Monday

Surprisingly, even though it was a Monday, today was a very productive day. I got everything done I wanted to (except one thing) and then a couple extras. So what did I do?

Well...

I got up.

Showered.

Got ready.

(Yes, I do in fact know that my eyes are closed. Thanks for asking...)

Ate a yummy breakfast.

Read my scriptures.

Did some homework.

Cleaned out my car.

Ate lunch.

Set a goal to take more pictures.

Then I...















After that I...

Talked on the phone with a great friend and caught up.

Ate dinner with the hubs.

Went to my night class.

Did this blog.

Now I need to do...FHE/Family scriptures and prayer.

And the one thing I didn't get to do was...work-out. Bleh. Tomorrow.

New Goal

So I have a new goal for myself.

Take more pictures.

Of anything.

I just hate that I never have any good pictures to post on my blog.

I feel like it'd be easier if I had kids. Just snap them all the time.

But I don't.

But I'm still going to TRY to take more pics.

My camera will be my new best friend.

Wooo.

Lesson Learned

So this morning around 10 o'clock, I decided that I wanted some Subway. I jumped in my car and made my way there.

Once inside, I had a brilliant plan. I thought to myself, I think I'll get a foot long instead of my normal 6 inch and then I'll have the second half later. What a brilliant idea, Britney!

I ordered my good old ham with provolone on wheat (lettuce, olives, cucumbers, mustard, oil/vinegar, salt/pepper) goodness. This time, however, I ordered a foot long. I was excited.

I went home and ate that deliciousness six inch ham sub. And let me tell you...it was amazing. I think it tasted better than Subway ever has. I was very happy with my sub. Happy and satisfied, I went on with my day.

Around 3:20, I started to get hungry again. Then I remembered, I had a subway sandwich in the fridge. And the first half was mmmm mmmm good. Yay!

I proceeded to go downstairs to the kitchen and get my sub out of the fridge. I took my first bite. A. TO.TAL. DIS.A.PPOINT.MENT. I'm not kidding. The bread was starting to get soggy. The lettuce was really weird textured. Two bites into it, I removed most of the lettuce. But it was still not the same. Halfway through, I decided it wasn't worth it and went for some fruit snacks instead.

I was way sad.

Moral of the story: Don't get a foot long sub with the intentions of eating the rest later. You will be sorely disappointed. Stick with your 6 inch awesomeness.

Rain

I absolutely love the rain.

I love the sound of it falling outside.

I love the way it looks as it reaches the ground.

I love the shimmer it leaves on the sidewalk.

I love that it nourishes the plants, grass and trees.

I love the smell of rain.

I just love rainy days.

They make me so happy.

And they remind me, once again, how lucky I am to live on this beautiful earth.

They remind me that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me.

Because he sends rain.

Even if we don't get it much here in Arizona...

We get it enough to survive.

Because He loves us.

He loves me.

I love this beautiful creation, the earth.

And all the joy that it brings me.

I love the simple reminders that I'm lucky.

That I'm loved.

I absolutely love the rain.

Random Thoughts

Last week was crazy busy with funeral/family stuff. Then our internet went all wacky on Saturday and Sunday...so I'd have internet for about 2 minutes...and then it'd go out. Bleh. But I'm back to blogging again. I missed it. It seems I've been writing this type of blog a lot lately. Sorry for my sporadic-ness.

Anyway, I was trying to think of something to blog about. And I decided that I want to ramble. So here are the random thoughts that are going through my brain right now.

{one} Carrie Underwood is uh-maze-ing. I got her cd for Christmas and totally forgot about it. I just stumbled upon it and I've been listening to it ever since. I love her. She's gorg. And has an amazing voice. And she has great songs. And she just seems classier than a lot of singers/actors/famous people. I just love her!

--2-- Prayer is miraculous. One thing that I can say about the past week with losing my uncle is that the family seemed to be so at peace...even his wife and kids. I think I can speak for the whole family when I say that we definitely felt the prayers of others on our behalf. Thanks to everyone who prayed for me and who prayed for his sweet wife and beautiful children. The whole experience was very spiritual.

[thr3e] I love getting new clothes and feeling good again. It's the best. You just feel refreshed and new.

(4) School starts tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to homework, tests and the possibility of staying up late trying to finish everything. But I am looking forward to learning new things, furthering my education and getting back on a schedule. I like being busy. It keeps me going. Don't get me wrong...breaks are fabulous. But it will be nice to be back.

{-5ive-} I love my friends. They make me so happy. I have friends that I was really close to in junior high but haven't hung out with much since...but whenever we get together, we talk like old times. We are still so close -- even if we haven't hung out in years. I have pom friends that I love and miss dearly. I have dance friends -- both from Danceworks and from Adrenaline. I have friends from my ward growing up. I have neighborhood friends. I have friends from classes in high school. And even though I hardly ever see or talk to any of these people anymore, I know that I can still call them friends. I love my bloggy friends, both the ones I know in person and the ones that I know simply through blogger. You are amazing. I love the new friends that I have made since getting married and moving out to Gilbert. People in my ward. My next door neighbors. Jess's friends. And, of course, I love my besties. The girls who were my bridesmaids. Chelsi, Kara, Natalie, Andilyn, Cami and Tessa. These girls are amazing. They have gotten me through so much and they are always there. I'm glad that even though we are all going our separate ways, we still talk. About anything and everything. Love these girls!




I love sweats. They are so comfortable. And yet you can get some really cute ones. They make me feel skinny (no jeans digging into my tummy flab when I sit down. Wooo!) And they are stretchy and comfy. In. Love. (Victoria's Secret makes the cutest and most comfy sweats. For real. I love them.)

_7seven7_ My family is the best. I love all my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. It was so great seeing them all this past week. They make me smile and I have so much fun with them. I love that we can just chill and have fun for hours laughing, talking, laughing, joking, eating, laughing. It's. The. Best. I'm glad that April and James got to come down and bring the sweet babies Rocco and Roman. Those boys are so sweet. I miss them so much. And of course, my parents and Jess. They are amazing.




"eiGhT" I'm craving Filibertos like crazy right now. I don't know WHAT my problem is....but I want me some fili-bs. And I want me some now. Yummmy in my tummmy.

...nine... I think I'll play Wii fit tonight. It's been over a week

(1.ten.0) It's sad how technological the world has gotten...and I'm just as guilty as anyone. When my internet went out...I was freaking out. Sunday it wasn't a big deal because I don't get on the internet very much on Sunday anyway. But today, I was so worried. I can't go a day without checking my e-mail or just having the internet ready to look up a phone number, location, etc. It's really pathetic. What has the world come to? And the thought of losing my cell phone makes me cringe because I won't be able to get a hold of anyone. But back in the day, there were no cell phones. In fact, there was a time when there were no phones AT ALL. And here I am freaking out when I lose my cellie for 3o seconds. Wow. Sad.

[eLeVeN] We don't have a Golden Spoon very close to us. When Jess and I were dating...we went about 4 times a week. It's my favorite thing ever. (Although Red Mango is better. REAL frozen yogurt with fresh fruit toppings. Yum. Anyone know of a place like that anywhere in Gilbert/Mesa area?) But...Jess suggested making the drive every so often and just getting a quart so I have fro-yo to last me for awhile. I love him for suggesting this. He is pure brill.

**12** And now I leave you with a quote: "Do all things with love" ~ Og Mandino. Love it. It's so true.

The Weekend and Monday Update

I know I didn't blog all weekend. But I've been super exhausted lately, so by the time I get home, I fall asleep before I get a blog in. But here is an update on what Jess and I did this weekend.


Friday

On Friday night, Jess and I went out to Chandler. First we went to Nordstrom Rack to get Jess some new Sunday/work shoes and flip flops. And I picked up a cute shade of nail polish.

Then, we headed over to Famous Dave's for dinner. (This is Jess's favey fave place to eat and we never get to go because we are never out by Chandler mall or Mesa Riverview. So, we went and it was yummy...but I felt so fat afterward. I ate wayyyy too much.







Then, we stopped in Nordstrom. And I got a cute shirt/cardigan combo.

And finally, we went and saw Sherlock Holmes. Woooo! Finally.

Saturday

On Saturday morning, Jess and I decided to be lazy and chilled. Then we headed over to Sweet Tomatoes for some yummy soup and salad lunch. Sooo good. After that, we went out to San Tan for a little bit of Christmas gift card shopping. I got some cute jewelry and shirts from Forever 21, a pair of Vans, and a cute shirt and skirt outfit at Macy's. Then we went and saw Leap Year. It was a totally cheesy romantic comedy...and, of course, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jess, on the other hand, wasn't as big of a fan. But it was worth it. After the movie, we headed over to Barnes and Noble to peruse the books. We're both total nerds and so books are our favorite thing. But, we held ourselves back and didn't buy anything. Whew. (P.S. -- I will post pics of what I bought later...hopefully).



Sunday

(This is my Macy's shirt/skirt outfit)

I got to speak in church. Wooooo. Our ward got split at the end of the year so this was our second week in the new ward. And I also subbed for the Sunbeams again until the new teachers are called. My class is adorable and I love them. But...teaching sunbeams is a chore. The lesson is about 10-15 minutes from start to finish. The kids LOVE to color...but are bored after about 5 minutes. So I'm left with a good 35 minutes of wondering what to do. There are only so many games that you can tie back to church related topics. So if anyone has any ideas...let me know. I'm subbing again this Sunday.

Monday

Monday was an interesting day for me. I got a call around 7:45 AM from my mother informing me that my Uncle Bill had passed away earlier that morning. It totally shocked me and I wasn't expecting it at all. He's been in the hospital/ICU for a few months now...but I just thought that he would pull through. I've been extra emotional lately...and that combined with this news left me crying nonstop for about an hour. Jess stayed with me and went into work late.




I spent most of the day thinking about my uncle and the wonderful person that he was. He fought kidney disease for over 30 years and I'd never seen him complain. He spent lots of time in the hospital, plenty of hours on dialysis, and had multiple kidney transplants. I am so amazed with all the things that he endured. He was such a sweet and an amazing man, uncle, friend, dad, son, brother and person. His example of kindness, love and enduring will live on. I already miss him but I know that he is happy and is now with his sister and father.

My thoughts and prayers are now, and have been, with his wonderful family. His sweet wife Lois, who babysat me when I was a baby while my mom was at work and who made my amazing wedding cake. She is such a strong woman and has gone through so much. His oldest son Adam, who is such a great cousin and can always make me laugh. Adam's wife Kelsie, who is such a cute, fun girl. I'm so grateful to have her in the family now. His middle son, Dallin who is just a couple of years older than me and has always been such a great example and friend to me. And his youngest child, Chelsea. She is such a beautiful daughter of God. She, too, has gone through some health problems of her own. Like her father, she is a strong girl with a big heart. And she is a fabulous writer. I have learned a lot from her over the years, even though she is two years younger than me. His mother, my grandmother, who is one of the most amazing women I've ever known. She reaches out to others and has blessed so many lives. My heart aches for her as this is the second full grown child she has seen go before her (she also lost two children shortly after they were born). Her daughter, my amazing aunt Jo, died of cancer 10 years ago. And, of course, I am also thinking and praying for the siblings that sweet William left behind. My Aunt Jenny, my Aunt Jan, my Aunt Judy, and my amazing mother, Jill. These women are all fabulous. They are all such great examples to me and have done so much for me in my life. And then to the rest of the family. Cousins, uncles and family friends. I love ALL of you above mentioned.

We will all miss you, Bill. Thank you for your amazing example and all that you have done for us!

Alright readers, it's time for another poll.

What was your favorite movie this holiday season:

Avatar

or

Sherlock Holmes?

And...what other movies did you watch during the holidays that you loved and would recommend? Which did you hate and would advise not wasting time or money on?

I'll give results next Friday along with my vote. :) (P.S. -- I haven't seen Sherlock yet...but I will tonight or tomorrow!)

Put A Smile On

There are things in this world that can ALWAYS put a smile on my face. And there are things that I just happen to love right now. But in any case, these things all help me put a smile on.

1. The scriptures




Reading my scriptures seems to just make my day go better. I love the feeling that I get when I sit down every morning, pen and notebook in hand and enjoy my daily scripture intake. It's the best.

2. Scrapbook supplies



I have way too many. And not enough time to scrapbook. So the stuff just piles up and doesn't get used. But I'm obsessed with it and have a hard time passing it up. I know myself, so I try to avoid places that sell scrapbook supplies (or avoid that aisle) as much as possible. But I have page ideas for everything. Mostly.

3. A good book




And a stress free day to read one. Isn't it so nice to sit down with a good book, clear your mind and get lost in the plot and characters. I especially love the book pictured here. I have like 30 pages left. I know what you're thinking, "How are you blogging and not finishing?" And I wish I had a good answer for you, but I don't. So there.

4. Frozen yogurt

For real. I want some right now. Ahhhh. I must stop thinking about it. Now. (No, you don't get a pic of this. Because it will look too good. And make me salivate.)

5. Cuddling with my husband



Yes, I still get butterflies when we cuddle. And yes, I could lay all night in his arms and it would NEVER get uncomfortable. I. love. it.

6. My new camera

It beats the pants of my old camera. Take that stupid Canon. (As you can see, I'm not so happy with my old Canon. It made me miss "the moment" after Chelsi and Ben (my friends) exited the temple after getting married. It wouldn't take the picture. Why? I don't know. Still trying to figure that one out. But my Nikon would never do that to me. I just know it.) I'm having fun playing with her and taking random shots.

7. My puppy



He's so cute. And dirty right now. He needs a bath. Thursday is bath day so I guess he will smell fresh and clean soon enough. For a couple hours. Until he decides to go dig in the dirt again. Sigh. But I still love him. He's my buddy.

8. Writing




Whether it's a blog, a short story, a poem, an article or something else --- I love to write. It is my passion and it keeps me going. Woooo. It's just amazing.

9. Shoes




What girl doesn't like a great pair of shoes. Seriously. I want to go shopping and use the gift card I got for Christmas to buy myself a new pair. Hmmm...and I think I shall. This weekend. Yay!

10. Bright colors



Oh. Em. Gee. They are so fun. I love bright colored tights. Bright colored nails. Bright colored scarves. Bright colored foods. Bright colored dishes. And the bright colors on my walls. Yup. Love.

11. Flower headbands



They are cute. They are fun. And most of all...they help cover up my terrible horrible roots. (And the fact that I didn't wash my hair today...even after working out and getting it all greasy...gross.) But, I'm getting it done tomorrow. Bye bye dark, ugly roots!

12. Notebooks



I love writing stuff down. I don't know why...but I have about a gazillion notebooks and all of them are filled from page to page with randomness. Weird, I know. But I write stuff down. And as you learned yesterday, I love lists. So those fill the pages as well.


What has been putting a smile on your face lately?

The Year Twenty-Ten

I love blogging.

And I miss it.

Everyday I find myself creeping on here, dying to click the "New Post" button.

And then instead I go read other blogs...and, for the most part, I don't comment because I feel so guilty actually wasting time blogging.

(I know. Not commenting when you read a blog is terrible. So sorry to those of you whose blogs I've been reading and not commenting on in the past while.)

Do you ever feel like you wish there was more time in a day?

There's just never enough time to do everything you want and need to do.

I have a list of things I need to get done every day, one for things that need to get done every week, a special list of things that need to get done for each specific week in particular, and then my wish of things I want to do because I love them. (I know. I'm list crazy. But I love them. Lists also make me happy!) And there is simply not enough time to do it all. Where does the time go? Seriously? It's already noon and I feel like I have so much more to accomplish today. And here I am blogging.

But you know what? I don't care.

I love blogging. It makes me happy.

And I love reading other people's blogs. So I'm going to do it.

I know New Years Resolutions are so cliche. And they never get accomplished.

But I have four.

And they sorta contradict each other---but to me, they make sense.

{one} Be more productive with my time so that I feel like I have more of it.

{two} Don't worry so much about how little time I have.

{three} Make a daily schedule.

{four} Don't really follow it.

I know, in a way they rule each other out.

But hey, I can try my best to fit everything I want and need into a day. But if I fail (and I surely will), I'm vowing to immediately get over it. Do what I can do and not worry about the rest of it. And having a schedule will help me. But I tend to get too caught up in my schedule. So if I don't want to follow it, great. If something else comes up, okay. Just go with the flow and do what makes me happy. That's what's important, right?