I've decided writing letters is becoming outdated. And that makes me sad. Because writing letters and receiving letters is probably one of the most bombtastic things ever.
I love imagining people's faces when they get a letter from me. Especially if they didn't know one was coming. It's lovely to imagine that the last person to hold that letter was your friend, and they were thinking of you when they sent it.
Letters may not be an instant message, but they sure get the message across. I'd venture to say they more than get the message across--it means that somebody took some time out of their day to have a conversation with you, to put pen to paper, and fold it up nicely and seal it in an envelope. And then they walked outside in the chilly air for just a few seconds to put that envelope into the mailbox and send it off on a little adventure. I may or may not be an English major...can't you tell?
One of my goals this year was to write a letter every week. So far I have succeeded. If you count packages, too...which I do.
If you comment on this post maybe you'll get a letter from me. If I know your address, that is. Whoa, did I just bribe you for comments? Guess so. Ever since I got rid of facebook nobody reads this anymore. Sigh. I'm still here!
I know, I know. School is in session and it's my last semester...and it has been a bit difficult. Hence the take-a-nap-every-day rule I have recently implemented. Sometimes rules are awesome, don't you think? Anywho. Here are some things I have been wishing for lately:
Coachella tickets (aka tickets to a modern-day Woodstock...minus the hippies. I think). Oh, what I wouldn't do to get my little hands on these. What. I Wouldn't. Do!
p.s. I don't understand the clothes-less blue guy in this picture. That's all.
this guy, from this show. what, you haven't watched it yet? for shame!
to think that people with faces like that actually exist!
this cabin in the woods, somewhere for me to get away.
hats, hats, more hats! my roommate Caitlyn said I remind her of this character, anybody recognize him? He was always changing into different hats. That's my life.
to sit on this pyramid again, without any Dramamine in my system. And a water bottle. My new motto: no taking naps at ancient historical sites!
1) for it to be summer and 2) to go tubing
this book would be incredibly useful.
homemade pizza, get in my mouth.
I'm sorry, but who wouldn't want to sleep in this? We're going to exclude any children under the age of eight from that question.
everyday when I get home from school/work, my toes are numb (c'mon, just a liiiitle snow?!). So I obviously wish I had a set-up like this in my apartment.
a road trip to someplace that blows my brains out, it's that cool.
a summery bike ride. my bike has been patiently waiting for a ride since October. sigh...
Those of you who know me, I mean really know me, know that I am pretty puffed up about my taste in music. Yes, I will admit to that. I have met very few people who have the same (awesome) taste in music that I do. Here, I'll prove it to you. I will give you a sampling of my favorite songs which I discovered this year. If you like just one of them, I will arrest my case.
Shadowland-Youth Group
this song came from a mix which a friend of mine made, someone who happens to have near-identical music as I do. p.s. that was a very strangely worded sentence. my bad.
Calgary-Bon Iver
I don't even care that I have already posted this song on every possible social network site. LISTEN TO IT.
Mykonos-Fleet Foxes
Cool name? Check. Bearded men who also wear plaid? Check check.
Hipster music at its finest.
Little Secrets (Passion Pit Cover)-Chamberlin
The original of this song is good, but duuude. DUDE. Just listen to this version.
Wide Eyes-Local Natives
Once you start listening to Local Natives, you literally cannot stop.
The Girl-City and the Colour
Yeah, this song speaks for itself.
Shiny on the Inside-Leona Naess
As soon as I heard this song, I thought to myself, "Where have you been on my life?"
In the Mirror-Nada Surf
Before this song, I always associated Nada Surf with American Eagle because they used to always blare it from their speakers. But it's been awhile since I regularly shopped there. So I can now listen to Nada Surf with a clear conscience. Ha.
Kim and Jessie-M83
This song sounds like it came straight from the 1980's. Oh well, it's still good.
Oh No, I Tried-Right Away, Great Captain!
I can't help it if a lot of these bands have men with really beardy-beards. And kind of weird, kind of awesome band names.
The High Road-Broken Bells
Oh man, I just love this song so much. It's like a mix of The Shins and Sea Wolf. Or something. It's ok if you don't know what I'm talking about.
Helena Beat-Foster the People
Yeah, I know. Everybody knows who FTP are because of "Pumped Up Kicks," but their other songs are pretty good too. P.S this is the weirdest music video I have ever laid eyes on. And I have seen some of MGMT's. That's saying something.
No Sunlight-Death Cab for Cutie
It takes me awhile to get around to some of my favorite bands' newer stuff. It's just because their older albums are so good, I can't break away. Well it's a good thing I did, because I really love this song. And album. Word.
Good Morning-Rogue Wave
I've been listening to this here band since I was in braces. So...awhile. Anyway. I like to air-drum to this song regularly.
Hold On to What You Believe-Mumford and Sons
For some reason I cannot find this song on Amazon or iTunes. Sniffle. I'm not going to go on about how much I love Mumford & Sons. Just do your ears a favor and turn it up.
Angel in the Snow-Elliot Smith
I wouldn't mind if Elliot Smith lullabyed me to sleep every night.
Storm-Jose Gonzalez
If songs could be onomatopoeias, then this song would be one. Ya dig?
Cover of Night-Steve Reynolds
Every time this comes onto my Pandora, I go to "like" it but I've already done so about fifty times.
Cosmic Love-Florence and the Machine
For once, a song that deserves to be on the radio a jillion times a day!
Heart it Races-Dr. Dog
I might love this song just because the name of it sounds like something Yoda would say. Yeah....moving on.
Arms-Seabear
First of all...a band named Seabear? Get on my iPod. Riiiigh now.
Santogold-L.E.S. Artistes
I'm still not sure if her name is Santigold or Santogold.
Rude to Rile-Horse Feathers
After Nickel Creek broke up, I didn't think I'd ever find another guy-guy-girl band that would live up to them. But luckily I was wrong!
Opie's Funeral Song-Sufjan Song
Apparently this song is "rare," meaning hard to find. But to me, it is also rare in that there are few songs as good as this one. Sha-bam.
Train Song-Feist and Benjamin Gibbard
This song makes me want to be snuggled up by a fireplace on a rainy day. But that's just me.
Two Weeks-Grizzly Bear
This music video scares me so bad. Mostly because their eyes are hugemongus. And I thought they were real the first time I saw it. So freaky...and yet I couldn't look away.
Papercuts-Future Primitive
I find myself head-bobbing to this song without even realizing it.
Weight of Lies-The Avett Brothers
I would very much like to learn this song on my new geetar.
Countdown-Phoenix
Because of Phoenix, I got through the last 4 miles of my leg of the Ragnar.
Light Year-Gregory Alan Isakov
There's not one of his songs that I don't love. Plus, this song is how I got the name for my tumblr. Nifty, eh?
Our Swords-Band of Horses
Once again with the bearded individuals. Sorry.
I think I've given you enough music to make yourself a CD.
You know I pretty much write a gratitude list every Monday, right? Even if it doesn't show up on this blog, those things are all over my journal. And yet I never run out of things to list. 'Tis wonderful.
haircuts, because sometimes your hair becomes more like a mane, and then it's just a drag. yay for scissors.
the amazing music I have discovered this year. the trick is to surround yourself with people that don't listen to music on the radio...and sha-bam, you will have excellent taste in music.
Preach My Gospel. It has become my new favorite study compadre with the scribbers.
fuzzy scarves, fuzzy hats, fat puffy vests and coats. i really don't mind the cold because then I get to wear layers.
red nail polish, it makes me feel kind of classy. and then I wear old basketball shorts to bed...
the night sky. all you gotta do is look up and you'll get lost.
autumn, for sticking around long enough for me to relish it. sometimes I wish every month was October.
my parents, for helping me make sense of everything that doesn't make sense in this 21-one-year old mind.
those funny siblings o'mine. they never cease to crack me up.
memories of mexico. it's nice to have good places to back to in your head and live in for awhile, even if it's just for a few minutes.
excitement for the future even though I have no idea what's in it.
everyone who has ever made me laugh, smile, or cry. you make me feel alive, and that is a good thing.
yep, we took pictures in the rigby idaho tv museum bathroom. phew. what a title!
and what babes, no?!
she'd kill me if she saw this. but guess what, she's in south america, haaaa!!!
in case you were doubting how many freckles i actually get in the summertime,
there's your proof. and also evidence that i am pretty crazy.
she can ride her bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars.
nevermind.
word: I miss these people.
more freckles+a double chin, wasssssup!
view from the church offices building. nice place, temple square.
the first trick she wanted to show me when i got home from mexico was this.
maybe we like to go to the toy section at target late at night...and maybe you're jealous.
fun fact: allie likes wedding stuff to the extreme. more fun fact: tessa likes to sit on her lap while she reads wedding magazines. aren't they great, though?
this picture is just funny. this is how it went down. "hey taylor, can I take your picture?" "wha?" *SNAP* too late, deed done.
lori: "aww, why do we always have to get a booty picture?"
look who found his way into my poetry anthology!
a little over a year ago, I was at the oregon coast. sigh.
ellie's never been a very avid hiker. so when we got to the top of the church offices building, what did she do? take a nap of course...what would you have done?
It's gettin' a little bit toasty up in here, meaning Rexburg, meaning sometimes I sleep in my soccer shorts with the window wide open and the blanket offa my bed. And I even sometimes shave my legs before bed for cooling effect. Don't hate on the Skintimate.
Anywho, it's high time for a happy list, and I know I used to do this on Monday, but I don't think it really matters what day my happy list is on, as long as I have one! This week has been extra-specially hard, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel (4th of July Weekend!). Oh glorious four day weekend, I will write a poem just for thee. After I catch up on sleep.
1. going to Great Harvest con mi amiga mejor Amy Mathews. I can't ever work there because not only would I gain weight but I would probably start disliking Great Harvest after awhile. The thought is depressing. So let's move on now, shall we?
2. Finding out the truth about eggs. Yes, yes, I will admit that for all of my life I have thought that the eggs we eat were baby chicks that hadn't finished growing. You can imagine the look on my roommates' face when they revealed that this wasn't true and I said, "Man, I'm glad I don't have to worry about that anymore!" Ha!!! Facepalm times ten.
3. this devotional-nal-nal. things sound more interesting when you echo them-them-them.
4. playing in recitals and talent shows and stuff, so I will stop being nervous to play piano in front of others, and actually enjoy it, and actually shred the ivory, if you know what I mean.
5. this song right here reminds me of 1, Mexico, 2, when I started liking mangoes in Mexico, and 3, how much I love Angus and Julia Stone. Amen.
6. Preach My Gospel study is the best. I forget how awesome that book is sometimes. Blows my mind.
7. This email from Chelsea was fantastico. I feel like the same things are on my happy list all the time...uh...sorry.
8. I do not have a peg leg. This makes me happy. Yes, it is completely random, but I decided just now to change things up after that last thing I said (#7). You can find the most weird things to be thankful for sometimes....
hey there, folks, it's nice to meet you, I've been off the grid for awhile because that little thing called school is happening and it is also summertime, therefore I am kind of going mad. But it's okay...it will all be over soon. I have a lot to update you on--like the writer's retreat. And Ragnar. Oh and the weekend we went to Rigby+then some.
This morning when I woke up I noticed the sun shining through my window...the sun! At last! But all day today I felt a special spirit which didn't have too much to do with the weather. It was more to do with my testimony of the gospel. After a day like today, I feel like shouting it from the rooftops, or writing it in a letter to a friend, or even just singing a hymn about it. Jesus Christ did die for us, He did suffer for us, and He did perform the greatest miracle of them all when He was resurrected from the grave. I know it! I know it more than I know anything else, and I also know that He loves us. He loves us so perfectly that we can't even comprehend it--we can only feel it and act upon it.
In the past year, especially in these few years I've been up at school, I have felt myself grow closer to Him. Last semester I learned that early morning scripture study is the best way to build our foundations on Christ. I also learned that morning prayers are an important key to having the Spirit with us all day. I learned that making time for the temple each week is another special way we can become closer to the Lord and show our love for Him. This semester, my goal is to serve people more--to really get to know them and find out what their needs are. I'm not saying I'm going to know all of their troubles and sorrows, because I'm not like Christ in that I know everyone perfectly. But I can lead others to Him by treating them as He would. I can be His hands.
I hope you all had a lovely Easter!
I wanted to share this video with you as soon as I watched it (thanks dad). It really exemplified Christlike love for me and I thought it was appropriate for this day. Love to you all!
Phew. Folks, I did it. I wrote a post every day for a week. Except I maybe sorta cheated and wrote 3 posts at once and then posted them on their corresponding days. Oh well.
Right now I'm sitting in the San Fransisco Airport. I'm exhausted, emotionally and physically. The sun just set quite nicely outside the window. I tried the water from the water fountain and it tasted funny. Nobody is staring at my sandaled-feet. Nobody is speaking Spanish. Why aren't they speaking Spanish to me? I would speak it to them. But they wouldn't understand...I don't even understand.
Oh, and I'm freezing. Kinda shivering, actually.
Did I mention I was in California?
I hope I bring some spring-ish weather back with me in 2 hours....
I don't know if I'll ever be able to write everything I feel about Mexico. Maybe that's what makes it so special...I can't write it out. I can try my best, but I'll never capture it just quite right.
I'll never be able to explain how eerily wonderful it was to walk to the bus station this morning with 3 of my best friends, the sidewalks empty, my luggage rumbling across the cobblestones, the church bells echoing through the dark streets, thinking about my first night...
I'll never be able to explain what it felt like to watch my kids perform their spectacle on Friday and to have them hug me afterwards and tell me they loved me. I can't explain what it was like for my kids at the other school to bake me a cake, and they didn't even shove my face in it (Mexican tradition...).
I'll never be able to explain the bond we had as teachers. I felt like I knew them all for much longer than 3 months. Clearly it was meant to be. It's true that there are no coincidences....so God must have brought us all here at the same time for a reason. I don't know if I can tell you in words what the reason was. But maybe you can feel it when you read what I've written.
“Let your mind start a journey thru a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be...Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before.”
i go crazy after teaching all day every day, clearly. but i like it.
this is my "what the heck are ya doin' now?!" face.
me trying to stop them from demolishing my computer. oy.
Today is the one-month mark. Already?!!
How this happened, I'm not quite sure.
Yesterday when I told my kids my last day of teaching was April 8th, the first words out of their mouth were "Aw teacher" and "party." Mexicans know how to throw parties. But this one will be happy/sad. Mostly sad. I'm afraid they will probably see their teacher cry. Not like they haven't seen that before, right?
If they didn't say such cute things, it wouldn't be so hard to leave them.
If the food wasn't so delicious, I might have an easier time leaving that, too.
If the people weren't so generous and kind and smiley, maybe I could get on that airplane without leaving a piece of my heart behind.
