30 Day Photo Challenge: Gratitude

I saw this on Pinterest. Which is basically where I get all my brilliant ideas these days.


So it starts tomorrow. Wish me luck!! Join me, if you'd like to. I'd love to see your pictures! And I hope mine will be slightly entertaining.


Here goes! : )

Here's to Awesome Authors

I read like a maniac. This is common knowledge. I have favorite books and I have favorite authors. Through the invention of social media (facebook, twitter, instagram, etc.), I am able to hear about the daily happenings of the people who write such awesome books. And I love it. They're just people like us, you guys!! And you know what's REALLY awesome? Being able to meet some of your idols in person. YES!!

About 2 months ago, I went to my first book signing. I was SO BUMMED I missed out on so many while I was in Colorado because either a) it was in Utah and I was not or b) it was in Denver and it REALLY sucks to drive there. Really. So once I got back to Utah, I promised myself I would make it to at least one signing if possible!! The first I went to was for Kiersten White who wrote the Paranormalcy series.

Kiersten White. Isn't she the cutest?!? And so TINY.

(did not take this pic, sadly)

I really enjoy her books. The Paranormalcy series is funny and sarcastic and witty and VERY entertaining. I recommend them if you're into the paranormal and kick-A girls who carry pink tasers. : )

I heard about her signing through either her blog or twitter and decided THIS IS THE TIME. I'M TOTALLY GOING. And my sister, Alex said she'd go, too, although she hadn't read the books. It. Was. AWESOME. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Alex even did! Kiersten talked about her writing process, future projects, read an excerpt from the last book in the trilogy, "Endlessly", and told hilarious stories. She is seriously adorable and talks incredibly fast. I love her. : ) It was held at the King's English, an Indie bookstore in Salt Lake. Hadn't been there before, but now that I make it a point to go whenever I can! Recommend it. 

My second book signing was in the beginning of October. Robison Wells, local author of "Variant" and the newly released 2nd book "Feedback". Also held by the King's English, but the lecture portion was in the art gallery a few doors down for more room. Variant is about a boy who shows up at a new boarding school in New Mexico run solely by the students and soon discovered he's not allowed to leave. Ever. It's intense and worth a read. So, I decided to go to the signing. Robison Wells is a great guy.

The man himself. And I *did* take this picture. : )

He spoke a lot about his personal struggles and his father, both of which highly influenced his writing. It was really great to meet him in person. So glad I went and look forward to reading "Feedback". I purchased it that day for him to sign, but my to-be-read pile is RIDICULOUS. And having a deadline from the library stresses me out. 3 weeks MAY seem like enough, but with 3 out at a time, I cut it close sometimes. Oy. 

My most recent signing was for the brilliant and incredibly talented Libba Bray! That's me with her in that first picture. :D I definitely got nervous meeting her. I've been a big fan of her for YEARS. First books I read was the "A Great and Terrible Beauty", first in a trilogy. Brilliant. So well written. Girl goes to a boarding school outside London in the late 1800s with a hint of magic. She also has some stand-alones, Going Bovine and Beauty Queens, and now a new series beginning with The Diviners. 1920s New York meets ghosts, murder, and mayhem. I'm pretty excited about it. :D 

Libba was presenting along with Shannon Hale, who is a local author. She's written quite a few books but the only one I own and have read is Austenland, which was really good and soon will be a movie! A girl obssessed with the A&E Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth, and gets to experience life in Jane Austen's time for 2 weeks. SO COOL. Totally wish I could do that. She also had a sequel entitled Midnight  in Austenland, which I picked up there for her to sign. 

Shannon Hale and Libba Bray. Yeah, blurry. Sorry. They're cuter in person. 

And clearer. : )

This one was held at the West Jordan Library, but still presented by the King's English. (Are you sensing a patter here? Support your local bookstores, guys!!!) It was such a great time. They told the most hilarious stories about the last time they toured together. SO. FUNNY. And apparently, Libba's new book about scared the pants off of Shannon. haha! Can't wait to read it! Had to wait quite a while to get my books signed. I brought ALL the books I owned of Libba's except one (5+the new one I bought there) and Austenland + sequel for Shannon to sign. My back pack was HEAVY, you guys. Totally worth it, though. I might have to make a post just of the awesome things they wrote when they signed my books. : )

When I met Libba, she noticed my Doctor Who shirt and said she like it! We talked about the show for about 5 minutes. It was so great. Geeking out about meeting a favorite author WHILE geeking out about Doctor Who. It was a truly perfect moment!! I even got a picture and a hug. AAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Sorry. Had to freak out about it again. :D 

Also, I posted that picture on twitter and she saw it!! She wrote back saying "Aaah! I didn't know you were THAT Anika from twitter. Great to meet you!". And then she followed me on twitter. Um.......about died. That may not mean a lot to most of you but believe me, IT IS A BIG DEAL. I had a slight freak-out during church when I glanced at my phone and saw that. My sister, Ashleigh, can corroborate my story. 

I JUST REALLY LOVE BOOKS AND AUTHORS AND MEETING THEM AND THEY ARE SO AWESOME AND I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO ME. 

Siiiiigh. Sorry. Well, I'm gonna go now. They say you shouldn't meet your idols for you will likely be disappointed, but I haven't found it to be so. GO FOR IT, I SAY!! 

Oh, and p.s. Thank you all for welcoming me back to blogging! You guys are awesome. Thanks Jenny, Holly, and my good friend Kim who I didn't even know had a blog! But now I do. And I'm totally gonna follow you now. : ) You guys rock!!!

Good night!!

To Begin Again

Hello. My last post was about a dream I had involving marrying an NFL football player, so I'm fairly certain I have no credibility to lose by taking such a long and unintentional hiatus. But I feel lame about it anyway.

The past few months have been....something. I don't know what. Odd? Frustrating. Lovely. Long. Anticipatory. Just....weird.

I "lost" my job in Vail at the beginning of June. It was a surprise, but I wasn't sad to leave. That job and that restaurant were not at all what I wanted. And it seems the feeling was mutual in some ways. The job was really all that was keeping me there, so I was done. I didn't even look at jobs in Colorado. Whatever happened, I knew I wasn't staying there. On the whole, it was a good experience and I learned so so much. I'm also sad to leave some people and places behind, but I was ready to move on. A possible job ( that eventually fell through) brought me back to Utah and I'm glad it did.

What followed was months and months of job applications and interviews that led nowhere and frustration and waiting, but there was good, too. I was able to spend time with my sisters and theirs kids while they were out of school. I baked a lot. Just for fun. I also catered and made the wedding cake for my youngest sister, Alex. Good to know I still have what it takes! : )

The week before the wedding, I decided to visit my old boss up at Snowbird. I worked there for 2 1/2 years before moving to Colorado. Anna and I got to know each other pretty well and even kept in touch through email after I moved. I heard whispers that they were looking for a Pastry Sous Chef and, although my pride made me resist, I knew I had to look into it. Anna and I chatted for about an hour and she mentioned the position after I casually shared that I was out of work. I still had to go through all the corporate channels: applied, 1st interview, 2nd interview, paperwork, background check, but an eventual offer!!

I accepted. Of course. I was in no position to turn down a job. The past 2 months I had been receiving unemployment checks through Colorado. It was hard to do, though. Again, with my pride. But I was eligible and grateful for something to keep me going. I started work again on September 22. Quite a shock to my lazy-bones body. You forget how much endurance you have being on your feet all day until you've lost it. I was a sore, tired mess after that first week. I think I'm about there by now, though. We're a bit slow as well after Oktoberfest ended last weekend. Gearing up for the season!! Pray for snow!! : )

Anyway, I'm back at Snowbird. I never thought it would happen and I still can't believe that's where I was led, but it does feel like the right place for me right now. It's a much better situation than the one I left and having a title and better pay definitely doesn't hurt! The view ain't bad either, see evidence below! I love the cool, misty mornings in the mountains.

I always say this, but I will seriously try to update here more often. I'm actually writing this on my iPhone cause that seems easier to do and "less official" than sitting down with my computer. Cause I'm weird like that.

Shoot me a comment! I'm always around. And just know, if I follow your blog, I read every, single post even if I don't comment. I appreciate ALL you write. So, uh...yeah. See ya soon!

My Subconscious Likes Football Players

Hey! Look! Another blog post! Don't die of shock, okay?

I had a dream last night. Well...more like this morning in a post-alarm, pre-actually-getting-up haze, I had a dream. My dreams rarely RARELY make any sense. Cause my brain is bizarre. But this one was pretty clear. Ish.

I had a dream about the one, the only....

...Tim Tebow.

Now, I am not a football person. At all. AT ALL. It's not that I don't like it, I just don't watch it or follow any teams or players or know anything about it really. I just...don't. But, apparently SOME information has seeped in. Like this guy. He's basically everywhere. His name. His face. He's super religious. Crying. "Tebowing". Yeah...that's about all I know about him. But that's enough for my subconscious, apparently.

Cause according to it, we're totally getting married. 

This dream. Kinda bizarre, like the others I've had. Looking at it in context, it really makes no sense. Why would I be at a football game? Who would I go with? Why is this game being played at BYU (my default football location, apparently)? My subconscious knows he's in the NFL and plays for the Broncos. Right? I think? 

Yeah. I'm pretty sure. After all, I do live in Broncos Country. Which I have largely ignored. Yup. 

But, anyway. This dream occurred in Provo, Utah, for nonsensical reasons. Just go with it. 

So I went to the game. We met somehow. End up walking through a deserted BYU campus with snow lightly falling. It was romantic and crap. He toooootally liked me. Said he wanted to take me somewhere, but I didn't have my own car to drive home in. I drove with...my parents? Yeah! THAT'S who went with. Okay. Whatever. So he said, "Next time?" And I totally said yes. We were supposed to meet by a bridge and so on and so forth and then married. 

So, there you go. Who knew? I certainly didn't. But somewhere in my weirdo brain, I like football players. 

Strange, right? 

Finding the Fundamentals

I've never been one for resolutions. It's...too much pressure. They're usually too big and scary to keep up on and are mostly forgotten by March. I have tried, though. Made a list to change about myself. I have no idea what they were, so there ya go.

I've been rolling around an idea in my head for the last couple weeks. It was sparked by a friend of mine, I suppose. She's also my visiting teacher. We met for a visit at a nearby bakery for a bagel. This was during the craziness of the Holidays that nearly killed me, so half an hour in the morning before a 16-hour work day was barely what I could spare. We sat and talked. She brought up the subject of resolutions. She, too, doesn't believe in New Year's Resolutions. Instead, every year on her birthday, so decides to make the coming 12 months the "Year of ____" (fill in the blank). This latest birthday brought the Year of Letting Go. Just...letting go of the things that you've held on to, grudges you've held on to, things you can't change.... Excellent idea.

So, I decided to do something a little similar. Sorta. I've been thinking a lot about the simple things I miss these days. And why i was missing them. I would say I don't have the time (which is pretty true, actually), but it's not just that. What am I doing with what little time I DO have away from work? Not much. Nothing of consequence, anyway. Silly tv shows and nonsense online, which I do enjoy, but it's really not that important in the long run. So, here's my "resolution": go back to the fundamentals. Back to basics. There's WAY too much nonsense going on in my life. Time to keep it simple. Go back to what was good and sincere.

And here's what I mean:

Reading:
I've always been a HUGE bookworm. I absolutely love books. Seriously. Even though I haven't had (or found) the time to read much, I still have bought at least 4 books in the last month or so. I can't stop myself! Bookstores have always been my solace. I see the books on the shelf and I just want to give them a good home! So, I resolve to read at least half an hour a day, probably before bed. Not much by my usual reading standards, but it's a start.

Sleeping:
I have no problem sleeping. Really. Probably cause I'm tired all the time, but alas. What I mean is that I need to aim for 8 hour of sleep. No more stay-up-til-2am-and-wake-at-10am silliness. Even when I get home from work at 11:30pm or so, I need to be in bed by midnight (and read for a bit) and then wake at 8am. Simple, I know, but that's the whole point! Remember back when you had a bedtime and you grumbled and groaned that it was too early? Well, too early is not an issue now, but I do need to get on a better schedule. I try to set an alarm, but I tend to shut it off and go back to sleep. And then I wonder why I'm rushing to work at noon....  *sarcasm*

Exercise:
Now, I've never been super diligent in working out. But when I do, I prefer to do yoga. It's too cold to do anything strenuous (for me anyway) outside and I don't snowboard often enough (or at all) to call it a workout, so yeah. Yoga. 3 times a week. Usually at home, but I did find a beginner's class at a local yoga studio that just might work with my schedule! Yay. : )

Eating:
I eat better than some already, what with my higher in-take of vegetables and stuff, but I still do enjoy the junk food. Less is the goal. And to eat more regularly. Work kinda kills that idea most days, but I'm gonna work on it.

Spirit:
Once again, back to the basics. I just need to get back into the habit of scripture reading and scriptures and everything. Apart from preparing my Sunday School lesson, I've slacked off a bit. Improvement is necessary.

Unplug:
Now, I love my gadgets. A. Lot. My iPhone is my life and connection to the outside world. I rely on it. But I do need some time away from my phone and computer at times. An hour or so a day is the plan. Unplugged.



So, that's how I plan to simplify my life and bring back the things that make me happy. Wish me luck!!

Any resolutions for you?

Typing Without the Use of One Finger is a Suckfest

I cut my left pointer finger pretty badly at work today. I was julienne-ing some orange zest for Orange Honey, used on the cheese plate served as a first course. The knife was sharp. My focus was not.


I chopped off part of my nail and a good chunk of flesh. Now THERE'S a visual for ya. Ick.


So now there's a band-aid on it and it keeps bleeding and it hurts like a mo-fo. Nerve-endings exposed and all that any touch makes me cringe and curse internally.


So, yeah. Typing hurts. Tons. Tried to type on my computer without using that finger, but my fingers are specifically trained a certain way. Typos. Frustration. OW.



Which is possibly why I'm writing this on my iPhone. Thumbs. I can do thumbs...

One year ago...

One year ago, I hated my job.

One year ago, I was heartbroken.

One year ago, I felt lost.

One year ago, (almost exactly) I made a scary journey to Boston that taught me a lot.

In the past year, I have

...accepted a job without seeing where I was working/moving to.

...moved out of state for the first time in my life. Alone.

...met some great people.

...had my heart jerked around, but here I am: stronger.

...survived on a lot less than I thought I could.

...worked outside of my field getting hours to make ends meet.

...been laid off from a job I loved with no solid plan to follow.


Recently, I have

...applied for jobs I never thought I'd get.

...learned who deserves to be in my life. And who doesn't.

...interviewed at a job I never thought I'd be considered for.

...accepted a job that is more prestigious, more challenging, higher paying, and more than a little scary.


I am so incredibly amazed at what can happen in a year and how the Lord has led me by the hand so often. I was lonely sometimes, but I was never alone. I have become stronger than ever, more sure of myself, more capable than I ever thought. I can do this. This is my time to shine.

Next week, I become Pastry Chef Anika Allred. : )

Obsessed

Hi. Remember me? It's okay if you don't. I know it's been a while. I suck. Whatever. Not even gonna look through past posts to see how long it's been. Nope. Oh, well.

Anywho, just thought I'd reveal the things that have consumed my time as of late.

Ready? Let's go!!

DAVID TENNANT

Oh, heavens. I love LOVE this man. Scottish. Gorgeous. Gravity-defying hair. Looks smashing in a suit (see above). Holy TARDIS. First time I saw him was in the 4th Harry Potter. Not the best representation of his awesomeness. Then I got into Doctor Who. Speaking of which:

DOCTOR WHO

Oh, man. I can't even describe it. Officially obsessed. Above is the Eleventh Doctor (played by Matt Smith) and his latest companion, Amy Pond. David Tennant was the Tenth Doctor. He was a HUGE part of why I fell in love with this show. It's kinda hard to explain if you don't know it. Time travel. But SO MUCH MORE. Sigh. You'll just have to look it up. : )

But let's just say, I may or may not have asked my Dad to build me one of these:

It's called the TARDIS (Time and Relative Demensions in Space).

And I totally want one, no matter how IMPRACTICAL it may seem. 

Pleeeeaaaaaassse, daddy?!?! :D

MUMFORD AND SONS

Amazing AMAZING band. Kinda Bluesgrass-y. Kinda FREAKIN' AWESOME. They totally get me. Yes. Yesyesyes.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON SOUNDTRACK

This soundtrack is INCREDIBLE. Something I had forgotten cause I only saw the movie once in theaters. But I just watched it again recently and WOW, I was blown away. The movie is amazing as a whole, but the music just adds this depth and heart to it. "Test Drive" is my favorite. Check it out. Do it.

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH and SHERLOCK

Oh, Benny, Benny, Benny. Glorious, wonderful man. Funny name. Voice like a jaguar in a cello (my fellow fangirls online describe it as such). Marvelous actor. Yes. The whole package. He played Stephen Hawking, for pete's sake!! And did a marvelous job:

And BBC Sherlock, well, I just can't even describe in words how much I loved it. Literally. Best. Adaption. EVER. It physically pains me that I have to wait til 2012 for more Sherlock. Siiiiiiigh.

HURRY UP, SEASON TWO I AM DYING!!!!!!!

Well, I think that's enough fangirling for one day. There's more. SOOOOOOO much more. I can obsess about multiple things simultaneously. I am THAT talented. Anyway, I hope you'll consider looking into these things I enjoy so much. And share what YOU are obsessed with. I so can't wait. : )

Occupational Hazards

You know what's REALLY AWESOME? When a hot sheet pan touches you JUST ENOUGH to melt off a layer of skin and expose the nerve endings. Then. THEN. It feels so awesome every time you open the oven door. Oh yes. it's super awesome.

Im a baker/cook. I love my job. I love what I do. It's just a little rough for such an accident-prone person to be around hot and sharp things all the time. My left forearm has 8 burn scar in varying stages of healing. The newest burn I'm speaking of is on my right arm. And throbbing.

In addition to burns and cuts(none of those today, thank goodness. Unless you count a paper cut...), I've had tall, heavy oven racks fall on me, slipped on wet floors, run into things often...once, opening a door with my foot with both hands full resulted in a sprained ankle and two bruised knees. Speaking of which, I've lost count of how many times I've sprained/twisted my ankle in my life.

My mom thinks I should be covered in bubble wrap at all times. I'm starting to agree...

My Morning So Far...

Thursday, August 25

Awakened at 11am (give me a break! it's my day off) by a phone call from my youngest sister. We chatted about her starting school, my bizarre dream, and parking permits.

Phone beeped with incoming call from older sister. Phone would not switch over, so ended conversation with lil sis (she had class anyway) and called Big sis back. News: her bun in the oven will be a GIRL!!! Very exciting! Emma will have a sister. She deserves one. : )

Told big sis about my job situation and housing and the crapfest that is my life at the moment. Talked to her current youngest, Isaac who just CRACKS ME UP, he's so darling. He wanted her to put on the sprinkler so he could run through. I MISS THEM SO MUCH. She had to go. Love you, Ranga! (not her real name. nickname. ahem.)

Finally left bed to visit bathroom. Checked bank account (it's payday. whoo!) But wait...I canceled that online payment 2 weeks ago and it's coming out TODAY?!? NONONONONONO!!! Very bad. Bad Bad Bad. Call establishment the payment is going to. Me in a bit of hysterics. On hold. "ARE YOU STILL THERE?!?" Them: did you call your bank? Um...no. I will do that.

Called lady who opened my accounts originally. No answer. 2 more calls left message. Call general number for my bank. Talked to a dude. Transfer. Questions. My verbal password? What? I have no idea. Mother's maiden name? Oh, right. I know that one. Blah blah. Lots of talking. All ended well. Stopped payment. Whew.

Yeesh. Many highs and lows this morning. Mini heart attack to boot. Oy. I should really eat something. I need a chocolate chip pancake...

Hold On to Dreams

Words to live by. Dream on. : )

Sent from my iPhone

I already posted this on Facebook and possibly twitter, but it's worth repeating. *chuckle* ; )

HOW TO TICK PEOPLE OFF Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 99 copies. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors." Specify that your drive-through order is "TO-GO." If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up." Reply to everything someone says with "that's what you think." Practice making fax and modem noises. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc" them to your boss. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophesy." Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears and grimacing. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room. Holler random numbers while someone is counting. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way." Staple pages in the middle of the page. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a croaking noise. Honk and wave to strangers. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints at the cash register. TYPE IN UPPERCASE. type only in lowercase. dont use any punctuation either Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times. "DO YOU HEAR THAT?" "What?" "Never mind, it's gone now." As much as possible, skip rather than walk. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "No, wait, I messed it up," and repeat. Ask people what gender they are. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down. Sing along at the opera. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles.

Sent from my iPhone

Testing...1,2,3...

Hiya. Been looking into alternative ways of posting, mainly from my awesome, awesome iPhone. : )

Texting was a no-go. All came up as gibberish!! Lame. So here's to try number two. Email!!

Did it work?

Sent from my iPhone

Quarter of a Century

Hey, guys. Guess what? I had a birthday. Last month, actually. Yup. I hit the big 2-5. Geez. I'm still letting it sink in. I wanted to do a blog post closer to the actual day, but when have I ever been prompt about these things? Exactly.

So, yeah. It happened. May 23rd, if you didn't know. It fell on a Monday this year, and oddly enough, I had Sunday through Tuesday off work. Nice gift to me!! Sooo nice to not have to set an alarm (and I also remembered to silence my phone completely, anticipating facebook alerts). So on Monday, I slept in looong and hard. Woke up a time or two, rolled over, and went back to sleep. I LOVE  doing that. On occasion on my days off, I'll even set my alarm just so I can shut it off and go back to sleep. It's really satisfying. : ) I lounged in bed a while, but hunger and my bladder eventually forced me out. I wanted a yummy breakfast, so I made myself a Single Lady Pancake from Joy the Baker's blog. I love this recipe! It makes one big pancake instead of making way too much for one person. Which I've done. : )

After breakfast, I lounged around some more, possibly laid in bed for a while (is it lied or laid? eh.). I eventually got my but in gear and dressed in my Breaking Benjamin shirt and good jeans. Chucks on feet. Oh, yes. Feelin' good. : ) Had to run some dumb errands like putting the cable in my name at the new apartment and checking my PO Box in Eagle. But I had mail!! And not just bills!! So, that was good. Then I went to the Pugmire's and tagged along to the twins' soccer game. They totally won!! It was awesome. And there was pizza. Cheese, please! EmRee was kind enough (and a little nervous to) make me a birthday cake. Got my favorite cake recipe from my mom: Cream-filled Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Photographic evidence:

Lighting my 25 candles in the shape of

a smiley face.

Crazy Pugmire kids. They're awesome.

Scotty, Zac, Allie, Anna, and Grant.

They're singing to me. I'm all embarrassed! 

Parents on speakerphone, too. 

Make a wish!!

Cake was yummy!! Then I skyped with mom, dad, Ashleigh and Alex so they could see me open my presents. Check out my haul!!

So awesome!! 2 of the books I bought for myself. ; )

It was a great day. AND I got a bonus birthday as well!! On Tuesday, EmRee took me to get my first mani/pedi. No, I'd never had either before. Criminal!! It was fun and VERY relaxing. Check it out:

Green is keen. 

Took me all of five minutes to ruin one of my fingernails, as predicted, plus after working in the dirt and stuff, the manicure was hashed after a week. I took it off. But it's still on my toes! Yay for flip flop season!! : )

After the mani/pedi, we picked up Grant from preschool and drove to the outlet shops in Silverthorne, about 20 minutes from Vail. I got some black long shorts (all I had was denim), a peachy button-up sweater, and a thin beige sweater all for really good prices. I hadn't been clothes shopping...pretty much since I moved here, so way overdue! Grabbed some lunch and headed back home. Another good day! Thanks so much, EmRee!! : )

It's pretty much required for a person to look back on their life on the day of their birth. So I did.

Here are my thoughts on the past year:

-Last Spring was hard. Really hard. I wasn't in a good place. I'm glad I've moved past that.

-It is best to stop holding on to someone who doesn't want to be held on to. 

-I still enjoy being vegetarian. 2 years in May! One of the best things I've done.

-My sisters are, and always will be, one of the best things in my life. I LOVE MY SISTERS!!!

-I picked up my life and moved hundreds of miles away where I didn't know a soul. I never thought I could do that, but I did. I'm really proud of myself and now I know I'm capable of a lot more than I thought.

-I really love my job and I'm good at it. I love the people I work with and I LOVE being closer to work. 10 minute walk definitely beats a 30 minute drive PLUS 10 minute walk. ; )

-I love my family more than anything. I miss them like crazy, but I feel like this is where I'm supposed to be for now. I can't say what will happen in the future, but here is good for a while.

-I'm thankful to have the church as a constant in my life. I have a great branch to go to and friends there. THE CHURCH IS TRUE!

-I've learned to open myself up more to change. Obviously. Change is the only thing in life that stays the same.

-The Lord will provide. I'm not meant to know all the answers right now. I'm trying to trust Him more.

-I won't sell myself short. I know I deserve the best because I'm willing to give it. 

-I've shifted my focus a bit. I know what I want now and how to get it. Now I'm just working toward it.

- EUROPE. NEXT SUMMER. NO EXCUSES.

-Books are still some of my best friends. I read to lose myself as well as find myself.

-Music is vital to my life. Then. Now. Always.

Well, this post is getting rather lengthy. I guess I'll wrap this up. Here's to another year!!

From Eagle to Vail

Hi. It's me. Yes, I know. Been a while. I say this every time, so I should probably stop making false promises, but I REALLY MEAN IT THIS TIME when I say I'll try to be more consistent. Mmkay?

Righto. So, I moved. Again. Consensus: I HATE moving. Seriously. I have waaaaaay too much stuff. I should just get rid of it all. Simplicity is the key! Except my books. Gotta keep those. And movies. Boxed tv shows. They stay. And I love my bed. And all my kitchen equipment. I'm not parting with that. Well, shoot. Guess I'm screwed, then. I'm doomed to lug all my crap from place to place for...however long. The rest of my life! Hope to minimize the frequency of this. Guh.

Anyway, my lease was up in Eagle. I really wish I didn't have to move. I liked it there. The house. Roommates. Mostly. Kinda....but I DO miss the dog. Matty.

C'mon. Look at that face! And such a cuddler.... *sigh*

But Eagle was just way too far. 30 minutes each way. Plus the friggin' gas prices, it was just killing me. So I started looking at new places mid-April, searching in Avon and Edwards, which are 5 and 10 minutes away from work, respectively. NEVER dreamed I could find something in Vail cause it is dang expensive! Well, it is everywhere around here, but ya know. But I did! I found a place 2 minutes from work! Right near where I was parking all winter, actually. I can walk to work now!

Middlecreek Apartments. Old roommate called it Sing-Sing, cause it

kinda looks like a prison. : )

Rent is a bit higher, though. And had to figure out how to pay a deposit and all that crap. Bleh. AND I had to figure out the logistics with my landlord/roommate cause I already paid my "last month's rent" and then paid it again cause I didn't know I was moving so soon. Took some convincing to get that money back. But it all worked out! Started moving stuff with my car the end of April. Got help from Brother Brook from the ward and his truck with my bed and stuff. And my cousin Alicia and her husband Jason happened to be nearby on vacation and offered to help! Soooo sweet of them! Pretty easy to move the big stuff with so much help. Thanks you guys!! : )

Me and Alicia in front of my new apartment building.

Officially moved in May 2nd, a Tuesday. Always weird the first night in a new place. Different smells, different sounds...plus all your stuff is in boxes. I hate that feeling. But I actually slept okay. Which is good, cause I had to work the next day. Slowly unpacked the next few days. Felt TOTALLY settled once my books, movies and kitchen stuff were situated. Sigh. Feels pretty good now. Getting used to roommates. One I completely get along with. We talked for and hour and half the first night we met. Good sign! Other, we get along, but she's glued to her boyfriend. He's quite a winner. (Sarcasm). Nah, I'm kidding. Mostly. He's nice enough. Just...I dunno. *shrug*

Anyway, I'm feeling pretty much at home here. Still paying the deposit in installments, which sucks, but the girl who's contract I bought has been very understanding. Work has been inconsistent, which doesn't help money matters, but I picked up hours in Engineering. Landscaping. Ick. That's for another post, though. 

So, yeah. Soooo nice to be close to work. I walk every day, unless weather is bad. And sometimes even then! And, I mean, look at this view!!

That's what I see getting off the elevator on the 7th floor. 

Yeah. Location, location, location. 

I'm excited for a beautiful Summer in Vail, Colorado!! : )

You

You. Yes, you. I am writing this for you.

I know you are reading this. And I want you to know I am writing this for you. No one else will understand. No one else knows. They think that this is for them. But it’s not. I am writing this for you.

I want you to know, life…it’s hard. Every day can be a challenge. It can be a challenge to get up in the morning. To get yourself out of bed. To put on that smile. But I want you to know, that smile is what keeps me going some days. You need to remember, even through the tough times, you are amazing. You really are.

You should be happy. You are gorgeous.

I know that the weather might not be perfect. You might have to turn your back to the wind or feel the cold nipping at your nose. But you know what, at least you are there to feel it. At least you can enjoy the sun’s warm rays on your face. Or that cold February wind biting at your cheeks. You know what that means?

You are alive.

Everything will be okay.

I found this on lettersillneversend.com

So, thank you to whoever wrote it. I really needed to hear that. 

<3 Anika

ANNA & THE FRENCH KISS

Hey, all. Um...so my blogging track record hasn't been awesome lately. I should be better. I want to be. I WILL be. Right? Uh huh.

Anywho, this is just a short one. Wanted to pay homage to an INCREDIBLE book. Seriously. I love it so much, I have on more than one occasion considered making it legal. Make an honest book out of it. Or something... *looks around awkwardly*

So...yes. ANNA. It is greatness. Page after page after page. Awe. Some.

LOVE.

This is the story of a girl named Anna from Florida who, for her senior year of high school, is sent to Paris, France, by her father. And she DOESN'T want to go. Crazy, right? But she has a maybe, almost, could-have-been boy/friend and she has this awesome job working with said boy, and...yeah. Getting uprooted for the most important year of high school isn't easy. But she goes, she meets a boy. Etienne St. Clair. Not just any boy. An ENGLISH boy. Who is technically an American. Confusing...but AWESOME. But it's complicated. Of course. And it happens in the most romantic city in the world! And...yeah. I just can't even describe it right. 

The writing is just so effortless. Stephanie Perkins has completely captured the teenager in all of us. The uncertainty, the dialog, the feelings...all of it. I seriously can't wait to read it again. And the rest of her upcoming books! She is amazing. 

The Genius.

Not only is the book entertaining, but it's educational. Yup. Some vocabulary terms I learned.

                    Callipygian: having well-shaped buttocks

                    Meretricious: alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry

See? Very useful in everyday conversation. Especially when you can use the 1st covertly in...mixed company. ; )

And a few of my favorite quotes:

           “His friendship alone has strengthened me in a way that no one 

else’s ever has. He swept me from my room and showed 

me independence. In other words, he was exactly what  I needed. 

I won’t forget it. And I certainly don’t want to lose it.”

“How many times can our emotions be tied to someone 

else’s--be pulled and stretched and twisted--before they snap? 

Before they can never be mended again?”

“Boys turn girls into such idiots.”

“I wish for the thing that is best for me.”

“Meretricious. Showily attractive but cheap or insincere.’

Yes. Amazingness. Really. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Seriously. Okay. Now go read it. 

Mmkay?

Random Piece of Paper

I found this piece of paper in a random place while packing up stuff to move a couple months ago. I have absolutely no idea where it came from, but it is freakishly accurate. Thought I'd share. : )

ANIKA

Temperament: Idealist

You are the quintessential dreamer- spending more time thinking about the possibilites that the world holds for you, rather than your reality. You don't settle for anything less than what you truly desire, and you work very hard. You tend to live in every place except the present- you are prone to daydreaming about the future and re-thinking the choices you made in the past. Sometimes you get overly caught up in your thoughts.

Interests: Simple

You are continually pursuing a simpler and less complicated life- and you don't allow yourself to fall victim to all of the "should do's"  that society continually bombards you with. You are thoughtful about your life choices and think in terms of yourself, others and the world in which we live. You have a great sense that we are part of something much bigger and we must be good to others, if we want others and the world to be good to us.

Amusement: Thoughtful

You are easily stressed out and overwhelmed- and you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Because you tend to be self-reflective, you know your limits quite well and must remember to not exceed those limits. When you overwhelm you life with obligations and responsibilities, you tend to shut down and go into yourself even further. Take some time to find your serenity and kick back your feet.

Passion: Traditional

Your notions about romance are viewed as unrealistic  by many, but don't let that stop you. When you think of romance, you think of huge gestures of commitment, sacrifice and love like we see in the movies. Flowers, chocolate, and wine are just some of the ways to your heart. You want to feel loved and treasured by your partner and you expect to be courted, admired and hotly pursued. You long for old fashioned dating.

So...yeah. Like I said, I haven't the slightest clue where this came from, but it pretty much got me right on the nose. Freaky. Haha! 

Rated: The Fall

Hi, all. What's new? Hope you're well. What's that? Oh, my shoulder? It's okay. I've stopped wearing the sling because I would still use my left hand and end up bent over because of the sling. It still gets a little sore, but much improved. Estimated complete recovery is another 4 weeks. Sigh. But I'm sure it will pass quickly. *crosses fingers*

Anyhoo, I just wanted to talk a bit about one of my favorite movies EVER. "The Fall". Directed by Tarsem Singh, starring Lee Pace of "Pushing Daisies" (ahem. I LOVE THAT SHOW SO MUCH I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU BUT IT WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER POST).

So. The Fall.

I first heard about this show when I was looking up Lee Pace. I clicked on the link for this movie on imdb.com and started reading about it. The story really captured me and the movie stills I saw were incredible, so I looked for a way to watch it online and that's how I first saw it. I really researched it beforehand and struggled with the fact that I was aware of the its rating before I watched it.

It was rated R. 

For some people, that's really not a big deal, which is fine. I mean, to each their own. I'm not gonna tell anyone what they can or cannot watch. But for me, it gave me pause. I've always been very "NO. NO RATED R MOVIES EVER." For pretty much my whole life.

Although in full disclosure, I have seen 2 Rated R movies. 3, including The Fall. The first I saw was "Billy Elliot" when I was, like 12. I had no idea what it was rated and I didn't find out til afterward. My mom even rented it for me. I'm pretty sure she's not aware of that, but I guess she is now. : ) I liked the movie, but it was British, so I didn't understand half the dialog. Which is a good thing because the reason it was Rated R was because of language. I think. 

The second movie I saw I borrowed from a friend. He highly recommended it, so I watched it. The rating wasn't clearly displayed on the case, but I had my suspicions. Once again, for language. It was "The Blues Brothers" with John Belushi and Dan Akroyd. I had heard references to it for years and after seeing it, I finally understood the inside jokes and everything. I liked it. But I don't think I need to see it again. 

This is a still from the opening scenes of the movie. Gorgeous.

So, The Fall was the first movie that I watched knowing full well that it was Rated R. Let me explain a bit why I did. On imdb, there's a link on the movie's site where you can see all the reasons for its rating. Language, nudity, drugs, violence, etc. I clicked on that for The Fall and saw that there was no nudity, no language, a small amount of violence, and a small drug reference to Morphine. That's all. And there's the subject matter as well, which I will also explain in a bit.

Now I'm not trying to rationalize my actions. I knew what I was doing. I'm just telling you that I was well-informed of the entire matter before I made my decision to watch it.

Our heroes meet the Mystic. Look at that sky! And the reflection in the lake! Love.

As for the violence? There are a couple people who are shot or stabbed. There's a bit of blood splatter and fisticuffs. But honestly? I've seen worse on CSI or Bones! Bones, seriously. There's an episode I watched last week where a woman's head completely exploded after being shot with a high-powered rifle. And you pretty much see the whole thing! And there's blood squirting out of her neck and stuff. It was seriously gross. I love that show, but I really can't watch it while eating. Ever. *gag* The Fall has nothing as bad as that!

Alexandria visits Roy. I love their dynamic. 

And for the subject matter and drug reference...well, I'll just sort of tell you the storyline to explain.

It's the story of a 9-year-old girl named Alexandria with a broken arm who's stuck in a hospital while her arm heals. She befriends a man named Roy (Lee Pace) who is confined to a bed after falling from a horse and injuring his back while doing a stunt for a silent film. (I can't remember what the actual date period is, but I'm thinking the '30s?) So Roy starts telling her this elaborate story to keep her entertained and to also coerce the little girl into getting a full bottle of morphine for him to "help him sleep" (it is implied that it's to take his own life, but never actually said as suicide explicitly). That would be the "subject matter" that I guess contributed to the higher rating. 

A mounted butterfly transitions into a sandy island surrounded by

a butterfly-shaped reef. One of my favorite visuals.

I don't want to give too much of the story away in case you choose to see the movie. It is truly one of the best movies I've seen. All of these pictures are from the movie. Amazing, aren't they? The entire film is just visually stunning and so moving. The performance by Lee Pace is incredible, and I don't know how they got that little girl to cry so much! She did a great job.

I was watching the Special Features on the DVD and I discovered that Lee Pace was actually in a wheel chair the entire time he was playing Roy. They didn't tell Catinca (who played Alexandria) that he could walk until after they filmed the last scene at the hospital. I find that amazing. I don't know if it was because Lee is a method actor, or just to make it easier and less confusing on the little girl. She also called him "Roy" the whole time, on and off set. I suppose so she wouldn't say the wrong name. Completely brilliant performance from both of them!

The surrounding figures are people twirling, which seems bizarre, but

somehow fits just perfectly in the scene. 

Anyway, so I'm not saying that I'm all about Rated R movies now. I haven't seen one since. I do own "The Fall", but it's the only Rated R movie I have. I watched it just yesterday and it still makes my mind reel. I love it. And I'll see it again. And again and again. 

This is a video of the opening scene of the film. Along with the visual brilliance there is also the music which just blows me away. They included my absolute favorite symphony, Beethoven's 7th, 2nd movement. I really love it. And if you never see the movie, at least watch this. The black and white with the music and slow motion? I can't even explain how great it is. Just watch:

                                                                   

The lovely Lee Pace, who also plays the Masked Bandit in

the story Roy tells. But I like  him unmasked. ; )

And I thank the glorious Lee Pace for bringing it to my attention. *stares at the picture, drools*

Hm? What? Oh, right. Ahem. So, yeah. This is my little "controversial" blog post. Comment at your leisure. Remember, no judgments here. As long as you do me the same courtesy. : )

Until next time...