthier than regular mac and cheese but it's pretty delicious. <br />
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Instagram is my social media of choice. It's a photo sharing app that's like twitter but for pictures. I love seeing friends pictures and I'll be honest I post a little too often :)<br />
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SUPER excited for Apple's announcement this Tuesday where they announced the new iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 plus. Preordering begins tonight at midnight. It's a big decision and as you can see below I've been taking my options very seriously. The top left corner is what I'm working with now the 4s then the 5s and then the two new 6's. Super exciting.<br />
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Jimmy Fallon. I've always loved him but especially lately with the Tonight Show. I was pretty sad when I realized he was married lets be honest. He's hilarious.<br />
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I love writing. I've started writing many books (maybe 6ish now) some of them are close to being fully written but nobody else has ever read them. It's just a fun hobby. I love being lost in my own made up world.<br />
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I enjoy watching netflix sometimes. TV shows or movies but I don't do it very often. But I do love that the option is there.<br />
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My favorite shampoo/conditioner for the last couple years is Lavender Mint by tea tree. It smells so good.<br />
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ANOTHER social media type site...I need to get a life. But I love Pinterest...too much.<br />
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This author's name is Sarah Eden and I love everything she's every written and I buy her books as soon as they come out. I do not hesitate, or even read the book description. I know it will be wholesome, funny, entertaining, with great characters and plots. They are considered Regency Romance books. I highly recommend her. Karen Witemeyer is another author who writes similar books but they're mostly set in the United States in the 1800's but it's the same idea :)<br />
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Speaking of books. This app is called ^^ and it's like Netflix but for books. It's $8.99 a month and gives you unlimited access to all of their ebooks. They don't have everything but I've found lots to read. They have every genre and are adding more all the time. I signed up for a free trial and never cancelled it :)<br />
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Pad Thai. I love food can you tell? I make pad thai all the time and it's become a family favorite. YUMM<br />
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I've also gotten back into sewing now that I bought my own old school Bernina machine. The other day I ordered a bunch of 5x5 fabric packs and have begun making another quilt. All the pieces are ready I just need to sew them together.<br />
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And that my friends is it. WHOA if you read that all you need a high five and a life ;) jkjk but really I go on and on but this is like my journal and I haven't written in it for awhile. So there's a few aspects of my life at this moment in time.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-37959344761419890682014-08-20T21:01:00.001-07:002014-08-20T21:01:11.782-07:00Girls Camp 2014!Girls camp, my 5th year in a row going as a leader. The best year of girls camp, ever. Including the years I went as a YW.<br />
It was great because the stake camp director is Becky who is in my ward and she's the best at organizing and really listening to what the youth want from camp. I don't think I heard a negative thing about camp itself this year which is great!<br />
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We arrived at camp on Tuesday morning. Most of the girls went on hikes but the YCL's and leaders went straight to camp- I was with them because of my ghetto knee. It was good though because I got a head start on setting up the 1st years campsite. The last two years we've camped as stake years instead of by ward. Last year Nicole and I were with the 2nd years. This year Nicole didn't go but I still did and ended up with the first years. 25 of them. 25 twelve year olds...BIG WHOA. Only one of those girls was from my ward so I didn't know any of the others. Some of them were so little and looked like they were 8.<br />
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There were 5 adult leaders for our group so I was kind of a floater, I just went where I was needed. It was great. We had 7 girls from our ward at camp after 5 others cancelled (mostly last minute :p).<br />
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So the forecast for camp two weeks prior to camp was 88 degrees with 90% humidity basically the entire week...yuck. The week before camp it said 70's with clouds...PERFECT! Well that weather app changed almost by the minute. It POURED the first three days of camp. I'm not talking about rain. I'm talking about RAIN. We broke a rainfall record set in 1948 by NOON on Wednesday. We were wet, we were prune-y, we were cold. Despite this I didn't hear anyone complain. It's kind of fun actually to be 'forced' to all gather under the pavilion and/or canopies where you make lots of new friends. Despite cold nights I much preferred rainy camp to way too hot camp.<br />
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The theme for this year was Look Up and Believe. We talked about the temple and stars a lot.<br />
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It was really neat because there were A LOT of friends at camp this year. Many girls who aren't members got to attend. One of those girls is my neighbor Eve who's friends with a girl in our ward. Our ward is the best. They seriously are. They all get along, they are all so helpful, kind, funny, put up with my weirdness, etc...<br />
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I made a lot of new friends at camp. That's weird to say but I seriously met/talked to at least 50 new people and many of them became good camp buddies. Many of them made me friendship bracelets (which was the 'class' I taught about friendship). Old friendships were strengthened too. There are so many awesome leaders and youth in our stake and I love spending time with them all.<br />
<br />
Funny camp story- <br />
My ward sat together for almost every meal- they sought each other out. Well other girls want to sit with our ward too (which is totally fun!). So one day we were sitting in the pavilion staying dry and a few girls from the stake were talking to me about how they don't think of me as a typical leader. They explained that I wanted to befriend everyone while other leaders just want to 'lead' things. Anyways it came around to the point that the girls would do anything I told them to do because they like me. One girl then said she would get on the (wet) ground right then and do ten pushups if I told her to. I looked at the ground and back to her and she got on the ground to do them! I tried to stop her and told her NO! But she did them anyways (so I guess they won't do everything I say!). Her pushups made other people curious and four people ended up doing pushups between the tables after lunch. The rest of the week it was a joke that I'd just look at this girl and the ground and she'd start to do them- but I didn't let her do them again, don't worry ;). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the first years + YCL's up at the ropes course</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The intense swinging tires</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachael doing pushups in the rain...#beastmode</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one of the times this canopy needed to be dumped</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A1 STEAK SAUCE RULES!</td></tr>
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So here's another little story. The last full day of camp they have these challenges for the girls to do. I was in the group, A1. So before I got into my group I nicknamed us Steak Sauce. The girls looked at me like I was insane, even after I explained it...anyways I tried to get them to make up a chant but nobody was really into it as we walked down to our first competition.<br />
The challenge was like the show Chopped but camp style. Each team had a basket with 5 ingredients they had to use to make a meal over the campfire. Leaders weren't supposed to help at all, which is REALLY hard! Anyways my team came together and ended up winning this round (out of two other teams). <br />
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This was their plate ^^<br />
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They were proud of it. <br />
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Our next competition was shelter building. Once again STEAK SAUCE dominated. After the win at the food challenge the girls started coming up with their own chants/cheers.<br />
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This was our next station- it was archery. Some of my fellow leaders took some selfies with my camera :). My group did not win archery but it kept them humble ;). Our last station was first aid. My team won that too. At the end of the day they tallied up all the teams and winners throughout the day and my team won both the overall food challenge and the first aid challenge out of the entire camp! Everyone was calling us Steak Sauce at this point haha it was reallllly fun. PLUS the sun came out Friday and Saturday so the weather was lovely. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just chillin' before dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F2 Ward Skit- represent! Our entire skit was told in #hashtags</td></tr>
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We rewrote our skit about 20 minutes before skits began. We ended up deciding to speak in hashtags the entire time. SO funny. We made these HOPE super hero capes and did a fun skit. It's hilarious hearing our more serious girls saying things like #chillinlikeavillan at the very end we all #droppedthemic and #walkedaway.<br />
Quick funny story- since half of our YW didn't go to camp we had three of us adult leaders from our ward who participated. When we told the other two adults what we were doing, one of them was like, I don't even know what hashtag means! So then I got an idea that instead of saying hashtag she should say, poundsign. It was SO funny because she said it so seriously. Anyways... #hopeheroesout<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends waiting to get our picture taken!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eve, McKenna, Hailey. F2 FRIENDS! </td></tr>
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And that wraps up my 2014 girls camp post. It is not complete nor does it make a whole lot of sense because I'm rushing but it's good enough I think. But wait...the FOOD. Food at camp this year was delicious. Seriously everything was homemade and they had meals between meals for snacks...<br />
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I just want to go back, it was seriously a blast. <br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-85789282089588881782014-08-03T22:38:00.002-07:002014-08-03T22:38:45.711-07:00Flirting 101Since discovering my expertise on all subjects related to dating I thought flirting would be an appropriate topic for my next insightful tidbit.<br />
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A few weeks ago I spent the weekend with a group of friends and one night my roommate Nicole and I were up until 4:30am and we talked about all sorts of things. One of those things was flirting and how we are so good at it. At one point we were both hanging upside down off our beds....and I wonder why I'm not married... ;)<br />
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To begin our discussion I'd like to start off with the most obvious and successful flirting technique. "The Wink". You know that thing where you close one eye while simultaneously keep the other eye open (and preferably aimed at the fellow you're trying to woo). It's simple but effective. In all my studies I've never seen "The Wink" fail.<br />
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Practice your Wink in the mirror a few times, try it out. You need to be sure you don't look like you got something stuck in your eye. It needs to be a smooth/natural reaction. For our advanced readers, feel free to incorporate a little head nod into that wink of yours, but remember it needs to be a slight head nod, none of that over confident head bobbing. Another important aspect of the head nod is that your chin be directed in an upwards motion. If you bob your head downwards while winking you'll just look like you have a twitch.<br />
Before you use "the Wink" decide which is your dominate eye. People claim if you wink with your right eye it means you like someone, but if you wink with your left eye it means you hate them...so my dominate eye is my left so in my case I'll have to be sure to explain that I don't really hate them. If you wink with both eyes, that's called blinking.<br />
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The next technique I wish to share is "The Laugh". I've heard many versions of laughter, some more pleasant than others. There is a very fine line between fun/cute laughter and awful/rip your ears off laughter.<br />
Not all laughs are created equal and would you believe there is more than one way for a single person to laugh? Let me enlighten you.<br />
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There's the, polite laugh. A soft chuckle indicating you were slightly amused by passing conversation. This usually happens around acquaintances or when you don't quite hear what someone says so you just nod and chuckle. <br />
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The nervous laugh. Usually this is accompanied by a sheen of sweat over one's brow. It can also involve hand sweat and/or fidigity digits. We
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--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">subconsciously laugh in times of stress or anxiety. It's usually a forced awkward laugh. Just take a deep breath and keep holding it...</span><div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The </span>guffaw. A loud burst of laughter that's boisterous in nature and usually calls a lot of attention onto the guaffaw-er. </div>
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The giggle. This is the typical laughter used by flirtatious women. It's lighter and softer than a regular laugh. It's meant to be dainty and sometimes the hands are used to cover ones mouth when giggling. Guys do not giggle. </div>
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Things to avoid while laughing- snorting, being too over the top, drooling, falling to the ground, laughing so hard you stop breathing and begin to turn blue.</div>
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In conclusion, when it comes to laughter and flirting, keep it light. Don't over laugh, nobody likes an over-laugher. Again if you're an advanced flirter you might be able to get away with a slight shoulder brush mid-laugh. If this doesn't feel natural to you, don't force it. We can't all be so smooth and you don't want to look foolish.<br />
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The last topic I'm going to talk about is pick-up lines. Now if your name is Ryan Gosling all you need to do is say "Hey Girl" and you're good to go. For the rest of the world you have to work a little harder at this.<br />
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Cheesy pick-up lines: <span class="style25">"</span><span class="style25"><span class="style25">I seem to have lost my phone number. Can I have yours?</span>", "</span><span class="style25">Hey, don't frown. You never know who could be falling in love with your smile.", "</span><span class="style25">Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?"</span><br />
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<span class="style25">Cringe worthy pick up lines: "</span><span class="style25">I don't have a library card, but do you mind if I check you out?", "</span><span class="style25">Are you a parking ticket? 'Cause you've got fine written all over you.", "</span><span class="style25">Are you from Tennessee? Because you're the only ten I see!", "</span><span class="style25">If you were a booger I'd pick you first."</span><br />
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<span class="style25">Funny pick up lines: "</span><span class="style25">Is your name Wi-fi? Because I'm really feeling a connection.", "</span><span class="style39">Does your skin feel burnt? Because I think you
must have just fallen down from heaven, and re-entry would have caused
some problems for you.", "Is your face from McDonalds? Because I'm lovin' it."</span><br />
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<span class="style25">Topical pick up lines: "</span><span class="style25">Did you invent the airplane? Cause you seem Wright for me.", "</span><span class="style25">Is your name Google? Because you have everything I've been searching for.", </span><span class="style30">"You must be my horcrux, because you complete me.", "Are you a dementor? Because you just took my breath away."</span><br />
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<span class="style30">Find a few pick-up lines that suit you. Write them down somewhere so you'll remember them. Again I always suggest practicing in the mirror. </span><br />
<span class="style30">Don't overuse the pick-up lines because that's just desperate but four-six is a good range to be in. Once you've successfully used a pick-up line use your new-found winking and flirting skills to #getthathusband! That should be a game show or something. </span><br />
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<span class="style30">Nobody can deny the obvious instant connection that comes from sharing a wink or a laugh. Use your powers of flirting for good. Go forth and prosper. </span><br />
<span class="style25"><br /></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-51440568043202823052014-07-06T23:20:00.002-07:002014-07-07T22:20:38.679-07:00Finding a husband in three easy steps!I know what you're thinking, only 3 steps?!<br />
Yes.<br />
I have compiled my vast expertise on the subject and have broken down the steps to getting a husband into three very comprehensive steps. It's the same basic principle as a box of cake mix that only requires you to add water, oil, and an egg. My "Husband Finding" recipe is straightforward and like cake mix, only requires the basic know-how and kitchen tools<span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span>.<br />
<i>*Disclaimer- kitchen tools might not be necessary. See, super easy.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Step 1:</b><br />
Leave the house.<br />
I find when one is on the 'husband hunt' leaving the house is a good place to start. Chances are very slim that you will happen upon someone (who is husband material ie: not your brother) one morning sitting on your couch<span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span>. However, it is technically in the realm of possibility of so if this happens to you, go with it. Skip steps 2 & 3 and ride off into the sunset.<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">*Disclaimer- please practice due diligence to verify that this strange man sitting in your living room is not in fact, a robber or serial killer. It might also be a good time to find out if they like clowns, Nickelback, or chew with their mouth open. If the answer is yes to any of those, please scroll back to the top and begin step 1 again.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I've heard dog parks, Starbucks, the subway, and grocery stores are all viable "husband hunting" ground. You don't even need a license for this kind of hunting- although a drivers license indicating you're over the age of 16 is preferred. </span><br />
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<b>Step 2:</b><br />
Talk to people.<br />
You can't expect to find a husband if you don't talk to anyone. Especially males who are of the husband prospect persuasion. Sometimes this is easier said than done. When you leave the house (see step #1) be prepared for the unexpected. Keep a list of possible conversation starters in your purse (in a pinch a handwritten list on your palm is acceptable). You want to be prepared for anything and long awkward pauses are not ideal. Fill up that dead air with exciting conversation. Try to gauge what the guy might like so you don't waste his or your time trying to explain the difference between knitting and crocheting. Chances are he'd rather talk about sports or something. If you're not a sports expert, fear not! Just ask basic questions like the following; "Sports are fun. Watching athletes sportsing it up can be really exciting. Especially when they score points and then more points. What's your favorite sport?" Easy. Now you have a natural commonality and you'll be able to converse for hours because he'll want to recap all of his favorite plays and who did them. Just smile and nod. Feel free to interject topic appropriate words like- goal, score, fifty yard line, dribble, touchdown, cheering, hot dog, free throw, Russel, 7th inning stretch, etc... He'll be really impressed that you know all those words and will definitely want to see where this goes. If by some off chance he doesn't like sports, talk about Batman, everyone has an opinion about Batman. <br />
The point is, figure out what he likes and talk about it. Is he a plummer? Ask him what the best kind of toilet paper for your septic tank is. A lawyer perhaps? They love recess. Regale them with your favorite memories of recesses past. Business man? Discuss the rising prices of toner and ink cartridges. That is 100% guaranteed to be a topic that you will both agree on (just in case, the answer to this is; ridiculous. Printers should not be cheaper than the ink they require!)<br />
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<b>Step 3:</b><br />
Be yourself.<br />
It's such a cliche but being yourself ensures that you are not impersonating someone else. You can't pretend you are Kelly Clarkson by acting like her then be surprised when you see him again and he's like, "you're not Kelly Clarkson, what did you do with her?" Don't mess with that, the last thing you need is someone questioning whether you are really Kelly Clarkson or {insert your name here}. Just do you. Don't front. Haters gonna hate but it's better you find out now that he doesn't like you, as opposed to later down the road when you have already pre-registered for your wedding at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. (Although there's no need for that registry to go to waste if something were to happen. Save that baby for your next birthday or Christmas.) When you are open and honest it displays a certain vulnerability and confidence. That, my friends, is the secret ingredient. Remember not to be too needy or too cocky but find a healthy balance and roll with it playa.<br />
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That is all the time I have for today, but thank you for joining me on this journey to finding a husband. I know if you follow these simple steps you will eventually find a husband. I'm sure over ten thousand people have found a spouse with these methods and I know you can too! <br />
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Take luck homeslice. Keep that head up and remember that the most pretty thing a girl can wear is a really cute blouse. <br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-46717303949431426542014-06-15T22:53:00.001-07:002014-06-15T22:53:40.552-07:00Goodness Gracious!Ummm it's June 15th...last time I blogged was April 2nd. Big Whoa! Apparently I don't have much to say....never have really I just usually spout off random things.<br />
Life hasn't even been that busy so that's not really an excuse either. I just don't really think about blogging.<br />
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Maybe I will again.<br />
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Not tonight though.<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-53587690065639069602014-04-02T23:11:00.000-07:002014-04-02T23:11:13.741-07:00I'm not a fool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had some fun yesterday, April Fools Day. I didn't have anything extravagant planned but I do love a good reason for pranking people. So I began by hacking my dad's facebook account</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2yNDuVTaXOecJm36JZ3ffE3zq42PvUkeSbXvik9iL4o3HAQe_Q-9LZ9YnOpvDHazDgNWCGFMkEuCYeYTmdhuJTI2WSocHCzm_lVfJr4X7XDgrw2Avy_J3dvLn9MmUuRKXEFV1mBedMS1/s1600/2014-04-01+15.15.27.jpg" height="320" width="320" /><br />It was too easy. I just saved a bunch of pictures of Nicolas Cage and changed his profile and cover photos as well as created a photo album with photos of Nicolas Cage as different things (hostess cupcake, rabbit, Hannah Montana, etc...) He got some funny comments and when he saw it he was like what the heck? Who covered my FB in Nicolas Cage?! He said he'd get me back but he hasn't...yet...</div>
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Next on my list was my mother. I downloaded this app that changes your icons to cats when you press them....you can't access anything unless you exit the app so it's confusing for people. </div>
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You can see how long it took her for her to realize I had done anything...from 3:30pm to 8pm she was clueless of her little surprise until I told her friend to text her. She doesn't let me near her phone anymore. She fell for this three times.</div>
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Next on my list was Ty and Jessica. Continuing my earlier Nicolas Cage theme I downloaded a google chrome extension that replaces EVERY picture online with a picture of Nicolas Cage...it's great. </div>
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MSN Search page</div>
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Facebook</div>
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Pinterest </div>
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FB Ads </div>
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It was cloudy with a chance of Nicolas Cage.</div>
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LDS.org</div>
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Why wouldn't you want to Cage-ify your life? I'd say I did them more of a favor than prank. </div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-82508973736384039182014-03-30T23:12:00.000-07:002014-03-30T23:12:32.662-07:00DauntlessNichap (attempt at a nickname for Nicole...? It's kind of like knee cap but it would be pronounced Nee-chape) and I went to see Divergent on Friday.<br />
It.<br />
Was.<br />
Awesome.<br />
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If you've read the books I think you'll like the movie. If you haven't read the books you should just go read them and see the movie. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the actors in it. At first I wasn't sure, especially with Triss the main girl but I thought she did really well.<br />
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Anyways.<br />
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I think it's natural when I'm reading a book to relate myself to the characters and find commonalities or to take on different traits and become the protagonist in my mind. On paper I thought it would be cool to be brave and be a member of the Dauntless faction (read the books), but on screen there is NO way I would ever join that faction, not in a million years. I would not nor could not, jump from a moving train onto the roof of a building. I would take a second lap around the train track while sitting in the corner sucking my thumb and coming to terms with the fact that I would now be factionless (homeless). I would not nor could not jump from the top of that building into a vast expanse without knowing what was waiting for me at the bottom. Nope, not gonna do it. Peace out homies have fun bludgeoning each other. <br />
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Nichap and I were discussing what faction we would be in afterwards and while she did jump over a puddle that was pretty large it wasn't quite Dauntless material. Last night after dinner I decided to be Dauntless and had my mom roll the car with the door open and ran to jump in it- in a pencil skirt no less. So it just goes to show that I'm closer to Dauntless than Nicole is (Sorry Nichap).<br />
Overall we decided Amity would be the best fit for both of us. They're kind of like hippies out there and we live in Whatcom County aka hippie central.<br />
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I even took a quiz and got Amity<br />
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You got: Amity</div>
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<img class="result_img" height="320" src="http://s3-ak.buzzfeed.com/static/2014-03/tmp/webdr05/18/16/119ff2a216f199ab699544aac94a0612-0.jpg" width="319" /> <span class="sub_buzz_source_via buzz_attribution"></span>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Amity is the faction dedicated to peacefulness, kindness,
friendship, and forgiveness. They believe in love, not war, and their
faction is truly democratic, voting on everything they do. They will
often lie to avoid confrontation and their bread is embedded with peace
serum, preventing Amity members from fighting. Their attire consists of
red and yellow and their substance in the Choosing Ceremony is soil.</span></span></h2>
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<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/which-divergent-faction-do-you-actually-belong-in" target="_blank">You can take it too!</a><br />
While being a tough beast would be kind of fun for a few minutes I would grow tired of the constant commotion and the hostile environment. So Amity it is.<br />
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Random but kind of funny mean girls/Divergent cross-overs- <br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-16263000418890640172014-03-16T22:48:00.001-07:002014-03-16T22:48:40.073-07:00Seeing GreenIt's St. Patrick's Day Eve. I love the color green. I really have no other ties to the holiday other than the fact that I'm about leprechaun height and I want to find gold at the end of a rainbow. But I do love holidays! I wish I had a big box of decorations for each month/holiday that I could decorate with each month. I think there's something so magical about decorating and I just love it. Sometimes I think what traditions I like the most and now that I'm older I have ideas in my mind of what traditions I think would have been fun as a kid.<br />
<br />
I babysat for a family one weekend and it happened to be St. Patrick's Day on Sunday. I was there Friday-Saturday night. On Saturday I told them some made up story about leprechauns and how nobody has ever been successful at catching one, but that if anyone tried to catch one the leprechauns would leave a gift behind. It was silly but they bought it. The key to success when selling a story to skeptical kids is inflection. First you lower your voice so it's like you're telling them a secret, you make your eyes wide and get really into what you're saying. Once you can see that they're hooked you become animated but not overly so, you don't want to give them reason to question your sanity. Every story has an ending and ending it with a flourish helps seal the story.<br />
The story was my bait and once I was done, they were on the hook. I had planned ahead and brought a shoebox and other misc. supplies as well as crafting supplies. All day Saturday I kept them entertained by decorating this box with all sorts of green and rainbow craft stuff, paper, glitter, stamping, coloring, cutting out shapes, etc...Once they were done we found a quiet corner of the house and set our 'trap. We rigged a little system like you'd use to catch a rabbit (like I know what a rabbit catching trap is...). It was the box standing on it's end with a stick propping it up. We used a little bit of lucky charms as bait under the box.<br />
That night after reading stories and tucking them in I waited until I knew they were asleep (they were REALLY excited for the next morning so it took some time). I had a hidden bag with chocolate coins, green clover confetti stuff, a few other St. Patrick's Day themed items/toys, nothing fancy at all. I made a trail of green confetti on the hardwood floors and put all the goodies under the box and removed the stick so it looked like something had knocked it over.<br />
I explained to their parents when they got home and they thought it was fun. Well the next day at church they were like, you're wonderful but those kids were up at 6am to check their leprechaun trap...woops...they weren't really mad though. <br />
The kids were really eager to show me what the leprechaun had left them. They each had their own animated story about what happened and how it had gotten away. They were beaming as they explained it all to me.<br />
<br />
This doesn't have much of a point other than if you ever want someone to set a leprechaun trap I'm your girl. I haven't caught one yet but never say never!<br />
<br />
Honestly the idea of setting this sort of thing up makes me so excited (don't worry I'm not going to because that would be weird). Maybe in an alternate universe where I had kids I would be setting up that surprise right now! I'm like an old kid. All I want is a bouncy house and a pair of heelies. #isthattoomuchtoask?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-88624455344878943902014-03-01T17:03:00.001-08:002014-03-01T17:03:56.125-08:00WhatAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-19267948545832356842014-02-14T14:16:00.003-08:002014-02-18T18:32:33.813-08:00If I had an online dating profile<style>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">*This post is sponsored by Valentine's day </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**I'm just kidding</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Online dating is a thing people do. I’m not one of those
people but if I were my “about me” section would look a little something like
this:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">________________________ </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-QNWatwccsH6pwSMDO_hVQhDUvxZQMTvRqiVdi2pvKQClwat1nvmpxU8oOSbR1MnKQnXpNkhVxA5FP1rrfcCpBMqzsI1yfZ8qUiHKoaewewPqDz0JyBJGZ8jrt4lZtajajEqHnVsImwz/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the interest of full disclosure here are a few things you
should know about me. At any point feel free to click the back button on your
browser. Please remember you were fairly warned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My socks often don’t match. I’m fairly certain a little
house elf named Dobby keeps stealing them but I have yet to catch him in the
act. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a fanatical obsession with Disney: the movies, the
theme parks, the princesses, the villains, the silly sidekicks, the
soundtracks, the cheesy and predictable endings, and the costumes. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My favorite holiday is Halloween.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love orange foods, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and
carrots. Okay I love three orange foods. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As you can see from my above lists I do employ the use of
the oxford comma and encourage all my acquaintances to do the same. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you do not know how to correctly use the following words you
need not apply: there, their, they’re. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Points in your favor if you can name the 23 helping verbs. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My bucket list includes hiding in a closet at Ikea and when
people pass jump out and yell “For Narnia!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’m patient except for when I’m not. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you do not understand the following references you need
not apply: “I open at the close”, “Turn to page 394”, “50 points for Gryffindor”,
“Mischief managed”, “I must not tell lies”, “I have waited twelve years!”,
“Always”. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Insert some sort of reference to walking on the beach or
something as equally expected.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love raw cookie dough therefore I live on the edge.
Salmonella schamonella.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don’t watch Doctor Who but I know enough not to abbreviate
his name to Dr. Who.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also don’t watch Lord of the Rings. Ever.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes muggles get me down but I <span class="st"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wingardium
LeviOsa</span></span> above it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most of the time I can’t think of the correct word to
whatever I’m trying to say so you’ll need to learn that when I accidentally call
a bunny a dolphin, you’re not supposed to laugh. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I want to start a “dance walking” movement. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My height limits me from reaching the top two shelves in any
high cupboard so I’ve honed very impressive ninja moves as well as tong
wielding capabilities used to extend my reach.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have tendencies that lean towards the Hansel and Gretel
persuasion. I leave little trails of items around. Let’s pretend that it helps
me remember where I’ve been. It doesn’t but it’s better than saying I’m not
good at putting my stuff away right away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love bees.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I engage in a wide variety of hobbies and activities
including but not limited to: knitting/crocheting (yes just like your grandma),
reading, sewing, dancing poorly and not seriously and not in front of strangers,
crafting, photography, trying to build furniture (from scratch not Ikea), planning
parties (even if they don’t happen), demolishing rooms that I decide I want to re-do, cooking, baking, etc… I’ve tried my hand
at pickling, accounting, rubix cubes, learning Japanese, and close up magic. I have failed
horribly at them all.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Miscellaneous facts about me: I’ve skydived indoors, I hate
the sound of people clipping toenails and chewing, I overuse the phrase “Don’t
make me punch you in the throat” when I’m annoyed (please note this is an empty
threat), I may love shopping on Amazon a bit too much, I do not like odd numbers, I do not like the word
blouse, I own a kayak, when frustrated with someone I’ve been known to call
them Hector Zeroni or Hector or Hector Z, I do not camp, I do not eat tomatoes,
I do wear socks to bed, and I do like building blanket forts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some of my favorite things- </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Favorite coin- quarter</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Favorite utensil- spoon</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Favorite movie- too many</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Favorite book- way too many but use your powers of deduction
from the other things I’ve shared</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Favorite TV show- Survivor</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Favorite food- guacamole</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Favorite band- too many</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Favorite Font- Helvetica or Trebuchet </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And If none of that works I'll hit 'em with this, </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-QNWatwccsH6pwSMDO_hVQhDUvxZQMTvRqiVdi2pvKQClwat1nvmpxU8oOSbR1MnKQnXpNkhVxA5FP1rrfcCpBMqzsI1yfZ8qUiHKoaewewPqDz0JyBJGZ8jrt4lZtajajEqHnVsImwz/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-QNWatwccsH6pwSMDO_hVQhDUvxZQMTvRqiVdi2pvKQClwat1nvmpxU8oOSbR1MnKQnXpNkhVxA5FP1rrfcCpBMqzsI1yfZ8qUiHKoaewewPqDz0JyBJGZ8jrt4lZtajajEqHnVsImwz/s1600/photo.JPG" height="200" width="150" /> </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If that doesn't work, I don't know what will. </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And that folks is just some of the reasons why I’m not married. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Maybe I should print this out to give to moms/grandmas/sisters/aunts when they want me to marry their son/grandson/brother/nephew</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-74866986193670671992014-01-31T00:26:00.004-08:002014-01-31T00:26:41.068-08:00I'm like the cookie monster but with books not cookies^ That's a mouthful! ^<br />
<br />
I have been reading nonstop it seems! I keep 'buying' (mostly free) books for my kindle app and borrowing ebooks from the lending library it's so great!<br />
I can't even remember the number of books I've read so far this month but it's been at least two-three a week. It feels good to read again it's been too long since I've really read.<br />
<br />
I'm currently on the 4th Harry Potter book again. I only read HP when I blow dry my hair...it's a long process and I've gone through three books since this fall.<br />
<br />
I've officially finished all of <a href="http://www.sarahmeden.com/p/purchase-links-seeking-persephone-ebook.html" target="_blank">Sarah Eden's books</a>- thankfully the woman writes like crazy and her next book comes out next month and will probably have one or two more by the end of the year. They are just fun to read there is nothing scandalous or crazy and they're the types of books you can finish in just a couple days. Just in the last few weeks I've read Seeking Persophne, As You Are, An Unlikely Match, and A Glimmer of Hope. I recommend all of the above and every other book she's written.<br />
<br />
Another fun author similar to Sarah Eden is<a href="http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/books.php" target="_blank"> Karen Witemeyer</a>. I've only read two of hers so far in the last couple weeks, Short Straw Bride and A Tailor-Made Bride. They both happened to be either free/cheap for my kindle. I have a third book of hers I got today from the library that I'm excited to begin. I'll have a reading super bowl instead of football!<br />
<br />
I have also read five other random books on my kindle that were just alright. Nothing terribly exciting.<br />
<br />
I did check out two books from the e-lending library I just finished the first one today it's called Persephone. It must have popped up because of the Sarah Eden book. I'm not into Greek mythology too much but I remember a little bit from school. It's a more modern take on the myths which is kind of interesting. Not one I'd rush out and buy or anything but it was a library book.<br />
<br />
Anyways. I love reading. I also love writing. About a month and a half ago I started writing another book and I have over 60,000 words so far which equals approximately 250 pages (book formatted pages). It's not done yet but it takes a couple minutes to fully load on my computer. Cray.<br />
On Monday or Tuesday I had a random thought and thought, hey that would be a fun book so I started writing again and have almost 15,000 words which is about 60 pages. I just have a fun time writing and daydreaming. I don't write out an outline or anything I just write and come up with stuff as it happens and occasionally I have to go and adjust small details but the thought of writing an outline and all that kind of takes the fun out of it. I enjoy just going where I want to with it. <br />
I've been staying up too late though because I don't realize how much time passes. I should be indexing for one of my classes but I find little spurts of time to work on that and other homework too. <br />
<br />
Well go read those books. And if you have any recommendations for me let me know! I can always add more to my list :)<br />
<br />
I kind of love January I feel like I've been hibernating and things haven't been so dang crazy. Last year I almost lost my mind so this is a good pace to begin the year. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-36541016533727351812014-01-24T13:07:00.001-08:002014-01-24T13:07:54.370-08:00My not so happy working songCan't I just go to disneyland?! PLEASE?! That's all I want in life. I need to find a bird that will talk to me so I can prove I'm a disney princess and leave all these dingle hoppers behind for a whole new world. <br />
<br />
These are a few of the things I want to ignore today and forever and how being a disney princess would eliminate the urgency/necessity of these tasks.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The 20 minute call wait line I'm on (If only I had a conch shell)? </li>
<li>Enrolling for health insurance junk that's TOTALLY RIDICULOUS (princesses only require a kiss if they fall ill)! </li>
<li>Homework I have due (an eternal sleep sounds more relaxing)!</li>
<li>Taxes (when you live in a tall tower where nobody knows you exist you don't have taxes)!</li>
<li>My messy room (living in a castle would give me more closet space)!</li>
<li>12 loads of laundry I need to do (those talking birds would come in handy)!</li>
<li>Replacing my license plates which I got back in OCTOBER (pumpkin's turned carriages don't require license plates)!</li>
<li>My messy desk (living underwater would take care of those pesky papers)!</li>
<li>My messy car (Horses don't have trunks that stuff can be shoved into)!</li>
<li>Boxing up craft stuff downstairs (castles have whole wings that go unoccupied leaving lots of room for guests, thus eliminating the need to box stuff up)!</li>
<li>Getting my tires replaced (my fairy godmother could bippy boppty boo those things)!</li>
<li>Getting an oil change (the ability to create ice and snow from my fingertips would allow me to make a big skating rink so I could skate everywhere I wanted to go)!</li>
<li>Getting a car wash (canoes floating down the river bend get automatic washes)! </li>
</ul>
Those are just a few of the things I really don't want to do. Alas I'll put my Spotify Disney playlist on and whistle while I work as I reflect on when my life will begin. Or better yet I can let it go, or I can build a snowman, or I could paint with all the colors of the wind. Those sound like better options. But a dream is just a wish your heart makes and I know I need to get one jump ahead but all I really want is a magic carpet ride.<br />
I'm a fixer upper but I will be swift as a coursing river with all the force of a great tycoon with all the strength of a raging fire. I can go the distance and that's the gospel truth.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-42371262912184142082014-01-12T20:46:00.000-08:002014-01-12T20:46:00.845-08:00Free Two Day ShippingI love Amazon. That is no secret around these parts. I order pretty much everything from there because it's so convenient, 95% of the time I get the item/s I need for cheaper than I would get it locally and I can get it for free in two days! It's made me spoiled and now I really dislike paying for shipping.<br />
<br />
I've been reading lots of historical fiction lately, like a lot, and watching the same sort of movies/TV show (Downton Abbey). Watching/reading these stories makes me wonder how anything got accomplished back then! They had no email, no phones (well for the most part), and if you wanted to send a letter it would take weeks or longer to get to it's destination.<br />
<br />
Now days we can obviously send emails instantly and if we want to send a letter it's 50 some odd cents and it can arrive in just a day or two. I love real cards/letters. There's nothing better than getting a real hand-written letter in the mail but it's rare these days.<br />
<br />
This is a random blog geesh.<br />
<br />
Anyways. Did you know in 1914 a mother mailed her baby across the state of Indiana for 17 cents and it was in a travel container labeled, "live baby"...17 cents wouldn't be enough to send a postcard now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNq9qfRpN-7VrL-YZtofRQAS_Hx81V3rSFPI5AogHgZpLgQ0DhRhhz19Z0xmVCOV0QCOzM86S6ZLIwVP9RCcqKsMAeqrBzWwPu2rhAulONcaa_McEy65JwBFO-lhLEapUc6y-2ZczeeHR/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNq9qfRpN-7VrL-YZtofRQAS_Hx81V3rSFPI5AogHgZpLgQ0DhRhhz19Z0xmVCOV0QCOzM86S6ZLIwVP9RCcqKsMAeqrBzWwPu2rhAulONcaa_McEy65JwBFO-lhLEapUc6y-2ZczeeHR/s320/mail.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
Also in 1914 a four year old girl was sent across the state for 53 cents (same price as shipping chickens) and she sat in the mail car with postage stamps on her coat. How I wish I could see that. In my mind I have a very clear image of it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYq_wefDKBNpT6xZKEtihNHCLmJ8jLgGKTMmhzT4tstxIxCh_9ea6Og6XhT4LFMv28YnxcvtsUQlYiEnHEOo_b7bDa6Q6_mxze0H_zXO2LaxzsNi4wmvGYfCq1jTLIRLvAddJGHmvsTqp/s1600/mail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYq_wefDKBNpT6xZKEtihNHCLmJ8jLgGKTMmhzT4tstxIxCh_9ea6Og6XhT4LFMv28YnxcvtsUQlYiEnHEOo_b7bDa6Q6_mxze0H_zXO2LaxzsNi4wmvGYfCq1jTLIRLvAddJGHmvsTqp/s400/mail2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
(In my little research on this I found that the US Postal service is the 3rd largest employer, the first is the US department of defense, and the second is Wal-Mart...what?!)<br />
<br />
Well this post is sufficiently ridiculous. I'm wasting time waiting my dang laundry to dry (because my dryer takes f.o.r.e.v.e.r. to dry anything) and going to work. At least my clothes don't have to be hung dried outside! That happened this summer (thankfully in the summer!) and it was pretty unfortunate but we still had a working washer which was very fortunate. <br />
<br />
We are lucky to receive those pesky emails and bills that make us pay for electricity and gas to heat our houses. Lucky to order items from the other side of the country and receive them just days later. I have a car that I just push a peddle down and it (can) moves at a very alarming speed AND it plays music AND sprays fluid on the windshield to clean it off! Whoa. I gotta stop reading these books because I keep getting too wrapped up in their world and I get these sudden hankerings to heat up bricks in the fireplace and put them at the foot of my bed for warmth. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-71961232932616526232014-01-05T23:52:00.001-08:002014-01-05T23:52:10.073-08:00Burrrr<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On New Years Day Nicole and I went to the movie theater and my little toes became FROZEN . Not because we saw Frozen but because the AC was WAY too high. Afterwards we went and got FROZEN yogurt. </div>
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Go see Frozen. Now. I don't want any excuses from you. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RsiZfZcqwk-SgIXKnBSlv8WucTUk8JX9VhGSg66qnluvPybqbVfSMvOH4593fhWw31N0sfnfRmBwrs9zC8gdLpU6FlFuG38GQL9RVDGJ8nCEaIbB8wTb3pi8V89QeZ9xK1hYZxEEhFbI/s1600/frozen2.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></div>
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<br />
It's the most delightful little movie you'll ever seen. People of all ages love it. I have always and will always love Disney movies but this makes my top five, if not higher. <br />
<br />
This was like Wicked meets Disney, especially since the original Elphaba (Idina Menzel) is the voice of Elsa and those two characters have A LOT in common. Oh it's wonderful just go see it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/moSFlvxnbgk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
This is my favorite song/scene in the movie I think....well one of them. It's the song that most reminded me of Wicked (Defying Gravity much?!).<br />
<br />
All the songs are great too. Please just go see it.<br />
<br />
PS If you would like to have a birthday party (or just any ol' party) I will plan it for you. It will be Frozen themed. I wrote this song about my party planning ambitions:<br />
Do you want to plan a party? Come on let's plan it now. I never need a
reason to, plan a big to-do let's plan it nowwwww!<br />
It's to the tune of this song<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/C1ZHetiuRb0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I'll be done now.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-65295187148227499262013-12-15T13:00:00.001-08:002013-12-15T13:00:14.422-08:00Whaaaaaaaa?Holy crow this week is gonna be crazy.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas in 10 days!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-55145308086870410602013-12-01T13:30:00.000-08:002013-12-01T13:30:04.278-08:0030 DaysDecember?! No it's not time for you yet, it's still August and this is just a trick. Seriously!<br />
<br />
So after church today I decided I was going to read the Book of Mormon cover to cover in 30 days this month. Cray. I'm not going to focus on studying out each thing like I typically do because then it will take me 300 days. I'm just going to read/listen. I've not been very good at it lately which is a bummer because I was almost too overboard with it earlier this year. I would spend 3+ hours a day on one or two chapters. That's great if you have that time. I don't.<br />
<br />
Here is a bookmark I found online a few minutes back that I'll be using to keep me on track.<br />
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<a href="http://someoneinmind.blogspot.com/2013/08/book-of-mormon-30-day-reading-challenge.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://someoneinmind.blogspot.com/2013/08/book-of-mormon-30-day-reading-challenge.html" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8KzLpF4r27GWVjmQkrwsJQUP-yZrxni7vcAeVOvgYvZzQytZVvqKutoihqqxhtr0svvO9OCRbfQeuoKaV2EoqzrqIfKnrMuin0gVVO6J5PJVazfNvq6sV-PZeWx-rgjSjX8CTpuu_yIJ/s320/30+day+book+of+mormon.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1284063554">If you click on the bookmark, it will send you to the blog of the lady who made this where you can copy it. </span></div>
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<span id="goog_1284063554">December is crazy. But what month isn't crazy? Thinking about this last year a month hasn't gone by without some big event or project happening. Things aren't going to 'slow down' so my excuses are invalid and lame. </span></div>
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<span id="goog_1284063554">You can do a lot in 30 days! </span></div>
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<span id="goog_1284063554">You make time for the things that matter most to you. Choose wisely friends! </span><span id="goog_1284063555"></span></div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-71271810656512084482013-11-29T22:03:00.001-08:002013-11-29T22:03:04.242-08:00I'm grateful forKleenex<br />
Vitamin D<br />
Satsuma oranges<br />
Niquil<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-3009207249640005922013-11-24T23:46:00.000-08:002013-11-24T23:46:16.210-08:00Elder B.<div style="text-align: left;">
This weekend was so busy but so great.
Our stake had the opportunity to have Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles come and speak to us at a 'special stake conference'. He
happened to be in the area for something and decided to do this.
Saturday night he had a special YSA fireside in Arlington that Nicole
and I went to. It was question and answer format which I was unsure of
at first, I just wanted to hear what HE wanted to tell us! Then after
just a couple minutes I was over it and loved the Q&A format. The
way he was able to quickly answer so many questions without taking a
pause to compose his thoughts is what really impressed me the most and
confirmed that he truly is an apostle of the Lord. Being able to answer so plainly, honestly, and quickly is seriously impressive. I know it was Heavenly Father working through the Holy Ghost through Elder Bednar to answer those questions. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I
took lots of notes because that's just what I do and I want to share
them all but I'll do the cliff notes version for those unable to
attend. (Some of these parts are just my random thoughts and aren't 'official' Elder Bednar words. My thoughts are italicized)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Be an agent who acts, don't sit and wait around.</li>
<ul>
<li>There's a reason we all read 1st & 2nd
Nephi so many times. <i>It's so we can read and reread Nephi's story to get
it through our thick skulls that we don't need to sit and wait for an
answer or some big dramatic epiphany. We need to have faith that Christ
will provide the way when we are obedient and righteous. Nephi didn't
sit around and question whether or not he should go back to get the plates, he went and did what was asked of him. He was an agent, not an object.</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Develop yourself to serve God. All things should lead to Him. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Learn love and patience to help bring others to the gospel. </li>
<ul>
<li><i>It's not about getting them to church for a number or to say you've done your missionary work. It's about helping others find peace and happiness. Giving them the information and tools to be successful in each aspect of their lives. Pray for those opportunities. </i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<i></i><ul>
<li>The Gospel makes us more than we are. <i> </i></li>
<ul>
<li><i>The principles and ordinances of the gospel allow us to tap into our incomprehensible potential.</i> </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<i></i><ul>
<li>God sets the terms and conditions of covenants. <i> </i></li>
<ul>
<li><i>The promises that we make bring along an obligation but they also bring along blessings. I think the obligation will always be less than the blessings</i>. <i>He has always and will always follow through on his side of the promise. He is and will always be the same.</i> </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<i></i><ul>
<li>We act then we get power. We don't wait for power to act. He will inspire us to act when we are obedience. Have confidence in what you do. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Make time for what matters most to you. Spend time on the things that have enduring value, something that will last through eternity. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You will become what you spend your time doing. <i> </i></li>
<ul>
<li><i>Hmm so that means I should re-prioritize big time. </i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<i></i><ul>
<li>Complete your most important tasks first, then everything else will fall into place. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Take something into the scriptures, a question you want answered so you can find direction as you study. Instead of going to the temple with a question you want answered, go to the temple with the desire to find a question. Then use that question, take that question into the scriptures to find your answer. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Promise: Ask Heavenly Father how to be an agent, how to feast upon the words, not just read the scriptures. He will bless us. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The Priesthood is not male. It is God's authority. It blesses us all equally. It is like an umbrella that men are ordained to hold up, but it pours out and blesses everyone. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>We can't solve all the problems. We can make an impact with small influences/actions. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>No unhallowed hand can stop this work. We are in the last quarter of the game. We have an advantage, we know who wins. <i> </i></li>
<ul>
<li><i>WE KNOW WHO WINS. Keep faith that satan cannot overthrow God's will</i>. <i>Have you ever met someone who WANTS to be on the losing team? I've never heard of that before.</i> </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<i></i><ul>
<li>Evil will increase and it won't lessen, it proves that it's the last days. <i> </i></li>
<ul>
<li><i> The more good there is, the more evil. Remember, we know who wins</i>! </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There is nothing better than opposition. When we're asked why is the gospel so hard? What are you weird? it's the perfect opportunity share what you know. Share what makes you happy and give that gift to someone else. It's not living the gospel that is hard, it's not living the gospel that's hard. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Don't talk about how you talk. If you're in a discussion and someone says, "why did you use that tone of voice." it makes situations harder than necessary. <i>It causes hurt feelings and it's not necessary. </i></li>
</ul>
<br />
That's a long 'cliff-notes' version of the YSA fireside. Maybe I should google the meaning of cliff notes ;)<br /><br />Anyways, it was really great. Then going to hear him speak again this morning for stake conference was good too. Last night was my favorite but today was awesome also. The stake center was beyond packed which is more than we can claim during regular stake conference.<br />
Go and Do.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-74461406128783204302013-11-15T23:35:00.003-08:002013-11-15T23:35:56.393-08:00Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love reading, a lot! I started rereading Harry Potter because why wouldn't I? I'm only halfway through the third book because I read it while I blow dry my hair....weird? YES. But I figure I have nothing else to do and it's a 15-20 minute ordeal. I set the book on my lap and blow dry my hair. So it's pretty good that I've ready 2.5 Harry Potter books in just over a month only while I blow dry my hair! </div>
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I don't have a lot of time to read for fun anymore but when I do, I overload a bit. This was a stack of books that I have waiting to be read...the next day I had five books ready for pick up at the library....and this doesn't even include Harry Potter...</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCvk9faKlP89TYIpb7JbhIWHJhqjIxceS_0T3DVD-nZyOpXs9NN77DNvP1cRJWqI_OBMMp3XTiM7AB9Waj2-hoSqBAGf8P8RCqctK3-MIV2FM3GZofqxJMVGjh0OrpZFMhsK4vVnnFxfD/s320/2013-11-10+21.32.52-2.jpg" width="320" /></div>
My goodness. There are too many good books out there. I'm trying to get through the library ones first.<br />
<br />
Nicole lets me borrow good books. She lent me Drops of Gold by Sarah Eden and it was my favorite book since Edenbrooke. Same sort of book set in "Jane Austen" times. If you like good books that don't have overt amounts of drama and books that are clean, these are the books for you!<br />
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Blackmoore is the second book by Julianne Donaldson (who wrote Edenbrooke) and it's different from her first book. It's darker but not dark if that makes sense. </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUYPeNOYjVXXYPVSHKMLLglWlyLM-fAZZu36Vx2Kx1Bpl2pJWUJ3kYMP_vy_YYfItOLw-SH6b-uY9DuI8HL0PJzcv30objYMIq-bYvEHbca4kskqVmTUONmqWNnJp_8-3rSuSSEjRR6Ep/s320/blackmoore.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<br />
This is another Sarah Eden book. I have all of her books on hold at the library then they end up in my Amazon shopping cart :)<br />
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I started reading this one a couple days ago and I have about 20 pages left in it. It's really good! The 2nd book is coming out in March. This is one I have really enjoyed reading obviously since I stay up until much too late reading it after I get my homework/YW stuff done :)<br />
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Anyways, those are some good books if you need some ideas. They get my seal of approval (which obviously means a lot). Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-55694714228265271892013-11-11T23:06:00.001-08:002013-11-11T23:06:48.934-08:00In the MirrorTonight as I brushed my teeth, I looked in the mirror and noticed my hair was wonky on one side (which isn't uncommon) so I used my fingers to push it back. Then I started thinking about reflections. When I look in the mirror, I see a reverse image of myself. What other people see is different than what I see, their perspective is different. When I see a picture of myself I always think it looks horrible because I'm used to seeing my face in a reflection. Does this make sense?<br />
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A few hours later I saw this quote that said, "I never thought I was a bully...until I listened to how I speak to myself. I think I owe myself an apology." Whoa. By that definition, I can be a bully.<br />
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Something that I've learned over the years as I've worked with the 12-18 yr old girls at church is that I know how awesome they are. I can see all their talents and abilities. I'm constantly impressed with their abilities to overcome challenges and to choose the right even when it's not popular. My point is, I can see their potential, I am their cheerleader and I hate when they put themselves down....The part I'm just now realizing is that in that same breath, I tend to put myself down. Either out loud or in my mind. What kind of example is that? Why the heck am I allowed to compliment them and expect them to not put themselves down, when I do that very thing! When I compliment someone on something, I really mean it and I hate having to defend my compliment when the person disagrees with me. I encourage them to accept the compliment and tell them not to compare themselves to anyone else. So why is it so easy for me to tell other people that but so difficult for me to put my own advice into action?<br />
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Maybe I think that if I accept a compliment I am being vain or arrogant. Maybe I have this idea in my mind of what I wanted that crocheted hat to look like and the final product doesn't meet my expectations so I don't feel like I deserve the compliment. I know I'm a terribly awkward person in general and accepting praise is uncomfortable for me because I feel like I have to point out all my flaws. Maybe I don't want others to feel like they're 'not as good' as I am at something so I downplay my abilities. I just don't know WHY.<br />
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Our society is great in many ways. On the other side, our society ingrains this notion that we are not good enough. There's a ranking system set in place by who knows who that we get sucked into and we seem set on constantly ranking ourselves with those around us. It really doesn't matter if so and so can sing and tap dance at the same time and I can't. Why am I trying to put myself on that scale? Why do I automatically think that person is so much more talented than me? No, that's not true! That person is very talented in their own right, in their own way! Yes, they're talented at singing and tap dancing, I am not, but I have other abilities. My ranking system should be within myself. When I gauge my singing abilities <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or severe lack thereof-I'm not trying to be humble here!)</span> I shouldn't automatically compare myself to <span class="st">Chaka Khan<span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span></span> because then I'll never be good enough. That notion is depressing and totally unnecessary. We do this everyday people! I hear/see it constantly in those around me and myself! "Amanda's a way better dancer than me, I could never dance like that" Well...let's be honest, this is probably true, so just give up now. No really, you "can't touch this". Instead of comparing my obviously awesome dance moves to your own, practice! Or take up macrame, whatever it is that you really want to do that will make you happy. Don't take up dancing just because Amanda's doing it. If you're really interested in it, go for it. If not, pick up that darning needle <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or whatever tool is used in macrame)</span> and work on your plastic cord artistry.<br />
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I wrote this post a week or so ago but hadn't posted it yet, and since I've written it, I've heard similar sentiments expressed at least four times. It's an epidemic! <br />
President Uchtdorf gave a talk in this last general conference called, <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/you-can-do-it-now" target="_blank">"You Can Do It Now!"</a> he said, "One of the adversary’s methods to prevent us from progressing is to
confuse us about who we really are and what we really desire." I think we can add to that and say the adversary also uses a very wily tactic to confuses us, that anyone can fall prey to at any time. Comparison. Even the most obedient people have been trapped by this extremely cunning and well disguised threat.<br />
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It makes me think of when someone asks you to choose your favorite food, well that is impossible because there are many types of foods out there. How can I compare my favorite carne asada to my favorite Italian soup? How about colors? I love them all, but I can't choose between green and orange, they are totally different and I like them both. Just like you can't compare totally different types of food, we can't compare ourselves, it will get us nowhere. We have no chance of progressing if we continue to use this skewed system to rate our self-worth. I
can say a million times that I won't compare myself or beat myself up
about silly things but I know I will, I can try to do better though.<br />
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That is all. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*What? I don't even know who that is I just like saying Chaka Khan.</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-64963726401203726932013-11-03T23:40:00.000-08:002013-11-03T23:40:14.484-08:00So About That...Obvs. I haven't blogged for about twelve years...slash 3 weeks. I don't apologize for it haha pretty sure I have two faithful blog viewers anyways and one of them is hit or miss (Hi Mom! Hi Nicole!).<br />
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I have just been super busy with work, school, my calling, trying to schedule photo shoots that keep getting cancelled! GRRRR Silly rain keeps messing up my plans. Oh well, rain is good. I'm thankful for rain!<br />
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Blogging is mostly a way for me to document my life without having to write in a journal. I do have one, I'm just not very a very faithful writer, I wish I was! I've tried. It cramps my hand. Alas, this is my pseudo journal. (So feel free to skip the rest of this because it's mostly for my remembering purposes)<br />
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So the last two weeks have been pretty weird, I was asked to serve in a new calling and was officially called today. I have served in the Young Women's program in my ward for SIX years! WHOA. I was first called as the YW secretary with Stephanie (Pres), Carren (1st), and Emily (2nd). When that presidency changed, my stomach flip flopped because they forgot to tell me about it and a member of the bishopric had to run down and ask me during sacrament meeting :) I was called to be the 2nd Counselor with the next Presidency; Doneva (Pres), Vicky (1st), and me...I'm pretty sure there were only three of us there may have been a secretary for a minute but most of the time it was us 3 (if I remember right, see kids, THIS is why we journal!). Then once again my stomach sunk with the same dread of being released when Becky (Pres), Keala (1st), and Dixie (Sec) were called but I was saved again with a special calling "YW Specialist" with Nicole. This made me feel like a secret agent and I wish I would have bought some walkie-talkies and a spy scope. Basically that calling involved planning the Wednesday activities/extra activities/Personal progress and I helped teach on Sunday's while Nicole went to the other ward. (A year later Kim was called to be 2nd and I was called to be 1st)<br />
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Anywhoo fast forward another two years give or take (2 weeks ago), the bishop asked to speak with me. My stomach once again earned the gold medal in gymnastics. I wondered if a change would be happening because in April our Bishopric was changed after our 'old' Bishop Steve was called into the Stake Presidency. So our new Bishop and YW President are married and those are two major callings. I never expected in one million years that he would ask me to be the next YW President but he did and my stomach added spelunking to it's resume. I didn't really process it, all I could think about is the YW and how much they would miss Becky. Anyway, I ended up saying yes and sometimes when I remember about it I feel like I might projectile vomit, but I am excited. I mean, I've been in YW for SIX years with these girls- one of our graduating Laurels had been in YW for a couple months when I was first called, but other than that, I've been there as each of the current YW turned 12 which is so neat to me. I have seen them grow up SO much. It's crazy how much change happens just from 12-14 let alone 12-18! They are seriously the best people I know. I'm not a parent but I imagine parents think about their children a lot. I realized this last week that I think about the YW every day, multiple times a day or more! They seem to be my first priority and I spend lots of time preparing things for them. I love it!<br />
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We took a picture today after church with the YW who were there and our old Presidency. The YW weren't a fan of this, there was quite a bit of crying during church today but you can't even tell!<br />
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I stole this pic from Nicole on instagram. We went from having maybe four girls to 14ish almost overnight it seems like! There were many not there today who generally are too which was a bummer but it's not like we can't ever take another picture together :)<br />
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This will be good.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015177077123475262.post-12006702651555320022013-10-10T14:50:00.001-07:002013-10-10T14:55:19.947-07:00October 2013 General ConferenceI have a fun app on my phone called RhonnaDesigns (thanks Nicha {my attempt at a nickname for Nicole--fail})<br />
So there's a trend where fancy people choose their favorite conference quotes and make them cute. Since I love quotes, cute things, and graphic design, I used my phone to make my own! (Except then afterwards I realized I can do the same thing on my iPad which is WAY easier hahahahaha woops)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is not my favorite at all. But I love the quote. Will redo this quote for sure-and I won't do it at 2am while laying in bed :)</td></tr>
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Perhaps I will make more when I get some time. Conference had lots of good quotes. I haven't even finished watching/reading it all yet either.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17309030195432871769noreply@blogger.com2