Joining the bandwagon.

A lot of people seem to be doing "thankful" posts.
I really like it. It's nice to read what people appreciate and why.
This post goes along with that thankful theme (yet in a much less genuine way).
{Keep reading.}


A few weeks ago I realized something I was truly thankful for as I was driving to school.

While cruising down past the Jr. High I noticed the students on the track doing the run/walk outside.  You know- run the long sides, walk the short ones. It made me reminisce on how dumb I thought the run/walk was. I never liked Jr. High gym. Or high school gym. Could I even venture to say I hated it? Hate's pretty strong, so we'll stick with the word dread. I completely DREADED Jr. High gym:

The smells- Did you just wrinkle your nose? So did I. Wearing the uniform was bad enough. But what the instructors failed to anticipate was the rapid decline this rule would put to students wearing clean clothes. Quite frankly, I saw one too many crusty socks being re-used, day after day. We could also call attention to the wafting cloud of Axe deodorant leaving the boys room. g-r-o-s-s.

The sweat- 7th grade, 1st period: Ms. Chipman's physical fitness class. Did I beg my mom to buy me a sweater from Abercrombie and Fitch so that I could look like an absolute BABE on my first day at MPJ? Yes. Did I wake up at the crack of dawn to crimp my hair and maintain the status every day? Yes. Did I sweat during the relentless tae-bo movies and after the once a week mile run? Absolutely. I was appalled that the district would require such a task when I obviously had different plans. What did they expect me to do when 9 minutes was most certainly not enough time to shower and mister hot stuff officer guy was in my next class?? These are the developments of the "hard life" scars I now carry.

The awkwardness- Remember the scoliosis test? (For real!) What could have possibly be more mortifying to a group of gangly, insecure 13 year old girls than having to pull up ones shirt, and be examined. With everyone watching! Tragic. And then there were those weird girls that decided it was the "cool" and "mature" thing to strip down and prance to the showers for a quick rinse. GROSS. I mean, I guess we all did have the same body parts. I was still offended. 

So, reverting back to my initial statement, I just wanted to share with the blogging world how truly appreciative I am to be finished with 7th grade gym. What a smelly, sweaty, awkward experience. It's a great time to be thankful.

Am I the only one who thinks this is strange?

 Welcome to the J. Willard Marriott Library, where I spend a good chunk of my young-adult life nowadays. It's a fantastic library- nice architecture, newly renovated, good study spaces, you know. I love libraries. I think everyone does. After transferring to the University of Utah (Did I fail to mention I transferred from USU? Oops.) this was the first building I was excited to check out. And like I mentioned, everything's great about it.  With one exception . . .

 THIS.  What the on earth is this all about? Now you're probably thinking, "Cooool, a room with some funky looking chairs." Which is why I will now be so kind as to direct your beady little eyes to the windows. It may be difficult to see from this photo, but there is basically nothing in front of these big transparent windows- just long gray walls of cement.

 It's silly, right? Why do I even care? I just do. Probably because on a daily basis I see dozens of people sitting in these chairs (all facing the window).  It's as if there's this great view, or something. But there's not. 

 My one and only possible consensus: people enjoy sleeping facing simple, gray, glassy structures. Or just not facing other people. I still have yet to participate in the mass staring of the cement wall. Wish me luck.

And why not throw in another photo? It's quite nice.

Someone's great idea.

I like this.

Why do I like it so much?

Is it because I'm a planner? A person who is CONSTANTLY thinking ahead to the future?

[We're talking multiple times a day. Many minutes. Sometimes hours.]

Is it because I enjoy the thought of happy futures?

Or simply because I enjoy the concept of deriving benefits from hard work?

Still trying to put my finger on it . . .
. . . .
. . . .
. . . . 

Wallah: I enjoy this quote so much because of the motivation it brings.

 Motivation, people. Something I truly can lack in the lull of a semester.

GRADES are my future.

An so this continues:

SOUND RELATIONSHIPS are my future

FAMILY is my future.

X AMOUNT OF DOLLARS is my future

SATISFACTION with previous decisions is my future

THE KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUT I ate for breakfast is my future.

MY THOUGHTS are influential on my future.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

Simple enough.

I post too many photos.

And it's been a while since I've just written.

LATELY
-An overall consumption of peanut butter concoctions and hard boiled eggs.
-A desire to be completely in or completely out of a relationship. I just can't stand the millions of middle phases. Shades of grey (you know). Date me or not, hate me or love me. I'd rather be doing homework than talking or text-messaging if I know you aren't into this (me). I am not one to waste my time, feelings, or opportunities. Alright?
-Another letter from my brother in the MTC. He is doing great.
-A new favorite film: Source Code. Suspenseful, emotional, catchy.
-Zumba once or twice a week.
-Five new ideas on how to leave this country and where to go from there.

TODAY
-A moment of relief as a peer offered me her extra scan-tron when I realized I had forgotten to purchase my own on a test day. Eek.
-One of the best two-hour naps I have enjoyed in a while.
-Dinner in the front seat of my car. This, for some reason, is something I really enjoy.
-A pep talk from one of my professors.
-An opportunity to hold a human heart, observe, and memorize.
-A very messy bedroom. Are you surprised? No.

IDEALLY
-Brooke Shoko, College graduate. I wish to be a working woman.
-A bungalow with a nice porch. I will own the residence and have one or two room mates. It will have a nice lawn, porch chairs, and a vegetable garden. I will pay the neighbor boy down the street to mow the lawn and scoop the dog waiste (refer to next bullet). My dad avoided teaching me how to mow the lawn growing up. It was a work opportunity he wanted to reserve for my brothers.
-Own a dog. A bigger dog. Maybe a Lab. Some dog that will be my best friend, go on walks with me, chill with me in the kitchen, and be there when I get home from work. I will, by the way, have the coolest job someday. I will make a reasonable living and enjoy being independent. 

REALISTICALLY
-My social life, happiness, and complexion have suffered from scholastic stressors.
-I should be sleeping. Resting my brain, emotions, and spirit. I couldn't fall asleep and so after surfing the internet, attempting to watch GLEE for the first time (which lasted five minutes), and logging onto Skype, I decided to blog.
-Realistically I should have died in three car accidents by now and be nearing the end of my Junior year in college. I am still alive. I am also completing the end of my Sophomore year. Let the good times roll.


BUT WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS
-Life is good.
-I have enjoyed the little things.
-This blog post was effective in that I most likely roll to one side and be out within seconds.
-Thank you.

What Would Be [that isn't]

If I weren't six feet tall I'd date short boys
If I weren't brunette I wouldn't care as much about being tan
If I weren't realistic I'd have dreams that I could fly
If I weren't mormon I'd most likely drink coffee
If I weren't so busy I'd take up guitar and tennis
If I weren't an American I'd probably complain about Americans
If I weren't in Logan I would be wearing less layers
If I weren't a pianist I'd be a cellist
If I weren't in Utah I'd be in Montana
If I weren't poor I'd drink an Odwalla juice every day
If I weren't a student I would be working full time
If I weren't so blunt and opinionated I'd probably have more friends
If I weren't in school I'd buy a dog
If I weren't a foodie I would be in better shape
If I weren't a girl I'd wear pants to church and be a lawyer
If I weren't so unflexible I'd do the Chinese splits every day
If I weren't single I wouldn't have endured so many blind dates
If I weren't my father's child I wouldn't feel so bad about not going to the U
If I weren't 20 I would attend concerts at the depot
If I weren't American I would be Dutch
If I weren't Brooke I would have been named Natalie
If I weren't studying speech-language pathology I'd be studying music therapy
If I weren't the second child I might not have taken up piano
If I weren't so independent I'd probably rely more on others
If I weren't so lengthy I couldn't eat as much
If I weren't my mother's child I would most likely enjoy the Olive Garden
If I weren't an older sister I'd have shoveled more snow and hauled more things
If I weren't so worried I'd sell insulation
If I weren't only 20 I could work at the gas station
If I weren't so sentimental I'd have less junk
If I weren't from this era I'd be from the 50's

My Three Reasons to Travel

I am home.  In the lovely comforts of my cozy place in Utah.  It is snowing.  I have been reunited with my family and friends.  Christmas was perfect. School is coming up.  Skiing season is here.  Estoy muey contenta.

I absolutely loved my travel experience this fall.  I learned and experienced much.  It pushed me to new levels.  My perspectives have changed.  My appreciations have been reinforced.

And yet after three months of being away, in new places every weekend and seeing more than I could handle, I am already excited for another adventure.  You know the book- "1,000 Places To See Before You Die"?  It's amazing.  And sitting by my side.  As I thumb through it, page after page, I can't help but wonder which of those places I'll see one day.  Soon?  With my future family?  After retirement? Why travel?  Why leave the comforts of home and family?  Why establish a new life only to leave it shortly?  Why work 80-hour weeks all summer to spend all of the savings withing a few weeks?  Why put off school?  Why?

Because.  It has unquestionably been the best thing I could ever do for myself.  Travel has slowly shaped me into the person I have become.  It has taught me to love, to appreciate, to speak up, to laugh, to observe, to wait, to explore.  After really questioning myself, wondering why it is I continue this cycle, I realize that it's for three reasons.

1.  The culture.  The food, the language, the architecture, the customs, the traditions.  What makes Madrid the "City that Never Sleeps"?  What makes Xao Bi the typical Chinese man?  What makes her ensemble typical European? There are outstanding amounts of things to be seen and experienced.

2.  The people. The ambitious and hilarious English lad I met on my first Ryanair flight.  The Morrocan immigrant who shared her struggle to find employment.  The gorgeous Frenchwoman who was throughly amused at our (me and mama's) pronunciation of the French Metro stops. The best part is taking a little piece of them with me.  Figuring how I can carry the good parts of them and incorporate them into my personality.  And the worst part of it all is saying goodbye.  Thank goodness for technology.

3. The refinement.  So much of who I am has come from these experiences.  And with each experience I have bettered myself in so many ways.  My appreciations for family, the gospel, friends, and familiarity have grown.  My testimony of my beliefs has been strengthened.  My independence has increased, my knowledge has expanded, my perspectives have changed.  I have had more situations than I could count that have humbled me.  Travel has provided nothing but an uphill climb.

Madrid: Moment of Truth

Let's be honest here . . .


I'm ready to go home.
It's Christmas time.
Yep, I said it.

Day One Hundred Twenty Three

So apparently . . . The talk of the town is that I'm a coke addict.

Not coke as in Cola.  Coke as in cocaine.

I mean . . I know that I come off as rough. 

Shady. Suspicious.

But really.

Cocaine??

Come on people.

Let's at least start with a gateway drug?

White/Middle-Class/Mormon girl starts messing around.  

And goes first for cocaine.

Naturally.

But then again.

Who wouldn't love some of these side effects

agitation, excitability, irritability, nervousness, or restlessness

difficulty passing urine or urinary incontinence

dilated (enlarged) pupils

dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells

fast or irregular heartbeat

headache

increased sweating

mood swings or other mental changes

nausea, vomiting

nervous tics or rapid speech

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or arms

stomach pain

tremor

troubled breathing (hyperventilation)

unusual muscle weakness

Good stuff.

Day One Hundred

Yesterday I went home. For just one day. It was completely unplanned and completely worth it.

I got to see Lauren. My best friend in the whole world. She has been living it up in Mexico for the second time. This is something we share- a love for travel. But even after not seeing each other for months we pick up exactly where we left off and enjoy doing anything and nothing together. We want to open a hostel together. But we know that won't happen. Raspberry sisters.

I spent a solid day with my family. Complete satisfaction. The more life I experience, the more I realize how lucky I am. These five individuals understand me better than anyone and most definitely bring out the best in me. My sister is recently engaged. Neil is wonderful. Not only is he a great guy but I'm genuinely excited for him to become a part of our family. This was also most likely the last time I will see Stephen until December. Stephen and I laugh at the most bizarre and abstract things together- we know exactly why we find the scenario hilarious. I love this. I'm excited for him to leave to Dixie and experience college. People love Stephen. It's days like this when I wonder why I ever left home. I appreciate every moment I have with them.

My cousin Ty recently returned from an LDS mission in the Phillippines. I was able to listen to his homecoming talk- this was great for so many reasons. Last summer I missed the farewell and was devastated. Ty is the only cousin I have that's my age. We have become very close over the past few years and have shared some awesome times together. Ty has an incredible testimony and is more in tune with the spirit than anyone I know. Yesterday, sitting and listening to him share experiences and bear testimony for a few minutes made the whole ten hours of driving completely worth it.

The drive was beautiful. I love catching up with friends over the phone, listening to playlist after playlist, and having time to myself.

It's been one hundred days since I've been in Yellowstone. This time last year, I was just leaving West. This summer still has a month left. My feelings are mixed. Half of me is so over this- the tourists, the 75 hour weeks, the lack of sleep, the exposure to drugs and drinking. The other half of me is depressed about leaving- what has become my home, my friends, the gorgeous outdoors, the familiarity. I love it here, but I'm excited for change. Might as well live up these last few weeks. Enjoy the moments WHILE they're here- not before or after.

Day Eighty Seven

Human nature defeats me yet again:
I am ready for the next thing.

Day Seventy Nine

Something (among other things) I can never get enough of: sleep.

Position: Begins on the left side, curled up, pillow between shoulder and head. Progressively roll onto stomach- feet hanging from bed, hands cupping face.

Amenities: Down comforter, Tempur Pedic pillow, blankets, body pillow.

Necessities: Blanket. With this, I sleep anywhere, anytime.

Likes: Feet dangling from bed's end, candle burning, window open. When sharing the room I also enjoy dozing off to sounds of typing. Rapid key strokes- mmmm. Thank you.

Dislikes: Sleeping too cold. Good circulation? What's that?

Before bed rituals: Vitamins, prescriptions, worship, brush of the teeth, wash of the face. Tadah.

Habits: Sleep walking. Sleep talking. Waitressing nightmares [On a brief tangent, these suckers occur EVERY night following a waitressing shift. The dominating theme: stress. Have woken up to dollar bills scattered on nightstand ("giving change" to customers), Clorox wipes at the foot of my bed ("wiping up" spills), finding myself standing in the middle of my bedroom or kitchen ("helping" customers). An extremely inescapable and recurring trauma.]

The playlist: "Beautiful Slow". Norah Jones, Bon Iver, James Taylor, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Damien Rice, Meiko. Don't forget my new favorite song "My Love" by Sia, which may or may not have been on iPod repeat for the last six days.

Length: Seven hours for proper functioning. Will easily take an additional three or four. Naps ranging anywhere from two to seven hours in length.

The end: There's never a better way to be woken up than by hearing someone softly call your name. My mother is the best at this. She ever-so-gently scratches my back, asks me about the night before, and frequently invites me upstairs for some sort of delicious breakfast. Now that I don't have this, I appreciate it more than ever. Unfortunately, most days I wake to the sound of two obnoxious alarm clocks. One of which I usually sleep through for fifteen minutes.


Sleep well, dream well.

Day Seventy Six

I bought a puppy.

It's a black labrador. Gentle, hilarious, perfect. My dad and I saw his mother for the first time in Island Park a couple of months ago and noticed that she was due for puppies soon. I visited the pup a couple days after it was born. Amazing. The weekly visits have continued every Tuesday (my night off) and are anticipated very much- every single week. The evening includes a meal at the Trout Hunter (delicious by the way) and a drive over to Tom's house, the fly fisherman who is selling this beautiful pup. I sit for a few minutes, watch them crawl all over each other, take a few pictures, and say goodbye.

He has a home.

In two weeks, I'll be taking him home to the fam dam in Bountiful. I am ever so excited for this road trip. Just me and puppy. At that point (May 4), he will be 49 days old. The ideal time to take home a puppy for purposes of training and settling into a new environment.

Still needs a name.

Java. Spot. Shadow. Beau. Boomer. Oakley. Lots of options- Would love suggestions.

Leave me a comment?

Thanks.

Day Sixty Seven

I am working the front desk.
Tired.
But not grumpy.
Eating leftovers.
Vodka Penne.
Mmmmm.
I almost prefer my pasta as a leftover.
The flavor- is better.
My mom makes a delicious spaghetti carbonara.
I thoroughly enjoy it as a leftover.
I also love leftover pizza.
And leftover Thanksgiving.
Some things though are disgusting
As leftovers.
Such as Pancakes.
Disgusting.
Or anything with broccoli.
Going to Bozeman tonight.
Hopefully the one movie theater in town is open.
And some good restaurant.
Because the two that I've tried out this summer
Have been disappointments.
Zero for two.
Rachel and Drew and Enes are coming.
As well as some other boy.
I think his name is Logan.
Speaking of,
I am beginning to miss my little college town.
It probably is the perfect weather right now.
Kynzie is in Logan.
All of my friends are soon to be in Logan.
And now I need something sweet.
Like a caramel.
Or even some chocolate milk.
Nestle chocolate milk,
By the way,
Is disgusting.
I had it for breakfast yesterday
And was dissatisfied.
It's now in the garbage out back.
Slowly stenching everything surrounding it.
Only two hours and fifteen minutes
Before I'm done with this nine hour
Front desk shift.
In this little town
Where everyone knows everyone.
And nobody's business
Is everybody's business.

Day Sixty Five

I love journals.

A couple more lists I made while spending endless hours on sleeper trains in China.


Feelings I dislike:

• dropping a popsicle on the ground
• losing a key
• forgetting a close friend's birthday
• entering a restroom to see that there's no t.p.
  
• walking in wet jeans
• seeing a spider on your bedroom floor
  
• having your iPod battery die
• biting into a soggy apple
• sleeping through work
• finding out about a new cavity
• working with Lorene
  
• having your car slide on the freeway
• wearing a hole in your favorite sock
• forgetting to feed the dog
• not being able to start your car
• having to ask for money
• breaking a guitar string
• scratching a chalk board
• losing a sentimental gift
  
• feeling like you have to vomit
• showering in cold water
  
• being woken up from a nap
• dropping your cell phone on cement
• losing a rivalry game
• seeing mold as you bite into bread
• scoring low on an exam you thought you did well on
• getting pulled over
• having something stolen
• when it rains right after you've washed your car
• having a new CD skip
• when your computer freezes mid-project
• trying to sleep with a runny nose

Feelings I enjoy:

• having a spotless room
• wearing sweats
• getting the "have a great day" note from your mom
• finding $20 in an old coat pocket
• stretching after an extensive car ride
  
• waking up to friendly text messages
  
• laying on freshly mowed grass on a warm summer night, looking at the stars
• snow on Christmas day
• extended due dates (school)
• reuniting with an old friend
  
• showering after camping
• sunday naps
• holding an infant
• when your favorite song comes on the radio
• taking a 3 hour nap
• wearing new jeans
• getting a raise
  
• buying lemonade from the neighborhood kids
• finishing finals week
• pay day
• biting into a chocolate covered strawberry
  
• laughing over old yearbook photos
• people watching in an airport
  
• stepping on crunchy autumn leaves
• riding a bike
  
• being completely unpacked
• laying in the sun
  
• walking into a house that smells like fresh bread
• sleeping on warm, freshly cleaned sheets
• paying off a debt
• hot baths
• enjoying a view after a hike
• wearing a new pair of shoes
  
• receiving letters
• brushing and flossing
• bonfires
• going somewhere new
  
• drying off with hot towels
• skiing in perfect snow on a sunny day
• getting a post card
  
• going home
  

Day Fifty Eight

It's back. And in full swing again: the crazy/chaotic waitressing life in July. Many customers, many food orders, and many behaviors. It brings me back to a BLOG POST I made last summer on different types of customers: the complainer, the mother, the perfect customer. It's during these high-stress evenings when I have to remind myself of a few things:

Each customer deserves my best service. Even if they are rude, indecisive, or smell bad.

I am working for some of the best employers in the world. I want to represent them well.

Take. Deep. Breaths. Even if I mess up a food order or get yelled at, everything's going to be fine.

After a nice Google search I stumbled upon an article on how to be a better waitress. Kind of interesting. Here are a few of Carrie's tips (some more obvious than others):

• Know the menu. Drinks and food. Backwards and forward.
• Be prepared for customized orders. No onions, extra cheese, light ice.
• Be personable.
• Take time to listen to customers- often times they want to tell a joke, about their day, or why they came in to your restaurant.
• Do not lose patience with complaining customers.
• Keep drinks filled always.
• Upsell.
• Anticipate needs of customers.
• Admit and apologize to customers when you make a mistake.
• Remember the regulars.
• Pre-Bus.
• Be organized.
• Repeat orders back to customers.
• The customer is always right.
• Look nice- appearance does matter.
• Treat the rest of the staff well and communicate.
• Enjoy working. "Have fun."

Some of my own personal tips for customers (in other words, how to receive better service):

• Be reasonable. Yes, it is my job to serve you but no, it isn't reasonable to change an order 15 minutes after it's been put in or to know exactly how many french fries are going to come in your basket.
• Be polite. Please treat me like a human being, aknowledge that I do have more than one table, and if your child somehow by chance vomits- clean it up.
• Ask my opinion. Not a necessity by any means but something I enjoy. For one, I have eaten everything on the menu- multiple times. I know which items and drinks are the most delicious and popular. Let's make it easier for both of us.
• Enjoy your dining experience. There's nothing I love more than serving people who are happy. They take their time and savor their food. Good conversations over drinks follow dinner. They are friendly and admire the restaurant and its atmosphere. Sometimes they even throw me a compliment. They are an incentive to be a better waitress. Thanks you guys- wherever you are.

Day Thirty Seven

Flag Day

There's something incredibly special about a flag and its symbolism. I vividly remember the changes following 9/11: insane security, less traveling, countless humanitarian efforts, and among other things an overwhelming increase in American flag displays. I remember watching the opening ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics on television and seeing the American flag that flew from Ground Zero carried in. I remember the NYPD officer who sang "God Bless America". His voice was beautiful, rich, and deep- he sang with authority. During our trip to New York City last summer, my mother, sister, and I wandered around the temporary 9/11 "memorial," glancing at flags, letters, and pictures. I would love to see more of the American flag.

After my four months of Asia I came home exhausted, emotional, and completely ready to be with my family. It was Christmas time- December 22. Too many thoughts were running through my head as I landed in the LAX airport. One that stood out more than the others though, was my intensified gratitude for my country. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have now landed in Los Angeles, California airport and will be admitted into Gate E within the next 15 minutes. At this time pleased remain seated with seat belts securely fastened. Thank you."

[Personal Favorite]

Happy Flag Day.

Day Nineteen

Good times [waitressing]:

It's an average night at the pizzeria. I've been waiting tables all day and have found my groove in the basic routine of filling drinks, pre-bussing tables, printing bills, and asking customers the generic questions: Where are you from? Did you go into the park today? Any bear spottings? How long will you be staying here? Multi-tasking and timing. An elderly couple has a seat at booth #10. After getting their sodas, I pull out my pad of paper (pen in hand) and ask for their order. I almost cringe at myself, thinking about the face I most likely made upon spotting an insect in the old man's hair. Disgusting. The little black critter had comfortably nestled itself in the six-inch comb over. Part of me feels bad and wants to tell him about the home he has provided on his scalp. But how to go about doing that?

"Excuse me, sir, but there's a bug in your hair."
Yeah right.

Also, I am currently working at the motel front desk. The sweetest lady just came in to check out from her honeymoon stay here. Darling. Side note: I hope for a honeymoon in the mountains. Wouldn't mind the Hawaii trip or whatever but the mountains would be ideal. She left me with a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Vanilla Caramel Fudge. I've never tried this flavor. Usually I stick with New York Super Fudge Chunk or Cinnamon Buns. This looks promising though. Little does she know how much this made my day.

Much love from the 406.

Day Twelve

If you wanted to know my schedule for the next five months:

Sundays and 1/2 of Monday I have off. The rest of my days are filled with waitressing, front desk work, and the occasional housekeeping. Morning and night shifts. I love it. I love being busy. I love being so tired that I fall asleep each night within 5 minutes of laying down. I love meeting people from all over the world. I love making people happy by giving them food. I love the milkshakes, black & white-checkered floors, and sparkly red booths at the diner. I love the old western feel at the other restaurant. I love that neither job ever plays country music. I love working at a desk and answering phones. I love wiping down toilets and changing used sheets (who doesn't).



More useless information about my life:

I am residing with four other girls this summer. All good friends from USU/Bountiful. Our place is just great- above a restaurant in town. For the first time in two years I have my own bedroom. We have a deck. Pictures to be posted later.

We are keeping tally charts of: a) How many times we are asked "Are you Mormon?" b) How many waitressing nightmares we have [this was a big problem last summer], and c) How many numbers we get from customers on receipts/tickets/napkins.

There was a buffalo in front of our place this morning.

I have a list of 7 restaurants in town that I still haven't tried.

Just started the book "To Kill a Mockingbird." The first chapter was alright . . . I should probably keep reading.

I feel like I never left this little town.

Enjoy the Passing of Time

People simply want what they can't have. It's just in our nature. Sometimes we work incredibly hard for things we want and after finally succeeding, the fun is over. Other times we chase hopelessly for things out of reach- desperately wanting them, never even getting close. Always ready for the next thing, ready to find something better, ready to experience something new.

For most of this semester I was excited to leave Logan and head to Montana. Now that I have less than a week here, I'm beginning to wish I had more time.

During the winter I craved hot summer days and flip-flop weather. Last week as the weather warmed up, a time or two I complained about being too hot.

When I eat salty, I want sweet. When I eat sweet, I want salty.

For weeks I was scrounging up pocket change for gas money. Now that I have enough, I tell myself I need more money to wash it- maybe get some new seat covers.

On Tuesdays I want Friday. On Wednesday I want Friday. On Thursday I want Friday.

On mornings that I can't sleep in, I take forever to wake up and grudgingly get ready for school. On mornings that are free, I wake up early.

When I'm working in the summer, I'm excited to travel. When I'm traveling, I'm excited for school. When I'm in school, I'm excited to work.

Hope for this week:

"Enjoy the passing of time."

[James Taylor]

- My mom is coming to Logan tomorrow. Let the sun shine in.

- I love the new Wheat Thins cardboard boxing [especially the back].

- This week I accidentally bought Grape Nuts cereal instead of Grape Nut FLAKES. Now regretting it.

- My cell phone screen is cracked.

- Still need to vacuum the glass out of the back of my car.

- The warm (Logan warm) weather makes it more difficult to study.

- My room mate suggested the other day that our apartment start rationing toilet paper. She was not joking.

- Tonight's gonna be a good night.