evetsandassilem

To Create

2012-01-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

What could be in this adorable box?

While you ponder on that. Let me tell you about my current situation. I like to mix it up on this blog. I talk about personal things, crafty things, but all the time real and true things.

My life has been, well lets just say not the most exciting lately. I ended 2011 in a bit of a slump. I was working at home (aka spending way too much time sleeping and lounging about watching netflix). This is not great for anybody. Especially for those of you who may be like me and hate being alone. I swear it does something to you, being lazy. I was not happy. I have never been one to be long term depressive. Of course we all have our days. I feel like for the most part I am an upbeat person. Headstrong and lets be honest a little bit bossy, non of which are conducive to a sit on your butt all day and feel sorry about your life personality.

My parents gave me a sketch journal for my birthday. I don't know what it was but something just flicked on in my head. It was almost like one of those moments if you aren't sure if you should be jumping up and down screaming with joy or smacking your head against the wall for not figuring it out sooner.

With this new excitement still burning inside of me, I made a lot of decisions to change. I have been more active. Hey, those endorphins really do make people pleasant to be around. I have been sketching and creating more and with more purpose. I've been visiting my long lost love, the printmaking lab. I didn't realize how much I had missed it. I even called my mom the other day and told her I wanted to do a cross stitch typograhphic *sampler. I know crazy. I am so grateful for people in my life who support my creative nature.

I was discussing with a friend about what my life would be like if I had done something else. We were laughing envisioning ourselves doing anything but art. I have to say I can't imagine doing anything else. I wish that everyone could do what they love. The pressures of family and money and well, just life in general often dissuade people from doing what they love to do. For me even if I am only creating for myself and the few who indulge in viewing my art then I feel accomplished for now. Who's to say what the next 10... 20... or 50 years have to hold for me. I hope that I can instill in myself this bit of knowledge to always stay with me, so even when I find myself at a low point I can remember what it feels like to know that what I am doing is right and for me.

Well I believe I have dragged on for longer than any of you care to read.

PURPLE BEADS.

I have enjoyed making and painting these beads very much. It is almost relaxing to do the monotonous work of molding and painting. Some might think such a thing is tedious, but I love it. I posted a while back about some beads I made in a similar fashion. These were a little simpler so it wasn't as difficult to make a lot of them. I made this latest necklace for my sister in law Liz. I just love how the color turned out.

*At 12 my Mom made me do a sampler to represent a modern day girl's work on a sampler. It would go in a special exhibit at the church history museum she was in charge of that year. (more details another day?) I HATED it. I can't say whether it was just teenage hormones coming on or a real hatred but I feel I must try it again to know for sure.

Cheers to cold toes and warm bellies.

2012-01-18T21:59:00.002-07:00

I live in Logan. If you know anything about Logan you know that it is known for its bitter and miserable winters. I don't get into winter sports and sledding just scares me* so there isn't a whole lot to do when it hits January for me. This year we have been lucky enough to have our winter postponed a smidgen. But as all good things do, our beautiful fall weather had to come to a dismal end. Stormy, wintery Logan days like today make a warm drink a necessity for survival. And what better way to ingest warm hot chocolate then from one of these?

My friend Mandy and I have been crafting on occasion and we painted these mugs a while back. You can pick some porcelain paint or pens from any craft or art store. They have so many beautiful colors; it was difficult to choose. Pens might have been an easier option. If you are not equipped with a steady hand and an ability to just let mess ups and globs work to your advantage, I would definitely go with the pens... However, the paint lifts off the surface and gives it a dimensional quality that I rather enjoy. So maybe try both? You decide. You can use mugs you already have or find some like I did from the local thrift store. I found this delicious set of eight for 50 cents each.

After painting them, I decided to send one across the ocean to my brother in Germany for Christmas. He has since enjoyed many tummy warming beverage delights (Hot Cocoa and marshmallow style). There is something about drinking out of an artistic mug that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
How about you?

CHEERS FRIENDS!

* I know this sounds incredibly wussy, but people keep dying and getting hurt doing it... I guess I'm just not as daring as I used to be.

"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living". - Marcus Tulius Cicero

2012-01-12T01:48:00.002-07:00

Death. Why is it so hard to talk about? I keep going back and forth on whether to try and laugh about it once the pain has subsided or to be serious in my writings on the subject. It's so hard to find a good productive way to talk these things out. I believe it is always best to try and communicate. To express how you feel with those you love and care about. So I will do my best to express myself in an attempt to help better deal with the emotions I have. I will also try to discourage any further depression on the matter. For all the sadness we have to experience in our lives we should always try to look up and find a way to find peace in the things we can't control.

Today I want to speak only of the death of animals. I don't think I can even begin to fathom talking about the death of our friends and family. That is for another day.

We develop such close attachments to our pets that they almost, if not completely become human to us, and I believe that pets are a very important part of anybody's life no matter their age or status. If you have not yourself had the chance to own a pet. For shame. Go find yourself a rock or capture a snail* or something. Those are pretty low maintenance?

Ill give you a once over of some of my pets over the years that I have lost. Ill try to stay chipper, but cut me some slack we are, after all discussing the passing of our dear friends.

The rabbits, shiloh and milo. We loved these little guys. I found out they had been poisoned somehow and passed while I was staying in Logan with my cousins. My brother Matthew and I used to sneak them into the house and play with them in my ginormous, oversized pink doll house. My mother was not thrilled with this when she caught us. Here is my account of one of their deaths in journal form.

Don't you love the drawing? I guess I forever chose to deal with things in an artistic way. There are several more writings about later pets but I will spare you and myself the humiliation of those entries.

Princess. My first real pet was a golden retriever. We picked her out from our friends litter. We all loved her so much. She was, as my childhood journal states, "the best dog that will ever live." We found out that she had kidney failure and had to be put to sleep. I remember it being the worst day of my life. I think we all cried for days, even my brother Chris, who would never be caught dead shedding a tear. He tried to hide it by putting his entire head in his shirt. None of us noticed, we were all beside ourselves with grief. It was our first real experience with death. The closest thing to a family member passing I think we could get. She was, after all, all of our first and most loyal friend.

The Scruffinator aka Scruffy. Our little menacing schnauzer pup. He lived a long life but was sadly hit in his prime by some idiot teenager speeding in their idiot red sports car that no teenager should be allowed to have let alone drive. It was a traumatic event, especially for my poor brothers who experienced it first hand. I had just started dating Steve, so he got to experience my over dramatic flail to the ground in the most agonizing episode of grief. I think it might have frightened him just a little bit. Needless to say I cried my eyes out on the sidewalk next to him. Every time I think about it I get tears in my eyes. We were such great pals.

The Snake. Now this one I think you will all think I am a lunatic for even mentioning. (my grandparents and mother especially) I know there are a few of you out there who might understand. I had a pet snake. His name was Tee (after steve) but I just liked to call him snake. He was a little albino corn snake. Pink and orange and incredibly awesome. For unknown reasons he passed away not to long after Steve and I were married. Did I cry? you may be thinking. Why yes, I did. I don't even think I myself would believe that I'd be saying this if you asked me 5 years ago.....but I loved that snake.

Tippy. This was the most recent departure. Steve and I rescued the little guy** from petsmart where Marcus, my brother, was working. He had some inner ear infections and couldn't be sold, so we took him in. His ear had been fixed but he was a little off kilter at times (hence the name). He was hilarious. Seriously I never thought I could enjoy having a rodent as a pet, but he was an adorable little guy. Running in circles and grunting his little heart out in communication with Steve (his favorite). Sadly as a lot of guinea pigs do, he started having some stomach problems that led to his death. It was hard having to watch the slow process. I know it sounds quite silly to be so sad over such a strange pet, but it truly was incredibly sad. Side note: at the vet they make you check, out of three options, how much you care about your pet. It is a rather cruel way to make someone fill out paperwork if you ask me, especially when they have a sick animal. It was weird. I suppose they are just trying to do their job.

Somehow we form attachments to these little creatures and they just grab on to our emotions. I cried the night little Tippy died, I am not ashamed to admit it. I Sobbed.

I learned tonight that my grandparents had to put there dog, Wilson, to sleep. It is a very sad and unexpected thing. My heart just aches for them during this difficult time. It seems almost harder to bear then if I were going through it myself, knowing how much they are hurting over their loss. Cute little Wilson was such a great companion and friend for them. They loved him so much and took such great care of him. He is probably the most loved animal that has ever walked this earth.

I love my sweet Grandparents. They are some of the most caring and compassionate people I know. My sweet Grandma Jean is my number one reader here. I am always so thrilled when she tells me about how much she loves reading what I write. My Grandpa is so tough. I broke him when I was young by forcing him to hug me. I don't think he really ever liked hugging, but I literally would just hold on to him until he hugged me back. Now I find myself being embraced before I can even think to hug him yet. It would just not be a proper visit without a hug from him and a full tummy from Grandma's delicious cooking. I hope they know how much they mean to me. I finally got up the courage to try and write this post because of them and what they are going through. I know they must be in so much pain over all of this and I wish there was a way I could comfort them. I hope that my writings can at least let them know that I care for them dearly.

I love you Grandma and Grandpa. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there to give you hugs.

Death. Why do we have such a depressing and frightening word for this. I suppose it is because it is a very depressing and frightening thing we all have to experience sometime in our lives here on earth. The death of those we come to love is never an easy thing and everyone deals with it in different ways. I don't think we can ever truly be prepared to lose those we love. I am sorry if this post has been a little bit sad, and a little bit different from my usual ranting and commentary on my life, but everyone has to deal with it in their own way, there is no right way to mourn.

All we can do is remember how much joy and happiness they brought to our lives. I am glad my parents taught me this after my first experience with death. Don't forget all of the wonderful things they brought to your life. Whether four legged friend or slithering serpent we can all benefit from the love of a pet, no matter how strange. Until next time.

*My mom used to pay me to capture all the snails in the gardens and yard. I was too sad to let them be viciously salted and thrown in the street by my brothers...so I would try to keep them as pets. I know I am such a weird and unexplainable human.

** He actually lived up to his name of pig, and was quite a chunky little fellow.

RESO..... WHAT?

2012-01-06T23:51:00.002-07:00

If you know me.... well... I need not explain.

Helllllloooo 2012. I really cannot fathom that this is our current year. It just does not compute, no matter how many times I go over it in my head. Well, what kind of human would I be if I didn't at least try to make some resolutions huh?

I have always been a terrible goal maker/keeper. Resolutions...? not really much difference between the two. I have always tried to think of some good resolutions but never really became passionate enough about them. Maybe I just haven't found something to be incredibly dedicated to? I do move from thing to thing, project to project. I am one who loves change and new exciting things. Hence why my goal making/keeping is usually a sporadic mess.

This year I was trying to think of things I could resolve to actually accomplish... I kind of lost track of time and by the time I came around to pondering this again...well here we are in two thousand and TWELVE and I have yet to actually set some resolutions. I do have one set... thanks to my parents. For my birthday they gave me this great sketch journal. I am pretty excited about it. A sketch for every day. I am pretty motivated and terrifically tickled with excitement about filling this baby up. I love to sketch so I am pretty sure this will be a good resolution for me. Thank you Dad and Mom for helping me set a resolution. One I am desperate to actually keep.

With resolutions fresh on my mind and after a conversation with my dad earlier today (about how a yellow light air day compares to living with a smoker. A red light day, well you might as well be a smoker if you are breathing that gross air. Thank you inversion) I found myself craving a drink... Diet Dr Pepper... my beloved vice*. Needless to say I questioned using the car. I decided I would get a little bit of exercise in order to obtain my drink... maybe work on one of those resolutions I have yet to commit to... eh hm weight loss? Good idea right? I did, however, question this "good idea" several times on my journey to and from the station. I am getting ahead of myself.

I live a hop skip and a jump away from a gas station but in an attempt to be an overachiever I decided to go to the one located up the street a bit farther. Quite a bit farther as I found out along the way. It's amazing how much closer things seem from the comfort of... lets say your motor vehicle or even a bicycle?

I figured it would be beneficial for me to count my steps on this lovely little stroll to see how much ground I covered. I can't really say for sure that footsteps are a valid measurement for distance, but I counted them anyway. As I was strolling, counting to 100 repeatedly I realized how hard it was to count to 100 over and over without loosing count or track of my thoughts. My mind went everywhere. I think I will spare you the details of exactly where it went. All I will say is that I came up with some pretty creative things while inadvertently distracting the mathy side** of my brain. In turn my creative, free thoughts went wild without the distractions from the more analytical side of my brain. After my 3,636*** step journey came to an end as I walked up my porch steps I realized I rather enjoyed myself, aside from it being a much lengthier trip on foot than I had first anticipated.

I think I may be making this journey frequently, as long as this weather holds up?

I suppose I should make some real resolutions now? Maybe even some plans to keep them. I am not sure if this trip made a resolution maker/keeper out of me yet.

Only time will tell.

* I have no intentions of quitting or attempting to resolve myself of this beloved vice (a better phrasing than habit if you ask me)

** This is in no way an attempt to seem smarter or more scientific than I actually am. If you want to get technical here then I'd have to direct you elsewhere... I found this pretty interesting.

*** I may or may not have walked up and down my front steps in order to make that number become a cooler number... I also may have lost myself in counting a couple of times in the 70s... so, this number may not be completely accurate.

Onesie Twosie Threesies

2011-11-14T21:03:00.001-07:00

I have been the worst blogger... my bad.. I thought I should finally post about this project of mine.

Some of our closest friends from freshman year in college just had their baby girl. Jeremy was one of Steve's roommates and Kelsey lived next door... amazingly enough we both married these men and are now lucky to be neighbors! We are super duper excited for them and their new little baby. She is adorable. I like having my baby fix without actually having to face the reality of birthing the little wonder.

Anywho, I was trying to think of something I could make for them that wasn't too cutesy... there is a lot of cheesy stuff out there for babies and I wanted to think of something unique I could make. I love handmade things, for some reason they always seem so thoughtful. I have seen a lot of applique stuff online so I though I'd give it a try. They took some time, but they are totally worth it :) Maybe mothers out there will call me crazy for thinking that but come on, just cause your kid is going to throw up and poop all over their clothes doesn't mean they can't have some tasteful onsies right? Besides these are washable! As long as you wash your fabrics before hand you're golden.

I made three. One 0-3 month, one 3-6 month and a 12 month size. That way they will last longer I suppose.

All you will need:

FABRIC SCRAPS: If you are like me you will probably want to go buy some new scraps too... I get a little crazy if I am not careful when buying fabric. oops. They have scraps they sell at fabric stores. Whatever will do.

IRON ON ADHESIVE: I used Heat n Bond iron on adhesive ultrahold. I found it at walmart. It suggests you don't try to sew over it, so if you are wanting to do so I would go for a lighter adhesive.

IRON: of course to iron the adhesive to the fabric

NEEDLE AND THREAD: I hand stitched all around the edges of the triangles, even though there were people who thought I was crazy. I thought it made them look more handmade. I chose to sew around the edges with different colors too. My choice. To each their own.

I also chose to cut different shaped triangles for mine. The possibilities are endless my friends. Explore and invent.

I had a lot of fun making these. They turned out pretty snazzy if you ask me. Ill have to make some when Steve and I someday get up the guts to have children.

Anyway, I have been thinking of starting an Etsy shop. I really need to do it I just haven't yet. Maybe I could sell some of these... along with the other things I have been told to sell... Maybe I am just being lazy? There are a lot of things I should do, but just haven't.. like build my portfolio website. I'm still working on that. I just can't make up my mind on the design. I should just make up my mind already. Sigh.

NEW

2011-11-09T16:30:00.003-07:00

New header. I'm thinking I might change this every so often? What do you think?

My Story

2011-11-02T13:10:00.000-06:00

With this sugary holiday and the rest of the sugar-sane holidays coming up I decided to share with you a little story about me. Some of you may know that I am a diabetic. I am guessing that a large number of you may not know due to my reluctance to share this with people I don't need to. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was nine years old. Which means this February will be 15 years since that time. I cannot believe it has been that long. I wanted to share with you my story (the good and the bad) A lot of people have big misconceptions about the disease, either because they have been incorrectly informed, or because they simply feel they have no reason to know about it, because they don't have it. As a growing concern for many Americans, diabetes should be better understood. Many times in my life I have had people say some pretty ridiculous things to me, sometimes funny, sometimes very hurtful. Having Diabetes has never been easy, but I have learned to live with it. Lets see.. where should I even begin....

At the beginning of 1997 my family took a vacation to San Francisco. At the time I was having some major issues with my bladder. I had to use the bathroom... A LOT. Around every corner I had to go, several times after any meal... I had to go. Any sweet thing I ate went through me especially fast. My mother had been concerned for some time, and had taken me into the doctor to be tested, but the tests were negative. (Just a side note, my mother always knows things) I remember it being a fun trip, but I probably drove my family crazy with all the pit stops. I knew where every bathroom was. No joke, my family still jokes about it. I had lost a considerable amount of weight. I mean considerable. I look at pictures from that time and it is unbelievable. My Mom was becoming increasingly concerned. When we got back from our trip my Mom took me back to my doctor. The test was positive for Diabetes. I remember not really knowing what was going on and not even really knowing what diabetes was? I was nine years old, and terrified because they told me I had to go to the hospital. All I remember is crying myself to sleep, mainly from fear, on the exam table while people made arrangements for me at the hospital. We had Mcdonalds for lunch on our way to the hospital... I remember my mom calling the doctor to find out what she should even get me. A happy meal... with water.

I will never forget my time at the hospital. I was terrified. I will always remember Joan. Joan was my nurse, an incredible woman. She was everything a nurse of a young terrified kid with a new disease should be. I was so scared. She told me that Diabetes is very manageable, and while difficult I could still be normal. She asked me if I could play sports with diabetes, or paint with diabetes, or go to school. She asked me all these questions and then said, "You can do anything with diabetes." I will never forget that. The first time she came in to teach me how to give myself a shot I remember hyperventilating and freaking out. I was thinking in my head how much it was going to hurt. I closed my eyes and squinched up my face, hoping this would lessen the prick. Amazingly I didn't even feel it?? I was so surprised. Joan was magic. She would take me down to the game room several times a day to play pac man in the little hospital arcade. She gave me a Jazz mug and told me if I drank enough water I wouldn't have to get an IV, which at the time I was horrified of getting. (refer back to my first needle encounter) I didn't have to get it. Thank you Joan. You were and are an inspiration to me. I only hope that she knows what a wonderful person she is, and how grateful I am for her.

I remember my brothers and my Dad being so brave when they came to visit me. The nurse had me give them placebo shots so they would get a taste of what I was going through. They were so sweet to let me, their nine year old sister to stick them with needles. My mother was such a strength to me. She stayed with me the whole time I was at the hospital and was so strong. I later found out that she held in her tears until she went home. She was so brave and kept her cool, something that was instrumental in helping me keep my sanity while in the hospital. I was in the hospital for a few days and then sent home to live with this new total life adjustment.

My family was wonderful. Through holidays and every day life they made adjustments for me. Even Santa knew... we started receiving peanuts in our stockings instead of the loads of candy we had previously enjoyed. For Halloween my mom ordered little toys to give out to trick-or-treaters. Everyone loved our house. After after we got home my mom would let us trade our candy for toys and special things she would buy for us. For our annual Easter egg hunt my sweet grandma would buy me little toys or things I would like so instead of candy I would get those.

Although my family was very understanding and caring, there were many who were less understanding and made me feel terrible about being a diabetic. I think this is where my complex started. I hated telling people I was diabetic. I was terrified of what they would think. One of my teachers told me I would never be normal, or a guy told me he'd never marry a diabetic, or a friend thought they could catch the disease from trading clothes. These instances made me feel terrible and defeated. I hated that I had been given this challenge. Sometimes things are just difficult, and people are just ignorant. At times like this I try to remember Joan and her wise advice, or how much the people I love have supported me and helped me along the way.

I am a diabetic. I have lived with it for most of my life and have been strengthened in ways I never would have been otherwise. I learned discipline and responsibility over the years and I am grateful for that. I am so grateful for the people in my life that have helped me deal with this difficult disease. I am so happy that I have four wonderful brothers who would give up candy to make me not feel so bad, and that would even wish so much that they could trade me places so that I wouldn't have to go through it all. I am so thankful for my parents for all of the scary times that they had to deal with my weird emotional ups and downs and low blood sugar. And I am so grateful for Steve. He is so supportive of me and my diabetes. I say some pretty weird things when I am low, sometimes hilarious and sometimes mean.. I usually don't remember but he is always so great to take care of me. I couldn't have asked for a better family and better friends.

Well there you have it. There are so many of you that have been so kind and compassionate. You know who you are. I truly appreciate you. I love you all.

On a slightly more cheerful note and maybe even a slightly ironic one... can I offer you a spoon full of sugar? This year we were Marry Poppins and Bert. It was fun to get these costumes together :)

A little more Hopper...

2011-10-18T20:48:00.002-06:00

JUST AN ADDITION.... Is it ironic that I got home last night to find that our tenants had mowed the lawn... all those grasshoppers. They never mow the lawn. I think they have mowed maybe twice. Oh and also Steve kicked one and it half died. He tried to convince me it was dead... Later I saw that it had moved. It was half squished. I knew it wasn't dead. Am I feeling bad for these yucky little insects now. Oh dear...

The grasshopper who saved me...

2011-10-17T12:53:00.001-06:00

For the past several months I have been disgusted and, I'll be completely honest, terrified of grasshoppers. Maybe terrified is the wrong word. It is mostly a fear of when walking past the old ragged bushes on my way to the bus having them jump at me like bullets in a battle field. Seriously. Terrifying.

Steve just laughs at me, but it really gets my heart rate going. As I walk, cautiously, knowing from previous experience that the second I place my foot down there will be jumbles of them jumping in the air flying to escape being stepped on. I am proud to say I never stepped on one. The fact remains that I am scared of these little jumpy menaces. As I was pondering this today as I walked out of my apartment welcomed by ten or fifteen jumpers, it hit me. I am a wimp. I am that wimpy girl that my four brothers never allowed me to be. I am scared of a little bug? A bug that when I was little taking piano lessons I would capture little crickets as I waited for my ride and take them home for pets. It is a little embarrassing to admit this weird habit of mine, but it happened. What has happened to me?? Have I lost my toughness. Am I not that tough little girl anymore that can stand her own and play with all the boys? Shame on me. Seriously bothered by this little epiphany I was determined to change my fate.

All the way home I planned my mission. I will touch a grasshopper, nay I will hold a grasshopper for at least a few seconds.. 10 seconds. I can do that. It's long enough to prove myself and short enough to not hurt the disgusting little hopper. I had my mind set. I got out of the car. For once I couldn't see them all jumping about. I suppose with the cold weather they are being minimized by the fated Logan winter. As I secretly thought joyfully to myself that maybe I just wont be able to hold one, I saw it. The hopper. It was mine. I looked at it, reached and retreated. Determined I cupped both hands over him and picked him up. For ten seconds of agony I held the little bug... jumping frantically in my hands. My heart was about to explode but I would not accept defeat. I had done it. I have overcome this stupid, unreasonable hatred for the disgusting little jumpers. He jumped away and I thought to myself...

I'm back!

No grasshoppers were harmed in the achievement of this goal.

2011-09-18T22:49:00.000-06:00

Some little mini cards I made for a massive birthday party for Steve's family. Just experimenting with some different line patterns in black and white. Sorry for the shotty second rate photo. I have somehow misplaced my camera for the eight millionth time. Pretty impressed with how good my phone's pictures are though. I'm thinking about starting an Etsy shop and maybe selling personalized cards... What do you think? Does anyone have an etsy account. I have heard mixed things. In any case, If you ever want a card made I'd be happy to make you one! Just shoot me an email! (melissahorrocks.usu@gmail.com)

Another Goodbye

2011-09-18T21:09:00.000-06:00

Well here we are again saying our goodbyes. My parents and I dropped off my youngest brother Andrew to the MTC on Wednesday. It's so hard to know how to feel when you have ten seconds to hug goodbye and then he is off to his new adventure. Poor guy. I can't imagine all of the things that go through those young missionaries heads as they walk away from their families to the unknown.

My family is very close. It wasn't always that way. We have all had our spouts and arguments, but over the years we have all become closer then I think many families ever get. We love each other so much. That is a hard thing to find these days. It is so wonderful to have four amazing brothers. I love it. They were always so kind to include me in their games, even if I received the bent ninja turtle sword, or the other second rate weapons to defend myself. I never felt left out. That is pretty cool considering I was a girl and despite all of their best efforts I owned a doll or two... and an occasional barbie. (guilty)

Andrew was my little guy. My mom tells me that I always wanted to be the one to carry him places, or take care of him. This gives me hope that maybe, just maybe someday I wont be terrified of having children. Somewhere deep down there I have what it takes to be a mother. Anyway I remember how much fun we would have playing with our stuffed animals and beanie babies. He has the most contagious laugh. I can still hear it in my head. So dang cute. That smile would go from ear to ear and there was no resisting that cute little guy. I cannot believe how grown up he is. It is unbelievable! I know he will make a great missionary. He has the social skills to rival my mother (the social butterfly of the century). I am so grateful to have such a wonderful brother! I am so jealous that he will be spending his time in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Love you Andrew!

My parents are so cute right? They are now officially completely empty nesters. Although we kids come back too often to consider them officially empty quite yet.

I just thought this one was cute.

Thirty Thousdand Pounds of . . .

2011-09-02T21:49:00.000-06:00

I have not written in ages. I have been feeling incredibly drained and unable to write anything that could possibly hold a minutes interest for anyone. Does that sound negative? Well yes, I suppose it does. I shouldn't be negative. Life is seemingly pretty good. I got a job as a designer for the Utah State Admissions office. The hours and pay are good. I love the job. Love the people. I have a great best friend and husband to be with every day. Fine friends. Even finer family. Seriously you can't go wrong with all that right?

Well, Monday struck like 30,000 pounds of bananas. I reference a Harry Chapin song my Dad used to play for us youngsters. A sad but peppy ballad that we couldn't get enough of. One Man + 30,000 lbs of bananas + 45 degree decline + failed brakes. You can probably guess the outcome. A tad morbid? Yes. but we loved it. Still do. It's a great tune. Check it out he is a master balladeer). ANYway. I found myself up on campus amongst excited students recently returned from what is always inevitably too short of a summer vacation. I listened, against my will, as young and quite irritating freshman girls flirted with oh so....uh I can't find the right word. Gentlemen would be giving them too much credit so I'll just say boyish fools, "oh my gosh like no way are you totally serious?" Now I know I never sounded that intelligent, but did I ever look that young as a freshman? Do I still look that young? Apparently I do, according to many gas station and grocery attendants, not to mention book store attendees.

Alas I was not one of them. I found myself longing to be them against my better judgment. Yearning for the excitement of going to new classes and meeting new people, in hopes of making long lasting friendships and of course an occasional frustrating enemy. As the past 5 days have gone by I have slowly begun to accept my fate. Although I am no longer a student I will always be grateful for my experience at Utah State both the bitter and the sweet. It is one of the most amazing places I think I will ever know. I learned more about myself then I believed I ever would. And although at times I might have wanted to rip someones hair right out of their head, and mock those fools who dared prove to me their imbecilic ways, I really enjoyed my educational journey. I am truly sorry to those that may have unjustly fell victim to my strong willed strikes, you were a part of crucial part of my educational pursuits. Someday maybe you will learn what I was trying to push into your tiny little brain? Whether or not you do, I became strong willed, yet bendable with time spent in those angsty classroom settings with all of my fellow students. For that I can never be grateful enough.

I am trying to keep my creative juices in tact, so here is a new pattern I made. Which do you like best?

Patterned thoughts

2011-08-25T01:21:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have strange dreams that you feel like no one else could possibly dream what you dream? My Dad dreams about numbers. Mathematical combinations?... numbers just fascinate him. Weird. Well, I love patterns. I love making patterns. Designing patterns, looking at patterns... I sometimes dream about patterns. It is true. Anyway. For the past couple of years I have been making cards for my family and friends for special things. It started out with a random birthday I decided I wanted to draw a card instead of buy a ridiculous card from the store. Some people are so good at picking out those. My mom and grandmother always have the gift for picking out cards that say the perfect thing. I can't seem to do this. Everybody wants to be thought of on their birthday, and I really hope that they feel special when they get to open a handmade card. I love my little brother Andrew. He is getting ready to leave on a mission in a few weeks. We celebrated his birthday this past weekend and I made him a card and something new... I made him a gift box to hold his gift. I haven't done this before but since the card I made created a nice pattern I decided it might be cool. I love how it turned out. I have found another good use for my patterned thoughts. Hope you enjoy I took some photos for you.

My Momma is 50!

2011-07-24T16:06:00.000-06:00

My beautiful Mother turned 50 last week. We all went up to my grandparents cabin to spend the weekend with her. You wouldn't know that she is 50 if you saw her. She looks so young (a trait in which some of her children are upset to have inherited). A few weeks ago at the gas station a women was baffled, saying that I looked like I was 12 and there was no possible way I was married and graduated from college. She didn't even joke when saying it. It was like a concerned, "are you lying about your age?" sort of question. Very strange. Then my mom walked up and this woman became even more shocked that SHE was old enough to have a daughter married. It was pretty funny. I am grateful to have inherited such genes, but I must be honest it has taken a while for me to realize what a blessing they are. (here we are at my wedding of course).

Anyway, the cabin was so much fun! Steve and I came up after everyone was there and brought 50 purple balloons (her favorite color) and a cake to surprise her. She loved it of course.

I made my mom this cake for her. Her favorite cake is spice! It was delicious! We had such a great time playing games and enjoying each others company. My mom of course loved playing with her grandson Tucker. He really is the most exciting thing going on in our family. But he is adorable, so no one minds.

I am so grateful for my mother. She is such a wonderful lady. She has always been there for me no matter the circumstances. There have been countless times where I am at a loss for what to do with my current situation and she always has the right things to say, to help me understand, or to just agree with me that sometimes life just isn't what we want it to be. I love her so much. I am so glad we are such good friends. More and more I have been noticing the similarities between us, and realize how lucky I am to have inherited so many wonderful things from my Mother. Thanks Mom, you are the best! Hope you had a wonderful 50th!

And the winners are....

2011-07-13T00:34:00.000-06:00

Congratulations girls! You have won a pair of the lovely geometric earrings! Ill be getting in touch to get your address so I can send you your winnings. Thanks to everyone for your comments! Stay tuned for another giveaway later this summer!

GEOMETRIC GIVEAWAY

2011-07-10T22:54:00.001-06:00

I am giving away a FREE pair of geometric earrings hand made by yours truly! There will be THREE winners! so your chances are pretty great.

There are three ways to enter. Triple your already amazing chances! You may enter up to three times.

     * Comment telling me which color earrings you would choose or any other little tid bit you'd like

     * Become a follower of my blog

     *Post a link to my blog on your own blog/website or of course facebook

Comment before 11:59 MST Tuesday, July 12, 2011 and make sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Good Luck!

(open to US residents only)

Geometric Jewelry

2011-07-10T20:47:00.001-06:00

For some reason I got in a super crafty mood while sitting at home all day one Saturday. I needed to try some of the things I have been wanting to make. First, my inspiration came from my lovely friend Tosh. I saw here tutorial HERE on her blog and had to try this. I love how it turned out. They were so fast and easy to make. I made earrings, a necklace and my favorite idea... magnets. I am obsessed with magnets. Seriously why not spiff up your fridge?

Here are the earrings I made, I used Folk Art Plaid acrylic paint. Silver and gold metallic and blue which I painted over with silver to give it a nice shimmer.

Second, I made these earrings. I got the idea from ISLY. Melissa always has great tutorials on her blog. Check it out HERE. I used the same shimmery acrylic paint on the leather to give it some contrast. I also painted another coat on top using olive oil (a great tip from ISLY). I thought it would be fun to use the beads I made as an accent to the feathers. These feathers were super easy to make, seriously leather is a lot of fun. I am definitely going to be experimenting more.

I have a love for magnets... for a long time I have just been using my bottle cap magnets. They just make my fridge more exciting... See?

So I thought these would be a fun addition...

I just glued some magnets to the back and there you have it! Some more fun magnets to hang things on my fridge.

Beautiful Thrifting Blue

2011-07-09T11:53:00.000-06:00

I love thrifting. I found these vases at DI a few weeks ago for 50 cents. Seriously, I love the deals I find there. I just keep looking at the vases thinking of all the things I could use them for. Maybe one day ill find a practical use for them. We shall see. I thought I'd have a little bit of fun photographing them in the meantime. If nothing else they make beautiful photos.

A tiny sneak peak

2011-07-09T00:36:00.000-06:00

A little sneak peak. I'm crafting something... I love tiny things....

Happy Fourth

2011-07-09T00:33:00.000-06:00

I hope you all had a fun fourth of July! Let the festivities and fireworks fly until the end of July. What will you do to celebrate? I made these delicious little cakes for our family BBQs. they were yummy, as most desserts are. Must all the most delicious things add to our hips. Yes, they must I suppose.

Spectacles of all sorts

2011-07-02T17:00:00.000-06:00

For the past I don't know how many years, my family has attended the fireworks show in Logan. It is a really great family tradition started by my Fathers parents and now carried out by my Dad and our family. My dad used to make and set off fireworks when he was young until my mother watched him do a show and objected to his continuance in this job. This was back before electronic advancements when they had to run and light each firework individually. Kind of dangerous, which is why I am sure my mother objected. This was also a dangerous art in which my father's pyro loving personality was drawn to but followed my mothers wishes. Now he just has to enjoy the spectacle like the rest of us. Only a number of us could attend this year, but the fireworks were incredible! We had a grand ol time eating kettle corn and drinking diet coke. Speaking of spectacles, for Steve's birthday he got a new pair of glasses. I think he looks so handsome in them of course. Here is a photo of us at the fireworks. I thought it would be fun to play around with some bright colors in light of the holiday. I hope you all have a a fun 4th!

Bibliophile

2011-07-01T16:32:00.000-06:00

Books. I love them. I have talked about this before, but it just keeps coming back. My Dad is a bibliophile (a person who collects or has a great love of books). I have dabbled in book art before but decided that for fathers day I would get crazy and make something special for my obsessive book loving father. I made the entire thing from the pages of the book. I think it turned out pretty neat, and my Dad loved it of course! He has already come up with many more book art ideas for me... more to come, someday I suppose.

My Sewtastic Skills

2011-06-16T16:54:00.000-06:00

I promised my friend Pam I would blog about this beauty. Let me begin by saying, I have never had any sort of experience sewing. My mother is left handed and always found it difficult to sew... so instead she is an incredible, master embroider, so I guess that makes up for it. My friend Pam invited us to make this bag with her. A "simple" project, we thought. There were moments while making this bag that I thought I would never sew again. There were so many sewing terms, that are probably simple to most who know anything about it, but for me they sounded like the words my Dad says in Japanese, just before a smirk draws up in the corner of his mouth.

My hesitation was more of a fear of destroying something I had spent so much time on rather than actually not being able to do it. I got some amazing fabric from a store in Preston Idaho called Suppose. If you have a chance you should definitely make the trip to see what they have. They have beautiful designer fabrics. I just want to buy everything when I go there, a little dangerous ladies. Anyway, now that I have finished and the insecurities have faded and I really want to do more sewing projects. I must say that Pam and Becky were instrumental in helping me accomplish this feat. I could not have done it without them. I think it turned out pretty great! I love the colors and the designs on the fabric. I love having a big purse to haul all of my stuff around. (most would call it crap, but I like to be prepared) Check it out! I feel so sewtastic for making this. I think I need to get myself a sewing machine. There are endless opportunities!

I added this flower pin to add some character to the outside of the bag.

Here is the whole bag

The inside of the bag is one of my favorite parts.. why? Because for the most part ill be the only one to witness the pretty fabric. Sounds a little selfish, but its the tiny details that I drool over.

As of Late

2011-05-29T16:16:00.001-06:00

I have not posted in quite some time. I have been at a loss for what to even blab about on here. I sometimes wonder if this blog is nothing more then an outlet for my frustrations, my successes, even if they are just tiny glimpses of something that may or may not turn into something bigger. First item of business, I graduated from college. Wait let me say it again. I am a college graduate. I still don't think it has set in quite yet. It's a strange feeling to comprehend. I have been going to school straight since I started kindergarten and now it seems so final to be graduated from college. I don't know if I'm feeling this way because I now have to make some big decisions, or that these decisions are bigger then any I have ever made. Not to mention that these decisions are now pressing on my conscience telling it that they need to be made, and made well if I ever want to achieve the things I want. Is the way I am feeling natural, or normal? I feel like I am stuck in a box that I put myself in and now I have somehow forgotten how to get out of this claustrophobic state I am in. None of this will make sense to any of you, I am almost sure of it. Well for now I will try to remain positive about my not so certain, not so far off future. In any case I would like to show you some things from the past few weeks. Small steps. That is what I have to do if I want to accomplish anything.

First. Graduation

First of all. I would not have made it to where I am if it were not for my family. My parents have helped me through school and been so generous to help me with the things I couldn't do myself. I am so grateful that they inspired me to get an education and to further it even past my undergraduate degree. Steve has been such a great example to me. He is so smart and incredibly positive with his schooling. He has always believed in me and I can't imagine how I would have made it through my last year of school without his support. Secondly, I have made some amazing friends here at Utah State. I feel extra lucky because I did a dual emphasis and in turn had the opportunity to get to know all the fine artists and the designers. It has been so great to build friendships. I really will miss all of my friends that are moving on. Luckily I can be selfish and keep a few for the next year I am here in Logan.

Pictured above: 1. Steve and Me 2. All of my family who came 3. Printer friends 4. Me and Steve enjoying my first magnum ice cream bar here in the states. It was a perfect way to end the day. 5. My parents and me 6. My favorite professor Kathy

(Just a side note... my camera somehow got a fingerprint on it during our walk across campus, so most of my pictures have a huge blurry smudge on them... Depressing. That is why none of my design friends aren't pictured. I still love you all.)

Second. Letterpress Class

I am so lucky to be able to be taking a letterpress class over the summer at the University of Utah. My Dad is taking the class with me as well as my friend Mandy from Design. I have been to two classes so far. It is pretty overwhelming. Lots of rules and information. Kind of an overload. I can't wait until we get some freedom to create! The great thing is, after you take the class you can have access to their facilities! I am so excited to be able to continue using them. Hopefully I will be able to do so. We will see how it goes!

Third. Some Random Design

I have been trying to find things to do with design to further my knowledge and skill. I love doing projects and It is kind of nice to be able to do whatever I want. I made this poster for my cousin and his fiance who are getting married in a week. I wanted to give them something they could hang that wasn't too cheesy. I really loved how it turned out. I think I shall make more?

Fourth. Tucker

My Sis-in-Law Jenn had to take a class this summer. It was only for two weeks, so she ended up coming and staying with us for some of that time. It has been so much fun watching him. He is such a firecracker. We did so many fun things and laughed so hard. This kid has got some character. It was so much fun having Jenn up here too. It isn't often that we get to hang out. I miss having her and my brother up here in Logan.

Portfolio Box

2011-05-02T16:12:00.000-06:00

Well, I finished. Well almost. My Senior BFA show.... actually one of two BFA shows was on Friday night. Call me nerdy, or an overachiever, whichever you prefer, but I am incredibly happy that I decided to do a dual emphasis in Printmaking and Graphic Design. I love them both so much! I have made so many friends in both areas and had an incredible education in both areas. I know people think that the arts is a "fun" or "easy" major, but that is absurd. Ask anybody who actually knows the work that we put into art and design, they will tell you it is anything but easy. Moving on...

The BFA show was a huge success. There were hundreds of people who came. Literally. It was such a great night! I had a box made for my portfolio. It is beautiful. Mike Atha over at Restoration Books made it for me. He is incredibly talented and has really beautiful work. I am so pleased with how it turned out. Here is the outside with my logo.

I decided I wanted to use both design and printmaking to make my box. I really wanted to incorporate my prints.... so I had Mike use my prints to line the box. I think it turned out really nice.

I also did the same for my cards. I used a woodcut print on one side and printed the other and mounted them on illustration board. I love how they turned out. I really like having things you can touch. It was a lot of work but I LOVE how they turned out. I made about 70 of these and only had 2 left. I think people really liked them, I guess I'll have to make some more?

DIY Anthropologie Necklace for a fraction of the cost

2011-04-23T11:46:00.000-06:00

I have some really great friends. Printmaking friends. I really could not survive without them. We have a lot of fun and work our butts off in the studio. My fellow printers and I came up with this craft and decided we should make this to wear over our robes at graduation. We are pretty random, I know. Alisa, Lisie, Sarah Jane and our professor Kathy and I made these at our print jam (Long A nights at the studio where we have delicious food and print our little hearts out) the other night. I love that we all collaborated this idea. Lisie came up with the initial idea to make these and it turned into something amazing!

Yes. We will be wearing these over our robes. And maybe hanging a strand from our ugly brown tassel? Who thought that was a good idea?

You want to learn? It's so easy

All you will need:

PAPERCLIPS

GLUE
(I used Tacky glue and watered it down a tad and used a paint brush to apply it to the paper.

PAPER You can use drawer liner too. It doubles as the paper and the glue, since one side is sticky.
Cut the paper into 1" x 1.5" pieces. We decided to tear up some of our prints and use them for it. We thought it was fitting, being printmakers and all. Do a few tests, because the thickness of the paper will determine how long you will want to make the paper. I found the thinner the paper the easier it is to bend around and keep it glued. Just make sure it is sturdy enough when you put glue on it.

Here is a visual a whipped up for those of you who learn that way, with some detailed instructions below.

1. Gather all needed materials

2. The first layer should be the shortest one. Hook together 13 paper clips. (Measure the length you want the smallest layer to be and adjust accordingly) You want them all to be attached before you start wrapping the paper around the clips.

3. Apply glue to the back of the paper and wrap around each paperclip on that row.

4. Make more! Continue to add one additional paperclip for every new row, so it will increase in length.

5. Make as many or as little rows as you like. You can also do funky patterns, like this one found at Anthropologie by Lauren Manoogian. (did you see that price tag??? Unbelievable. I love Anthropologie but hello, can anybody really justify buying a necklace for 80 dollars. I couldn't bear the guilt.)
Once you have all of the rows made, attach them all to a single paperclip, do this for both ends. I added a third clip in the middle to give the neck a little more length and then covered those three with paper.

You could get really creative with this. Ours is freakishly colorful, but I love it. You could do some nice soft colors as well to fit this season's color fads.

ENJOY

Chronicle Dreams

2011-04-20T13:39:00.000-06:00

I will be graduating in under 3 weeks. This still baffles me. I know I mention this far too often. I sort of feel like a really annoying broken record. This is my life though so I guess I'll just go on and share. Feel free to just look at the pretty pictures if you'd rather. I seriously never understood why people freak out and complain when they are graduating. I always thought I would be so calm and composed when the time came for me to move on. Apparently several sodas a Cafe Rio salad (forced down with a swirling stomach of stress and anxiety) and a good sob later... I realize I am kinda loosing my cool here. I don't have a plan, which at moments in my life feels really exciting, but then again its frightening. Especially since I am kind of stuck in Logan for the next year. First of all, job hunting is miserable. I walked into a bunch of places yesterday that I don't even care to work at, only to be greeted by frowning, sometimes terribly rude employees telling me they aren't hiring but I can turn in an application anyway. There really is no second of all just stress about the first of all. To give credit the man at Hobby Lobby was very gracious, but again, not hiring. Anyway, since all of my hopes and dreams aren't suddenly appearing as a walk on graduation day, I'll just tell you about my dream.

I have had this dream that seems untouchable and unreachable for a while now. I guess you could call it a secret dream, I really do get warm tingles at the thought of myself working for this company. I am in LOVE with Chronicle Books. I love everything I see on their site. Books like these...

I get all giddy when I see the wonderful designs of the covers and dream about what treasures I'd find inside. I have mentioned before I have a slight addiction to books. You add in creative design and well, you don't get any better then that. I would absolutely love to work for them and live in San Francisco. It would really be a dream. Maybe I will find myself in reach of this dream someday, but until then I will just drool over all the books I want to buy. Drool with me here. If only I had the money.... or the decisiveness to choose just one.

Wednesday Thinkers

2011-04-13T12:45:00.001-06:00

Lately I have been having these really great original, world changing thoughts go through my head when I am trying to fall asleep, or while taking shower, and I never write them down. I am currently sitting here kicking myself trying to think of the one that came to me this morning. I even thought to myself while thinking it, "I think I'll blog about this." I've been stirring my brain trying to revive the thought for the last 20 minutes. It is driving me nuts. I really should write them down. They are always so clever and quirky. Little tidbits that just make me grin dimple to dimple. I guess they were never meant for anyone's mind but my own. Maybe that is best. Maybe I would send them out into the inter-webs and realize they weren't as amazing as i had imagined them in my mind. I guess we may never know the answers to those little questions.

Today is Wednesday. A dreaded day in my week. Not because of stress or circumstance, but because of the exceptionally long and lethargic boredom which I face every afternoon. Six straight hours at the library. I know this sounds like a cake walk, but it is not. I guess that phrase doesn't really make sense to me, this in no way would compare to walking around eating a delicious piece of cake. So I must correct that thought before it leaves the fibers of your brain by saying, I would give anything for a piece of cake right now. Even a boring, bland piece of cake with no delicious frosting or sprinkles. I have however enjoyed my job here at the library despite my negativity on the subject and the increasing amount of helpless adolescents. It is time. Time to move on.

I have reached that inevitable point that comes with any low paying, part time job in customer service. I have worked here for 5 years now. Yes you heard me right FIVE... YEARS. I need to find another job. I don't want some meaningless part time job, but as time moves more steadily forward, I find myself without connections to something better, so it is looking like my only option at the moment. I need a miracle people. I need someone to call me up and offer me an amazing job I can't resist. Does that ever happen? I really wish it did. Job hunting is something I highly detest, as do most people with a sane state of mind. You could have guessed as much when I told you I have worked at the same job for five whole years now. So on I go to find the perfect job. Send some luck my way pretty please. *little side note. I added this sentence so there wouldn't be an orphan on this line. I am so design savvy.

Senior BFA Show

2011-04-10T17:02:00.000-06:00

This weekend was my senior BFA show. It was a lot of work and stress but it turned out really great. Here is the group of us in front of our exhibit.

It was fun getting to know some of the artists from other departments and getting the show put together. We served pie at the reception which was delicious! Thank you Angies! Here are the pieces I put in the show.

My parents and Steve's came up and it was great to spend time with them! I can't believe I graduate in a month.. It is so weird. I really could not have done it without my family, especially Steve. He is so great and so understanding of how busy I have been and believes in me and everything I want to do. I love him so much.

This next year will be an adventure. It will be fun to see where we are a year from now!

I have a vice, and I'll keep it.

2011-04-06T11:57:00.000-06:00

I don't know where the addiction began. From a friend who had a love for drive through convenience? The cold delicious refresh of liquid on my esophagus, maybe the smooth touch of a freezing can on my fingertips or green metal straw to my lips? Or maybe just maybe it's because I love the feeling of exact change at the checkout counter. Whatever the true answer, the outcome remains, yes, I am addicted to Diet Dr Pepper. I wish I could say that this was my only vice. I am afraid I have more then even I could or would care to discuss. I find myself walking to the staff room with my carefully counted 60 cents, or making the drive to the gas station to claim my free beverage (with my nifty card) with a friend on a late night in the print studio. I ask myself on occasion, "could I stop drinking this on a whim?" or "would I really care if I never had one again?" I probably could, but do I really want to? No. I just love the taste. Love the feel. While some may think me disgusting or unhealthy, I care not for your opinion. At least for now I am happy and pleasant to be around. For now I think I'll keep my friendly and delicious vice. As I sit back and enjoy the instantaneous snap-click of my 12 ounce can, I can't think of a better afternoon snack.

Do any of you have a vice that you aren't ashamed of?

Please Touch The Art.... WHAT?

2011-03-30T23:15:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you just need some change. This week has been a downer for me, but I just gotta realize there will always be ups and downs. I just have to look for positive things.. Harder then you think sometimes. Even something as insignificant as a blog header is some good change... I like it. What do you think? Simple. The website I'm designing for myself inspired it. That will come later... after all the coding I'll be doing in order to get it running. Scary stuff. Wish me luck!

On another note... Last week was a good week for me. A lot of things just felt really great. It was just one of those weeks, where you feel on top. Too bad I always find myself being humbled after an extended period of glory.

We had the 7th annual warehouse show. This year it was an interactive show. "Please Touch the Art" I entered my blue woodcuts that I made last semester. The blocks are 17"x17" pretty big. There was a lot of intricate carving involved, this resulted in a LOT of late nights and even more diet DR P. I really like how they turned out.

For the show I was trying to think of a way to make my work interactive. I really like how a woodblock looks when they are carved. I put a lot of small details into these ones. It was a reductive piece, which means you carve one layer and print the lightest color. Print your whole edition and then carve again and repeat. They call them suicide prints... well because I guess you just can't go back. I ended up screwing my four blocks to the wall and then hanging my prints in front of them with magnets. People were then able to lift the print up and see the block behind it. Like so

So at the reception the professors chose winners for the show... guess what. Yep I won Best of Show. I was not expecting it. It really was really shocking. It took me a second to realize they had called my name. It was awesome! Here is the award. This is going on my resume.

I'm waiting on some photos with me in it with my work. Until then...

Happy Printing!

ST LOUIS

2011-03-27T13:59:00.002-06:00

I have to tell of my adventures in ST LOUIS! I realize for those of you who read (if any??) may not want all the details. I have narrowed it down as best I can but please feel free to skip all, half, or every other sentence if you will. Be creative if you must.

My professor Kathy took 5 of us printmakers to a print conference in St Louis. Southern Graphics Council International is the official name. It was so much fun! We had a great time going to Art shows, print demonstrations and discussions and of course having a great time laughing and goofing around. We can't always be completely serious about everything in life.

SEGMENT ONE: Flying

We flew out on Wednesday morning, had a LONG layover in Denver (3 hours!). In which zero people were searched, one pair of scissors was overlooked, clothing was removed, 8 sodas were guzzled and some airport food was consumed. In a nut shell pretty average I'd say. Then we got on a new plane to embark on our journey and they give us these dinky drinks.

For real? Can't they manage to give you at least a whole beverage? What good is a tasty beverage when it can only but tempt the taste buds? They fill the cup mostly with ice and give me an 8th of a 12 oz can. pretty minimalist if you ask me. Alas, we made up for this travesty later. Many of us have cola consumption obsessions.

SEGMENT TWO: Shmancy Accommodations

When we arrived we took a van crusade to our hotel. We stayed at a pretty nice hotel. Shmancy place. You had to use your room key to use the elevator. As artsy people had some issues getting it to work. We did a lot of walking up and down stairs, mostly out of impatience, but also because they were just to dang confusing. Many of the events for the conference were held on campus at Washington University. It was beautiful! A really cool old school campus.

SEGMENT THREE: Some Sights Seen

Check out this amazing tree. This picture kind of blows, but it was the best I could do on the run. It was growing in and out of the ground. I have never seen anything like it. I love this kind of stuff.

They have these really great streets that are so great for walking around. We had fun going into old bookstores and antique shops in between the art shows. Here's Vince Lisie and Alisa strolling.

One of our professor's grad school professors had a show while the conference was going. Her name is Karen Kunc. She does some beautiful prints. Check them out here.

This is a picture of Karen and some of her grad students (Kathy, second from left, my professor went to school with all of these cute printmakers). I was trying to hurry and snap a picture and my camera (borrowed from my father, because I am a space and have lost mine for the millionth time) was on this weird setting that made everything black and white but Karen's shirt... I think it was quite an exciting accident.

SEGMENT FOUR: The Show

Near the end of the trip we did a portfolio show. We displayed some of our work for people to come and see. It was a nerve-racking experience but I got some great feedback from people who loved my work. Here I am looking like a nerd. It was fun to hear what other people thought about my work and to see what kinds of things other people create. There were some good and some terrible. The girl next to me was incredibly nice but had the weirdest work. I wont go into the strange details of standing next to her listening to her explain her work... but. Yes. I love the people you come across at these sorts of things. Everyone did great presenting and by the time we were done there we were all ready to get out of there!

SEGMENT FIVE: Some More Wanderings

We walked around the town one last time and had a grand ol time together. We laughed so much. I love being around my print friends. They have become such a great part of my life. Here are three of us girls being weirdos per usual. We spend a lot of time together in the print studio so we've become rather close. I love them.This photo is a result of a very long day... This is one of our best I believe.

All of the streets in our area were super fancy. There was even a gated community...

It was crazy how huge and beautiful the houses all were out there. They are all incredibly unique and different, unlike this Utah business where we all build the same exact houses. It was fun to see all of the different styles. Also another tree I found. Utah has so few trees comparatively. So I was all up on taking photos of them. Nerdy I know.

SEGMENT SIX: I am A Lit-tle Gerl

So we stopped by a grocery store to pick up some snacks for the plane. As I was checking out, the cute little black, southern woman working the check out says "Ahre you grown?" I didn't quite understand her so I asked her to repeat. "Ah you groown? you look like a li-tle gerl" (try to read this with a southern accent. It makes it more enjoyable). I told her I was 23 years old. She looked at me shocked and said, "oh my goodness, I don't believe it! You look like a li-tle gerl, you can't be grown." I assured her that I was in fact being honest about my age, chuckled and left. This is always happening to me. I know I know ONE day I will be grateful. But for now I rather dislike being thought of as some adolescent little girl. It's quite frustrating. I have learned to get over being insulted and just laugh. It is funny, since the whole trip we had been discussing how I look much younger then my age and there you have it. Proof. The group got a good laugh at it.

SEGMENT SEVEN: The Distasteful Departure

The plane ride home was... well even worse then the way there. We were supposed to have a direct flight, but instead they decided that we needed to stop in Denver... again. Disappointment. The first flight had the worst turbulence I have ever experienced. The plane was bouncing all over the place. There was maybe 10 minutes of smooth sailing the entire 3 hours. Abe was sitting next to me and does not handle flying well so you can imagine the kind of shape he was in on the flight. His legs were shaking uncontrollably from his anxiety. In response he ordered a whole lot of alcohol. If you don't know, I have a very very very strong sense of smell. The smell of his beer, which was disgusting, combined with the turbulence made me incredibly sick. I have not thrown up since I was 10 and I was pretty close to doing so. When we got off the plane my face was flushed white and I felt so dizzy and disoriented. I think I am safe to say this was the WORST plane ride I have ever experienced. I used to think it was so ridiculous when people complained about flying, I guess I ate my words on that one. To look on the bright side they did serve us warm cookies.. Not sure if that really makes up for it?

All in all a really great experience for me and my fellow students. We had a great time in St Louis. It is good to be home, but now I have to find the motivation to make the push for the end of my last semester here at Utah State. Wish me luck!

A life without books, is no life to live.

2011-03-14T01:30:00.002-06:00

Are there actually living, breathing human beings who don't like to read? WHAT? Seriously it makes me sick, physically ill even, to think there are people who truly just hate to read. Someone made a comment in passing that they hated reading and... well Blaufdiafdsuaiofudghhhhh I hurl into my hand! Does this comment even deserve acknowledgment? Well I have a thing or two to say about that.

Since I was a wee one I have always loved to read. I really can't ever think of a time when I hated it, or even disliked it a little.. I blame my parents, and by blame I mean a positive thankful hug or two. Two truly inspiring, book loving....nerds. Could you ask for a better pair? Nay. I have benefited greatly from how my parents raised me. I grew up being read to at an early age. I remember my Mom reading us the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe series several times before I was 10. And by the time anyone had heard anything about Harry Potter my dad had already read us the first book. There are so many exciting things you can learn from books. Your imagination grows and is exponentially benefited from reading. You simply cannot learn all the things you can gain from books from playing a video game. No way no how.

One thing that I know is that a house is not a house without a considerable amount of books. That's all there is to it. Our house is full of books. We haven't parked a car in our garage in years. But who needs a garage for your car when you have beautiful books to fill it with? Lets be realistic here. My Dad is a book collector and my parents love to find new books as well as rare ones. Books in the hallways, family rooms, living room, basement, entry ways, kitchen, cellars, library, bedrooms, closets, attic, even bathrooms (although that last room in particular is reserved for the not so fancy books). Nonetheless, if it is a room, it has a book. It couldn't possibly be a complete functioning room without some lovely books. A truly tragic loss for those of you who can't or wont appreciate a book, whether for reading or for looking.

Developing my muchness

2011-03-04T09:34:00.001-07:00

Just a heads up. This post is long, and some of you will not be interested in the slightest. I will rant, I will probably offend some, but I have to get it out and speak my mind...... again.

So yesterday was a GOOD day. It didn't really start out that way, but I am happy to say that It was one of the best days I have had in a while. There were a lot of things that could have made this a terrible no good day, but I made the best of it all.

I have been having a lot of late nights in the printmaking studio, and working hard to apply for an internship at Anderson Ranch in Colorado this summer and the Print conference on the 16th in St Louis. I am also doing an internship with Utah State doing design work for different departments. I don't get payed for that, so I work 20 hours a week at the Library as a student supervisor. Not to mention I am graduating this semester with a double major. So needless to say I have been Bu-sy. Maybe all of this stress and pressure has made me extra flippant, and testy? Who knows. I feel like I am handling it pretty well thank you.

I stayed up until 4:30 or 5 working on fine tuning my portfolio pieces to present to my class on Thursday. I worked pretty hard to improve things in my portfolio for this presentation. I was working on the items and sent them to print. For some reason the black wasn't printing. I pulled out the ink I had bought to replace it and it was light magenta instead of the normal kind magenta... Woops. (I guess magenta plays a big part in the black... interesting) I was in a panic. Luckily my class wasn't until 12 the next day so I knew I could get up early and do it. I tried to get most of it ready to go before I went to bed, but by 4:30, I was about to die so I decided to sleep. Of course it took me almost an hour to actually fall asleep. I woke up at 8, reluctantly I might add. Luckily Steve has figured out effective ways of forcing me out of bed, despite my anger and frustration in the mornings. We went and bought the ink and I came back and finished up with my work. Of course I pushed it all until the last moment, making changes and trying to get everything to look its best. We had to book it out the door to catch the bus. Poor Steve.

So I get to class. BFA was first. This is the class where we plan our end of the year, graduation portfolio show. I got there 2 or so minutes late and a group was up presenting a website they are making for the show. I'll be honest, websites are cool but do we seriously need to create a website for this thing? In my opinion, NO. When they asked for comments I simply said, "I just don't think you should spend too much time on this thing, It seems like kind of a waste of your time. I mean who is even going to go to this site?" I felt like this was a valid comment. I wasn't trying to be offensive or anything, just giving my opinion on the matter. I had talked to several others in the class that felt the same way. The guy then proceeded to say, "well if you are planning an event you're going to look like an idiot if you don't have a website." BULL CRAP. No one just creates a random website for an art show. Come on. People will advertise events on already existing websites (that people actually visit) but this is just not needed in my opinion. What are they even going to put on this website? Let's be honest, the majority of the guests are going to be our parents anyway. Sometimes I hate design students. I really wasn't trying to create some uproar, but people were mad.

So our group got up to present our plans for the set up and decoration stuff. While I am talking about lighting this smart A up front says, "what a waste of time," just to mock me. I called him a douche bag right to his face. oops, it just came out. I'm up here talking about the most important part of the show, the actual displaying of our work and this idiot has to chime in with this comment to make himself feel cool. Of course everyone in the class laughs. I am always getting flack like this because I am the only person who ever speaks up for themselves and expresses independent thought. Most people just sit back too wussy to comment or tell what they think. It's really annoying actually. A minute late another person decides it will be funny to say it again... at this point I was ticked and spoke up. "Why don't those of you who I have talked to, who also think this web thing is a waste actually speak up instead of sitting back safely in your "i'm a wimp with no guts to express my own opinion seat" so I don't take the flack for everyone here. Seriously people tick me off. No wonder no one ever has the guts to stick up for themselves and promote their opinions. I get more flack then anyone in this class and I deal with it. The first week of class my teacher made a pretty awful, rude joke about me and I have taken joke after joke continually throughout the semester about it, and deal with it, usually with a smile, even though I am a person and yes I have feelings too. Whatever, crack your jokes and sit back in the dark in your little posse and pretend like you actually have a brain.

So I was called on to present my portfolio very last. I got up and presented and felt pretty good about it. Afterwords, my professor (who I have had endless battles with. I never know if he hates me or actually likes me?) payed me a huge compliment and told me my portfolio looked really great. If only you knew this man, you would know what a huge compliment that is. It seriously made my day! I was floating for the next couple of hours. Hard work always pays off. Ill post a pdf of my portfolio soon :)

This post is not intended to offend anyone. And besides, if you are one of the offended it probably means you need to man up and actually speak your mind and participate in class. If your going into graphic design, learn to take it. It will make you stronger.

I'm sorry to say so but, sadly it's true that bang-ups and hang-upscan happen to you.

2011-02-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you Dr. Seuss.

I'm starting to wonder if peoples brains are getting progressively smaller by the snow storm. Seriously, it's like this is Utah, learn how to drive and operate yourself during questionable weather. Use your head.

I was dreading driving home last night because I know how ridiculous people get when its dumping snow outside. On a side note, the last snow storm we had my two friends and I decided we were going to go up to a work out class on campus. I drove, and on our way back I got infuriated at a truck speeding past us on the steep road... Alisa then pointed out I was going 12 miles an hour. Hahaha embarrassing. It was pretty funny tho. I was shouting, "who does this fool think he is?" Turns out, I was being the brainless fool.

Anyway back to the real story. I'm driving home and the roads are BAD. Of course the snow plows have yet to grace us with their presence. I decided to drive down 10th North, thinking it wouldn't be as steep... Nope, my memory failed me. There were 5 cars pulled over on the side of the road. People were out trying to push each other up the hill. First I see this car drive past me with a girl sitting on the hood of the car? What an idiot. It's snowing profusely and you think its a good idea to be cruising down the road sitting on the hood of a car going 20... Ya smart. It gets worse. As I am slowly (due to the large amount of people on the road) driving down the hill, this love couple has decided it would be fun to skip down the middle of the road. I am pretty ticked off by this point. I had to follow these moronic fools down the hill going under 5 miles an hour. I haven't gone that slow since drivers ed. My car was sliding and I flashed my lights several times and yet this couple just thought it was so fun to be in love sliding down the hill together. NO. You are dimwits. ONE, you are out skipping around in a blizzard. TWO, you are on a very steep road with a million cars sliding around and yet you don't have any hesitation for you idiotic acts. Three, I was secretly hoping they would fall. Be glad I was decent enough to put up with you DSH (dumb stupid humans).

There's just something about little prints

2011-02-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post about my prints for a while now. I have been making these small 2"x2" prints for the last year or so. I've been using copper plates and woodcuts to layer and create these prints. It's been a lot of experimenting (with plenty of weird results) my initial goal with these was an attempt to be more spontaneous with my work. I love what has developed over the past year. I'm planning to make a book with a series of these small prints... I'm going to have it finished hopefully by the end of the semester. So I'll post about the end result when I finish. I think I'll post about my printmaking work more often. What do you think?

Odosketch

2011-02-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

OK I am obsessed. Have you ever been to this site? Wow. Seriously. You can click on the sketches people have done and you can watch the sketch in progression. It is so much fun! Seriously you must check this out! The colors are fantastic and seriously entertaining. Make your own sketch, it's addicting!

Stylish Blog Award

2011-02-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

The rules go like this:
First...Thank the person who gave you the award

Second...Share 7 facts about yourself

Third...Award 7 new bloggers with the award (and comment them so they know they've won!)

Thanks Devri for the award!

Seven Facts.... Lets see

1 I love art. Printmaking and Design are my loves.

2 I am a diabetic (type one, and if you ever ask me if I got diabetes because I used to be fat I WILL punch your face, you ignorant fool.)

3 I won a car, a lovely green Subaru in high school. My number was 13. It's lucky.

4 I am married to a man named Steve. He has beautiful blue/green eyes and grows an occasional mullet. I love him.

5 I come from a family of book lovers. In turn I LOVE to read. There is nothing like reading a book well into the night.

6 I don't like to wear socks, they make my feet claustrophobic. Exception: when I wear sneakers to work out, then it is a must.

7 The giraffe is my favorite animal. It's a lovely animal.

Seven other Lovelies (you should check them out!)

Joni Severe
Love this girl, she always has some really great art and insights.
Courtney Winnie
She has an incredible portfolio, her photos are beautiful.
Lexi Politis
Did my flowers for my wedding, she has a lovely style.
Tosha Seeholzer
Oh Tosh, So creative and design savvy
Pam Wilkins
A witty and creative girl, I love her posts
Bonnie Herrmann
I can't read a post without laughing, this girl is hilarious!
Mandi Christensen
So stylin, I love her 30 for 30 challenges. Beautiful taste!

So I like to cook... sometimes. ok, ok, just sweets.

2011-02-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

Are you drooling yet? Homemade peanut butter cups. How bout now? I made these for Steve for V-day since he is addicted to the things. They are SO simple, and if I do say so myself they are DELICIOUS. So you want to make them yourself? You can. Here's how

Before I start I apologize if my directions seem strange... My dad always just makes things up for recipes to improve them and experiment, maybe that's where I get it. I tried to make it more exact so you folks could actually try this and succeed. You cant really go wrong though. I forgot the salt and they were still delicious.

All you will need

One bag of chocolate chips. Anything that is sweetened should work. You could probably even melt chocolate bars and use that. Why not?
I cup Peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs
I just stuck them in a bag and smashed them with my hands.

First Melt a bag of chocolate chips

I put them all in a pan and added a bit of oil (sorry this isn't exact, id say maybe a tablespoon) just enough to make it a bit creamier and prevent it from sticking to the sides of the pan.

Put your cupcake liners in the cupcake pan. (I used the minis)

Fill each cup making sure to get the chocolate up on the side. I just used a knife to push the chocolate up on the edges. Don't be afraid to use a lot.

Make sure you leave enough chocolate for the top of the cups (about a 1/4 of the mix)

Stick the liners with chocolate in the fridge for about 20 minutes or until hardened.

While those are cooling you can make the peanut butter mix

Stir together Peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham crackers and salt (I just stirred them together with a spoon until they were mixed well)

Put the peanut butter mixture in a zip lock back and cut a small corner off. This is my homemade, ghetto version of an icing bag. Works great and is less messy. fill the cups with peanut butter. Try not to fill above the line of chocolate on the side. You can spread the peanut butter around if you like to even it out. It doesn't have to be perfect, no stress.

Use the remaining chocolate (use the same zip lock bag method) and add chocolate to the top of the cup. Then smooth out the chocolate so it covers the peanut butter and seals the edges.

Stick them in the fridge to cool the chocolate and there you have it, you have delicious peanut butter cups!

They are so much better then the store bought kind. Seriously. Steve almost ate the entire pan in one day! I had a few as well.

No Fair

2011-02-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

Why is it so easy for guys to lose weight? I swear I can spend a whole semester going to the gym, taking workout classes and eating reasonably well and I see minor results. Then there is Steve. He goes to the gym twice and his arms look twice as big. Ugh. I know I sound like a 5 year old when I say this, but gosh NO FAIR! Oh well I guess I can live with having a sexy husband, even if I'll always have to live with blasted love handles.

Pregnancy....

2011-02-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

No I am not pregnant. Just to be clear.

I've been baffled at the subject of this post for a time, and I wasn't quite sure what or how I wanted to present my thoughts, but I need to get it out. So, I live in Utah. People are obsessed with having babies here. I get it, you want to start a family, that is great. And yes babies are adorable. I really don't have a problem with that as long as you have decided it on your own terms. I am so happy for all of my friends who are having babies, or already have them. It's when people start feeling like they have some obligation to get pregnant now and start having babies ASAP when they get married that I see a problem. These kinds of decisions are completely personal... at least I believe they should be. No one should be telling you when you should be having kids, or badgering you to start. Now I am not one to fall for this sort of pressuring, but there are plenty who do.

The past few weeks I have been to church there has been a lot of talk about "your duty to become a mother." First, I believe becoming a mother is a wonderful thing, but come on people lets be sensitive here. There are so many wonderful things that women can do, and not all of them include being a mother. I want to go to grad school. How could I possibly start raising kids (and doing a good job of it) while doing that? I'm sure it has been done, but I wouldn't be able to do my best in both areas at the level I would hope for if I was doing both at the same time. Also, what about all those women out there who have never been married, or who cannot have children? How does it make them feel when people are obsessing, saying it's "a commandment to multiply and replenish," and "why wait?" Seriously? There are plenty of reasons to wait. Lets see, financial reasons, personal readiness.. I think you need to truly have a desire to be parents before you become parents, Schooling (like I mentioned earlier). There are plenty more I could list, but you get the idea. My point is, everyone is there own individual and everyone wants different things at different times. It's nobody else's business when you choose to do what.

To get to the point of why I was posting about this is something that happened a few weeks ago at church... Sitting in relief society/priesthood a sister announced an upcoming activity for the women. She said to come pick up a handout after class. Later, I saw all the girls holding these boxes? Kind of strange for a handout, so I went to check it out. Imagine my surprise when I pulled this out of the basket.....

Yes. They passed pregnancy tests out at church. Anyone else find that extremely weird? Not to mention inappropriate? Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post. I am Baffled. Steve and I were laughing so hard trying to figure out why on earth you would ever think to pass this out at church?

Brain Dead Milk

2011-02-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

I went to the store to buy some milk. I was talking to my mom on the phone as I walked to the back of the store. I opened the freezer and started checking the dates on the milk. (If you don't check the dates you are a fool. The dates can vary by a week sometimes. Can you believe that? My Dad taught me this and I have to do it). It couldn't have been more then a few seconds, when I grabbed the milk and turned around. An older gentleman (probably in his 70s to 80s) was standing right behind me. It kind of startled me, but I apologized and started to walk away. I all of a sudden hear some one yelling behind me and turn around. The man proceeds to tell me that in 30 years all of us "cell phone junkies" will be brain dead.... Puzzled I walked way. It was so strange. I usually don't have run-ins with the elderly. I guess I should be more careful.

Mullet anybody?

2011-02-04T22:49:00.003-07:00

This is Steve. He is my husband. I am not ashamed. He is freakin the coolest! Enjoy

Before...

the After

A little close up... just to disturb haha

Explanation.... In high school Steve played for the Rugby team and every season he would grow out his hair and then cut it into a mullet for a few weeks before their first game. Now his senior year it was EXTRA long and EXTRA... well lets just say mullety. So many people asked me if I was embarrassed by my ridiculous red neck boyfriend. My response to these fools. No you heartless idiots, this kid is the shiz and I love him. (I may be fudging the wording just a little, but I was definitely thinking those exact words every time.) Who can say their husband/significant other has the guts to pull off this do? Me. me alone. Anyway so he grew his hair and conquered once again. I love my mullet Stephen!

Just another post

2011-02-04T20:59:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in a while so.... what's new, lets see. I started my last semester of school at Utah State in January. I think I have mentioned that. I am taking a lot of printmaking this semester (which I LOVE) and then two BFA classes for our end of the year/graduation shows. I think we are going to have some really great shows. I am excited! I also got an internship with the University this semester. I am helping the College of Humanities and Social Sciences with their design. It should be pretty fun. I have enjoyed it so far. Ill have some good experience at least. And I love the people I work with. I guess that's all you can ask for... well maybe some money to go along with it might be nice, but such is life. You have to start somewhere right?

On another note, my brother Marcus leaves for Germany on Monday! I am extremely excited and "overfloating" with jealousy. (made up that word in my early childhood) He is going to be great. He is an understanding and peaceful person. I'm sure he will do great things out there!

For the biggest news..... drum roll please. I am going to St Louis in March for the Southern Graphics Print conference! I am so excited. Kathy (printmaking professor) is taking us the week after spring break! (two weeks off, yes ill take it!) Its going to be amazing! Ill have more to share when I go :) Can't wait!

Typography

2011-01-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Alphabet from n9ve on Vimeo.

This video made me grin. Nerdy? Maybe. Just watch it. I promise even if you are not a lover of typography you might think about becoming one while viewing.

James Victore

2011-01-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I attended a workshop at UVU for graphic designer, James Victore. I was legitimately surprised at how much I took away from the experience. I wasn't really even sure about what he was going to say, or what was going to happen. Ironically, the first thing he talked about was being BRAVE. Being able to, "be the person you want to be, and be cool with it." I think that really applies to anything in life, any career, and anyone's lifestyle. Trying to be anything for somebody else will usually just be frustrating. Be content with being yourself. This has really opened my eyes to how and why I am designing and creating. I have been frustrated with a lot of things over my student career. Like every student I have struggled with what I want to pursue, and who I want to become. I think it will always be a challenge to decide these things in life. You can't always know where your life is going, and its terribly frustrating at times. Another thought that I've been thinking about is why are we always trying to be something or someone else? Are we just not content with what we have made of ourselves? Will I be able to look at my life in 5 years and say, yes, this is where I want to be? This is quite terrifying for me to think about. I've had so many great experiences in the art department here at Utah State. They haven't all been easy, or enjoyable to be honest, but I have learned so much here and met so many wonderful people. I look back to where I was 5 years ago starting here at USU and It is unbelievable how much I have changed. I am excited to continue to learn and to become a better me. (holy cheese fest. sorry all) Hopefully you found something in there useful or inspiring :)

not an addiction, just a love.

2011-01-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a delicious freezer cold Diet Dr. Pepper before an interview. Actually there's nothing like one of these cans anytime of the day. Go get one. They are delicious

Some goals for my soul

2011-01-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I've been posting so much? It probably has something to do with the fact that up until this week I have had a lot of free time (I already miss it). Anyway who knows if I will slow down? So I've been thinking about some goals for myself this year. Maybe if I write them somewhere I cant possibly lose them, they will be more affective? We shall see.

1. Read all of Jane Austin's Books
2. No Sugar (not only to lose weight but to have better control of my diabetes.) I have gone two days so far... so its going well haha I really am going to do it. I have an increased amount of ambition for this one.
3. Graduate from College
4. Find a job I will love doing
5. Think more positive things about myself
6. Be less bossy and impatient
7. Use the computer less (such a waste of time)
8. A1C (diabetic test) at a 6.5 or lower
9. Don't cut my hair (trying to grow it out)
10. Make some beautiful prints to go in BFA show
11. Eat healthier meals (and learn new recipes)
12. sketch or draw something every day
13. Exercise 3+ times a week

Well I love the number 13 so I will stop there. Wish me luck on these. Ill probably add more to the list as more things come to mind :) I have a good feeling about 2011.

extra add ons

14. Stand up to the jerks who try and tell me I cant and prove them wrong
15. Drink 8 glasses of the good stuff (water) a day

Sketchbook Deal

2011-01-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am usually not too particular about the sketchbooks I use, but for some reason I was having a difficult time choosing what I wanted. I found these beauties at Hobby Lobby. One is 8x10.5 and two are 6x8.5 size. All for.... drum roll 12 dollars. I love a good bargain and these are beautifully made. They have a 30% off sale on all sketchbooks. Check it out.

GIVEAWAY

2011-01-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

GIVEAWAY

Alright. One word. GIVEAWAY!!! I'm doing a giveaway I think you will like. All you have to do is go to flowerinyourhair.blogspot.com leave a comment and tell me which flower is your favorite. Post this link to your FB to spread the word and you can enter twice. There will be three lucky winners.

First Place three free items

Second Place two free items

Third Place one free item

I will choose the winners using a random number selector. Good Luck! Leave your email or a way to contact you so that I can send you your prize :)

Winners will be announced on Wednesday the 19th

Graduating? WHAT?

2011-01-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

So I've started my last semester at Utah State. It is a very strange feeling. I keep having mixed feelings about the whole thing. I am definitely excited to move on but there are points where I know that I will miss being in school. I am doing a double emphasis in graphic design and printmaking. I have completely fell in love with printmaking. I love graphic design and what it has taught me as well. I have felt stronger about what I have been doing in printmaking lately, but I definitely believe that design is crucial in anything I do. I love to create things. I always have. Design has taught me so much about creating something beautiful to fill the world with. I love when I see something unexpected that has simplistic beauty. Advertisements in magazines, book covers, the chair that was tipped up in a stack today in my design classroom, or the way sometimes the clutter on my desk creates interesting patterns. Yes, I know I am incredibly strange. I also love seeing some perfectly placed type on a poster somewhere. Design is everywhere and I am so glad that I have learned to notice it and to appreciate its beauty. I have learned so much from my teachers here at Utah State. My printmaking teacher Kathy Puzey (also known as Cathy Puvey) is an amazing woman. She has so much talent and love for the processes in printmaking. I love that she has taught me to embrace the things I create and respond to the things that work in my prints. She has truly helped me develop my love for the creative. (can you use that as a sentence?) I am so grateful to her for inspiring me and helping me achieve what I have been working towards. I would have to say she is one of the greatest teachers this university has to offer. Every teacher should be able to inspire you and help you learn more about yourself like she has helped me. Wow that sounds cheesy, but in all seriousness Kathy is incredible. Another professor that has changed my life is Bob Winward. I was lucky enough to go on a design study abroad trip to Switzerland a few summers ago. This man's heart is in the right place. He has so much zest for design and for beautiful things. He is all about helping you find out about yourself and the work you create. I just remember looking up to him and wanting to learn all about the things he had to show us. Switzerland started a huge transformation for me and my art. I really don't think I would be where I am without it. I also took a class from him a few semesters ago that really inspired me. He has a way of giving you hope and getting you excited about design. This has been an extremely cheesy post, but whatevs I'm cool with it. I am excited for whats next. Ill be staying in Logan for another year until Steve finishes and then I'm seriously considering (pretty much already decided) to go to grad school in printmaking/letterpress... who knows!

Bangs

2011-01-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

So I finally got brave and took the plunge. I used to cut my bangs all the time in high school and my early college days, but for some reason lately I have been really afraid of cutting them. I love having bangs but I have been lazy and clipping them back every day. I've been growing out my hair for the past year or so and my bangs have grown out quite a bit. I was bored last night and just decided to do it. They are by no means professional but hey, it was free :)

Chocolate Mint Heaven

2011-01-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

Look at this beautiful cake my family got for me. My dad always picks the most beautiful cakes for me (im a girl, i appreciate it) Not only were the flowers the most beautiful I have ever seen, but it was delicious! It was a chocolate mint. My favorite! YUMMY

Grey Bird Pin

2011-01-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

I found a great tutorial for this pin on this site. It was really easy and it would look great on a sweater or bag, even a headband :) oh by the way Steve and I bought a camera from Costco with the gift card my parents gave us for Christmas. I love it. Its just a simple point and shoot but it takes great photos! It's amazing the camera you can get these days for only 100 bucks.

twenty three and change

2011-01-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well ladies and gentlemen.... I am now Twenty Three years old. It is crazy to think about. I know its not that old but seriously that's a big chunk of time. I had a wonderful birthday this year. My sweet Stephen gave my mario kart for our wii (I used to be the master of this game our freshman year on the N64) Has anyone tried to play with that steering wheel thing on the wii?... it is difficult. Needless to say, I have a lot of practicing to do if I ever want to obtain my master status again. It has been so fun playing the wii with Steve. We got the old school Mario with our system for Christmas and Steve and I have been playing it trying to go through and beat all the levels. It is so funny how our personalities show through how we play the game. Interesting. Anyway... So for my birthday we had a bunch of family come up to our place in Logan and celebrate by making my favorite dinner. Gnocchi (ni-yokee) It is a delicious Italian dish that my great grandmother made. She taught us all how to make them. I have always loved the process. So you cook your potatoes. Mix with flower (this is the hardest part... there is a consistency that they are supposed to have that is just learned. You just have to know when there is just the right amount of flower.) it is still difficult to know. Then you roll it out in snake form and cut them into little inch squares. Now my favorite part. You use a fork and your thumb to roll out the gnocchi. there are fork tine marks on one side and a thumb indent on the other. Then you throw them into boiling water and when they float to the top they are done. You take them out and layer them with sauce (my dad made some delicious sauce this year. Oh man I don't know how he does it. He is an incredible cook.) and cheese. Then eat!!! It was so fun having so much family over. It got kinda crazy when all of the nephews got there but we had so much fun seeing everyone! I love getting together with family.

My parents gave me some beautiful books (they always give the best books of course, being the book lovers) One of the books is called The Exquisite Book. Some artists arranged over 100 artists to create exquisite corps. You remember when you were little and you used to take turns with friends drawing a part of a person, someone draws the head the next the body, the next the feet, you get the idea. The art in this book is so beautiful, The pages fold out to show the whole string. I LOVE It.

The other book they gave me also has beautiful artwork. Its called the secret lives of princesses. Its all about different princesses such as princess somnia. Its pretty great. The illustrations are beautiful and have so many intricate details. There is nothing like a beautiful book. I love books! Thank you mom and dad :) I got lots of great gifts from family! I love them all!

On another note I have been making some new headbands... I love this one what do you think??

Merriest of Merries

2010-12-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

This Christmas season was really great. It wasn't officially our first Christmas together but last year we didn't really do anything for it since our wedding was the week before. It was so fun to decorate and get each other gifts and such. Anywho, so we drove around for ever trying to find a Christmas tree lot, commmmmon Logan, seriously we had to buy our tree from smiths.. Lame. I mean I'm not bashing on smiths or anything, but down in my home land, sandy, there are lots galore! Alas we bought a cute little tree (6 footer) and brought her home. We watered her and dressed her up and yet... a few days later pine needles are falling everywhere. Poor little tree just didn't quite have what it takes. We left her up anyway and it's actually still up... we just don't have the heart to take her down. Although our tree was a slight disappointment it still looked and smelled amazing. There's nothing like walking in the door and smelling real pine :) mmmmm. I am really stuck on having a live tree. When we were little some of my favorite Christmas memories were going to pick out a Christmas tree. Although many of our journeys included mass hysteria, It was always such a fun time spent with the family.
One year my parents had some friends that had land that they let us go cut down our own tree. Does the movie Chrismas Vacation come to mind anyone? It seriously echoed that first scene of the movie. Everything went wrong. We were in the middle of a blizzard, trying to find where we were supposed to go. Finally we just pulled over and decided to cut one down... we got it all up on the top of the van and my dad forgot scissors to cut the twine. My mom hesitantly let him borrow her little cross stitch scissors and of course they ended up dropping into the ten feet of snow below. Classic. When we got the tree home it took up (in my little childhood mind) half of our living room. and to quote myself "we kids loved that tree." It was a year to remember. We stuck to Christmas tree lots after that. Every year we had some huge melt down at the lots trying to decide on a tree. People wanting a skinny tree, or a really full tree. My mom crying because she hated that we were all fighting. In the end my Dad always pulled us all together and made us choose, and make up. I look back and love all of those memories. It's always the ridiculous ones that make things memorable.

So I made this paper creation a few weeks back and thought it would be a fun tree topper? It worked perfectly!

I love decorating for Christmas. I love the advent calendars, the trees, snowflakes.... all sorts of fun things. It just helps me get in the mood for the holidays. My grandma gave me this little bear ornament. It reminds me of my grandparents house on Christmas. My grandma made these and has a bunch of them on her tree :) We always go over to their home on Christmas and have their amazing spiced beef. My parents have tried to figure out how to make it for the past couple of years and it has a pretty intense process. I don't know if anyone can quite do it the same as they do. It is so delicious. My grandpa has to serve everyone their spiced beef. It has to be done the right way. You get a piece of bread, not just any kind of bread. Its nice and thick wheat (not sure of the brand...) he puts a few thin slices of spiced beef and onions (and if you ask for no onions, you'll get the eye... and then receive a few on there anyway) He then pours the juices from the beef on top. I think I am drooling just thinking about it. We also enjoy, my dads incredible potatoes (not anything like funeral potatoes). Always perfection. Grandma Jean's maple cookie's (Marcus's fav) Tammy's million layered jello, cracker dip, and soooooo much more. Its like another Thanksgiving!

I think ornaments have so many memories that go along with them. My mom always gave us ornaments and little Christmas trinkets as part of our advent calendar adventures. We had advents all over our house and we would spend every night leading up to Christmas going around the house doing the advents together. (also lots of crazy memories of fighting about who's turn it was and what not.)

This ornament was my first one. My mom got us all really unique first Christmas ornaments and she gave me this to hang on our tree. I love it! If you look really close you can see my name and birth date on it.

This beauty goes a few years back. I made a module of can cubes when I was first up here at Utah State and it has kind of fallen apart over the years, so I thought they would make fun Christmas tree ornaments? I thought the dr pepper can was fitting to show...

I love these sparkly green snowflake ornaments... I just love green. It was fun to go out with Steve and find some new ornaments for our tree. They looked great on the tree.

Another thing I love about Christmas is the cookies! We used to make all sorts of fun Christmas cookies when we were all at home. My favorite are candy cane cookies. They were always so fun to make because we could all help out! And they are delicious. So I mad a couple batches this Christmas. Ive never done it myself before but they turned out great! Steve and I had fun making all sorts of random candy canes :) My parents also gave me a copy of my grandmas cookie cookbook that most of these recipes came from. I am so excited to make some of them!

I love to wrap. Its a strange obsession but I really do. When I was younger I was always designated the wrapper. My dad and brothers would come to me to have me help him wrap my mom's gifts. I would act like I was annoyed and hated it but deep down I really loved it! I found some fun stuff at Micheals this year and had some fun with it. I also made some little cards to go with the gifts.

Here we are Christmas morning I look awesome. Not as cool as Steve in his Santa hat, that yes, he wore the entire day :)

My mom has cross stitched us all these beautiful stockings... and I forgot to take a picture, they are so wonderful tho. I always loved opening our stockings on Christmas morning. Santa (aka daddyrom) always does such a good job at putting fun things into our stockings. I love my parents so much. I am so grateful for all of the fun traditions they created for us when we were young. My favorite Christmas tradition was on Christmas eve we would always sit down and read Christmas books together. My parents have some beautiful Christmas books and it was good for us to think about the savior and read different stories that relate to him. It was always helpful to get us out of our greedy moods, even if it was only for a few minutes. This year we didn't have Marcus with us for Christmas. Marcus is one of the most Christ like people I know. He is so gentle and giving. There was definitely something missing without him there this year. I hope that I as time goes on I can be more like him. This Christmas was so great to spend time with family and enjoy the things that really matter. I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a new year 2011!!!

December Eighteenth

2010-12-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

One year later.....

Please allow yourself to laugh at the picture above. hehe I love Steve so much! It is so funny how many people don't recognize Steve with all of his facial hair and long hair. I really don't mind it, I think he looks great! What's even funnier is that a guy he works with thought he was 33 years old... (oh and another fellow employee told him he thought I was somebody's little sister, like 15 years old). Anyway Saturday the 18th was our one year anniversary! First of all I cannot believe it has been a year since that day! It's crazy, even though it feels like we have always been together.

So as luck would have it we had two family Christmas parties planned on our anniversary. We stopped by both of them and stuffed ourselves. Then we went to check into the hotel we had reserved. Steve ran to check in, while I lazily sat in the car. Ick it embarrasses me to admit what a girl I was being.. anyway Steve ran in and one of my friends from high school, Jaten Mcgriff. He was working the front desk! I love that kid. He was such a good friend in high school to me. He is in my brothers program at the U and is really good friends with him now. Small world! So he gave us a sweet and a free breakfast (which was amazing!)

We ended up eating some of our wedding cake which was delicious! I was certainly surprised. My best friend Lainie's mom made it and she is an amazing baker, let me tell you. It tasted great, and that's after a year of sitting in a freezer. We had it wrapped 14 times (7 tin foil layers, 7 plastic wrap layers) It turned out to be a really fun day!

So after we went swimming at the hotel we came back to our room (starving) we noticed at the elevator that someone had left a perfectly good dominos pizza there... to waste! Oh my gosh it smelled good. We were very tempted to eat it. How gross right? Well....................You can stop worrying and thinking we are some disgusting dumpster diving crazies. We didn't eat it. Man it took some will power, we passed it several times during the stay and every time got more difficult to resist. Who throws out half a pizza? Stupid. Anyway we had a great time. I feel even closer to Steve then I was before. Allow me to get mushy here for a sec. I love Stephen so much. He is such a wonderful husband, and friend. I've never met a more gentle and kind guy in my life, and I couldn't be prouder of him. He works so hard for everything in his life. He is smart and humble and I love his little quirks (come on we all have them). Can't wait for this next year :)

All nighter print extravaganzas

2010-12-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

So I finally am finished with finals!!! I use the word finished lightly. I still have a lot of work to do on my prints. My projects just took up more time then I had anticipated. My woodcut project was mighty large. I really like whats happening with it, but it isn't finished. I will post some pictures soon, once I have it finished or at least closer to finished then it is now.

I have spent the last two weeks barely sleeping. I spent a few nights staring at my computer creating that website and working on my portfolio and then for the past week have spent countless hours in the printmaking lab. I love it though. I have a couple of really great friends that I've made and its so fun being there working together and getting advice and ideas from each other. (not to mention all the Diet DP we share) I'm such an addict but I love diet DP I swear if you try it you will be surprised how good it is. I would not have survived finals week without it! Anyway several of those nights (I think at least 5) I was at the lab until 4:30 working. I posted about my huge block (which is 3' x3') My muscles are so weak and tired from carrying and carving that thing. I would go home and feel so stiff and just fall into bed feeling like I would die in my sleep. Standing, carving, lifting, cleaning... for hours at a time.

So last night Lisie, Alisa and I stayed in the lab ALL night working on our projects for our advanced print class. It was madness I tell you. We didn't leave until 7 this morning as the sun was coming up. It was good to have company but by the end of the night we were all going crazy. Its quite funny how strange things happen when you are tired. I just end up saying really bizarre things. Alisa kept falling asleep in funny places, once while researching reading a print book and also I caught here sleeping standing at her drawer. It was hilarious. Its been a long couple of weeks for us all. It feels so good to be done with this semester. Things were really stressful and busy, so it feels great to be done. It is really feeling strange that I will be graduating in the spring. I don't know what I will do with myself. School has been my life for the past umpteen years. I really do enjoy school and I love art and design. I am seriously considering getting a MFA when we move for Steve to go to grad school. I love how much more I appreciate design and art from what I have learned. Why ever stop learning? I sound crazy, maybe that's the tired talking? Who knows. But I am excited for the time I have left and what's to come. Now time for relaxation. I love this time of year and I can't wait to finally be able to enjoy it!

24 packs of Dr pepper can get you through a lot of things

2010-12-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

So finals have been pretty rough but I've made it through two and have two more to go... I have a lot of work to do...

My first final was my portfolio class. Ive been trying to get it all put together. It is so much more work then I ever thought. Its coming along tho so graduation is seeming more and more real. Which is so strange!

The past two nights I have been slaving on my Flash website. Oh my gosh it is crazy how confusing and frustrating it can be but in the end I pulled it off (something I really didn't think was possible) I just work well under pressure. Its funny, this is exactly how my Dad operates. I keep realizing how much I am like my Dad. (Which I am so proud of, I look up to my Dad so much. He is one of the most intelligent and loving men I will ever know) Anyway so I have realized how much I get done in the crunch time zone. I had a couple of weeks to do this assignment and I just wasn't happy with my design. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, considering all I went through to get it to actually function. Pretty much 2 straight days. I slept like 6 or 7 hours over the past couple days. Not advised, but hey that's how I do it. Here is the link to the site. Check it out :)

http://www.fall10.graphicinterfacedesign.com/students/mhorrock/flash/

This is a little sneak peak at what im working on next for my woodcut printmaking class. Im pretty excited about it! Its a 3'x3' woodcut block.. Its going to have multiple reductive layers... crazy I know (as you can see I am throwing down the diet Dr Peppers... I bought a 24 pack this last weekend and it is almost gone... Steve has only drank a few...

Anyway wish me luck!

The Peacemaking Vacuumer

2010-12-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

Marcus. My little brother. We have been best friends since I can remember. Our whole lives you could say. It has been so great to see him grow (literally as well as emotionally and spiritually) When I was a senior in high school he was shorter then me (5'4") by the time he graduated high school he had grown to be 6 feet tall, and the tallest person in our family. I don't have any idea where that came from.

Marcus is leaving on a mission on Dec 8, which is Wednesday. I cannot believe he's going to be gone in only a few short days. Marcus is one of the most patient people I know. He is always the peacemaker. One time at a family dinner we were all arguing (Romriell style, everyone yelling at the same time and talking over each other.) So as the argument progressed we were suddenly startled by the sound of the vacuum down in our family room... what? Marcus was down in the family room vacuuming. If you know Marcus you know that he is not one to just break out and start cleaning on a whim. I think he was just trying to drown out all of the ridiculousness that was our dinner conversation. Needless to say we all just started laughing and forgot what we were even fighting about in the first place.

When we were little Marcus and I would play with our beanie babies (a family obsession) It's funny because he always played along and loved it (or so I thought). He told me the other night that he just went along with whatever I said. Bossy old me told him what to play and how to play it, and sweet Marcus just went along with it to make me happy. As I think about all of our years growing up together I can honestly say Marcus was my first best friend. Kind and selfless, he always put my feelings first. A true friend. As he has prepared to leave on his mission to Germany I have watched him. He has matured more then I could have ever imagined. I have seen a light in him that I haven't seen in many people. As I kept putting off saying goodbye, I couldn't help but get all emotional. As much as I know how important his mission is, I'm selfish and don't want him to be gone. There are so many things that I wish I could say to express how much I love him. Goodluck Marcus, I'll miss you more then I think you know.

Woodcuts

2010-12-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

I've been slaving over all of my final projects, one of which includes a 3'x3' woodcut... Its insane and I don't know what I thought I was getting myself into. We will see how it turns out. I have another week or so to finish. Maybe ill post some photos. Anyway I came across these beauties and thought I'd share. They are so intricate, I love all of the patterns.. I am such a nerd.

http://www.harabuhouse.com/decor/accessories/indian-wooden-print-blocks-large-set.html

sorry my posting has been sparse, my finals might kill me this semester. More to come another day.

I am a tad ashamed to put this story out in the world, but alas....

2010-11-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

An embarrassing but crucial continuation to this post...

So I was so kindly informed, or rather reminded that I have made these mistakes before... Once, I was about to wander into a gas station, leaving my keys in the car, with the car running. Luckily Kailey was there to knock some sense into my spacey brain. That very same visit to the gas station, I attempted (without any intention of doing so, mind you) to leave without paying for my delicious beverage. Wow I was on a roll. This however, is not my worst offense. No, no. All of this talk reminded me of yet another event.... This one is the worst and probably the funniest. I have only told a select few, so it's your lucky day my friends. I can't believe I am admitting this, but I must come clean.

So one stressful evening last fall, (Just keep in mind I was taking 15 credits, engaged, planning a wedding, living long distance from my fiance, and a smattering of other things Id like to just forget) I had forgot something in my apt at Oakridge, and of course I was running late. So I turned off my car in the parking lot (I just left my keys in the ignition because of course that will make things faster) and hurried inside to grab this said item. As I ran back out the door I heard ferocious honking. Someone was backing my car up hill and turning into another car... my thoughts were racing thinking "ahhhhh my car is being stolen." With more careful notice I realize that nope, there was surely no one in the drivers seat??? What was going on? I was thoroughly confused at this point. I stood there in complete shock trying to figure out what I could possibly do to better this already worsening situation. The car went careening into the other car....SMASHCRASHCRUNCH. oh my. This was bad. I went running out.. and yup I somehow didn't get the car into park, left it in reverse while I ran inside. There may or may not have been angry expressions from my end as I ran up to see what the damage was. By some undeserved, but much appreciated miracle there was not a scratch on either car... The car full of people were actually very nice, although severely confused, considering what had happened. I just think about how much I would have laughed (especially with no damage to my car) at this bizarre and weirdo girl and her car... In any case, I drove away thinking, Wow I am a truly one of the dumbest people in the world.

Infuriating pain

2010-11-16T01:01:00.000-07:00

If you have never had a canker.. you are lucky. I am lucky enough that I get one of these bad boys at least once a month. I'm talking huge gargantuan cankers, always strategically placed in the worst possible places. They are these weird little soars on the inside of your mouth usually due to a cut or abrasion of some sort. They kill me. I literally started crying at work today because the one I have was hurting so bad. Just a disclaimer, I am not a wuss. I deal with pain, I do. I grew up with 4 brothers and a million cousins, mostly boys. I was not allowed to whine and complain often if ever. You whine, you don't play. I learned quickly. Anyway I researched a little about why you get these things. Its annoying that they don't know more about the cause. They just have a huge list of things that may or may not cause them. All I have found that works is to lather on "Kanka," a strange tasting 'numb'er of sorts to ease the pain at least for a few minutes. I mean people get them, i get that. But why do I get them soooo much? It infuriates me that I can't figure it out. This is such a lame post, but I am posting it anyway. Its strange how whiny it is, after I said how non whiny I usually am... ah well

too busy, too forgetful = ridiculous and unexplained situations

2010-11-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

I am seriously loosing my mind. Yesterday I went to spinning class.. after class I couldn't find my keys. I ran outside freaking out and see in the distance that my car is running, lights on and everything. I am an idiot. I am so busy that I can't even remember to turn off my car. I'm just glad that one of those teens from across the street didn't come hijack my car to escape from their treatment center. Thank goodness I live in old foagy town USA. I wont be that lucky if this ever happens again... for my sake, and poor Steve (who puts up with my ridiculous spacey personality traits) I hope this first is the last.

Couldnt we all use a little more of this?

2010-11-05T17:50:00.000-06:00

I came across this post randomly. I don't even know how? But I think this woman is incredible. A lesson a lot of people could take to heart. Let your children be who they are, and who they want to be. Is there any sense in trying to force someone to be someone they are not? I don't believe there is. The world needs more of these kinds of parents. People who are willing to love their children no matter what. No matter their struggles, or successes. Let them be happy because they have chosen to be true to who they are. I am so happy to have the most incredible parents. They love all of us so much and support us in our lives. I would not be where I am today without parents telling me to follow what I love and to be whoever I want to be. My mom still to this day tells me I could be an Olympic swimmer if I put my mind to it. It still makes me laugh. But she truly believes in me. My Dad has always inspired me to pursue my artistic path. He's always giving me that extra lift I need when I am down. I wish that more parents were understanding and supportive of their children. There are so many people putting us down, its awful to have the people closest to you adding to that. I hope that when I am a mother I am like this woman. Fearless and stalwart in raising her cute little boy. :)

Flower Website

2010-10-27T13:14:00.001-06:00

If you haven't already check out my website. Please excuse the typos and unfinished pages. I don't have time at the moment to fix and reload. Just to give a better view of what I make :) This is the first website I designed and made.. it is ridiculous! The learning curve is pretty steep but I think it turned out pretty good. Enjoy

http://www.fall10.graphicinterfacedesign.com/students/mhorrock/html/absolutewebsite/

I want I want I want

2010-10-23T17:32:00.001-06:00

Isn't this a lovely radio? My gosh I love this...

Look here

October 5th

2010-10-21T22:11:00.000-06:00

This post is late, but its credibility couldn't be ignored. 5 years ago October 5 (2005) Steve and I kissed for the first time. Its so funny how long ago that seems. I mean seriously 5 years seems like so long. So in 2006 Steve had the great idea to go carve our initials in a tree on old main hill. So we went back and re carved it out. Its still there. I love it. Anyway. Enough of the cheese :)

Our Trusty Couch

2010-10-15T15:34:00.000-06:00

Today we had to say goodbye to our trusty first couch. It was originally Steve's Grandpas Couch. We have loved it! It is the most comfortable couch! David and Sinda gave us the match to the other couch we have (originally from Don) So we had to get rid of it. Seriously. We will miss it :)

Coin Joy Chuckles

2010-10-14T21:03:00.000-06:00

So I love change. I don't really know where it came from but I love having loose change around. I love to go buy a drink at the gas station with my proud findings of coins. Finding a quarter on the ground is so exciting to me. I am weird, I know. This happened a while back but I just keep thinking of it and I can't help but smile. My Dad is one of the greatest people I have ever met. I know you're thinking, ya ya of course she thinks that but that's just her bias. No. He really is incredible. Ask anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him. Anyway so one day I was home visiting my parents in Sandy and I walk through the front door. My Dad is at the top of the stairs laughing hysterically, trying to hold it in. Confused I just stare at him. Then he starts eying the stairway. I then notice there are coins flowing down the stairway. He loves to leave change in funny places for me. I think he enjoys how stupidly excited I get when I find a coin on the ground. I think he purposefully has made it a habit to drop loose change around the house for me. What a sweet Dad. I cant help but be engulfed with happiness every time I think of that moment. I love you Dad.

2010-10-13T08:54:00.000-06:00

So I am incredibly jealous. My brother Marcus gets to live in Europe for two years. Frankfurt Germany to be exact. He got his mission call last week and I am so excited for him. I don't think I realized, or even realize now how much I am going to miss him... He leaves December 8th. SO soon. Maybe ill save a ton of money and take a visit out there? Ugh if only! Love you Marcus

I love anything type

2010-09-29T08:56:00.000-06:00

I WANT THIS!

I hate to say cute but oh my gosh can I please? I would love this little stamp set :) Im already thinking of all the things I could use them for...?

Check them out

http://www.cutetape.com/shop/42-alphabet-number-stamp-set.html

Two Hundred Thousand

2010-09-19T19:12:00.000-06:00

So I have reached a milestone.. literally. Well, it's actually my car. So back in 2006 during my senior year in high school I won a car! Yep won a car. It was sweet. I had my doubts about the wagonesque car that I always had despised and swore I'd never own. I realize now how much I love it! Its a Subaru Outback and It is amazing! I'm so happy with it. It had 143000 miles on it when I got it and the other day the mileage turned over 200000 miles! Can you believe it? I'm totally a number person. Love everything about strange numbers, dates, etc, so this was a big event for me haha as lame as that sounds. So Steve and I pulled over on some random dirt road and recorded it turning over and took some photos. I'm really sounding lame now. This car is amazing! Its been through a lot and is still running pretty great!

2010-09-19T17:02:00.000-06:00

Look at that stud! Tucker is so cute! We just celebrated his first birthday on the 14th of September, I cannot believe how fast time has gone. I swear we were just here...

This little guy has been so much fun! I miss having Chris and Jenn here in Logan with us. I didn't realize how hard it would be to say goodbye (even though they arent that far away) I had a few cry fests... But I have loved watching Tuck man grow up. It has made me more excited to be a mother myself. I have been terrified at the thought for so long, worried about my diabetes and the affects that has on pregnancy or just that I'd be terrible at it, or that I didn't have the patience. But I love little Tuck so much I just can't imagine how much a mother loves her own kids.

Anyway sorry for the mushy stuff. So we all went to Chris and Jenn's for the big party. It was so much fun. Tucker is a very particular and curious little boy. It was so funny watching him try and figure out what to do with the cake. He was not having any of this cake smashing in the face nonsense. It was all business. He just kept sticking his thumb in the hole where the candle had been. His mom had to coax him into making a mess of himself. It was adorable. Anyway so Steve and I got Tucker a drum... I was worried about it because the drum sticks had strings attaching them to the drum. I called my mom to see what she thought.. I decided to leave it... Bad Idea? Yup... So they open it up and hand him the sticks, barely a moment passes and he starts trying to detach the sticks... then to my horror he starts crying. Poor guy. I knew I should have cut them off. Jenn ran and got scissors and the second they were off he was fine. It was hilarious! We also made him this shirt. I thought it was perfect for my little Tuck man.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TUCK MAN!

Just to prove a point...

2010-09-09T20:43:00.000-06:00

So this may seem gross to some of you but this is my life. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when I was 9 years old. Its been quite the challenge getting used to it, adapting to it... really a lot of different challenges. annnnyway.. So I find it frustrating that Insurance and everything is so dang hard to deal with... I have no choice, I have to live, meaning I have to spend tons of money on prescriptions. (Luckily I have the most amazing parents in the world who have helped us out while we are poor) So the above picture is a collection of 355 blood test strips. Mainly just because I am lazy I stow these little babies inside my tester... gross I know but you know I don't really care. So while in the process of getting insurance through Steve's new job we've been paying almost full price for all of my prescriptions... not fun... so each of these strips cost 1$ yes, each. This means this pile of strips cost roughly 355$ gag! Seriously this is probably about 2 months.. That sucks! Luckily our new insurance has kicked in. Good thing I had insurance for at least a year before, otherwise we would be hit with the whole "preexisting condition" crap. Seriously that is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of! Its not like I can just choose not take my insulin, or test my blood, or go to the doctor. Come on people! Anyway enough of my rant, just thought that this was pretty crazy and that this picture is funny :)

Thank Goodness

2010-09-08T15:00:00.000-06:00

Rarely do I (evets) post on this blog. It has been months. This weekend finally gave me something to post about. I have been working at a youth treatment center here in Logan since early this year. On average I have 7-8 students on my dorm. We had a crazy, and very eventful weekend with many students breaking many rules. That is to be expected. But I started looking at some of the home lives (what little information I have) of my students, and it made me VERY grateful that I grew up in a home with a mother that loved me and cared enough about me to let me know when I did something wrong. Not everyone is as fortunate as I was. My mother was sober, hardworking, and did all she could to help us kids employ those same qualities as we grew up and went out into a society that would otherwise knock us down. I am also grateful for other family members and friends that were willing to step forward and help out when situations required it. The Church played a huge role in facilitating it all and I am SO thankful for my fortunate placement in this world.

-evets

Excited for school... because of clothes?

2010-08-29T15:46:00.000-06:00

So in honor of school starting yet again this fall I was thinking about when I was little and my mom and I would go school clothes shopping :) It was sort of like an escape for my mom and me. I have four brothers and the house full of boys could get a little bit overwhelming sometimes. I just loved going shopping with my mom! You always think that your mom doesn't have style and wouldn't know what clothes were cool, but looking back all of the things my mom would pick out were always my most successful clothing. Ya, my Mom has got style! My mom also wouldn't let us wear what we got before our first day of school.... I remember it being so exciting to wear the new clothes the first days... weeks... months... haha sometimes we got a little carried away. I'm the only girl...I admit it finally, my parents spoiled me. I don't know why I've been thinking about that feeling lately, but it really was something that got me excited for school. what ever works I guess haha Thanks Mom! I love you!

Must unexpected turns always accompany the things I do?

2010-08-22T18:07:00.001-06:00

I had a wonderful experience this weekend! Before I get to the good part Ill explain the drama that inevitably has to accompany the great. So Steve and I drove down to Ogden to go camping with his family. It was so much fun! All of the little nephews are so adorable, my word. Anyway so I signed up for a letterpress class with Sycamore Street Press which is located in Heber. Somehow I was led to believe it would only take an hour to get there from where we were... So as im somehow finding my way out of the canyon, trying to use the GPS on my phone I found myself a bit confused. Needless to say I was in a panic, realizing that I still had 2 hours to go and it was now 9:00 (the class started at 10) So of course being the ridiculous female extremist that I'm guessing we all find ourselves being sometimes, I called my dad in hysterics. Sobbing I try and explain my disposition to my dad. I finally decided on the best route (thank you dad for your patience) and was on my way. I have to admit I was speeding most of the way, figuring I could cut the time... While in Park City I was going 90 (shhh don't tell) and passed two cops. The heavens must have been in my favor because they somehow didn't find the need to pull me over. phew!! All in all I made it, only 20 minutes late. It was a great experience! Kirk and Eva have a wonderful shop and beautiful work! You should check it out for sure! We got to make 25 cards and lined envelopes to go with them. I love letterpress! I'm now thinking I want to do a masters at the U for letterpress. What do you think?

At the end of the day, I just have to chuckle

2010-08-19T20:50:00.000-06:00

So all I'm going to say is I caught someone stealing juice from me. A little can of juice I have in case my blood sugar goes low so I don't pass out and die. A juice that may or may not have saved my life in the questionable future. We will never know because it was stolen, gulped and crushed to the culprits satisfaction. Proof? The can in question was found in connection to the culprit. (in a trash can to be exact) hidden under a piece of paper. Yep I investigated, and yes I found the evidence. The funny thing is, I would have gladly shared with this parched individual.

Yummy cheesecake? Only to some...

2010-08-17T23:16:00.000-06:00

I know that many of you will be aghast when I say this, but.... I hate cheesecake. I have never liked it. EVER. So My little brother is moving down to college this week so I wanted to do something special for him. I found this recipe in a Martha Stewart cupcake book and decided to give it a go. His favorite is desert is cheesecake, so how bad could it be right? I mean I just have to make it, not eat it. (a good thing.. meaning I wont eat more unneeded sugar) So I get the ingredients together and I realized why I despise it so much... it calls for 2 lbs of cream cheese, which I hate, and for sour cream, also one of me deepest disgusts. I'm still thinking... Ah it wont be that bad? Wrong, very wrong. I start opening the cream cheese packages and I literally started to gag. I guess I should take a moment to explain one of my other weird qualities... my sense of smell. Its pretty intense. My dad always says I should have been one of those smell testers.. I think I would have died. Smells are very strong to me. all the time. Which makes life a little hard sometimes.. I could always smell things before anyone else. The bad milk in the fridge. I could pick out what my dad was cooking the second I walked in the door, not just generally but I could tell him the kind of fish it was and what he used to cook it with, plus all of the added sides. I'm weird I know. One time I came home from school and came in and said.. it kind of smells like fish. My dad had eaten fish two days ago. He was in shock. haha its pretty funny sometimes. Mostly a curse when it comes to cheesecake at least. People always look like they are in heaven when they sink their teeth into a delicious slice of cheesecake. I wish I knew the feeling... Anyway so i had to have Steve open all the packages and put them in the bowl. I had to plug my nose the entire time I made it. It only got worse when I added the sour cream. I really did not anticipate it would be this bad. They turned out great and I'm sending them off to my brother tomorrow! Love you Andrew, you know I do to embark on such a difficult and deliciously disgusting task. You are welcome

Gag me with a spoon, please.

2010-08-10T17:07:00.000-06:00

Gag me with a spoon, please. I learned this phrase from my father. He is a hilarious man, all growing up he would say these clever sayings that I may have not realized their totally perfect nature until the later years of my life. This phrase has been part of my vocabulary since I began to speak. Now It may sound weird to you but I find it quite fitting in certain occasions. Let me give you some examples. You're minding your own business and you walk past what would be a lovely couple, if they werent enthralled in eachothers arms eating eachothers faces. Gag me with a spoon, please. Or lets say someone does something that really makes you angry, something you just wish you could expulge immediately from your memory. Gag me with a spoon, please. A girl throwing herself upon the man you love. Gag me with a spoon, please. The thought of spending 8 hours sitting in a chair at a desk every day. Gag me with a spoon, please. I think you probably get the gist. Im just sayin. its a perfectly good way to express total annoyance, irritation, and/or complete disgust. Thank you Daddy!

I already know im short, but come on! At least give me a peep hole I can use...

2010-08-09T15:36:00.000-06:00

We have a beautiful new door! This seems like such a lame thing to be posting about, but I couldnt be more excited about it.. our old door was ridiculously terrible. There were cracks in which you could see the sunlight through.. Not only that, the casing around the door hardly filled the space. May not seem like such a big deal, but come on we live in Logan where the winters are relentless with killer cold. AND there was no dead bolt. Hello people who steal things, come rob us. Needless to say not very safe. I know its Logan, but come on people crime happens every day, everywhere.. You cant ever just think it wont happen to you. Anyway enough of that. So the men come hammering at 8 am... yuck.. I still refused to get up early..gotta have my beauty sleep. So for the whole early morning we have had the door in with no casing or hardware. Pretty. So i walk up to this lovely new door and realize I cant even see out of the peep hole.. not even on my tip tipiest toes. This is not cool. I am the only one in the house who even gives a lemon to look out of it, and now I cant even see out of it. Yes, I am grateful for my new door, not so much for my lack of height...

2010-08-04T16:54:00.000-06:00

My heart almost stopped when I saw these at walmart last night... Steve and I went to buy a bookcase.. which we did. and which we almost returned because of the wobbly nature we found ourselves in until we nailed on the backing... It was pretty hilarious. Thank you wal mart... Anay back to my heart stopping. I absolutely love this dinnerware set. It would go perfectly with my other dinnerset (only have four place settings of) so its only natural i should add to my set. I like the mismatch feel i think and i just am in love with the color green. Seriously. I see it, its green, i want.

I drool for pretty things

2010-08-04T14:51:00.000-06:00

This seriously makes me drool....It is such a lovely type of design. I think I want to try my hand at this!

For Lack of a Better Title: Tuition is Stupid

2010-08-02T12:01:00.000-06:00

I find it rather ironic that I was boasting to my father yesterday about how after my grants I only had to pay 25 dollars this semester for school... only to find out that my tuition payments had increased by over 200 dollars? What the? So I call up the Registrars office and they inform me that by taking one more measly credit (I jumped from 12 credits to a wopping 13) My tuition went up 200 dollars. I keep telling myself... its my education its worth it. Im still mad. When my parents went to school they payed about 100 dollars per semester... there rent was also 105 dollars a month... if only I could go back in time, back to the future style. I hate money.

Fun for your hair i promise!

2010-07-25T19:00:00.000-06:00

Hey guys check out my new blog for my Flower hair accessories you will love it! Let me know if you want anything! Ill send your order right to you! Loves! Thanks for lookin!

Memento Paranoya

2010-07-20T13:50:00.000-06:00

So I can not help myself, this story is incredibly funny. Steve and I were at my parents house this weekend and we convinced my dad to stay up late and watch a movie with us. Memento. If you havent seen it this may not seem as funny, so you should see it. We were going to watch it in my old bedroom, which is now the guest bedroom slash all my moms cool stitching.. sampler..little drawer room. So we put the movie in and the menu has this strange format where there were about 35 words on the screen and you had to find the "watch" one and click on it to start the show... well we had no remote to that DVD player... so we couldnt scroll down to the right one. We disputed with my brothersfor a while because they didn't want to move the xbox from the room downstairs so we could watch it. After a long while my dad finally went into his study and tore out his player to bring up stairs. He grabbed his diet coke (first frozen in the freezer, then put in the fridge to dethaw, I love my dad) and went upstairs. We got it all hooked up and my dad yells down the stairs to me and tells me to grab the remote on his desk.... I look for 5 minutes and to my dismay cant find it. At this point we have all gone up and down the stairs a bajillion times and it is now nearing midnight. We all scowered the office and other places that we think he could have moved the remote. Nowhere to be found. We figured out that one of the remotes to the other players worked. What a relief. So we watched the movie (great movie by the way, we were on a Chris Nolan kick after seeing Inception, which if you havent seen you must go see it! One of the best shows I have seen in a long time. There is no way you could be disappointed). So the main character in the movie (Memento) has a short term memory problem and cant remember things or retain memories. This will come into play later. o We were talking after the movie in my parents room and my dad (at the top of the stairway) gasps and runs down the stairs. My mom, Steve and I just laugh. This is normal behavior for my dad (and myself) we are constantly hurting ourselves and/or crying out for inanimate objects. So a few minutes later my dad comes walking up to the room and throws a controller on the bed.. "guess where i found it?" This is no joke. yup he found it in his pocket!!! It was sitting in his pocket through the entire search and the entire movie until he realized it was there! Now he is paranoyed that his life has become Memento. Like I said... Hilarious

CALIFORNIA... san francisco to be exact!

2010-06-22T23:31:00.000-06:00

Let me begin with some backround smigins to note. The last time I went to San Francisco I was knee high to a grasshopper. I also find it important to inform you that I was on the verge of diabetic attack, that is to say I had to pee every 5.3 minutes, not to mention after everything i ate or drank. We didn't know that I was contracting the disease. I was nine years old.

So this Christmas my parents announced that we would be going to san francisco this next summer! Yay! We were all so excited! So the time came and we rented this baby for the drive.

15 passenger van. luxury baby! So all ten of us (baby tucker included) took off on the 12 hour drive!

A. mazing. Our family vacations spent in cars are always so entertaining. I wish there was some way to explain it to you readers, but alas unless you have taken part, you just cannot possibly know... Arguments, tired people, frustrated drivers, snacks, pillows, garbage, and a car full of very stubborn people. I love my family.

First it was to the jelly belly factory :) They made us wear these funny hats, even Tuck man. They let us sample lots of yummy beans... honey is a new one. tastes really good... and my favorite dr pepper jelly beans... oh my. yum. They also had those harry potter beans...gross.. they had centipede.. seriously i would not dare even eat one tiny little bean of that flavor. gag.

Here we all are at six flags! It was so much fun. Roller coasters and my family, they just go well together.

Oh and we cant forget the reason we are all here my parents. Loree and Brian, the most wonderful people in the entire world. All cheesiness aside. I am dead serious. If you know them, you know I speak the indisputable truth.

awe love.

We went on a segway tour around san fran. It was soooo much fun! This was monday, the 7th my honey's 22nd birthday :) anyway they made us put on helmets and these funny vests, then taught us to ride them and we were off cruising down the streets of san francisco! Right in with the traffic. We with out a doubt looked ridiculous. All of these peope were filming us from the side of the streets and pointing. They were all just jealous. Id just like to mention, all of our machines had names. Steves was "sparkly vampire" I know this is probably in reference to the twilight saga... ick but steve is cute so I cant say im surprised. Even funnier my dads was "pirates have needs too" haha

Me and Stephen embracing this look and my Dad here riding his segway. He is so tight!

Here we all are minus my mom who has a bad knee and stayed at the hotel with my nephew Tucker. We got to go out on a pier and race around (a whopping 10 miles an hour! surprisingly way fun) If you ever go to San Francisco you have to do this! It was so awesome!

After the adventure on the segways we went and ate at a little 50s diner in Ghiridelli square. You know what that means :) CHOCOLATE!

Jenn and I are the chocolate lovers out of the bunch!

Then we were off to Alcatraz! We took a boat over (obviously) the view from the boat was spectacular! We had an excellent tour of the prison. I learned so much! They had some of the cells set up so you could go inside and some that had items in them showing what it would have been like. The tour had some of the people who were guards and prisoners there talking about their experiences. There was a lot I didn't know about the history of the island and prison!

Here we are with the lovely island behind us!

And this is one of the cells we had the pleasure of entering. I have to say for being a prison I did like the green walls. but it would have been awful in there. This is actually a very large cell....

this is what most of them looked like...

There was a tiny stairway that went to an overlook and a beautiful garden! I dont know why but i didnt think id see these sorts of things on the island. Pretty cool!

Look how awesome the city looks!

MUIR WOODS

The trees are beautiful! These pictures don't even come close to justifying the massive nature of these trees.

So you are thinking trees? really? Well these aren't just any trees, they are redwood trees. They are so beautiful! They are huge! As you can see with my nephew. It was so fun to hike through the woods. The smell...mmmm so good! Oh and I cant forget Tucker here eating some official Muir dirt. haha

We went and drove around Berkley and the campus where my dad went to law school! It is a pretty sweet little area with some amazing houses! I would love to live in some of the houses we saw. We stopped and ate at Zachary's pizza.. oh my gosh you haven't had pizza until you've had theres. Deep dish amazingness.. then being the Romriells we had to stop at at least one book store. Pegasus books right next door. Browsing in an old book store = heaven. (above) Here we are in front of the Oakland Temple! The landscaping is so beautiful! I have a pretty hilarious story id love to share with you personally about this trip to the temple grounds... no really you want to know... so ask and ill tell you ;) Anyway, you can go up on top of the temple and walk around the gardens up there, theres also an amazing view of San Francisco! Everything about this city is wonderful!

(check out this speed limit sign that was posted in front of the temple. So bizarre)

So I guess I should have mentioned that the whole reason we went on this vacation. The Mary Webb exhibit. My mom LOVES Mary Webb, so we went to the Stanford library to check it out. Heres my mom in front of the sign. She is so cute!

We went to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Old fashioned roller coasters on the beach! It was so much fun! Here we all are playin in on the beach

Ok i know that this is a little much but seriously he is so freakin cute and I could not pic one of these over the other. So here you go Tuck man the first time at the beach! I just love him!

So here are the rest of us playin on the beach. We built an amazing sand castle like old times!

Cali baby!

We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They had some pretty ginormous tanks with all sorts of fish and aquatic life. Ive never seen anything like it! And its right on the shore!

So Carmel. What a beautiful place! We went on the "17 mile drive" Its actually where they held the US Open this past week. There are some really weird houses up there. We stopped along the shoreline. the beach was beautiful! It was super windy! so when we got out of the car we were being blown away.

This is the famous lone Cyprus tree along the drive.

We got here and decided to play in the huge waves. It was pretty scary at some points, but so much fun!

All of the siblings! we all ran from the gigantic waves on this beach! It was so much fun! We all got soaked.

My mom and her fav little boy Tucker chillin on the beach while we all play in the waves.

We went to the Grace Cathedral and walked the Labyrinth. The cathedral has a gorgeous rose window and stained glass windows running all down the sides. I love that sort of thing.. kinda nerdy i know.

So on our way out we went to the Golden Gate Bridge! All of us kids decided we would make the journey across the entire thing. Its almost a mile long.. it was really fun! On the side we started it was super windy then by the time we got to the other side it was sweaty hot.

Here we are about to embark on our journey

My dad is the coolest, most amazing dad in the world!

They had these signs a couple of times along the way.. funny, but at the same time really sad! I cant imagine having the guts to try and jump off of this thing! it is freaky high!

Goodbye San Francisco!

Ok so I'm a little bitter, maybe a bit angry too

2010-06-04T14:10:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the most ridiculous day I have experienced in a long time... So i'll start at the beginning. I got a speeding ticket. On mothers day. Lame. I know im not a mother but seriously cut a woman a break. Someday ill have screaming kids in the back of the car and maybe then someone will feel sorry for me and do me favor. It doesnt help that i look like a young teenager. (just a side note. While out to lunch, celebrating my brothers graduation, i get told Im the one that looks like i was graduating. Then later that same day the lady at costco mistakes me for a graduate as well. This is my life. Ya someday in life I will appreciate it. Today I do not and will not).

Anyway my ticket. It was at that absurd place in logan where the speed changes from 60 to 55 to 45 to 35 all in a matter of a minute. Stupid. If you live in logan you know what im talking about. If you don't I am sure you can imagine. Enough wining, so yesterday I decided I should probably finally take care of it before they charge me the 50 dollar late fee. My word these people like to collect. So I called on the phone to try and take care of it. I wanted to sign up for traffic school, that ridiculous excuse of a class where the cop just tells old stories. I mean ya it was kind of entertaining when I went, but seriously such a waste of time. So I call up the number on my ticket. "sorry m'am we cant do that for you over the phone." ok lady first of all, don't call me m'am, I hate it. Second of all, well, there is no second of all I just don't like being called m'am. So she tells me that I have to go down to the city justice court place.. (don't know the official term. sorry) So I drive down there, meanwhile dealing with logan drivers, logan rush, with a whole bunch of construction. Just lovely.

I go through the security gates and to the office where there are a congregation of 6 women at this desk.. just sitting there with nothing to do. I walk up to the girl and tell her what I want to do. "Oh sorry hun you can't do that here." (rage and fury building up in my face). I dont know which is worse, someone calling me m'am or hun. dispicable. So she tells me I have to go to the building with the gold dome. Ok seriously that is all the direction you have to offer me? She then proceeds to point at (or i suppose threw) the wall. So I thank her (grugdingly) and go on my merry way.

I then drive around trying to figure out what this "gold dome" place is. The only 2 places with any sort of gold topping are the tabernacle (I am pretty sure thats not the place that will be taking my money) and the visitors center... hm.. what to do. So I go into the building next to the visitors center because it looks like more of what im looking for. Im informed that I am, yet again, in the wrong place. So I stroll over to the visitors center and up to the 3rd floor. The girl at the desk informs me that she doesn't know what to do for me because the lady that usually takes care of this "stuff" is out sick. Again, lovely. Finally she gets some help. This lady tells me that I have to go print my driving record and get a copy of my citation, then come back, then pay 80 dollars to them, then go back to the first place I went and pay them 40 more dollars. Alrighty Ill just spend the rest of my day doing this.

So with gumption I head back out into traffic and over to the Drivers License Division. Oh yay! So I get there and the line is pretty much out the door. Great. So as I walk in there is this guy who asks me if he can borrow a pen. With confusion, as im seeing a million pens on the table right next to him, I give him one. weird? just wait. So he then proceeds to talk for the next 45 minutes. Straight. Mostly about his experiences on roller coasters. He just go back from Euro Disney... and I heard all about the matterhorn... and how when it first opened a man was decapitated on the ride... there were gorey details I will spare you. "this coaster, that coaster, you should go to this park and go on this coaster. Wow it was hard to just be nice and nod along, but I did. He was nice, just weird. So he turns around to go up to the desk when it is his turn.. Hes in a red sweat suit looking thing. Shorts I may add. All red, with a whole in the derriere. I could not help but laugh. So he goes and sits down. I finally get my printout. I had to pay 6 dollars. whatever. So as im looking it over I have two citations.

1. I hit a deer late one night and decided to call the cops to come take care of it. it was still alive, in the road. I figured it shouldnt have to suffer, or cause another accident. As a result I get issued a citation for a suspended license... what???? I find out that I have to fill out this form, since I am diabetic, and have my doctor analyze whether I am capable of driving once a year and send it in. It might help if I knew about this form or even got the form? Another point for the logan police. Thanks.

2. I got a citation for improper lookout in the accident I "caused." Still dont think it was my fault. The idiots in front of me were turning and all the sudden changed there mind and stopped so wam there I go into the back end of their car... anyway... so I cant even take the class.. Then I find out my license has been (denied) yet again for this paperwork from my doctor. I just cannot catch a break. I had already turned in the paper so I guess the DL people take there time when getting these things taken care of. "well we sent it to you the first of may" ok ya so I recieved it on may 20th and you expect me to be able to get it faxed to my doctor and have her fax it to you (over the weekend mind you) and back to you within 3 days. Perfect ill just go hop on my pheonix and get right on that! So I leave. That man in the red suit comes running out saying "what? your leaving?" oh gosh. Im trying to shake him off. He asks me if I work at a restaraunt in town... "nope no I don't work at all," I lied. Ok nice to meet you gotta go! Man it was just what i did not need. So I drive home, petrified of being pulled over again, with an expired license. Again. I get home, call and pay the darn ticket. DONE. Nope think again. My computer screen decides that it wont turn on. Hm yay for technology. And thanks Logan City for your convinient and efficient services.

Nausiation on the fast food front

2010-06-01T18:42:00.000-06:00

Something to note. I found my green metal straw! the excitement of this finding is more than you will ever know. There is a large and over sized smile on my face.

I also like to mention something that has bothered me for quite some time. I didn't really notice how much it bothered me until Steve started laughing at my comment as we passed this location the other day. It is trivial but i don't care. its worth noting. So there is a Taco Bell by my home in Sandy Utah. This Taco Bell decided to revamp its old and quite out of date store front. Good idea?.. think again. Every time I drive past this taco time i think to myself, those are not the colors I want to be seeing while I eat a *disgusting burrito. Bright orange, green, yellow..I understand they are festive and probably have some native meaning associated with the type of food served there. Please, you are a fast food restaurant. get some colors that don't make people want to puke at the thought of your food. (I suppose this could have something to do with my dislike for certain mexican foods.)

*I am not a big fan of mexican food. Mostly big nasty burritos filled with all sorts of crap mushed together. The thought of it just makes me twirl with nausiation. (I know its not a word. I like to make up words when there is lack of a better one)

Question, why is your brain turned off?

2010-05-26T13:29:00.000-06:00

Can you turn your brain on and off?

This has been on my mind lately. I have lived my whole life around boys. I have 4 brothers. I have like 20 first cousins all of which are boys except a mere 6 who are girl, and they are all quite a bit younger than me. I've been dealing with them my whole life and I cannot wrap my brain around this question. Let me start with some examples relating to my question.

Sometimes I say things without thinking... ok I do it a lot. Like the time I told my Dad to "get it through his tiny little brain." I can't remember why I said it, only that he was annoying me and it just came out. It only made things worse when he started uncontrollably laughing at my statement and exasperation.

So last week we were down visiting my family. Our family dinners are, to put it lightly unreasonably preposterous. Why? you may be thinking? I have 4 brothers and all of us are very opinionated, not to mention all filled with dry humor, thanks to my dad. So we all talk at the same time and it's hilarious if you just sit back and try to figure out what is going on. As my mom says you are all driving me crazy, talk one at a time and listen to what the others are saying. Anyway so we are trying to do "best and worst" this tradition my family has done since the beginning of time. We go around and say our best and worst things of the day or week. It's very enlightening, especially when one of my brothers tries to say his best is dinner and he doesn't have a worst. The things they come up with sometimes... But my mom loves it so we do it. So during one of these sessions my dad was asking one of my brothers to do something and of course he was just off in the never neverland of his brain... So i yelled "Marcus. brain. turn it on." Of course my dad is in hysterics at my comment yet again.

Living with boys my whole life you would think that I would have figured out this little problem and come to terms with it. It still bewilders me that you can be thinking nothing. It makes not a bit of sense to me. I love you boys but seriously. BRAINS. TURN THEM ON!

Ode to my green metal straw

2010-05-25T16:34:00.000-06:00

Dolefulness knows not my sorrow
I have lost my lovely green straw
happy you can and will not find me,
for i know not the place it went.

Thus my poor aching heart bellows
screaming remorse, for without
this green sleekly made metal straw
my beverage cant be complete.

Frigid paradisaical bliss.
Found at every touch of lip
coming in contact with my dear
carefully crafted slurping device.....

straw... i will find you someday

-assilem

Risky and unexpected undertakings in the night

2010-05-14T13:40:00.000-06:00

Ok so I cannot stop laughing, my gosh... i don't know why this is so funny but I'm at work pretty much peeing my pants with laughter... Before I tell you why, I want to preface some of my previous adventures in my sleep. When I was about 10 years old I slept walked into my parents bathroom in the middle of the night, pulled out what i must have thought was a cup and took a ginormous swig. I wandered back to my room across the hall and got back in bed. I woke up moments later to my mom calling me from her room and an awful taste in my mouth. ick. the thought of it still makes me sick 12 years later. Luckily my mom had sensed something weird was going on (moms are quite good at that) Without knowing it I had taken a Giant swig of Caladril (or calamine lotion, its that disgusting pink liquid that your mom puts on bites and stings so that you wont itch them. serious go smell it and then feel bad for me. It was the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted. My mom freaked out once she found out what I had drank, and called poison control. As she is on the phone i felt it coming.. I ran to the bathroom and started to throw up. more times then i care to remember. Meanwhile the poison control person is telling my mom that i will probably throw up but I will be fine.. ya thanks lady. Anywho so what seemed like hours later (probably less than one in all actuality) I'm still throwing up and i'm so dehydrated that I have to be taken to the hospital and given an IV (my first ever) gee.. I have not thrown up since that day, and the smell of caladril lotion is the only thing that has made me even come close to throwing up again...Needless to say I thought my sleep walking days had ended after that nightmarish event until a week or two ago. I woke up early in the morning with a half eaten squished piece of bread in my hand. I think my body had sensed that I had low blood sugar (yes I am a diabetic in case you didn't know) and I had got up to take care of the problem.. in my sleep. Steve came in a few minutes later and was in hysteria when I told him what happened... So onto the events of last night... in the middle of the night I woke up mid head butt... Yes. I seriously must have sat up and headbutted Steve.. in my sleep... I have no idea how that happened or what made me do it. All I know is that it hurt. bad. At least it was the back of my head that got the blow, poor Steve got the smack down right to his frontal noggin (aka eyebrow) we both just went back to sleep. Now Steve is pretty used to me throwing elbows and such in the middle of the night (sorry hun) but when I told him what really had happened we were both in hysterics this time.. and I seriously cannot stop laughing!

2010-05-12T22:06:00.000-06:00

So like I've said before i LOVE to bake! I love finding recipes and making pretty desserts! So here is the latest! these are mint cookies... kinda like thin mints! They are pretty rich! Here's the recipe! Give it a try!

Makes 3 dozen

FOR THE COOKIES
1 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
Confectioners' sugar, for work surface
FOR THE GANACHE
1/4 cup heavy cream
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, very finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
FOR THE GLAZE
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, very finely chopped

Directions

Make cookies: Whisk together cocoa powder and flour in a bowl. Put butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg until well blended. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Divide dough in half, and shape each half into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer dough to a work surface lightly dusted with confectioners' sugar. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out cookies using a 2-inch round cookie cutter; space 1/2 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining scraps of dough. Bake cookies until firm, rotating sheets halfway through, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks.
Meanwhile, make ganache: Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chocolate. Cook, stirring constantly until chocolate is smooth. Stir in peppermint extract. Let cool slightly, 10 to 15 minutes.
Spoon 1 teaspoon ganache onto the bottom of 1 cookie; sandwich with another cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies and ganache. Refrigerate until firm, about 10 minutes.
Make glaze: Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring constantly. Let cool slightly. Dip one flat side of each sandwich into melted chocolate to coat; gently shake off excess. Place sandwiches, chocolate sides up, on wire racks set over baking sheets. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Cookies can be refrigerated in a single layer in airtight containers up to 2 days.
I added sprinkles for fun ;)

-assilem

a totally random assortment of events of late...

2010-05-08T20:42:00.000-06:00

So a few things to mention... the pic above is one random night steve and I decided to dye our hear for fun haha nothing crazy just a tad darker brown.. I thought the bags on our heads were reason for a photo... haha

So this pic is the injury I acquired from an x-acto knife... hurt so bad... cut a huge chunk out of my finger... it hurt... bad... I'm a klutz... that's all there is to it

So I was complaining about not having shoes one day and my mom laughed and said ok ill buy you a pair of shoes for every pair you throw out.. I couldn't believe how hard it was to throw out shoes i don't even wear... i have attachment issues i guess.. so here they are... the poor unwanted shoes...

Steve and I made some homemade dry ice Rootbeer for one of my classes. It was so yummy! I had to go buy a dowel (which as you can see was way too long) to stir the rootbeer and make sure the dry ice didn't stick to the bottom.

So I like to bake when Im bored

2010-04-17T16:04:00.000-06:00

So I was really bored last night when Steve was finishing his final paper... so I decided to make something yummy. I dont know why but i love to bake! Probably not the best for my figure but hey its fun! So I made chocolate cupcakes and Steve and I frosted them and made them bugs. I thought it was fun!

Lasagna Disaster

2010-04-15T00:09:00.000-06:00

So....a few Sundays ago we were having a nice family dinner... that is until I came along.. So my dad spent the morning making two lasagnas.. (he makes the most amazing lasagna in the world. He uses 4 kinds of cheeses.. man its just..YUM) so he made one lasagna with extra cheese... my dad hadn't got a lot of sleep so I offered to help him with dinner.. All I had to do was wait for the timer to go off and take the tin foil of the top of the lasagna..sounds easy enough. So as I'm pulling off the tin foil off of the extra cheesy lasagna some sort of oven rack catastrophe happened and the pan slid off of the rack onto the oven door I almost reached to grab the boiling glass pan as it careened out of the oven onto the floor.. for a split second i thought it would be ok...nope..think again just when i thought id be able to save it and no one would ever know the lasagna slid out of the pan onto my dads new chef mat... hahaha I screamed pretty loud...a word i shouldn't have.. I ruined it.. of course every one came to see what had happened...my brother was freaking out asking my dad how clean his rug is...so he could still eat the cheesy lasagna... at least there were two... so we still got to have our dinner... just no leftovers... another clumsy Melissa moment haha

-assilem

2010-04-08T17:23:00.000-06:00

I like to share thoughts and Ive decided i should do more of that... I love the book Tuesdays with Morrie... I don't know why I can just read it over and over again, but I love what it tells me every time. There is always something different.. something I could be doing better, someone I could love more fully, something I could do to help somebody else. I love the selfless person Morrie was. Such a wise man! I love some of the things he addresses. I particularity connected with this part of the book. I have been rather annoyed at the state we all live in... so obsessed with all the things we can buy and how they make us feel.

"These [are] people so hungry for love that they are accepting substitutes. They [are] embracing material things and expecting a sort of hug back. But it never works. You can't substitute material things for love or for gentleness or for tenderness or for a sense of comradeship... I can tell you, as I lay here dying, when you most need it, neither money nor power will give you the feeling you're looking for, no matter how much of them you have."

I love the wisdom in that. We really have become a society obsessed with money and monetary things. "My neighbor has this car maybe I should have a nicer one." "My friend wears these kind of clothes maybe i need to go buy this or that so i can be like them." I know I do it... you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't think those things, at least occasionally. I wonder what life would be like if we really could just live without caring about any of that stuff.. it really is just stuff.. What if we could walk around and just appreciate who we are.. instead of comparing ourselves to the girl/boy sitting next to us. We all have something important to give. You don't need money or fancy things to show someone how much you care about them or how much you appreciate them.

-assilem

2010-04-07T16:01:00.000-06:00

EGGS!

I love Easter! My family growing up used to color eggs and my parents: aka easter bunny would hide them around our house. They would always hide them in the most clever places! And as tradition...always one in all of our shoes. My mom would always buy interesting things for us to use to dye our eggs. Even though we are all quote on quote grown up now we still love to color the eggs! this year my mom bought an egg color kit that made golden eggs! there was also one that made the eggs look like this... Pretty sweet! That big purple one is one that my dad mixed 1/8th a cup of all the colors...couldn't believe how pretty it was!

Look how pretty! We always have to take some eggs over to my grandmas for our egg hunt... you never are too old for one of those :) this year we weren't able to do it because of all the snow... grrr. im sick of all the snow! Come on its spring!

This is one of the eggs that is the golden egg mix. its funny how all of the eggs on the box never look the same when you do them... ours turned out so much cooler tho!

My clever daddy made these eggs. He boils onion skins and they turn the eggs this pretty golden color!

We like to draw on the eggs with permanent marker... my brother Marcus is super creative!

So my parents are so cute! We joked around about when they met... seriously so funny! If you ever want to have some funny conversations ask your parents about when they were dating! So funny... Anywho so when they were first dating they started calling each other honey stu (dad) and honey stew (mom). Since I can remember they always write on the eggs... so here is the one from this year! i thought this was a clever shot... haha love it!

And I cant forget it was Steve and my first Easter this year together so well cheesy or not here it is...

Happy Easter Everyone!

handmade flower hair accessories

2010-03-24T23:23:00.000-06:00

So I started to make these flower headbands... I have seen them done before and really wanted to make them! So if any of you lovely ladies are interested I decided I should try to sell some! I have lots of cute colors and can custom make something for you if you like! They can be made into bobby pins or headbands like this. I decided I would let you pick what type of headband or clip that you would like.

So here are some of the ones I have made already!

There are lots of options and different color combinations to try!

Ok so if you are interested just email me at melissa.rom@aggiemail.usu.edu