Just Pick-It

a hug and a kiss?

2012-02-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

So here's a funny little story:

There's this guy, bless his heart, who is just kinda off his rocker. He's a little strange. Anyways, he comes to the desk a lot while I'm working (or any other girl for that matter) to make a joke or say something. So today he comes up to me and this is our conversation.

Guy: "so you know how it's Valentine's?"

Me: "oh, like how yesterday was Valentine's day?"

Guy: "yeah, but it's Valentine's week..."

Me: "oh." (ummm sure?)

Guy: "well, so, I was wondering if I could give you a hug and a kiss then..."

Me: "uuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" (panicking, what the crap? what do I say? this is awkward!)

Guy: "here! a hug and a kiss!" (handing me chocolate hugs and kisses)

Me: "haha" (awkwardly laughing and taking the offer)

Annnnd he walks away. I mean okay, it was really nice of him. But seriously. I don't get awkward that easily anymore. But let me tell you, I felt extremely awkward!!! At least the chocolate was good ;)

BRASIL!

2012-02-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

So it is official! I will be serving a mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am going to...the BRAZIL SALVADOR MISSION! I will be teaching in Portuguese (holy shnikes) and I report July 18th to the Brazil MTC. I couldn't be more shocked, excited and happy! So grateful for my family and friends who are so supportive and loving. It was so fun! I was so glad to share this wonderful experience with so many of my loved ones. About 25 of my friends came over and I was able to FaceTime with my family including my parents, brothers and sister. Even though they are far away, Catherine and Chloe were there via FaceTime and Skype! I am so blessed. WOW and I don't even feel like I deserve it! I cannot wait to go to Brazil. I know that is where I am suppose to go and so grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary!

Oh, and here is a video my good friend Nick Walter made! Yup, I'm a crier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ3_hsiD2BI&list=FLWPb6BdEyzpUrW3AynOCDEw&feature=mh_lolz

5 things

2012-01-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

1.) sorry AGAIN I've been slacking on this blog. life gets pretty busy sometimes, and at other times there isn't much to post about.

2.) one of my biggest pet peeves happened today, a man came up to the desk at work and sarcastically said, "don't look too happy today!" like really dude, I am actually really happy, but sometimes I can't wear a big smile all day long. it makes my face hurt. and also if that was a pick-up line, find a new one.

3.) Oh, and just because the sun is out doesn't mean its HOT outside. So wearing sandals is just crazy. It's winter and welp, we ARE in Utah.

4.) I went to Disneyland last week with my parents, sister and her kids! Let me say it was a much needed distraction and we had a blast! I love seeing the girls dressed up as princesses and everyone thinking they are so cute because well they are! :)

5.) last, but not least and probably the most exciting and anticipated news is my mission call should be here TOMORROW. crazy huh?! I can't wait to hear where I'll be sent!!!

Ghosts that We Knew

2011-12-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

Mumford and Sons. I loved them the moment I heard them sing, "The Cave." That song has a special place in my heart and always will. It may sound lame, but that song got me through some pretty tough times. They are a one of a kind band, with meaningful lyrics, and I just feel so much when I hear them sing. (wow I feel like Peyton from OTH) I could listen to Sigh No More for hours on end and never grow tired. I'm excited for a new album to come out! Love rockin' out to that banjo ;)

Enjoy! Here's two for you:

"Ghosts that We Knew"

"Home"

Happy Christmas, Harry!

2011-12-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Welp, I completely spaced and forgot to blog about my ugly Christmas sweater dessert party! It was a success. So glad that my friends could come, hang out, eat lots of yummy desserts and play games like smurfing and signs! Sadly, I didn't take a whole lot of pictures. oops!

dessert table pre-party...there was lots more!

our awkward family photo ;)

Chris! best sweater.

I really love Christmas decorations. Lights, a little tree, the smell of burning candles. Oh and I made my own wreath and pomanders! Here's some of the decor:

the wreath.

pomanders.

coffee table.

kitchen counter.

and my favorite new addition to my apartment...

this nativity painting.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas! And all remember the true meaning, as the painting shows, our Savior being born into the world, atoning for our sins, being crucified, yet overcoming death with the Resurrection. I'm so grateful for Him.

Can it be Thursday yet?

2011-12-17T16:22:00.000-08:00

School over. Finals done. Home sweet home? I have three more days of work, buut come Thursday and I will be on my way to the Bay! And I couldn't be more excited for:

my daddy.

me mum.

the yaaayyy.

Sandoval's in Benicia.

all the Sharks game I'll see.

and so much more like...like seeing old friends and meeting baby Hazel!

So, can it be Thursday yet?

PLEASE??!

Happy

2011-12-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

Happy. I've just been feeling this way a lot lately. And it's a good thing. Things have happened lately, sad things. But those things have made me realize what truly matters in this life. God, Family and Friends. It's also made me realize who I am and what I want in life. I guess in the midst of everything I've realized that I am happy being me.

Greatness

2011-12-13T00:40:00.001-08:00

Glorious

2011-12-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

"He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious".

Friendship

2011-11-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, it might sound cliche, but I am extremely grateful for my friends. For the friends I have stayed close with since I was little to the friends I have made in college. I know that we will keep in touch and share memories together wherever our paths lead us in this life. So thanks to all of you who've been there for me through thick and thin. I love our good times together and will always cherish them. I hope I've been at least half as good a friend as you have all been to me.

Oh, and Happy Anniversary to my lovely parents! 34 years and going strong :)

Love you all

The Picketts

2011-11-17T08:05:00.000-08:00

So my amazing friend Sadey (<--- check out her blog) has inspired me to take the next week until Thanksgiving to blog about what I am grateful for. So today I wanted to talk about 'The Picketts'

I am forever grateful for my family.They saved my life more times than one and I don't know where I would be or who I would be without them. I am so blessed to have both of my parents. They are great examples to me of love, kindness, selflessness, devotion, and faith. I know that I can always go to them for support, advice and comfort. I love the times they come to Utah to visit. I love my daddy-daughter dates. I love that I have my moms decorating sense. I love our daily texts. I love that I have qualities from both of them, I feel like I have the best of them and I am so thankful for that.

Siblings. Even through the fights and hard times I still love them all. They are like immediate and forever friends. My brothers, even though they can be punks sometimes, will always look out for their baby sister. They are always there to make fun of me and just have the best time laughing. We share a love for sports and movies and teasing our parents. My sister. I only have one and she is the best sister I know. I love our shopping trips, eating our favorite treats and laughing until we cry. I have always looked up to her and even to this day I want to be like her.

I loved that wherever I went, people knew I was a Pickett. I have a good family. We have our hard times, but we also have our good times and all these experiences have made us closer, stronger and more loving. I am grateful for them. There is so much more to say, but I just know that I will always be with them, on this earth and after I die and I am eternally thankful for that.

Here we are! The Picketts.

Just say NO

2011-11-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

I don't like seeing it. Not when I'm: working, studying, eating, watching movies, gyming (yes I said it), sitting, standing, running, jumping, squatting, etc. I think you get the point. Don't get me wrong, I love the hand holding, the little pecks on the cheek and being silly. I think that's sweet and adorable. But the hold me tight, making out, I wanna get it on with you kinda PDA because we're never going to see each other again needs to stop. THANKS.

LEAVE IT TO THE MOVIES.

Relief (for a little while)

2011-11-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

I DID IT! I finished my Senior Thesis! (well almost) I turned in the actual paper...a total of 22 pages!

Here it is:

I still have to prepare my presentation to give Friday, December 2nd in front of everyone: Art History Professors and staff, students, family, and friends. This is going to be the most nerve wracking part of it all! Anyway, once I turned this sucker in I knew my weekend was going to be full of relaxation meaning no more homework! It was nice to have some time to myself and some time to hang with my friends! On Friday, Chloe and I celebrated Leonardo DiCaprio's Birthday with a cupcake and one of his movies. :)

The Aviator. I sure do love him.

One more week until Thanksgiving break! I am going to Virginia to see my sister and her family! What are you going to do to celebrate?

Impression

2011-11-08T16:10:00.000-08:00

Berthe Morisot is one of my favorite Impressionist Artists. I just discovered her this year on my Study Abroad and I think she is so talented. Just wanted to share one of my favorite works:

The Balcony

I think this is just sweet.

Its not Luck

2011-11-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

I am one blessed girl. And sometimes I do not feel like I should be. This semester I have been working on my Senior Thesis. It is kiiiiinda a big deal. Anyway, my other classes may have struggled a little bit, or should I say I may have struggled to make it to class. haha Well one class in particular that is: Greek Art. Don't get me wrong, I love Greek Art, but I HATE this class. I feel justified in missing it: no participation points, no attendance taken, and there's a group study guide online. So I have been stressing over my Thesis to get it DONE, and done well. So I have not had time to study for my other midterms. Well I was suppose to have one this Tuesday, but it was changed to Thursday instead! Wooh! I could not help but thank Heavenly Father for blessing me, especially when I felt like I didn't deserve it!

Always remember that we aren't lucky, (I wrote about how lucky I was in a previous post) but that we are blessed, especially in times where we feel like we don't deserve, but we need it the most.

Tweet?

2011-11-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

I swore I would never do it....welp, I did.

here it is: https://twitter.com/#!/jamespick

I am now officially on twitter. Help me.

p.s. what do I even "tweet" about?

Integrity

2011-10-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

Brigham Young once said, "Honest hearts produce honest actions."

As I have grown older, I have realized that integrity is one of the most important characteristics a person can have. I haven't been perfect with this, and I have made mistakes, but I want to be better. I want to be known as a person who is honest and has integrity. And...that I am true to myself and to other people.

Library Shenanigans

2011-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I work as a security guard in the BYU library. I love my job. One because I work with awesome people. and Two because I get to watch people all day. Who doesn't love people watching?

Some days we see some pretty funny people and things. Maybe they are just funny to me and fellow guards? Library humor I know. Anyway...so I am working today (Saturday is the day might I add) from 730-130. Yeah, why I chose a Saturday morning shift is beyond me. Welp, it all got better when I saw an Asian kid (I promise I am not racist, it just adds details so you can imagine this scenario better) walking in with swords. He had THREE of them. So he isn't allowed to bring them into the library of course, so Jared, my coworker, takes them to the back. Also, might I add, this guy is carrying a pumpkin. So Jared asks what he was doing with that pumpkin. The guy answers, "To kill it."

This is how Jared imagines it (and I quote):

"I can just imagine him, holding the sword high above his head, screaming, 'Death to you, evil pumpkin!' and just going at it. Then finishing with, 'That is for justice.'"

poor pumpkin. soon to meet his end.

Faith>Fear

2011-10-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

We all have fears. Change is scary. Sometimes all we can do is go for it, take that HUGE leap of Faith and know that things will be okay. It for sure is easier said than done, but I guess if life was easy, it would be boring right? Let the adventure begin.

Quote

2011-10-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

hahaha this made me laugh.

Girls Empowered

2011-10-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

Every Monday I have the opportunity of going to a middle school here in Provo and being a mentor to this middle school girl. We talk about issues that every girl faces or will face sometime in her life. We help encourage them to have the desire to gain a higher education and to be happy with who they are and know their potential as girls.

It is an awesome program. I think it is in fact helping me more than my girl. haha She is awesome and already knows all these things. I am so impressed at a young age how much determination and confidence she has. She has definitely taught me a lot and I am so grateful for that.

I became extremely grateful this week when I went. At first, I honestly did not want to go. It had been a rough couple of days, but I decided to still go and keep the commitment I had made. And I was sure glad I did. It helped me remember that the best thing I can do is stop worrying about myself, my problems, my heartaches and help someone else. Whether she really needs it or not, I felt like I was doing some good. It helped me remember the important things in life. I am ever so grateful!

we really are.

Road Rage

2011-10-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so most of you know me pretty well, and know that sometimes I can have bad road rage. I know, it must be a redhead thing or the fact that I am living in Provo, Utah. Anyway. The other day, whilst I was driving with my roomie Steph, we had two run-ins with some angry female drivers! And this time I can say, it was NOT my fault! This lady literally followed me from University Mall to Target with her teenage daughters, might I add, just to yell profanities at me. I just laughed. It was pretty hilarious to see how angry they got. and how stupid they really looked.

So the point of this is to help me realize that I need to work on that road rage thing a little better. I don't want to look stupid! Just laugh at others when they get so mad. Maybe they'll realize they look stupid too :)

Happy Weekend! and Happy Birthday (yesterday) to my life long friend, Sadey Payne! Love you Sade!

Fall

2011-10-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't written in awhile, but I thought this would be a better time than ever because it is FALL TIME! I love Fall.

Leaves changing

scarves and boots

pumpkins

hot chocolate

HOCKEY

and so much more! :) What's your favorite thing about Fall?!

Can't Believe it's Over

2011-07-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's over.Yes, I am about to blog about Harry Potter. SO what! I love Harry Potter. I always have, ever since I was an awkward 5th grader. Maybe because I could relate in some way to all three of the main characters. I've read every book at least twice, seen all the movies, and already have seen the last one two times this past weekend. I feel like a part of me is gone. Seriously though. I love everything about it...the story, the characters, the magic and the message of friendship, love and courage. I am so sad its over...its been over a decade of books and movies...I am glad I was able to be a part of it!

GOODBYE HARRY! You'll live on in our hearts! <3

What was your favorite book and movie of the series?

B: (its hard to choose!) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire tied with Half-Blood Prince

M: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2

Paris!

2011-06-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Paris: the city of love and lights. It took me longer to warm up to this place, but by the end of the 2 1/2 weeks I fell in love. It is a beautiful city, full of beautiful sites and beautiful people. Not everyone is really all that nice to us Americans, but I really did meet some sweet people along the way, and I tried my best to speak some French, and let me tell you it is not easy. :)

I saw so many things...the churches of Notre Dame, Chartres, St. Denis and Sacre Coeur. I went to the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, the Rodin Museum and so many more to enjoy the masterpieces of so many great artists.I walked below the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine and up to Montmartre. I walked the places and saw the houses where many great artists, such as Van Gogh lived. I ate delicious food...and yes I had at least one crepe a day, if not two :)

It was wonderful! I hope to go back to France one day and see Normandy and Southern France. I hear its beautiful. Ah I miss it already. I promise I'll stop talking about this trip soon. Just one more post about Madrid. ;)

Sometimes a photograph can't capture Beauty.

2011-06-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

So I just have to complain. Just a little bit. And I might feel a little better.

One day, well, make that four days in a row, I went to the Louvre in Paris, France. It is one of the best and well-known art museums in the world. There are hundreds upon hundreds of great masterpieces. Some of my favorites were in the great hall of the grand works by artists such as David, Gericault and Delacroix. For many years I have studied and looked at these paintings on a computer or projector screen, only wishing to be able to see them in person.

It happened. I finally did. I noticed things I had never noticed before. The works were lighter. The colors were more brilliant in person. But to my dismay, there were groups of people, who did not, or better yet, WOULD not take the precious time to stop, look, observe and admire the works. Rather they wouldn't even take a glance as they snapped a photograph of the work, not even looking to see if they captured it at the right angle. I seriously could not believe what I saw! The sad thing is they will never realize what they missed, and I will.

It's just not the same.

Cheers!

2011-05-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely people!

So sorry I suck at keeping up with this blog but seriously it's been
non stop go all the time! Anyway!

I just spent 6 days in London!! And can I tell you I loved it so much!
English is spoken and people are pretty nice. So basically we went to
an eight museums. Yeah eight and let me tell you awesome but tiring
haha. Oh and I went to two shows: phantom and les miserables.
AMAZING!!!!! I went to Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bath and Stourhead
(which is in the raining scene of pride and prejudice when mr. Darcy
proposes) that place was beautiful...I'm going back!

The best part of the trip...seeing JOHNNY DEPP. :)

Cheers darlings!

Buon giorno!

2011-05-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Welp I'm getting around to finally updating (thanks to cath) I LOVE
ITALY! so far I've been to Roma, Napoli, Pompeii, Firenze, Siena and
Venezia! Tomorrow I leave for Milan then off to London! :)

Seeing the art I've studied in person is beyond words! I've loved
everything but my favorites were the colosseum, the David (which is
just specstacular like serisouly almost got teary eyed hah) and then
the entombment by Caravaggio. So much more to see...I love the older
things but super excited to get to Paris to see some 19th century art:)
Okay I'll try and update soon!!! Meanwhile here's some pictures :)

Lucky

2011-05-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

I remember one day while walking with my Dad somewhere, can't really remember where or what we were doing, but I do remember what he said. It was something that I will always remember and definitely hit me hard that day. We saw a man, I can't completely remember what infirmity or disease or handicap he had, but my Dad just said, "When you think you are having a hard time in life, just remember that man." It reminded me also of a man I saw once in Ukraine. Very skinny, hunched over and could barely walk. He carried his groceries across the street and I'm sure he had to walk for miles. Then just the other day I saw a young boy in the mall with burns all over his face and arms. I remembered what my dad said. All of these people seemed content, humble and happy with their lives. I realized how LUCKY I really am. I can walk, I can see, I can hear, I am healthy, my parents are Healthy and both here. The list could go on. I will never forget that and I hope I can see more outside myself and not worry about one bad day.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my Mom!!! Love you. Thanks for all you do. You've made me who I am today and I couldn't be happier to have you in my life!

Home Sweet Home

2011-05-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I was able to go home to California! Ahh I could not wait to get away from Utah for a little while. Even better, my grandparents were there and my sister with the girls! I didn't realize how much I needed this trip until I had to leave. We had so much fun, just hanging out, shopping, eating out (especially at our favorite, Sandovals!), going to the Sharks game, Easter dinner and egg hunts!

Addison!

Carrigan at the game!

Happy Easter!

Mom and Dad with the girls!

Carrigan made this poster for our dinner..haha cutest thing ever!

My sis!

I had the best time with her this trip. I miss her so much. My favorite thing is how much we laugh at each other. Its always non-stop. Love ya sis!

Welp, now its exactly ONE week until I head to Europe. I'll be in Rome first, I cannot wait! I have been doing some research of that city for our class, and wow I must say it looks AMAZING. I can't wait for all the other places I get to see.

Change

2011-04-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

This semester, thankfully, is coming to an end. I almost want to say, "Wow, that has gone by so fast!." Yet, in a lot of ways it seems like it has been going on forever. I cannot wait to have a little break and head back to the Bay for a few days to see them:

yeah, even my brother :)

But part of me is nervous to come back. I usually feel like I okay with change but lately I have had my doubts. My best friend is leaving to start her new adventure in her life. I am SO happy about that and I know that we will always be friends. I feel like so many people are leaving, but welp, I'll still be here. Things will be different, but time to embrace the change and make the best of it. I get to start an adventure of my own in a month and head to Europe for 5 weeks. When I get back things will change, but I know things happen for a reason and all we have to think is "Come what May and Love it."

Biiiiirfday

2011-03-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my Birthday. And let me tell you it was probably the best birthday I have had yet! I am so blessed to have an amazing family and so many amazing friends!

On Thursday, my brother took me to dinner and on Friday my roommates took me to lunch. Then Friday night,a bunch of girlfriends (about 27 ha) and I got dressed up cute and went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner and then came back to my apartment for cake! It was a BLAST :) Some came from kinda far just to celebrate with me, Lauren, Emily and Paige. So glad they could come!

And Cath made two AMAZING cakes, double layer funfetti, for the after-party :) So good.

Thanks again to all my family and friends! <3

Fight for Freedom

2011-03-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, for those of you who know me, you know that I can be very passionate about things, especially when I have a strong opinion about something. That part of me was a lot more prominent in High School when I felt that I had to stand up for myself and for what I believe in. But as I have come out here, I feel a little more out of the loop with the news and politics. However, lately as I have started working, I have found myself on different news websites. One story I found a couple weeks ago just made me so mad. I couldn't believe it. A church was protesting at a soldiers funeral. The Supreme Court ruled that it was okay because it was their freedom of speech. I agree with our freedoms of course, especially freedom of speech, but that to me was so morally wrong. People have died for us to have our freedoms. This was very ironic and sad. My condolences go out to the family who had to deal with not only the death of their son, but also these protests.

Anyways, I won't go on about how mad it made me. There's too much bad and sad things going on in the world right now. I am grateful to be who I am...an American, a Latter-day Saint, a daughter, a sister and a friend. I am grateful to have those freedoms we all enjoy and for those who fight to keep it that way.

Norman Rockwell's famous Four Freedoms

Jasper John's Flag

go check out those four paintings at the MOA. They have a great exhibit called At War!

SPRING

2011-03-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Welp, it's March and that means that Spring is on its way! I am seriously ready for this winter to be over. No more big heavy jackets that cover a cute outifit that you took awhile to pick out and then no one ever sees it. No more crazy bangs. No more snow covered car. No more slipping on your butt because of ice-covered sidewalks. No more wanting to stay inside because it's too cold to go outside. Okay, well I am sure some of these things will still happen because let's face it...it won't be freaking 90 degrees anytime soon. And well, rain is coming in place of the snow. BUT it gives me hope to know that its March, almost Springtime which means the warmth and sunshine is coming along right after.

Just the other day it was pretty warm outside. I didn't even need a sweater. It was funny to see so many people walking in short sleeves, shorts and even sandals. haha Gotta love it. It was so nice to sit outside and eat my lunch in the sun and splurge and get some of my favorite chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream. Here are some reasons why spring, sun and the warm weather is the best. I cannot wait.

Fashion ( I love Gap and Layers for Spring)

Bike Rides (even in the rain)

The Colors

Food (like ice cream ha)

Weather (I really do love thunderstorms)

Music (This band reminds of me of Last Spring)

and...SUNSHINE

Theres so much more to love. What do you love about Spring?

To Cathy

2011-02-24T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is Catherine:

my best friend

Hilarious

Kind

Selfless
Witty

Caring

Fun
Creative
Smart

Loving
Gorgeous
Beautiful in every way.

This post is dedicated to her because tomorrow is her BIRTHDAY!

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATH!

So glad we met almost 2 years ago and have been the best of friends ever since.

I Love You and so do so many other people.

Let's make tomorrow the best day :)

Day of Love

2011-02-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! This year I didn't have a Valentine...and that was okay. I decided to throw a girl only Valentine's Day party! It was a lot of fun and the whole time I was with my girlfriends, I did not once feel sorry for myself or wish I had a boy in my life. What a great night! I made cupcakes, cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. We all pigged out on the food while watching The Bachelor! Ha it was so much fun to hear everyone's reactions and all crack up at the same ridiculous things the girls do or say on that show! We then had a dance party ha and two of my guy friends crashed it (but they're cool so it was totally okay :) Then we played signs! The best part was at the end when Ashley, Chloe, Alena and I had a balloon popping party and watched "He's just not that into You." It was really a fun night and one of my favorite Valentine's Days yet. Enjoy some pics!

FOOD!!!

One of my BFF Paige!!!

Watching the Bachelor

H-TIMM and LAUREN

DANCING. HILLARY HAS THE BEST MOVES HAHA

BALLOON POPPING

Hope everyone had a day full of LOVE :)

It really does pay off

2011-01-31T22:42:00.000-08:00

Well the title says it, I finally have a job! I have been looking for awhile. I will be working Library Security. Ha not the most glamorous job, but I think that it'll be really great! I am excited and a little intimidated, it seems like it'll be a huge responsibility.

I wanted to work to help out with the finances, and well mostly, to help pay for my STUDY ABROAD! For the Spring semester I will be going on the Art History Study Abroad. To where you may ask? Welp, the places I've always dreamed about going. Italy, London, France and Madrid. I cannot wait to see this:

I am so grateful that my parents are letting me go! This has been a dream of mine for a very long time. I finally get to see the masters, the artists, the painters, the sculptors...the GREATS that I have been learning so long about. They will actually come alive as I get to stand so close and really SEE them for the first time. We are so blessed to have such beauty around us. I cannot wait. :) My search has finally payed off.

Faith Works

2011-01-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

Mary is doing really well. I am so glad for her family. She is one tough cookie.

Read about her story and read updates...

http://sanguineaubergine.blogspot.com/

Faith makes all things Possible

2011-01-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago, I was able to make a surprise visit to Mary up in Washington! It was last minute and it was so fun to hear her scream and smile when I showed up at her house! Vancouver and Portland are BEAUTIFUL! The view from her house was amazing too. Look...

So lucky and grateful to have seen her before her procedure this week! We had so much fun just hanging out, watching some flicks, eating good food, taking pictures and just talking. What a great few days...

Non-stop laughter

Beautiful girl

Yes, we are in fact dating

Peg is amazing.

So this post is for Mare. She has been so strong through this all. Good luck to her and her family! They have such faith, courage and strength. I am so lucky to have best friends like Catherine and Mary. I love you both. And remember, FAITH MAKES ALL THINGS POSSIBLE. <3

Long Overdue

2011-01-17T22:02:00.000-08:00

This is my Christmas post! And yeah, it is loooooong overdue. :)

So this year, my family and I went to Disneyland! If you didn't know this, I LOVE Disneyland. Seriously. A lot of people say they do. But I really REALLY do. Anyways, ALL of the family came! Even though Jared only came for about a day and half and we were really all together for about half a day... I was so happy about that we could be together. We got a suite at the Grand Californian Hotel. Best place ever. Mom and Dad got one room. Jason and Devyn got the pull out bed and switched with Jared when he came. And Jenn, Rhyan and the girls and I got the other room. We even got access to the room on the 6th floor that had free food all day long. So for four days we ate good food, rode all the rides, watched fireworks, and saw the World of Color show. And Santa still found us for our traditional Christmas PJs and stockings :) It was a wonderful Christmas!

Here are some pictas...

Funny Story

2010-12-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am usually on of those people who always have AT LEAST a 1/4 of a tank of gas. Once and awhile I'll let it get down to empty, but usually fill it up before the gas light comes on. This is a very rare occasion. Well yesterday was one of these rare occasions....It all started here:

So I had just finished a final and was going to get Taco Bell for Hillary and I so we could eat our favorite fast food ha and catch up and just relax. It was all going smoothly, until I was in the drive-thru. I ordered my food, and my car felt weird. I was pulling up to the window to pay and get my food, well, when my car stopped. It wouldn't go. I turned it back on, and it stayed on for like two seconds and I slowly drifted to the window without my car on. I ran out of gas. Stuck in the drive-thru of Taco Bell with cars behind me. The workers looked at me like, "You are an Idiot." Luckily, one of them was nice enough to push me out of the drive-thru. Except the only place to go was on the road on 9th East with tons of traffic. haha GREAT. So I pulled as far over as I could and put my hazards on. Although this was no good because it seemed that people driving noticed me at the last second and almost hit me. I mean, c'mon, PAY ATTENTION. haha But hey, I'm the idiot here who ran out of gas in the Taco Bell drive-thru.

So I walked up to Sinclair, bought a rip-off gas can. THANK GOODNESS FOR BROTHERS! Jason came and helped me, I would've been stuck for hours if he didn't. He has finals too and he is sick, but he's the best. I really hope he knows I appreciate all He (and Devyn) do for me! So we filled up the gas can and filled my car up. And I finally made it to Hillary's. What a night.

Grateful for Jase

Serve

2010-12-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite quotes is "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"

I mean isn't that why we are here...to learn to love and serve others? We should constantly be serving others, but it doesn't happen. I know I don't do it enough and especially lately I have just been feeling sorry for myself (I don't really have a reason.) I heard a saying or a quote about when we are feeling lonely that means we need to be in the service of others. Christmas time inspires so many to be more selfless and serve. Some the opposite. But I want to try and be better and do it all year round. So yeah, when I am feeling lonely, I want to try and remember that saying...SERVE OTHERS. We just want our own lives to be easy, but if we all helped each other make life less difficult, wouldn't it be easier that way? I feel that this brings us the most true happiness. Thanks to all of you who have done service for me and made my life less difficult.

Also, I cannot believe a year ago I was in Ukraine, helping these little kiddos learn English. Although it was a hard and very difficult time, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It took awhile, but I ended up loving these little Ukrainian children dearly. When you learn to serve through love and kindness, it makes the experience so much more valuable.

Sasha. This boy is my favorite. My Sashka.

Family, Friends and Fun

2010-12-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

These past couple of weeks have been so fun! I realize that I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family and great friends in my life! So hope you know I love you all so much.

Paige and I have had so many sleepovers lately making treats, seeing movies (HARRY POTTER) and watching our favs, "The Soup" and "Fashion Police" We always have the best time! Oh and she took me to a Jazz game!

Last week was Thanksgiving, so to get ready for the holiday, Cath and I made some yummy turkey treats. Ha We always have the best time together and cannot stop laughing! Here's some pics of what we made.

Love both you girls. We were meant to be friends, both of you have been there for me when i needed you most and helped me get through some of the hardest moments i have had so far in my life. <3

I miss both these girls! Sadey has been in Vienna this Fall Semester, but gets back on Friday so I get to have a sleepover with her! She gets married in December and I'm so glad i get to be a bridesmaid. I've known Emily since the day we were born! We were actually suppose to be born on the same day, so it was meant to be. We laugh about the stupidest things, but have the funnest time together. All three of us have been the best of friends forever...Faith, Hope, and Charity. Although we are going different places in our lives, I know that we will always be friends!

Family: they will always be there for you and love you no matter what. I know this is true because my family has shown me that. Thanksgiving was so much fun! My parents flew out to Utah and we spent the time up at my grandparents house in Bountiful. Jason and Devyn came as well. We spent our time watching marathons on T.V., seeing Harry Potter in IMAX and shopping. We went shopping at 3am, and my dad even came, I don't know many dads who would do that! Memories like that are ones we won't forget!

At Thanksgiving dinner, we went around the table, like most families probably do, and said what we are grateful for. I talked about my parents. I am so grateful for my parents. They have always been there for me, to help, support, love and give. They are amazing examples to me. I don't know where I would be without them, they have helped me become the person I am today. Love them both so much.

"Baseball makes me Happy."

2010-11-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

I shared this link on Facebook. This little boy, Josiah is precious. He has a disease called Progeria, which means "prematurely old." His only dream is to play baseball. Just watch.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5788144

Carl Bloch Exhibit

2010-11-17T23:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry to bore you with more about art and artists, but welp, thats what i do. I am an Art History Major.

So today my grandparents came down to Provo to experience the Carl Bloch exhibit with me. It was a very anticipated event and already has thousands of people coming to see it. If you don't know who he is, or don't recognize his name, i'm sure you actually have seen some of his work on the cover of the Ensign. He is a master and definitely an inspired man.

Healing the Sick

Sermon on the Mount

A little history about him: born, raised and worked in Denmark. He painted genre and landscapes, but was mostly known for his religious works. During his life he struggled to receive the recognition he deserved and still doesn't today. But this exhibit shows how incredible of an artist he really is. It displays his etchings, genre scenes and the most incredible alter pieces which the MOA got from the Danish and Swedish churches he painted them for. AMAZING. They are huge. Chairs are lined up in front of each one, so that you may sit and ponder each piece that depicts a scene from Christ's life.

This one of my favorites. Its the scene of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane right after the moment He has performed the Atonement. An angel is there to comfort Him and strengthen Him.

These pictures really don't do him justice!

One of the Greats

2010-11-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

Michelangelo.

One of the greatest artists in our Western History.

I'm taking an Italian Renaissance class this semester and the past two classes we have been discussing Michelangelo. Specifically today we talked about the Sistine Chapel, which i have never seen in person, but i sure would love to. We had a debate on whether or not art restoration should be used to preserve the paintings or not. I could definitely see both sides of the argument, but i decided that i side more on art restoration. Although there is risk of some of the original elements being taking away, i want for others, myself, and my children to see the works someday. If they are all covered in grime and dirt, how could we? As long as they are careful and do it right, then i am okay with it. Let them ha

P.S. One girl basically said today that she didn't really care about Michelangelo's works. WHAT? I think he is magnificent. So that's why I am sharing this post today. One of my favorite works...

The Pieta

“Many believe - and I believe - that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him.”

-Michelangelo

A New Start

2010-11-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

Well, thanks to Mary, Catherine, Paige, Emily and Devyn...i've decided to start keeping up my blog. I love reading about their lives, experiences, struggles, just everything, so i figured why not share mine with you. And well lately, I've been thinking about LIFE a lot. (hence the new title) and especially at this time in life. Yes, being 21 in college should be the best time of our lives, right? But we don't realize all that we will go through. We experience love, heartache, happiness, sadness, confusion, struggles, trials,hopefulness, helplessness, loneliness and our self-confidence falls just as quickly as it rises. All these things help us to become who we are. I have a good friend Mary who is just an inspiration to me. She has AVM which she was born with, but the symptoms came about early this Summer. She is having her surgery this Friday. Through it all she has been strong and has seen the blessings from it. I can't imagine being in her position and i only hope i would handle it as well as she does.

Mare, Me and Cath

Life is really like a roller-coaster as i have come to really realize more and more this past year. I can't believe a year ago I was living in Ukraine. I am glad for the time spent there and really wish i could go back, but i'm am glad for the new obstacles and experiences that have been put in my path as well. I hope to take each one, just as Mary, and learn from to become a better person. So i vow at the end of each new post, whatever it is I write about, that I will find the something good about it or to be grateful for. Because in the end it makes life a little better and easier.

So today, I am grateful for Life. (yup this may be cheesy, but i don't really care.)

EUROTRIP

2009-11-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

Greetings again from Kyiv!

So a couple of weeks ago i was able to go on a BIG trip to some of the neighboring countries by Ukraine! It was SO much fun! We went to Poland to Krakow and Auschwitz. Auschwitz was pretty intense i must say, but im glad i went. Krakow was a hip town with lots of interesting people and the coolest little shops and boutiques! We aslo went to PRAGUE! my favorite place...so beautiful with its old architecture and churches and Palace! Love love loooved it. I could spend a week there! :) We also went to Vienna. Another place i loved with all of its Art Museums and history, what could have been a better place for me to go! Oh and crazy, i ran into an old High School friend, Michael Thurin there too. What a small world. :)

I will have to put some photos up next month, the internet is almost out in the apartment.

Love you all! :)

p.s. here are pictures finally haha

Aushwitz

Praga

Vienna

Kiddos!

2009-11-04T02:31:00.001-08:00

So I thought I should put some pictures up of some of the kids we teach here at "Gymnasia Premier." We have a Pre-language class and a Kindergarten class in the mornings. Then in the afternoons we have two Kindergartens, one is called "Teensies" because they are the younger of the two, and Basic Reading and Follow-up...which are ALL BOYS, who are pretty crazy at times :) haha Really cute kids! I love them!

WWII Museum/Circus

2009-10-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend was okay! It was a looooong week of teaching....i taught afternoon kindergarten this week, and most of the days the kids were good. There is one group i love, they talk a lot, participate and are really cute! One is Bogdon, he has a mullet (like 90% of the boys) who always has a different toy with him, and every second he wants to show you something with it. He says, "Look this!" haha he's a cutie. However, somedays the troublemakers come and i hate it. :) For example, Katya. She is five. She is the weirdest little girl...she makes this weird noise when she breaths really hard...and she takes off her underwear. And she brought a plastic knife to class and was trying to cut her knee and wrist with it. luckily, she only comes 3 times a week...

So this weekend i was excited for a break. We went to the WWII museum. Well is started off bad because we took the wrong bus and got lost and had to walk for about an hour and finally made it to the museum :) but other than that it was great! I really liked how they did the exhibits. It was sad though. Oksana is funny, she was talking to us like we didn't know ANYTHING about the war...as if the United States didn't fight in the war either.

Jo had a surprise for us today too...she told us earlier this week. Since we had extra money left over from buying bus tickets for our big vacation, she bought us tickets to the circus! i have never been to the circus before it seemed very strange to me! they had dancers, singers, acrobatic routines, which were okay...and lots of animals...bears, lions, tigers, monkeys, dogs, horses, seals that they had do tricks. Thinking about it more...i just didn't like it...oh well, i guess i'm glad i got to experience it at least once in my life :)

Folk and Opera!

2009-09-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hallo!
I will be better at updating this :)
This past weekend, i was able to go to a Ukrainian Folk village and to the Opera! The folk village was huge, with tons of flowers and trees. It was a museum of old folk houses and architecture. One thing i liked best was all the old windmills on the hills. It was so pretty there. They also had some older people in traditional folk dress playing some really pretty music on some interesting instruments! There were painters out, painting beautfiul pictures of flowers! Tons of souviner shops with painted plates, hand carved jewlery boxes, necklacs, clay figures, clothes, tons of things. It was fun to see how they used to live!
After the museum, we got cleaned up and headed to the opening night of the Opera, La Traviata! The Opera house was magnificent, really really beautiful! i have never been to one...i heard that is one of the top five opera houses in Eruope! (i'll put pictures up when i can!) The inside was extravagent, with chandeliers, ivory and gold walls and decor. We sat in the balcony, in our own little box seat. It was hard to see though because i had an older couple in front of me. We decided to switch seats during intermission, but we got in trouble and had to go back :) oops! Even though i couldnt understand Italian or read the Russian subtitles, it was still really good! Can't wait to go to another one!

Ukraine: Day 2!

2009-08-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

Privyet!!! that is hello in Ukrainian...most say hallo as well! anyways today was a much better day. I think doing stuff and having to learn how to travel here and where to go really help keep myself busy and my mind off of everything. Anyways, so i'm going to best try and remember everything that i did today. First, our Native Coordinater Oksana and her friend Alla came and got me and my headteacher from the apartment. They wanted to show us the way to the metro...They are huge! It surprisingly wasn't too overwhelming though...i just tried to not let the crowds get to me and just take everything in! Getting on though my frist time was a little scary...i was the last one and the girls didn't push their way in so i had to push them and the door seriously almost closed on me! So from the metro we went to the downtown of Kiev. You also have to walk underground some places...its really cool and it reminds me of the streets of San Francisco with tons of vendors and things for sale like sunglasses, purses, necklaces, food. Things like that! there was also a mall :) The school is not what you would expect schools in America to look like, but its really cute! There are 5 teachers and we will be teaching 3 to 13 year olds! so that means i will probably be teaching all ages at times. So that should be fun. It is a little nerve racking as i think about preparing lesson plans and making sure i get everything covered that i need to. I heard that teaching is the hardest thing, i hope that i can push through and catch on quickly!

Another girl, named Hillary lives with a mom, dad and a son who is 14. He wanted to take her to this Flower exhibition in the city, so we decided to go with him as well! :) it was so much fun! he was so nice and funny...so animated and liked to joke! he also took very good care of us, counting to make sure he had all 5 of us and made sure we stayed together! he even took pictures for us too. So on the way we went by a long walkway of markets! We also got to see two WWII monuments as well, one of them looks like the Washington monument! The markets were fun, they had honey, flowers, purses, food, anything you can think of! The boy told us to not eat meat from the street because its dogs and cats!!! gross! ha the flower exhibition is for Ukraine's Independence day which was on Monday Aug 24. Every year they have different themes for the flowers and this year it was Ukrainian fairy tales! Some of them were like our American ones, such as Cinderella and Pinocchio. It was so pretty! Walking from there we walked along a sidewalk next to a cobbled road, where i guess they used to drive tankers on there. It was a little scary because people drive SO fast!

On the way up a long stairway, our headteacher Jo, tripped on her sandal and cut the bottom of her big toe REALLY really bad! it was bleeding so bad...like almost gushing blood. But we helped her out and made a bandage out of a sock haha and got her back home. Poor thing, but she is doing okay! it was really deep though so i bet it hurts.

It is definitely an eye opener all ready to see that we are so blessed in America. What you would think would be really ghetto and dangerous or small apartments here are actually pretty nice for them i think. Its just very different. The people dont seem too mean, but they never ever say excuse me, they just push their way through. They don't really talk much to each other either, unless they are with friends i suppose. I am not sure that culture shock as hit me yet, maybe because i have not met my host family (the sister is my age and she speaks english well ive heard!) and i haven't traveled anywhere on my own yet, so we will see :)