In Edward’s Defense…Jacob can go DIE

Okay, so after seeing New Moon and hearing various discussions on the topic, I feel like this post is necessary. And I realize it’s ridiculous and I actually don’t care that much (but part of me does because I think people are generally stupid/missing the point) and TOTALLY pointless. But this is my blog and I do what I want. JUDGE ME ALL YOU WANT! So, without further ado…

While I understand why the entire Twilight fandom and every teenage girl ever is ga-ga for Taylor Lautner’s abs and big smile, I just have one thing to say: Edward is still better.

Why would I say this? Well, I could give about a million reasons all ending with the fact that Robert Pattinson is basically the best thing since electricity to happen to this planet. I digress. So, everyone is all upset that Robert Pattinson’s body is not quite like Jacob’s. But then again, WHO IS? I heard a girl say “Wow, Edward needs to work on his body.” True, he’s not ripped and putting on 30 pounds of muscle (props to you Taylor), but it’s not like he’s made of nothing. Don’t believe me?





There. Now you can’t argue with me about that. I win. And I would like to say that I might respect him more for refusing to shave his chest. Most men are hairy and yucky. What Robert Pattinson has is basically NOTHING. Sorry people, but that’s a reality of life we must deal with: Men (Those with chiseled jaws and perfect cheekbones) are usually at least a little hairy. BOYS (17 year olds who play werewolves and are kind of illegal to look at like THAT) are not. Another thing: pale NEVER films well. Seriously, the fact that they made Edward look pale without making him look like he’s totally dead is a magical miracle. The fact that Taylor Lautner is already bronze skinned doesn’t make Rob Pattinson look as good. But that doesn’t stop me from wishing he were my boyfriend and would rip his shirt off to show himself to the world because he loves me and thinks I’m dead, and…never mind. Finally, it’s the scene. He’s depressed. He’s alone. He hasn’t showered in months (hello, he’s still wearing the same shirt from the breakup). Basically, he looks like hell. That’s how he’s supposed to look. Plus, who gets the girl? The good looking one, or the muscle bound behemoth who turns into a hairy nasty wolf?

Now it’s time for me to get up on my nerdy, Twilight soapbox (because I have one) and say something that has nothing to do with biceps or body hair. And I am aware that this will reveal me for what I truly am: a 21 year old girl who finds happiness in teen lit despite how awful it is.

First of all - I can’t deny that I actually found Taylor to be engaging. He portrayed Jacob just the way I pictured him. But…I still hate Jacob with a fiery burning passion. (What can I say? When you are team Edward, you are TEAM EDWARD.) Now to what I want to say. The story isn’t about Taylor Lautner’s body. It’s not about men running around in the forest half naked. In fact, in one scene when Jacob has his shirt off, I almost yelled “Put your damn shirt back on, you GIRL!” but then realized I might get murdered. Seriously, people. The story is about Edward and Bella, not Jacob’s or Edward’s body. That’s what it’s been from the start. It shouldn’t matter. Jacob can go die and nothing will happen to the core of the story. Can you deny that Edward and Bella aren’t made of awesome, sexy, deliciousness? Heh, didn’t think so. They are dear, sweet perfection. Well…maybe I should say “sweet, crazy, sexy, absolutely ridiculous, obsessive/possessive, kind of wrong, badly written, and weird perfection.”

And that is why:
1.) I win
2.) Jacob can go die.

To be a Cougar football fan is sometimes...AWESOME

Ah yes. Sweet, sweet victory.

Fun on a Saturday night, a Saturday night...WHA?

So today has been deemed Lazy Saturday. Well, at least in a way it's been lazy. Although I gave my apartment the ultimate scrub down (my kitchen glimmers, I tell you what), tried to vacuum (anyone have a spare vacuum they want to donate to the poor college kid fund?), and made sure that I finished all of my physics homework (100% baby!), I still managed to totally and completely chill out today.

While I cleaned, I listened to a glorious shutout by the BYU football team. I feel in my heart that a Wyoming shutout was just what I needed to make cleaning a joyous occasion. I adore listening to Greg Wrubell yell and shout. Whenever I hear his voice, I think of the Utah game in 2006 and him literally screaming "Throws behind him, it is....CAUGHT FOR THE TOUCHDOWN! Caught for the touchdown! Caught for the touchdown! Jonny Harline got it for the score! Harline by himself in the endzone! The Cougars win it! On the final play of the game!" The man is an absolute nut but, like I said, I adore him.

Then I proceeded to sit on the couch for the rest of the day. In fact, I am still there right now, and I sat down at about 2:00 p.m. It's now 11:00 p.m. I will say this in my defense: I did shower and I have eaten food. I even did my homework while sitting on said couch. So the reality is that I'm not quite as lazy as I seem. On the other hand, I have done a plethora of things I don't normally do.

First: I watched three football games. Okay, so actually...I do this every Saturday. But this time I actually watched them, rather than listening while studying for a test of some kind. Instead I was able to enjoy seeing games play out on my little screen. None of the games were as pretty/kick-A as the BYU game, obviously, but it was basically awesome.

Second: I watched interviews with basically every movie star ever. Well, maybe not ever, but I did watch a lot. I watched interviews with John Krasinski/Jim from The Office, Jenna Fischer/Pam from The Office, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Harrison Ford, the Slumdog Millionaire people, and just about everyone that was in a movie last year. I have discovered that I wish John Krasinski were my lover, Harrison Ford would shut up, and Robert Pattinson was my best friend. Sigh. Wishful thinking will get me nowhere.

Third: I decided to order pizza and drink a Dr. Pepper while I watched a movie. I chose Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, the film obsession of my younger years. I don't own it, so I got on Youtube and hunted down an HD version. The problem is, in this version, when the aliens speak, there aren't any subtitles. Sad thing is I DIDN'T NEED THEM. I knew exactly what they were saying. And I haven't watched this Episode since Episode III came out almost 5 years ago. Maybe even before that. I never realized how pathetic I was. But I will embrace the nerdy side of myself and chow down on pizza instead.

So now, I will finish my movie and snuggle up in my bed under my comforter on this Lazy Saturday. Hope all is happy in your world!

Yeah...it's been a while

Whoops! Oh well. I've just been busy. So...I don't really have much to say. All I want to do is share some music with you because music makes me happy. Here's a new playlist of music that makes me happy. I just hope it makes you happy too. A real post is pending, as soon as I can figure out how I want to say it.

Epoch by De Yarmond Ediso- Now...I'm not sure who this guy is or if he actually has anything to do with Bon Iver, but he came up when I searched for tunes by my new favorite artist. And I am NOT mad at all. I think I might love him and his deep voice. It sounds like he recorded this in his back yard but with professional equipment, but I seriously cannot find anything wrong with this song.

Brackett, WI by Bon Iver- Oh my little heart. Bon Iver is currently my number one music choice on iTunes. Don't believe me? Go to the play count and see how many times I've listened to their albums (though Muse is almost dead even). Justin Vernon will sing at my wedding. HE WILL. And since it's my day, no one can question why I brought them to sing when their music is about as NON-wedding-ish as it gets. But they can just deal. My day, my music.

Deep Sea Diver by Grizzly Bear- Okay, so the beginning sounds like an alien trying to communicate with humans in the movie "Contact" or something. But once you get to the guitar strumming and singing, you'll see why it's kick-a. Personally, I don't think Grizzly Bear could get more indie and that works for me.

Collapse the Light into Earth by Porcupine Tree- I owe Tara for this one. This song makes me wish I had a movie to make and put it in. Well, I don't have a movie, but I do have a blog! And on said blog, I can share this song with you. Porcupine Tree has that fabulous piano based music that reminds me of Keane, The Fray, and Coldplay. But then they're more indie than those three. Plus his voice is kind of whiney and hot. I love it.

Nude by Radiohead- Thom Yorke...yum. His voice is like butta sometimes but other times it's kind of creepy, a combo I personally love. This song is chill, just like every other song on here. Sorry about that. My sister told me that my music makes her want to slit her wrists because it's so slow and depressing. Just listen to this song and tell me it doesn't rock. Then you will see why I love slow music.

Red Right Ankle by Decemberists- Wait...what? A song about a bicycle? The Decemberists write the coolest music. And his voice is is distinctive, it's easy to pick out once you've heard it two or three times. But, I love that they write songs about whatever they feel like talking about. I wonder if this song is a metaphor...I can't tell.

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire- So basically I think Neon Bible is one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. They have such a cool mix of sound and songs. Win Butler, the lead singer, also has a killer voice. I know I say that a lot, but that's the thing that usually makes me love a band more than most.

Undisclosed Disires by Muse- AHHH! Their new album is INCREDIBLE. Seriously, I feel like it's a crime just to put one song from it on here. Listening to The Resistance is an experience not to be missed. And the first time you listen, you have to listen to it all the way through, without stopping. It's amazing how every song flows and fits with the songs before and after it. And the best thing is that every song takes from a different influence. Example, their first song is a little more pop/rock and roll while their second song is totally Muse. This song is R&B while other songs have vaudeville or classical influences. Best part? They pull it off! I chose this song because Matt Bellamy manages to combine rock with R&B beautifully. I'm obsessed. And I get to go to a concert in December. And I will say this: I don't need drugs to have a trip. I have MUSE.

So Far Around the Bend by The National- I just started smiling when this song came on. It's so chill, just great. I tap my foot when I hear this song and sway back and forth. I heart The National, they have something no one else has. It's weird...but awesome.

The Sound of Settling by Death Cab for Cutie- Old school Death Cab (actually, not that old school...) is always great. This song may have already been on one of my playlists, but it's just that good.

An End Has A Start by The Editors- Another man with a hot voice. I adore how this song starts. And I adore the lyrics. Just listen.

You're a Wolf by Sea Wolf- I think the beginning for this song is what had me. I also thought that the lyrics were interesting. It's a strange song, but I definitely don't mind. The guitar and musical patterns are super catchy...love it.

Yellow by Coldplay- Yeah, yeah! Coldplay back in the good old days, with the song that made them famous. Every time I watch the music video, I'm amazed at how little/young Chris Martin looks. Yellow is not only catchy, but it's career defining for Coldplay. And Parachutes is a great album. Listen to it.

The Nerve by The Republic Tigers- I'm a big fan of this band. It's just awesome. The chorus? Happiness. Not much more to say about it. Listen. Love.

Forever by Chris Brown- I do NOT support Chris Brown in any way. He's a woman beater. But I DO support Jim and Pam and anything that has to do with their love. And if this song is played during their fictional wedding, I will listen to it and love it. Any time I get in the car, I turn this song on and turn it up full blast. The lyrics aren't great (Double your pleasure, double your fun? Really Double-Mint?) but it's a great dance tune. Yeah, it doesn't fit in this playlist...what can I say? I'm a rule breaker!

Over the past three months, I have started probably a grand total of 8 blogs. This blog post is going to be all of the failed beginnings of these blogs. I hope you enjoy.

Blog 1 started May 3, 2009-
Ahem! I have something to say and I will say it now! (yep, that's all she wrote. And you will never know just what it is I was going to say.)

Blog 2 started May 29th 2009 entitled Running on Empty-
So, I have decided to start running again. If only I had the motivation to get out of my house and do it. The other day, I was sitting in my family room with Callie and Alan G, just staring outside and thinking "Hmmm, I should go running. That actually sounds good. Running NEVER sounds good so I should DEFINITELY act on this." So what did I do? I'll tell you what I did. I got up, walked into the kitchen and snatched two freshly baked chocolate chip cookies from the cooling rack and promptly shoved them into my mouth. FAILURE.

Blog 3, Started June 9th 2009 entitled Save the POLAR BEARS!-
For the last few days, McKay and I have been house sitting for my good friend Satyra's family. They are in Cancun enjoying surf, sun, and H1N1 Influenza. Satyra will single handedly bring swine flu to the BYU masses. Heneway: as we babysit the Taylor's beautiful new home out in the middle of nowhere (not kidding. It's just out there, in the country, by some fields) and eat their food and sleep in their basement, we also watch their movies. Correction: we watch their Planet Earth. They have a projector and a big old screen to watch on. It is absolutely terrifying to wake up from a long blink and see a giant great white shark leaping out of the water at you. Scared the living daylights out of me.

Blog 4, Started June 21st 2009-
Okay. REALLY Idaho? You decide to make it rain more than ever before in the history of Idaho, the exception being the Great Flood. And you know what? If it's going to be all gloomy and rainy here, and if it is going to be the rainiest place in the continental United States, I DEMAND that I have a sparkly vampire/Edward Cullen to love. Right. This. ONE ONE!

Blog 5, Started July 3rd, 2009 entitled "Erin, will you play dress-up with me in the playhouse?"
Oh good heavens. So many children, so little time. Seriously, I don't know how people have children right now. They are fun, adorable, and I love them all to pieces, but GOOD NIGHT. They wear me OUT. As in, I'm ready to DIE right now of exhaustion. The above quote is from my niece Audrey. Now picture me, playing dress-up. Hilarious, right? Well, Audrey is the queen of drama and dress-ups. I had to wear gloves, hats, feather boas, and all sorts of things I have never worn in my life. My problem is I can't say no to those little faces and their cute little voices! If anyone else asked me, I'd say "Aw HELL no." But here I am, in a pink hat, gauzy scarf, and a lacy skirt.

Blog 6, started August 2nd 2009 entitled Post-Wedding Letdown-
Errbody was here, and now errbody is gone. My sister got married on Friday the 31st of July and it was crazy. My mother was ready to have a coronary (really, Callie? it's FINE) and the house was full of people at all times. But I will say that it was a beautiful affair. We were all together and we were all happy. But now all of the siblings are gone. Cara and Tyson are in the Caribbean meeting Jack Sparrow and Will Turner, Jen and Brant and the crazy/adorable ones are in Kansas, Kate is back in DC (after I DROVE her to the airport because she coerced me into it using guilt and a long-held knowledge of how to make me do anything she asked me to), and I am sleeping.

Blog 7 started August 10th 2009 entitled Pie, Oh Glorious Pie-
For the last week I have been religiously watching the television show Pushing Daisies. I recommend it to all because it's HILARIOUS and charming. The show has an extremely interesting premise. Ned, a young man, has a gift/curse. He can make dead things come to life. Touch a dead thing once: alive again. Touch that dead thing again (a second time): dead for good. Keep that dead thing alive and don't touch it for 60 seconds, something else must die in its place to keep the cosmos in balance. But that isn't what I wanted to write about. Ned's profession is that of a pie-maker. Ned spends his days making delicious looking pies and all I want to do is EAT ONE RIGHT NOW. Seriously, every episode is full of rhubarb, strawberries, peaches, raspberries, pears, and sweet potatoes all being stuffed into a flaky, golden, and delicious crust. AND I NEED PIE RIGHT NOW.

Blog #8 started August 28th 2009-
I just recently decided I needed to indulge myself by purchasing something totally and utterly nerdy. Wanna see it?

YEAH. That's right. Tauntaun sleeping bag. I wish the tauntaun was my power animal...

The fall playlist that has nothing to do with fall...

Time for a new playlist update. Enjoy!

1. A Message by Coldplay- I swear, this is the song that every WB (I guess it should be CW now) show uses during most of their love scenes. It deserves so much more than Clark and Lana confessing their love to each other. It's kind of cheesey, but it kicks some serious A. The best part is toward the end when we get a bit of an instrumental (for maybe 15 seconds) and Chris Martin comes in and sings some more of his awesomeness. Depressingly great.

2. Citizen Erased by Muse- Did you expect me NOT to put Muse on here? This is old school, from their 2001 album called Origin of Symmetry. This album is a little more hard rock than Black Holes and Revelations. This song is a great example of their style. It's loud and intense at the beginning, but it gets a little softer. A perfect blend of angry and soft. Go Muse.

3. Skinny Love by Bon Iver- I know this their most...recognizable song, but it is the the song that made me fall in love. And I fell in love fast. Bon Iver is chill and folksy. Perfect for lying in a hammock on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

4. White Winter Hymnal by The Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes are a summer discovery as well. I love the early-mid 60s feel of this song. It's glorious.

5. Keep the Car Running by The Arcade Fire- The Arcade Fire are absolutely perfect. This song had me from the beginning with it's mini buildup'

6. Milk by Kings of Leon- This one was hard because I don't like all of the Kings of Leon. His voice sometimes drives me a little crazy. But this one is great because of the bass in the background and the rhythms at the end of the song. And his voice isn't too non-singy

7. Africa by Toto- Okay, the player says the song is called Toto. But it isn't. This is the family theme song. My dad wants it played at his funeral (a wish I will grant) and all of us know the words. I karaoke to this song all the time. It's the synthesizer and all that talk about Kilimanjaro and rains in Africa. It's too much greatness in one song. And if you want to love this song more, watch the episode of Chuck where Lester and Jeff sing their little hearts out.

8. Single Ladies by Beyonce- Don't judge me. The music video is hilarious. And this song ROCKS.

9. Mexican Standoff by Elbow- This song had me with the instrumental at the beginning. And I sort of love his voice a lot. And I also love that the lyrics say "your sweet reassurances don't change the fact that he's better looking than me."

10. 9 Crimes by Damien Rice- Beautiful song. Depressing and gorgeous. But I like sad music. Probably more than anything.

11. Heartless by The Fray- This is a cover of Kanye West's song by the same name (clearly, seeing as how it's a cover). I heard this at The Fray concert I went to in July. They played it during their encore, which was fabulous. And as much as I love Kanye (which I don't), this version is greatness.

12. Recycled Air by Postal Service- Even though it starts out sounding like an Enya song, I still love the sound of Ben Gibbard's voice over anything. He's made of awesome.

13. Buildings and Monuments by Republic Tigers- A band I discovered on Megan's blog (thank you so very much Megan!) and promptly fell in love with. It's all about his voice and the fact that the song has a killer chorus.

14. Life in Technicolor ii by Coldplay- I'm inundating you with Coldplay, but I'm not sorry. If you've heard Life in Technicolor on Viva la Vida, you will love this one. It's the same as its previous version except it has LYRICS. And I just can't help it. When Chris Martin sings, it's like he's singing to me. (also, at the risk of truly overwhelming you with Coldplay, if you are interested, listen to the acoustic version of Lovers in Japan. It's also made of awesome)

15. Secret Meeting by The National- A my sister once said "Wow, he's got a hot voice." Indeed he does.

16. Everybody's Changing by Keane- Now whenever I listen to this song, I see the lead singer dancing like a maniac across the stage. This concert awakened a new love for Keane in my little heart. And I love how upbeat the song is (musically) but it's about everyone moving on and you trying to as well. It's an interesting combo.

17. Uprising by Muse- New single by Muse and it's a little more poppy and flashy. But I like it. Matt Bellamy is still a rock god and Muse knows how to bring it every time, hands down.

Robots in Disguise

(Yes…appreciate this picture. He is pure beauty)

Last week, I went to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen at midnight. I found the movie to be long, loud, full of ridiculousness…but mostly enjoyable. I think the perfect description would be “junk food for the brain”. I grew up with Transformers so seeing them on screen was a blast. Correction: seeing Optimus Prime and Bumblebee kick some serious Decepticon trash was a blast. The movie is beautiful in one way: special effects. That’s the only redeeming quality. Michael Bay may not know how to direct or make a movie without crass humor/slightly whorish women, but he sure knows how to make a robot explosion or transformation look cool. And for those reading who have seen the movie, the best part was in the forest when Optimus Prime lays a serious beatdown on all trying to kill Sam Witwiky, that most beautiful man (Who knew the kid from Even Stevens and Holes could be THAT hot? Seriously.)
That still doesn’t change the fact that the movie had some serious issues. GAPING plot holes. And this article addresses every one that arises. Literally. Plus, it made me laugh. If you’ve seen the movie, it’ll make you laugh too.

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/smg-transformers-10-questions.html

Only recently have I come to realize how much I absolutely love Summers in Idaho Falls. Granted, you can't beat a Summer in London. Not by any stretch of the imagination. But Summer time in Idaho Falls is absolutely glorious. This is largely due to the fact that 1) The temperature never gets too high like it would in Arizona, Southern Utah, California or some where that is typically warmer year round, 2) the air is rarely if EVER muggy and gross, and 3) I get to live at home while I eat watermelon and hamburgers straight from the grill while sipping homemade lemonade (which I didn't have to make myself nor did I have to go grocery shopping for the food which I have eaten) then proceed to sleep in a giant bed in a room that is all mine. Really, not much can be wrong with this picture. Plus, I get to play with my nephew all the time (yeah, he loves me best), watch all the TV shows I have missed, read more books than I have been a been able to in the last three years of college, enjoy snow cones from the shack by Albertsons, see the best fireworks ever on the 4th of July, go to the cabin, go boating, and play Guitar Hero/Rockband/Mario Kart Wii all the days of my life. And even the whole job thing is great. Not only do I get to draw blood, learn what various prescription drugs do, and shadow doctors, but I actually get to help with research and meet with patients! I get to do my very own research project. It's basically a dream come true for the nerdy pre-mad student deep within me.

But the purpose of this blog is not to tell you about my life this summer. It is to tell you about the object that will make my summer true, unadulterated BLISS. This object is a hammock.

Just last summer, my sister Kate purchased a hammock from an unknown store. For an entire summer, my family enjoyed the hammock until one fateful night, my dog, a chocolate lab named Molly, became exceedingly bored and proceeded to rip the hammock to shreds. We woke up to pieces of nylon rope scattered across the yard. Molly was very proud of her work despite the fact that it tore up her mouth. My dad almost killed her. Needless to say, we were all pretty depressed about it and I felt slightly robbed because I had been at school and in London when the hammock was in use. I had only been home for about a week when Molly murdered what was left of my summer. So, as I came home this summer to do a medical internship, I decided I needed a hammock to enjoy the back yard.

Consider the benefits of having a hammock: no lying on the ground with the bugs. Instead, you get to lie cradled in a colorful bed that swings back an forth. Plus, it's totally great for snuggling with someone you happen to like. Also, it's perfect for reading in while listening to some great summer music. Next, it's portable so that if you decide to go camping or something, you can totally take it with you. This feature is particularly important for me because that means I can take it away from Molly every night. And, you can feel like 1) a pirate 2) a soldier 3) a vagabond. SWEET. Last, outside is so much better than inside so why not spend as much of your time outside as you can. Hammocks are genius! HANDS. DOWN.

Just a Little Tidbit from the Reader's Forum

Everyday in BYU's student newspaper, there is a section called the Reader's Forum where readers write in about previous articles or pertinent issues. This is what the Forum is INTENDED to be. But it is NOT what actually happens. Instead, the Reader's Forum has become a source of entertainment for hundreds of Daily Universe readers. Today's article about Saved By The Bell, the television show from the 90s, made me laugh out loud in the library. I will share it with you. (And I'm putting it in quotations so as not to cite it as mine. Because it's not.)

MORALLY CORRUPT

"It has come to my attention through reading two recent letters to the editor ("Saved by the Bell," March 6 and, "The shorter the better," October 3,2008) that some students at BYU believe it is acceptable to derive moral lessons from episodes of the television series, "Saved by the Bell." I am extremely troubled by this mode of thinking. "Saved by the Bell," or SBTB, as it is know to the extreme followers of the show, is morally corrupt. If we use the show as a moral compass, surely we will be led astray.
For example, in an episode titled, "Screech's Woman," Zach cross dresses and tried to make Screech think Zach is in love with him (Season 1, Episode 5). In season 2, episode 5, the "gang" holds a house party when a parent is out of town. Jessie is addicted to caffeine pills in season 2, episode 9. The list goes on and on. Cross dressing? Disobeying our parents? Consuming caffeine? Whatever happened to the essential nature of manhood, honoring thy father and thy mother and condemning all those who dare to sip a Coca-Cola?
I call on all BYU students and alums to boycott any reruns of SBTB and any further use of it as a moral scale. No longer may Zach lead us astray, as he did with his friends on "Day of Detention" when he convinces them all to help get him out of detention. Need I remind you that in the end, rather than freeing Zach, everyone winds up in detention (season 4, episode 8)?"

by Maria Miles
East Walpole, Mass.

Here and now, I offer my congratulations and my gratitude to the author of this letter to the editor. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. And even though I am 146% sure that she is being totally sarcastic, I am still just as grateful for the laugh. So here's to you and your sarcasm, Maria Miles of East Walpole, Massachusetts.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: March Madness

So, this week, March Madness begins and I just wanted to talk a little bit about how much joy The Big Dance brings into my life. Selection Sunday is literally the best Sunday of the year...except when Christmas is on Sunday or my birthday. (p.s. Isn't that picture of Chalmers making the game tying shot a beauty?)

There are four things that I love about the beauty that is March Madness and the Final Four:
1. Basketball all day, everyday.
2. The hilariousness that are the fans of college basketball
3. I really enjoy the fact that out of a group of girls, I am usually one of the few that actually knows what she's talking about. Talk about confidence builder
4. Beautiful men that know how to play basketball on television. ALL DAY LONG. For a week.

Number one is the very best part of it all. All I have to do is turn on the TV and there is bound to be some kind of game on that is AMAZING and intense. I love Kansas basketball. It's a family requirement it seems. Last year was basically the best year ever for us when they won a thriller against Memphis. We will see if they can defend their championship. Plus, with March Madness comes a combination of coaching greats like Coach K (best coach ever to coach basketball, hands down), Roy Williams, and so on. The thing is, every good team plays at the same time with all of their really good coaches going head to head. WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE!!! It's so AMAZING!

Number two just makes me laugh all day long. There are normal fans, but they aren't the ones I'm talking about. Sure, there are fans that are a little crazy and paint their faces and dye their hair the school colors. What has to be remembered is that most of them are students. The fans that I'm talking about are the older men. The fans make it all great. And hilarious.

Number three is a bit prideful and narcissistic, but I totally don't care. I LOVE getting into in depth conversations about basketball. And I just love blowing their minds with knowledge. Mostly, it makes me feel really awesome.

Last, but not least: Beautiful Basketball Men. They're everywhere! The thing that makes them beautiful is the arms. I'm sorry, but basketball players arms are AMAZING. They don't have to have hot faces, but all of them have hot arms. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule in that their faces AND arms are a one-two combo of beauty.

And this year it will be complete and utter craziness because there are no standouts. Having the "Number One" ranking means NOTHING. It's basically a curse. I have no idea how my bracket is going to work out...it's going to be ugly. Unlike last year when I ROCKED IT and picked both the Final Four AND the National Champ! Holler.

So my children. Enjoy the madness.

All You Need is LOVE...in the "Libary"

Yes. "Libary" is the word. It's how my little nephew used to say "library" when he was little. I am in the Harold B. Lee library right now, in the Accounting computer lab. And even though I have been coming here for months now, I have only just come to realize that it is CREEPY down here. No windows, weird accounting kids, and every other screen has some kind of online role-playing game like War Craft or something. I can't believe it took me almost three months to realize the strangeness of this place...oh well.

So the other day, I was facebook stalking one of my friends and I saw a continuing conversation between her and another of my good friends about grad school and summer plans. This link was in the post. And I must say that it just made me smile from ear to ear. I would like to comment briefly on the AWESOMENESS of this article and what it means.


If someone can get a Master of Arts in The Beatles, why not expand it? I would DEFINITELY try to get a Masters in Muse or maybe a Masters in Pride and Prejudice (which you can kind of do...meh) or a Masters in Comic Books/Star Wars. OR (personal favorite) a Masters in College Football! Shoot. I would do that. To know everything there is to know about every team ever and every player...I'd totally take that on. Maybe I'll submit something to BYU and show them this article so they might listen to me. Cecil and I could work something out for sure. Plus, I'd have to convince the Church Board of Education too. But they're all nice old men. I'm sure they'll listen to me.




(Side note: last night I hit my head really hard on the corner of my roommate's drawers. I knew head wounds bled a lot, but not THAT MUCH. It wasn't even that big of a cut! Good night, it was bleeding for forever. But I forgive my roommate for basically throwing me against the drawers. It was actually really hilarious.)

Playlist Time

Lovers In Japan by Coldplay- Heard this song during the Oscars (Romance Recap for 2008 presented by Robert Pattinson...now do you see why I watched?) and developed this deep love for it. What can I say? Coldplay SPEAKS to me. And makes me want to play the piano again.

Syndicate by The Fray- The second this song started, I almost passed out because I automatically became obsessed with the beginning and lost all brain function. If the beginning is awesome, I'll want to listen to the rest. And the rest of this song is pretty ding dang good too.

Feeling Good by Muse- This cover is a little piece of Muse heaven. Takes the classic song and turns it on its head, "Muse-ifying" it, if you will. Eat that Michael Buble.

Crack the Shutters by Snow Patrol- Rarrrrrr. That is all I will say.

A Mirror is Hard to Hold by John Foreman- Jon Foreman of Switchfoot fame made some pretty awesome EPs last year. Not only do I love his voice, but I love these chill, sometimes super religious songs.

Abel by The National- Still can't get enough of them. They are just about the most awesome thing since sliced bread. His voice...

Brazil by The Arcade Fire- Ah! The beginning of this song is mostly awesome. And this song makes me want to sway back and forth while I do my homework like a little nerd.

Unconditional by The Bravery- I'm on a mission to find the full song to put on here. But I want to (and often do) yell this song while I drive. Not mad.

Can't Let Go by Landon Pigg- Um, this song hurts my little heart. I just want him to be with this girl. Plus, I love Landon Pigg (Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop? Listen to it.)

Brick by Ben Folds- Even though it's been forever and a year since this song was released, I still love it. It kind of makes me hate life a little, but I just the piano, lyrics, and Ben Folds in general. It's just that good.

Cleanse Song by Bright Eyes- Heh. A happy-ish Bright Eyes song! It's a miracle.

Delicate by Damien Rice- There is so much love in my heart for this song and for Damien Rice. I can fall asleep anywhere when I listen to this song. Damien Rice has succeeded where no other artist can. And that's not to say I think he's boring. He's soothing and mostly awesome.

Let It Rock by Kevin Rudolf- Don't judge me. I LOVE this song. It almost makes me wish I could go to a high school dance again just so I could dance to this song. I DO dance to it. Everyday. And it's a great walking to campus song.

Decatur by Sufjan Stevens- This is the first Sufjan song I ever heard. He makes me chuckle and makes me smile. I want to go to Decatur now...weird.


And just a p.s. for all of you who love orchestral soundtracks like I do: If you ever want to listen to a soundtrack that will blow your mind, just listen to the Revolutionary Road soundtrack. The music for the film is AMAZING. Maybe it's because I watched the movie and loved how they integrated music with images so flawlessly. And because the music was sweet and simple perfection.

A Proclaimation of LOVE

I am here today to profess my love for something to the whole world (or just to the two people that read my blog). The object of my obsession is........SHOES.

Yes. I am here to tell all of you that I absolutely LOVE shoes.

I mean, let's think about this for just 2.5 seconds. Shoes are practical. Would you want to run around barefoot all the time? In the freezing cold? NO. That would be uncomfortable and your toes would probably fall off. They also save your feet from burning up on the hot pavement/asphalt. I know that all of you know what it feels like to walk on hot, roasting pavement. The first thing you want to do is run over to the neighbor's grass and just stand on it for a few seconds and pray that they just had their sprinklers on, right? See! Shoes=great. Then, on top of the fact that they are practical, they are pretty much ADORABLE. Granted, there are for SURE some ugly shoes out there. And when I say ugly, I mean should be burned or dropped off a cliff into the ocean. The best thing about shoes is that every pair can is made for a specific occasion: morning trips to the grocery store, dates, school, the opera, the beach. And do you know what that means? You have to own several pairs in order to be ready for said occasions!
This is what I have to say: whoever invented canvas shoes should probably be considered for Sainthood. About 75% of my shoes are canvas. My next purchase will be a pair of Vans or Keds (old school style) I seriously can't get enough of them. It's all about the stripes, plaids, and solids.
And now we move to slip ons. Just slide your feet in and WHAMO! You are good to go for the rest of the day. No tying shoelaces or fixing the tongue of the shoe. And they are like letting your feet sleep all day in a little warm sleeping bag. Only thing you have to do is make sure that your pants aren't pushed inside your shoe because that's awkward.
Then there's the flip-flop. Talk about your bare minimum. Now, wearing a flip flop is like just wearing your underwear. Barely anything but just enough. Okay, so that might not be a good analogy. For me it is. Flip flops are just like slip ons. Two seconds and you are ready to go. Just don't step in any puddles. Talk about uncomfortable. Just a step up from the flip-flop you've got the sandal. My sandal of preference is the Chaco...um, hiking through water? No problem, Chaco's got you covered. Plus, the suntan you can get is pretty sweet.
And, though this may come as a shock coming from the girl who doesn't make effort to get ready or look cute EVER, I love wearing heels. Sure they are a man's invention to make a woman look taller, make her butt look bigger, and all sorts of other stuff, but you know what? When I wear heels, I feel hot! Sassy is probably the best word for it. You can rock the heels, move those hips and still go to church and take the sacrament. No guilt! In heels you can be hot and ba-bow-ba-wow! and not be committing a sin. That has got to be a good reason to wear them.

(And just a p.s., KATE WINSLET! I am so grateful she finally won an Oscar, even though the Oscars aren't exactly the best judge of skill sometimes. That woman is basically the best thing to ever happen to the industry. PLUS: Coming Soon! A new playlist...ish. Maybe I should say "updated"? Yeah. That's the one.)

Best. Valentine's Day. Ever. HANDS DOWN

So, a few weeks ago, my roommates and I made a decision that would forever change the rest of our lives. Okay...not really. But it did make our President's Day weekend 135% awesome. We all thought that since school is stressful, unfun, and fairly boring (right now, school is the worst thing in my life. Pure unadulterated LOATHING) that a vacation would be nice. So we ran to the BYU travel office and bought plane tickets to Long Beach, California. We would spend roughly 4 days in California enjoying sun, beaches, shopping, and, of course, DISNEYLAND.


The only downside was that the weather wasn't quite as cooperative as we needed it to be. Saturday, a.k.a. Disney/Happiest-Day-of-my-Life Day, was marvelous if not a little chilly. Spalsh Mountain at 4:30 in the afternoon was probably not the wisest decision we have ever made. But we dried off quite a bit by going on Space Mountain right after. And we also got an amazing picture out of it, so win win. Sunday was beach day, and it was windy and cold (cold meaning 55 degrees) but it was still pretty much amazing to play in the ocean for a few hours. Monday was cold and wet (torrential downpour, anyone?). But we made the most of it by going to a boardwalk and lighthouse despite the nasty weather. It was a blast anyway.

But the reason for this particular blog is not to talk about the weather or even the beach. This blog is dedicated to that marvelous day spent at Disneyland. I have not been to Disneyland since I was about 12. I went with my family. I love my family and all, but trips to amusement parks with them=MADNESS. There are just too many of us. This trip was with all fully grown girls. It was the most exciting, amazing, exhausting day EVER. And I will say this: I loved my Valentine's Day for once.

My feelings for Disneyland cannot be articulated into sentences. I just tried it. Didn't work. So, instead, I will post pictures of my adventures. Included are pictures from the beach and pier. But mostly Disneyland.

Feeling a Little Like Beth...

I am wildly in love with the novel "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott as well as the movie by the same name. The movie especially. I love it mostly because it reminds me of my sisters (I have four). Secretly, I have always wanted to be just like Beth. Beth is the soft spoken, sweet, even tempered sister. However, Beth is always in poor health and manages to catch every disease of the day from colds to Scarlet Fever from the Hummel's baby. It's ridiculous, really. Note to Beth: just stay away from the sick people and you'll be just fine. But I digress. Though Beth is my role model in my endeavors to be virtuous and sweet (ha!), there is one thing about her that I do not wish to one day embody.

Beth is always the sister that does not leave home and does not do anything particularly exciting. She just remains at Orchard House with Marmie while playing her piano and snuggling up in her cute little knit shawls. What she does is not bad, it's just not fun. Her sisters go and do something else with their lives either outside of Concord or with a man (married of course). I would like to compare the March sisters to my roommates freshmen and sophomore years. There were 4 that were there both years: Gina, Kallene, Kaccee, and little Teresa. Then there was Britni from freshman year who ended up getting married the summer after. Finally, Lauren took Britni's sophomore year and we loved her just as much. After two years of greatness together, three girls decided to go on missions (Kal-Hawaii, Kaccee-Chile, and Teresa-Spokane, Washington) while another got married (Gina), and Lauren moved back to Boise because she was done with her program. I remained in Provo to continue on in my schooling. This school year, I was worried that I would have a crazy roommate that I couldn't handle (I knew two of the girls I would live with but not the one I would actually share a room with). But Susie was an answer to my prayers! Glorious and hilarious and a genuine lover of BBC films, Susie was my heartsong and more during the fall. But, like others before her, she left for bigger and better things that just happened to be in Washington D.C.

This brings me back to my Beth analogy. My "sisters" are all leaving me for foreign countries, beautiful men (Laurie!)and marriage, or to further their education/to go on an adventure in the big city. These are all great things and I support them wholeheartedly. But there are moments when I can't help feeling a little like Beth; stuck and a little left behind in the world. What I'm doing isn't bad by any means. I'm doing what I need to be doing. It's just that what I'm doing is...well, boring.

I figure, the only way I can really get ahead of those who have gone out into the world before me is to DIE like Beth. Like she says (or whispers) to Jo, "Why does everyone want to go away. I love our home...I do not like being left behind. But now I am the one going ahead." Yep. That's what I have to do. But I would DEFINITELY prefer not to. When I say stuff like this, I know that I'm being ridiculous. 95% of the time. My roommates are on to new and different things and, though it all feels the same to me, I'm doing new things as well. I wonder if this is how Beth felt too...

Christy, Robin, and Chuck/Blair! Oh My!

I have discovered over the last few years that watching t.v. shows over the break is just about the best way to unwind from a long semester of school and the stress of finals. Thus, every year I make sure to watch at least one new t.v. series I have never seen. This year was no exception. And even though I have written several blogs about movies or television shows, I don't really care. I still want to express my absolute joy at finding these shows. And there are many...what can I say? I like to vege completely during the break.

Show Number 1: Gossip Girl- Don't judge me. I have a weak spot for CW television shows (One Tree Hill, Dawson's Creek, Smallville, and the list continues). You would want a way to completely rot your brain after a semester of Organic Chemistry too. This show hit the spot. Scandalous, full of pretty people, and just despicably delightful. But the thing that really pulled me in was the disturbing yet adorable relationship of Chuck and Blair. My mom thought I was talking about a gay couple when I was talking to my little sister about it, so I will clarify: Chuck is male, Blair is female. Blair - the ultimate drama queen/socialite - and Chuck - the dirty, nasty, hilarious, disgusting, awesome, spoiled preppy boy - make the most fun couple ever to grace the screen of the CW (or even the WB). She's funny. He's funny. They're hilarious. They're spiteful. They're utterly wrong but so right. I just can't walk away. You know you love it. XOXO, Gossip Girl.

Show Number 2: Arrested Development- Ooooookay. Hilarious. I watched several episodes before the break, but I knew I needed to sit down just watch. And what a great decision it was. The antics of the Bluths make me laugh so hard it gets out of control. I have yet to watch an episode where I can predict what will come next. Just not possible. I must finish this series. When, I do not know. But I will do it.

Show Number 3: Robin Hood (BBC)- I had heard about it from a few people, but I never had the opportunity to watch. So, when I was walking through my local rental store, I decided to grab a few episodes and give it a shot. It is truly fabulous. Every actor is excellent and it makes me laugh. Marian is my newest hero, Robin is quite handsome despite his British teeth, and, as a bonus, Richard Armitage of "North and South" fame is in it too. So really, an all around great television experience in both the aesthetics and entertainment departments.

Show Number 4: Christy- This was far and away the BEST show of my break. A product of the mid-90's, Christy is like "Anne of Green Gables", "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" and a Hallmark monthly movie all rolled into one. In other words, it is made of AWESOME. And while I have finished the series and I STILL don't know if Christy picks the grumpy, old, mean doctor (Neil McNeill) or the beautiful, perfect, amazing preacher (David Grantland), I still LOVE this show with every fiber of my being. I know that in the books (spoiler alert!) she picks the doctor. I just can't help but want her to pick the reverend because he's amazing! I also know that there are movies, but I don't want to watch them because the girl who plays Christy is different as is the man who plays the reverend and the woman portraying Miss Alice. I just can't want to watch it without all of the same actors. "Christy" was a great, wholesome rebound from the dirtiness of "Gossip Girl" and I recommend it to all. Now, whenever I look at the mountains, I can hear the voice of Kellie Martin - the girl who plays Christy - in my head saying "The Great Smokies. When I left my city home to be a school teacher in a backwoods mission, I dreamed of adventure..." And then I just giggle and smile about how much I absolutely love this t.v. show.