Lesson learned

Robin Hood and Little John runnin' through the forest, laughin' back and forth at what the other'n has to say.  Oodalally oodalally golly what a day.  

  Sometimes there's nothing better than having some great friends with whom you can just sit back and relax, or sit hunched over with pain from laughing so much.  Having just returned from a two-week long vacation, and feeling more stressed out than I have in a long time, I am feeling very grateful for friends that I have.  

If anyone has ever felt like they couldn't be themselves, had to meet expectations that were not your own, or ben verbally put-down to be made to feel less than who you knew you were, you may understand me.  I admit that I can be forgetful at times, thoughtless other times, and even occasionally selfish- who isn't?  However, although I have these pitfalls, I have

 friends who understand that we are all a work in progress and need support instead of having these faults pointed out.  Understanding how others feel and being slow to judge is a characteristic that I greatly admire in my acquaintances.  Another one that is paramount to having any kind of relationship whatsoever is forgiveness.  Boy, has my testimony about this last point really grown over the past couple of years, and especially the last couple of days.  I guess it all started with a visitor to my high school.  She came just as any other orator would, and we gathered as any other high school might- happy to be out of class for an

 hour.  She began by distinguishing herself as being the author of the book, "Four Perfect Pebbles"   (http://www.fourperfectpebbles.com/index2.html)

The woman is Marion Lazan and has been traveling around the world making money from her unfortunate experience with the Nazis.  I completely agree that this was one of the most horrific occurrences in the history of the world.  She happened to be one of the few fortunate ones to survive the holocaust, and has every right to tell her story to keep the memory alive as a warning.  Although this may be a good thing for the younger generations to hear about, how does it help other survivors of the holocaust and herself?

I have pondered this many times since hearing her speak.  The idea of forgiveness is a difficult one to accept, especially at times like these.  However, I am one to take the opinion that forgiveness is not only for other people, but is even more for you than them.  After reciting her memorized speech, the opportunity for questions was given.  Questions had been prepared before hand, and were posed by some seniors.  The questions varied from wondering what the camps were like, how she felt, and what happened to the four pebbles she gathered.  The question that interested me most was a bold one: Will you ever forgive Hitler for what he did?  She paused for a moment as she thought this over, and firmly gave her answer: no.  Anyone who was even associated with the cause of the Holocaust, should never be forgiven.  At first this seems reasonable- one of the greatest sins is murder, and they murdered more than just a single child of God.  But when the matter at hand is looked at closer, what sense does it make to not forgive someone- even someone as vile as Hitler?  Is he not also a child of God?  Are we the ones to put him in the depths of damnation?  Hitler has died, and is no longer our concern.  But we are still alive, and we live with ourselves and our feelings.  Sure, Marion makes a lot of money saying that hitler was the embodiment of everything evil, and lives with the past and the hard feelings she has with the people involved.  How does that help her soul?  In the large scheme of things, will she find happiness and relief by holding on to those feelings of hate?  Many prophets have spoken on this subject and shown that failing to forgive hurts you more than that person deserving the forgiveness.  But, quoting He who showed the greatest forgiveness, "Ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."  (D&C 64:9-10).

Ok, off of my soap box, it seems a lighter world.  We don't usually have to deal with people like Hitler every day.  But we do deal with normal citizens and people from all different kinds of backgrounds.  So, someone took your parking spot?  Are you going to get over it and have a good day, or glare them down as they waltz proudly into the supermarket?  Will you grumble about them to other people and remember how angry you were when they took the cherished spot you had been patiently waiting for for 10 minutes?  I am so glad that there are those out there who will quietly see things that I do and understand that I am also working at the same things they are.  Thank you for your example and lessons that you teach me by being my good friends every day.

Don't call me Shirly.

Did Juliet really believe what she said when she spoke that famous line, "What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet".  Now, I don't know about you, but I think that a little bit of my personality comes from my name.  Had I been named something ridiculous like Samantha or Norma or even crazier yet, Cathy, I wouldn't be quite the spunky person I am today.  Because I am Marie, I am me.  

That might make little sense to those who have normal names and feel normal as well.  But, take into consideration HR8799.  What do you picture when you think of that name?  Anything?  I personally picture a robot with an unfortunately lame name.  According to this article, HR8799 is a star comparable to our sun.  From the name, however, I don't quite get the same feeling.  I don't know about you, but the name Sun just makes me feel warm and think of happy times.  

Compare those happy, more pleasant feelings that come from the Sun and compare it to how you feel when you hear about HR8799

Not quite the same, is it?  I prefer the closer, more welcoming sun than that digital, and far-away outcast who didn't even deserve a real name.  I guess that was what they were going for in the book Anthem.  And, to end, here is a quote from the book "Positive Words, Powerful Results" by Hal Urban: "Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language."  So, although a rose would smell as sweet, I wouldn't want to receive any "turnip-rancids" from a sweetheart.

Technological Romance

I have a confession to make. I am in love with technology. Always and forever. I recently upgraded my T-mobile account and received a free(after mail-in-rebate) phone. I have never upgraded my phone. Once I traded my old phone for Samantha's even older phone just because hers was cooler, without a charger, and I needed change. I love change very much- so much that my brothers would get frustrated at me asking them every year to help me move my furniture around because I was bored with the way it looked. But, I finally got the phone in the mail after months of frustration and it is now in my possession. I couldn't be happier with the advance in technology I have made. My phone is a Samsung T819


This phone is not only beautiful, but has such a great personality in its own technological way. Before this new phone came into my life, the other technological lover of mine was this bad boy:

This is the coolest invention ever. I was amazed when I first saw the commercial for it, and even more delighted when my mom told me that she pre-ordered one for me. Oh the wonder of inventions and technology.
Of course, the other great invention is mp3 players. Thankfully I was able to convince my father that I needed one. I didn't just want any old mp3 player though, I had to have an iPod, and an 80 GB at that. No, I'm not spoiled- he combined it for graduation, Christmas, and my birthday. But, my Phantom and I are happy together And of course, I don't know what I would do without my lappy.


Ha, I wish. This is my next romantech fantasy. Just don't tell my phone...

Young Snape

"I'm going to do something that may make you not like me, but I'm ok with that." These words came from the mouth of my Statistics TA. This, and other reasons, is why he reminds me of Professor Snape from the popular Harry Potter novels.


After handing back an exam that didn't go too badly, he told us basically that we lose. Yes, go him for being brave and not caring what others think of him, but no one ever gave Snape a prize for being a jerk. You would think that he would have realized that students do better when they don't have to constantly worry about their professor being unfair, or overly fair. I am reminded of the times that Professor Snape would give ridiculous reading assignments to poor Harry Potter when my TA stops allowing homework to be submitted at 10 pm on a friday night. Very fair, right? Yes, I suppose, except that other TAs are being much nicer. Why did I get stuck with Professor Snape instead of McGonagall? She actually cared and understood when Harry and Ron messed up from goofing off, instead of making them a public example.

I was going to try to sneak a picture of my TA to show you how closely he resembles Severus, but it's so close, just imagine the above photo with short hair. Talk about cosmic twins.

Frenzied lifestyle

I wish that I could make this blog at least a little bit exciting because it has been so long since I have written, but alas, it most likely won't be. I might be able to work on it for a few days and make it something worth reading, but that's just not how I do things. I can't stand revisions- which is probably why my essays aren't that great and I don't do well on tests- and am too impatient to go back over what is already finished. I was going to wait until I had time to make it a nice update, but I saw the date and realized that it's been a month since I last wrote. The only comfort in this fact is that the only ones bothered were those who anxiously read my blog every time it's posted- AKA no one. The only one who could even be remotely set next to this category is you, Twinky Devins, the only reader of my blog. Yes, Samantha used to read when she found the time, and my mom stopped in once in a while. Can't really blame them, and no one would, after reading blogs like the one following this sentence.
The past month has been very busy, which is the reason for not updating my blog "for the longest time, woah-oooh-oh". But I have found the time and resources to shop on ebay often. I feel a little guilty, but I just couldn't pass up the great deals I found, and the happiness that came with them. I bought my favorite shoes ever just a couple of weeks ago and wore them to church last sunday, and I must admit that I looked good. I also purchased an irish necklace from Ireland, the Lord of the Rings, Dinosaurs (the old tv series), Spirited Away, and just recently Howls Moving Castle and Labyrinth. I also bought my mom the tv series "Planet Earth" much to her pleasure and the lord of the rings and hobbit books for my little brother for his birthday.
Work has been wearing me out. I was about to say "wearing me thin" but it's quite the opposite. Today I just cut back my hours to only working on friday and saturday. I can't take waking up at 4 am anymore. Doing that even three days in a row is too much, and I fall asleep in my classes. Twice I have fallen asleep in my favorite class with my favorite teacher, and I hate it. I've also had to skip classes to get a nap so I could find some time to study and not fail my test. Which I did anyway. So, I am getting away from catering for the sake of my studies.
I made dinner last night and was planning on inviting a lot of people- mostly guys- from my ward. However, when I went knocking on doors, no one was home. It was a shame, and a little disturbing when I opened the door to one apartment after being told to do so, just to see two guys making out on the couch. There they were, making out in the middle of the day in BYU approved housing. Nah, I'm kidding, they weren't- I probably would have thrown up if they were though. But they were sitting very close to each other- something guys usually try to avoid- and were studying with some books. But, the sight of them being so close and leaning up to each other just gave me the wrong, or right, impression and I wanted to leave immediately. So I did. Fortunately I found some fun people to invite and the evening turned out very well. I made Lentil Soup which tasted pretty good, once you added some salt (I'm turning into my mom). And that's all I have to say about that.

What I want to be when I grow up

Classes have started, and the first week is over. Students at Brigham Young University have been dropping, adding, and auditing classes for the past few days and should be fairly certain by this point which classes they really want to take. At least I am. I am fairly satisfied with the classes I have decided to take as well as those which my major has required that I take. Not only do I like my classes, I really like my major. Dietetics is such a wonderful career for me, and I will tell you why. On Thursday, during NDFS 290- intro to dietetics- we were asked why we had decided on dietetics and nutrition in general. I didn't raise my hand for various reasons of not wanting to be embarrassed (I seem to get tongue-tied and brain-dead when I try to speak publicly) and letting other people talk who seemed more eager than me to share their experiences. Although I did not raise my hand for the opportunity to speak my mind, I still have something to say about why I chose the major I did.
It all started with an online physical education course that I took during my junior year of high school. It wasn't necessarily extraordinary, but I had a very good teacher who presented the material very well and had a good way of making us learn the lessons. I enjoyed the exercises- even the stretching- but even more than jogging every day, I was fascinated with the nutrition portion of the class. I was amazed how much of an influence on my body food had. I found the desire to eat better and help others do the same. I told my online PE teacher that because of this course I had decided to major in nutrition. I might have said something like, "I have decided to be a nutrionalist." She said that she got goosebumps when I told her that. But that could have been from horror at my misnomer and the monster she had created. Either way, my love for nutrition was set.
The actual decision to be a dietitian wasn't completed until the summer I first arrived at BYU. I started thinking that was what I wanted to be when my Dad used to tease me about being a nurse. He thought it was so funny to say that I would be a nurse because he was the only one in my family who truly understood the extent to my squimishness. Not only do I get nausiated by only thinking of blood, but I break into tears and start bawling when I have to remove a splinter from my finger. Although I hope it will go away enough so that I can at least fix my children's boo-boos when that time comes, I will not fool myself into thinking that I could ever be a nurse. However, I do want to help people and one of the best ways to help people is to work in the hospital. By being a dietitian or nutritionist I would be able to do that and not pass out every day. In highschool I wasn't sure of the distinction between a nutritionist and a dietitian, but was informed that the basic difference between the two is authority. Dietitians can actually use their knowledge to help people and have authority to apply thier learning. So, what's the point of getting an education if you can't use it? Therefore, I want to be a dietitian when I grow up.

When Love and Hate Collide

Since the beginning of time, the world has revolved around the idea of love. It is written about, even by JK Rowling in Harry Potter, and even sung of by thousands of artists including The Beatles (all you need is love) and later when Paul McCartney becomes his own one-man-show (silly love songs). Lesser celebrated, for obvious reasons, is the idea of hate, or very strong dislike. I have recently had the two within myself for various occasions and since I haven't posted a blog in quite some time (a whole week!) have resigned to talking of this matter. Before I begin, I would like to give a partial excuse for why it may not be my best work- I woke up this morning at 4, and have been a little stressed, not to mention other stresses on my body currently. So, with that in mind, I will begin.
Ever since elementary school, and especially in middle and high school, I have been obsessed with having crushes on boys. Yes, most girls do like boys (I like to think anyway) but I remember my friends always saying, "Marie, you're boy-crazy" or, "now you like him too?" I guess this is best explained through a reference. You might compare me to The Ugly One when I say, "I have a crush on every boy!" Yes, at times it would feel like I do have a crush on every boy I have ever met, and even some I haven't. And although I like to deny this label, I will admit it can sometimes be true. I will like one boy, and as soon as I find out that another boy has any interest whatsoever in me, I change my mind. The annoying part is that I wind up having some inclination for whomever likes me. In the past this has been a curse- kind of similar to Ella Enchanted. Because of my inability to control it, and its sometimes depressing results. However, thankfully I have gotten over that phase, mostly, and am now in the second phase of my romantic life: liking only boys who don't like me. I think I prefer the first stage, but there's no going back, I'm afraid. The other down-side to this one, other than the obvious hurt, is the after-effect. I like a boy, and then when he shows his dislike or interest for someone else, I turn to dislike as well. I completely dislike him and his friend. I stop talking to him and avoid him completely. Thankfully, I am slowly going into the third phase, I hope, which is being realistic and being friends with people and not worrying about liking anyone. Don't worry, I'll keep my eyes open for that special boy to pillow-talk with me, but until then I will try to be happy with a few friends.


I hate/dislike some aspects of life/my personality. I wish I could just be happy "all day" and go about business as usual. But, for whatever reason, I can't get past the rude remarks or disrespect shown to me by others who are, granted, in a higher position than myself. And it's not like they're older, wiser, or richer than me, it's because of a stupid title that was given by another human being. I can understand that in order for things to happen there must be some hierarchy in life, and to be specific- work, but I don't understand why there must be degradation of another's opinions and being in order for that to happen. Why can't we all be friends and treat each other the way we want to be treated? "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God" and each should be treated as such. Just because someone is in a lesser position than yourself does not give you the right to treat them however you wish. I am reminded of the death of a homeless man by some youth not too long ago. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/19/homeless.attacks/index.html Yes, this is extreme, but I have seen the same attitude displayed, to a much smaller degree, in my life several times. I do not appreciate this attitude, and will fight for equal rights and fair treatment for all of God's children. But hey, I'm willing to think that maybe I was disrespected in my life because of my big mouth or different ideas. But I will still at least try to treat others in the manner I would like to receive treatment. I dislike very much the attitude that some people have in thinking that they are superior to someone else, for any reason.

There. Two very different feelings within me at this time. Not really having anything to do with each other, but I need to have two cents to rub together either way.

I wear my sunglasses at night

I accompanied my mother to Salt Lake City today where we enjoyed the common tourist attractions as well as seeing how many brides we could count. It seemed like everyone got together and decided that today was the day. But, I'm sure almost every saturday is filled with happy couples who have just tied the knot between themselves and The Lord. I will blog about that experience another day, as well as share the many pictures. I have seen some pretty awesome cars recently, and I feel the need to dedicate some time to them. Starting from most common, yet still very nice: The first was seen today in Salt Lake City (I don't know what type of car it is) , and the second was an old VW Karmann Ghia spotted in the visitor's parking lot (across from the wilk)


The next best car was seen in the same parking lot at BYU, and I must admit that I do appreciate a nice Ford Mustang. I showed my mom this car, to which she replied, "oh yeah, I out-ran the cops with an old boyfriend in that car." So, finding nice cars in parking lots brings out the crazier side of people... or maybe my mom is just crazy. Yeah, that makes more sense.


My personal favorite car, besides the next one after this, is a nice Chevrolet Corvette. Mmmm, they look so good. They look so sleek and just plain sexy. You think my tractor's sexy? Lay your eyes on this baby.


This one is the ultimate dream car I think. I have loved Lamborghinis for quite some time, and it seemed surreal to see one casually parked outside of Tucanos a couple of days ago. It was breathtaking. I didn't know what to think other than, "oh. my. goodness."


Oh, and who could resist this beauty? It's just screaming, "Drive me, I'm loveable!"



Little do you know that under that tarp is actually this gorgeous thang:




So, one day I hope to own either a Corvette or a Lamborghini. And while I'm driving my dream car, you will mostly surely see me singing my heart out in the driver's seat. This was a candid video taken by my mom yesterday while we returned the car we've been borrowing over the summer. And, as luck would have it, that's where I left my sunglasses. And, the video is side-ways (my mom has a little bit of trouble with technology)

and now, the show

I wonder how many people actually read my last two blogs. Anyone? Anyone at all? No? Didn't think so. Even though no one read them, I had fun writing them and seeing how creative I could be with my thoughts. However, because I am not writing solely for my own pleasure, I will try to write shorter blogs from now on. And occasionally I will get carried away...
So, today was good with the end of classes and the prospect of only having to study for one final. I will be taking my American Heritage final on wednesday for the second time, and I am determined to study a lot so that I will pass this time. I didn't mind redoing this class because I actually learned the material this time. And, seeing as it's pretty important, it's not that bad.
I am currently sitting next to Chelsea (from Catering, and my mom's drawing class :p) who forgot until just a few minutes ago that she had homework due at midnight. And because girls cannot travel alone, for safety reasons, I accompanied her...and now I must leave for the catering date!

The monster revealed

As I walked into into the office, I had a vague idea of what to expect. It was the usual type of doctor's office- pale walls, a bland movie playing on the tv in the corner, and what once was a well-working water fountain in the opposite corner. The magazines on the short tables were from the early 1990s, and the patients were all drowsy-eyed from various diseases ranging from typhoid to the all-too-common waiting-room-irritation. I strode through the front doors and wound through the maze of ropes that organized the non-existent cue. The woman at the front desk was busy talking to another elderly woman and young man. The elderly one was dressed in what appeared to be nurse's clothing, yet acted like the boy's grandmother. Finally the couple were finished completing the post-doctor's visit routine, and the woman behind the counter paid me a quick glance, looked back at her paper work then did a double-take. I was used to this behavior, and thought nothing of it-- after all, that's what I was here for.
"C-can I h-help you?" The woman managed.
"yes, could you tell me where to go for my appointment?" I asked and handed over an appointment card. The woman, "Brenda" her name tag informed me, hesitantly took the piece of paper and gave a little sigh. I could tell that she didn't want to deal with me, and was hoping that I was someone else's problem.
"Yes, you sign in here. What's your name?"
"Marie Bravato"
"And, what time is your appointment? 2:20?"
"Yes ma'am."
"ok, grab one of those clip boards and sign it."
I went to take a clip board that was proffered. It looked like all I had to do was write my name, read, and sign. I stood there filling it out- it would be just a minute until I was finished. She looked a little nervous and slightly queasy.
"If you could, please, take a seat over there" she said, pointing to the group of chairs with the sickly-looking people waiting to be called. I shuffled over to the seats and sat in the nearest one, but far enough from the others so as to not catch whatever it was they had contracted. I quickly read over the standard precautions given by the doctors saying that they could post my social security, phone number, address, favorite color, and what skin diseases I had on the world wide web for all to see. All those who cared, that is, no one. I gladly signed my name, wrote down my height, weight, and hair color in case they would want to flaunt that information as well. I stood up when they called my name, and followed the elderly woman I had seen earlier who I mistook for the boy's grandmother. She seemed like a nice enough woman, until I walked into her office. Plastered all over the walls was a picture of every person she had seen die from surgeries like the one I would be undertaking this afternoon. Along with the picture was a piece of the person as a token of her work. I gulped and sat down in the suggested table. She sat down at the computer and as she asked how I was, turned to face me for the first time. I could see in her face that her previous patients were not my equal. She gazed in wonder at my features. She had been looking at me for a few moments when the doctor came in. He was just as I had imagined him. A wise-looking older man with a slight slump in his posture. His glasses dangled from his neck, and he had a bright face that showed lines from years of smiling. He greeted me with a cheery hello. I was a little surprised by his calm salutation, but smiled back and greeted him warmly. However, once his spectacles were in place to examine me better before the surgery began, his eyes widened. I could see in him the same fear that I had seen my whole life. He took a step back, then asked me to lie down on the bed. Once I was in place for the procedure, the doctor and nurse swiftly covered my face with heavy cloth, mumbling something about not wanting to have the light shining in my eyes. They covered my face completely leaving a small gap for me to breathe and in which they would be able to see enough for the operation. They seemed to become more relaxed once I was covered, and they became their normal selves. The nurse was very kind when I told her that I was a little queasy with needles and the idea of surgery. She comforted me and said she would hold my hand while they gave me the Novocaine injection. I was grateful for her kindness, and willingly took her small hand. Once the shot was numbing the surrounding tissue beside my eye, the doctor and nurse casually spoke of buying gas at Costco the previous day and grandchildren. I felt calm during the procedure, even with the pull of the blade on my skin, tugging, and the sound of scissors clipping away the deformity. When the clipping stopped, the doctor sighed, and assured me that he was almost done. I felt some more tugging at my skin, and wondered why he would be pulling at what he cut out. It took me a few minutes to realize that he was putting the stitches in. At this point, a small squeak came out and I grimaced at the knowledge of what was going on.
Finally the surgery was complete and I had five strips of flesh-colored bandages over the proof of the monster I had been. When the cloths came off, the doctor smiled brightly at me and told me that there would probably not be much of a scar, and that it had gone very well. I was scheduled for six days from that time to come back in and get the stitches removed and a check-up. The nurse and woman behind the counter seemed to look at me with a little less disgust and a little more pleasure as I left the office. I felt more like a human and less like a monster with the added weight removed from my face. Although it seemed like a small thing, the mole that made me feel hideous was finally gone.

Ethereal

He nonchalantly disposes of his trash in the receptacle, and stacks the tray on top of the bin. His is a life fully lived- a good education, a loving wife, three sons, and a good job at the university. As he strides along the halls, he doesn't realize someone watching him. He ponders of history and great sciences while the girl admiring thinks only of movies and jewelry. She is struck with awe at this moment and follows him out of the building at a distance of only a few yards. What is he thinking? How does he feel knowing that within the caves of his mind lie knowledge of the universe and the greatness of this world. When he looks back does he think of how wonderful his time spent at college was? Does he ever stop and consider how marvelous his education and position in life is? No, he isn't a king or emperor. He isn't known far and wide for any feat of strength or power accomplished. The only ones who know of his true worth are the God who made him, and to a lesser extent- himself. At this point in time the girl can catch a glimpse of who he is. Not just the professor, father, or friend to few, but a great creation. While the girl watches, she becomes aware of others around her. They go about their day without much care for what she sees. One boy talks on the phone to a friend about the baseball game the night before. Another girl listens to Weezer on her iPod while daydreaming of the conversation she and her roommate had the night before about the death of a famous actor. Like the girl watching, they haven't realized their potential to greatness yet. They go throughout the day not giving much thought to the past or future. Not accepting that their world is infinitesimally smaller than the grand design. Perhaps if they did, they would not waste their time with worthless games and unimportant thinking. The girl stops in the library. She doesn't see books, but instead gazes into the golden abyss of knowledge and creative imagination made by people like the professor. People with learning beyond their own natural undertaking who made something of their lives instead of squandering away their time with nothingness. The girl stopped typing on the computer and went away to swim in the pool of intellect.

Movie Madness

So, I have just returned from an exciting adventure to see The Dark Knight once again. I enjoyed the thrill so much the first time that I had to see it one more time. I had planned to wait until it was out in the dollar theater, but when a friend said that he wanted to see it, I decided to go today. So, the credits had played through very nicely- I enjoyed the preview for Twilight even though they are changing the story (ugh! I hate when movies change the book's story!!). And, no, Edward is not handsome enough for the part. Cedric Diggory doesn't quite cut how my imagination had described Edward. And, yessir, I really do appreciate the picture my imagination gave me... But anyway, I was in the theater, watching The Dark Knight, and we had only gotten 5 minutes into the movie when the fire alarm goes off. So, the lights slowly come back, and everyone just sits in their seats, waiting for the movie to start again. But after a few minutes they realize that it's not. So they, grunting with displeasure, rise to their feet to leave. They apparently had to close the theater for two hours before they could open again- it takes two hours to find and fight the imaginary fire? Why do people pull fire alarms? But, fear not, I went back a couple of hours later to use the rain checks they gave us. However, because I didn't use my ticket, I now have a pass to a movie. I will probably use it for X files or anything else that looks good that I can't think of right now. I also want to go see The Hulk and Prince Caspian in the dollar theater.
I have recently found the wonder of Pandora, and am making a list of songs that I want. I really like listening to "Bubblegum Oldies" and am currently listening to "Billy Joel Radio" even though 'Maneater' by Hall & Oates is currently playing- a very good song. I also like "Oldies Soul", "Pop/Rock", "Motown" and my usual favorites- Weird Al, Michael Buble, Me First and the gimme gimmes, and a million other artists that I can't think of at this time and place. I love music, sweet sweet music.

You are what you Eat

If anyone has seen the movie Split Infinity, then you know what I mean when I say that I'm dressed like AJ on her first day in the past. Maybe that's where I got the idea to wear this outfit. But, besides the fact that I actually kinda like the way my clothes look, I have a bigger reason for wearing what I do. It all started with pizza. Pizza in the morning, Pizza in the evening, Pizza at supper time- when pizza's almost dirt cheap, you can eat pizza anytime. So, pizza was the beginning of an eating frenzy. Do you realize (no, not "that I have had diahrea since easters") how many calories and grams of fat are on a single slice of pizza? And do you know how many pieces one must eat in order to be fully satisfied? Well, I do, and it is no small number, mark my words ("consider them marked"). So, along with eating pizza, I would also eat anything else that came in my path when I was hungry, and even sometimes when I wasn't. I love sweets- especially brownies, samantha's cookies, dulce de leche, and kinder eggs. Unfortunately, those items were often readily available for my consumption during the fall and especially winter semester. So, you can just ask my hips- my hips don't lie- and they will tell you that they are feeling especially uncomfortable, yet warm with the extra insulation, in my now-tight jeans. So, I am forced to wear whatever fits and is comfortable, which often winds up being loose pants so that you don't see any of this:



Yes, the muffin-top look is definitely not what I'm going for. So, it is true that you are what you eat. "the fat content. It has fat in it- it's going to be in me!" But, I guess it's good that I don't eat too many tacos, like mario apparently did...

Sour Apple Soda

Ah, Sundays. The most looked-forward to, and also sometimes dreaded, day of the week. During the week, I am so busy with school and work that I look forward to the weekend. Just to remember that I don't really have a "weekend" after all. (weekend-n- two days of relaxation and enjoyment after a long week of work) Saturday is pretty full of waking up late, then getting ready for and going to work. Then, when Sunday comes, it seems like time flies and monday is right around the corner. But, it is always nice to just sit on the couch while I listen to my goldfish, Gilbert, dropping rocks in his bowl and drink a Green Apple Soda. That is, I am drinking the soda and listening to my fish, who is not drinking anything except his dirty water. Good thing I'm the human in this picture.
While I was letting my mind wander this afternoon, I was remembering when I was in middle school. I think part of what brought this back from my memory was Chandler coming to visit. My friend, Samantha, has her sister here, visiting and whenever I'm around her, I feel young again. Today I decided to change my outfit so that we would match. exactly. Wearing the exact same dress as someone else is something I would do in middle and early highschool, but have since realized that it probably isn't the best idea. So, you may be wondering, why did I give in to the fashion faux pas? Because I like feeling young and being silly. That's how I was in middle school anyway, and still am a little bit crazy. Here is something that my friends and I did to pass that time and make each other laugh. This one was written by my old friend, Ambur- the most creative one. I don't blame anyone who doesn't waste their time reading this, because it is really long, and you might not get the inside jokes. But, if nothing else, you'll understand my quirks better.



Marie: I'm still full...
Judith: What do mean still? You have a cheeseburger in your hand!
Marie: HOW COME I AM ALWAYS THE ONE EATING IN AMBUR'S STORIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ambur: Actually, I just finnished eating a 24oz. T-bone steak!!!! And now I'm eating a cheeseburger!
Marie: Yeah....Whatever....
Brenna: BREAK IT UP, BREAK IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!
Judith: Where's Charity?
Charity: I'm right HERE!!! I am just not saying anything again......
Judith: Oh......
Marie: Lets call Frank....
All but her: NO!!!
Ambur:(Grabbing face and jumping around screaming) MY EYES!!!!!!!! MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!
Judith: What about your eyes?
Ambur: They fell out!!!!!!!!!!!
Marie:(Screams) AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HER EYES REALLY DID FALL OUT!!!!(Points to eyes on ground)
(Screen stops and a man appears.)
Man: Thinking your eyes fell out. Another unfortunate side afftect of hunger. Should have eaten a Snickers bar.
(Screen goes on again)
Ambur: But I'm not hungry! I just ate a 24 oz. T-bone steak and a cheeseburger!
Marie: And her eyes really did fall out!!!
(Screen stops again)
Man: Thinking I'm wrong. Another unfortunate side affect of hunger.
(Screen stops then starts)
Man: Thinking your friends eyes fell out. Another unfortunate side affect of hunger.
Announcer: Snickers. Don't let hunger happen to you.
Ambur: I don't like snickers
Charity: I'm organic
Brenna: It's a school night
Judith: Um....
Marie: Uh.....KICK!!!!!!!!
(Snickers guy goes flying)
Marie: Now, where were we?
___________________________________________
To find out where we were,
tune in next time or give me
death!!!!!

Oh man, I love those episodes. That was only one of about 42 others that were made by ambur (shown here) brenna, judith, and even I made a couple. But, I spared you from reading mine- they were badly written. But, now maybe there is a little more of an explanation of why I'm crazy- I grew up that way.

Shoulder angel

I haven't posted in a while, and I've been hoping that I would get some genius idea of what to write about so that the long break might have been worth it because of the great post I created. But alas, no such luck. Nothing exciting has really been going on with me. I am reading Ender's Game, which I really like so far. I am also starting a new quilt- a real quilt this time, with a design. And I've been going to classes and working. So, with all of that, my mind and time has been elsewhere. I am however, going to see The Dark Knight tonight with a bunch of catering people- I hope it will be fun. The pessimist inside of me keeps saying, "why are you going? You have homework to do, and you could stay home and read or work on your quilt or sleep instead." But then the side of me who feels bad for being anti-social says, "Marie, you need to get out more and put yourself in somewhat uncomfortable situations. Sure, maybe you won't sit by anyone fun, and you'll be really tired the next morning for class, but at least you're making an effort to be social." And eventually the positive, social side of me beats the crap out of the pessimistic side, and I feel very cheery.
I was searching in google for a picture that I could animate the idea of my different sides arguing, and the best thing I could think of was Kronk's shoulder angels. But while I was searching under various words relating to shoulder angels and Emperor's New Groove, the following showed up, and I thought they were...diverting. Remember The Tick? Yeah, I didn't think that show made much sense either- ticks saving people? Wait, he did save people didn't he? I don't really remember much about that show. and I can only guess that this guy is supposed to be an emperor with a groove. I don't know about that baby caterpillar though.

"I'm not a witch, I'm your wife! And after what you just said, I'm not sure I even want to be that anymore..."

Taken from a friend's blog, I too am asking you to say something nice. Both of you.

Here are the rules:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. You must do it!

Girls just want to have fun

I was listening to a song this morning- Girls just want to have fun by Cyndi Lauper- and I just listened to it and thought of how true it is. Then the next song was something else that made me think about wanting to hang out more with fun people. I love having fun and doing crazy things, but I never seem to be hanging out with the right people. Don't get me wrong, Samantha, I like sitting around apartment 26 doing nothing just as much as the next person. But sometimes I need some variety in life. So, like I was saying, I was planning on posting about that desire to do more fun things and give the title of girls just want to have fun- which I did. However, as I was studying for my american heritage test today, I realized what I would really rant about. Just as a disclaimer, I am not really as feminist as I might sound. But when I read what this John Winthrop wrote about religion, comparing it to a female's relationship... well, I'll just record what he said, and you'll see what was bothering me so much.
"This liberty is maintained and exercised in a way of subjection to authority; it is of the same kind of liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. The women's own choice makes such a man her husband; yet, being so chosen, he is her lord, and she is to be subject to him, yet in a way of liberty, not of bondage; and a true wife accounts her subjection her honor and freedom and would not think her condition safe and free but in her subjection to her husband's authority. Such is the liberty of the church under the authority of Christ, her king and husband; his yoke is so easy and sweet to her as a bride's ornaments; and if through forwardness or wantonness, etc., she shake it off, at any time, she is at no rest in her spirit, until she take it up again; and whether her lord smiles upon her and embraceth her in his arms or whether he frowns, or rebukes, or smites her, she apprehends the sweetness of his love in all, and is refreshed, supported, and instructed by every such dispensation of his authority over her. On the other side ye know who they are that complain of this yoke and say, Let us break their bands, etc.; we will not have this man to rule over us."
Yes, I do know who would say that- I would. I guess the beginning isn't too bad, other than the idea that a woman is like a slave to her her husband, that was kind of irritating. just a little. The thing that bothered me most was the idea that even though the husband would beat her she would apprehend the sweetness of it. Oh, the sweetness of a good beating! That's what I want. But, I guess it's a chance for me to appreciate the opportunity to live in this world today, and not in 1645. But even for those who did live back then- girls just want to have fun.

This mo'nin' a-this mo'nin' a this mo-we-mo-we-mo-

I have decided that I hate glasses. I have felt this way for some time now, and have just made an appointment to remedy that problem. Unfortunately, contacts will not be the final solution. Although contacts are preferable over glasses, they too have their problems- redness, irritation, dry eyes, and sometimes flat-out pain. Eventually I hope to have surgery done and finally rid my life of the inconvenience of partial blindness. I will add, however, that although I personally loath spectacles on myself, I am partial to them on those of the opposite gender. I will always fall for a nerdy hunk- like the ever-famous superman/Clark Kent. Man, I would have taken Clark Kent over superman any day. There is just something about glasses that makes my heart palpitate.

dreams- the kind that come in the night

I had the weirdest dream last night. Ok, so I've had weirder dreams, but this dream was still up there in the list of weird dreams. Even more than that, this dream was very frustrating and gave me a feeling of worry and self doubt, until I woke up. In my dream I somehow lost sight of all hopes, plans, and aspirations I have set in my life. I wound up getting pregnant and having a child. Not only one child, but about 5 or 6. All from different fathers. That was part of the disconcerting feeling I had- not only could I not remember how many children I had, but I didn't know where they all came from. One child was a white boy, another a hawaiian, another a little red-head, and a couple of others that kept running back to the family they appeared to be from. But as soon as I would say, "Kelly, do you mind if I take my baby back?" she would immediately hand back the baby she was holding, which appeared like it should be in her family in the first place, and I would take my baby. Then later I complained to my mom about how annoying that someone would keep my baby for a few days, and not think to return him/her. That's part of the reason I couldn't figure out just exactly how many children I had really had from promiscuous behavior. They were all just there, from nowhere in particular, continually disappearing to a family who looked more like them. I guess I had better take warning from this bizarre dream and make sure to not even think of having sex before I'm married. Not like I was considering it in the first place. So, maybe the better lesson is to make sure that if I am going to have a lot of kids, let them know that I am really their mother, and to keep track of them all.

Warning Labels

I should have a warning label on my forehead that says: do not place on bed without rails.  In the act of letting me sleep on a bed without guard rails is that I will fall off in the middle of the night and bump my head on the concrete wall.  Well, to clarify that, it was the bed that slipped off, and I happened to be on top of it.  So, the real lesson is to not place a plastic air mattress on top of another mattress that is slightly smaller- this will result in the sliding off of, and bumping of, your head into a concrete wall.  So, the end result is a huge bump, bruise, and cut on my forehead.  

I had so much fun yesterday.  It started off sunbathing, which didn't really work.  I got a little bit of color, but got more of a burn later in the afternoon on a hike to some caves- which were b-e-a-utiful.  It was so much fun because of the good friends I had with me.  Although I was a little wacky and slightly annoying, it was a lot of fun. The day was perfectly finished with the miracle pageant in Manti.  Yes, it was cheesy, and at times slightly boring, but I got strengthening for my testimony. 

I went to a married ward today- it was weird.  I guess the natural response would be to picture myself there someday with my future husband, but I couldn't.  Those women seemed like strange people who were married and not like me.  I can't easily picture myself married- probably because I don't know anyone who I could be myself around.  But, I still have hope.  And, life continues to move forward.  

I am really looking forward to this new semester- I like half of my classes- sculpture and weight training.  And, that's about it.  Keep moving forward.

Friday the 13th strikes again

Although I have never seen the movie, I know as well as anyone else what horrors friday the 13th can hold, and yesterday I experienced it. No, a hockey goalie who has misplaced his hockey stick, and has decided to try a chainsaw instead, did not come and invite me to play with him. But, I did have some sort of infectious thing come to pay a visit in my stomach. I think it must have been the chicken and leek pie that I had the night before at an irish pub. The food was good, the waiter cute, and the company was very enjoyable. But there must have been something in the very bottom of my pie/soupy stuff that was just lurking, waiting for me to eat it. I should have listened to my body- it sensed that something was amiss and tried to stop me by the warning of satiety. But alas, I did not heed the warning, and ate a little more because I didn't want to waste the food, and it wasn't the type that I would want to eat again the next day or two. So, the next morning I woke up at about 7 o'clock and went downstairs to take a shower. I was nice to relax in the hot water, but when I got out I felt a little dizzy and nauseous. I got dressed and went upstairs to lie back down. I was awoken at about 10 o'clock by my mother who was telling me that I needed to get the laundry out of the dryer and fold it. So, I went downstairs to do so, and after a few minutes I decided that it would be wise to go to the bathroom, just in case I did get sick. Which I did. I went back up stairs, drank some orange juice- bad idea- and watched 'muppets take manhattan'. Then I ate a peanut butter and banana sandwich, another bad idea, and took a nap. I was woken up, this time by Rose, who asked me to come down stairs because my mom hadn't arrived yet (my mom and I were supposed to be babysitting that evening for Rose and Dick's two and a half year old twins- Jo and Sam). So, I put on a modest shirt and went downstairs. The twins were still asleep, and my mom had just walked in. After sitting for a little while my mom walked the dogs, I threw up again. The rest of the day was basically the same sick feeling, but no more 'up chucking'. Blast that 13th day of the month that falls on a friday! I also watched 'The Waitress' which made me want to make a pie, eat it, marry a wonderful man, and have a baby. But those last two were probably just the dizziness from being sick giving me ideas.

Ok GO

Here we go, here we go, here we go again. Yesterday I wasted the entire day in watching tv and moping around on the computer. I would have watched more movies except that the dvd player is broken, and I only have one movie on vhs- spiderman- which I already watched. Then I watched Angels in the outfield, the old version, while I snack on tortilla chips, mmm...
I was thinking earlier about how some people have thought that I look a little like Kirsten Dunst. What do you think?
I can kind of see it, but i don't think I would ever get me mistaken for her. If someone stops me in the grocery store and asks me what it was like to kiss what's his face upside-down in the rain, then I might believe it. But until then I will remain Marie, who looks like marie, and has a unique look all of her own.






Today I am going with a dear friend of mine, Jonathan Monk, to Old Town and we are planning on going on the slingshot- a ride that shoots you into the air like a sling shot and you go over 300 feet. It should be fun. I will make sure to tell all about our adventures, and hopefully some pictures too.

Act 1:Noticias

Copied from my good friend Samantha, who always does the coolest things...

1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question.

What does next year have in store for me?
"orange and green"

What does your love life look like?
I'm into something good

What do I say when life gets hard?
Diversions- blowing blue

What do I think of when I get up in the morning?
end of the world

What song will I dance to at my wedding?
grapefruit diet

What do I want to do for my career?
ocean gypsy

Your favorite saying?
The boxer

Favorite place?
Oh my father, I need thee every hour

What do you think of your parents?
I love Rock and Roll

Where would you go on a first date?
Copa Cabana

Describe yourself.
All by myself

What is the thing I like doing most?
We can work it out

The song that best describes the president?
Eleanor Rigby

What is my state of mind like at the moment?
 Jessie's Girl

How will I die?
squirrels

The song that will be played at your funeral?
I'm henry the VIII, I am

The song you'll put as the title:
Act. 1: Noticias

It is now... your turn~

What not to do at a pool party

If ever invited to a pool party in which there will be partying of the normal nature, and reckless behavior of the natural sort, make sure to not be killed.  And not just to not be killed, but also be aware of any jumping football players who might land on your head, and fix your back.

   So, I went to a friend's pool party and was having a great time, laughing playing n the pool, and overall enjoying myself.  At about 9:30, the dj called everybody over to one side of the pool to play games and dance.  I participated for most of it, but when they wanted just the seniors to participate, I relaxed in the shallow end.  I started swimming over to the deep end, and in mid-stroke, I heard "watch out!" and a split second later realized why I should have listened, had I had time to do so.  The biggest guy at the party- about 6 foot, and looking like he had been sculpted to look like a titan, landed on my head.  I was plunged under water where I remained for what felt like a few minutes while I waited for the giant to get off of me, and I dizzily realized what had happened.  He apologized slightly while I hobbled over to the edge where I rested, recovering from what could have been a death blow.  The wound that I realized most was my tongue.  I wasn't sure if I had retained the entirety of it- if I had not had such a large overbite, I most definitely would be without the tip right now.  However, I was lucky and only had a cut on the underneath made by the bottom teeth.  I felt well enough otherwise- until the following day.  It was a fast Sunday, and I usually feel tired and hungry, but not like I did today. I felt extraordinarily tired and I had an ache in my neck and sinuses.  The chlorine that was pressed into my sinuses has remained and developed into an infection.  However, the odd occurrence was the disappearance of my lower back ache.  Apparently the titan was a chiropractor and knew of my pains, so had decided to heal me for free.  I just must not have seen the warning label that said, "may cause sinus infections, neck problems, and biting off of tongue."  Overall, although the result my be painful, if the medicine worked, it was worth it.

Feels like I've been here before

Since this is the first official blog on this, my new blogging site, I guess I should start off with a little description of myself. Since no one will probably ever read this, I am free to tell all. I was born in 1989 in the city of Orlando, Florida. I lived in St.Cloud until I left for college at the age of 18 to Brigham Young University in Utah. I love being at BYU and I also like my major- dietetics. I have seven brothers (half, technically, although 4 are basically "whole") who I am very grateful for- they are there to help me when I need them. I am a redhead, 5'6", with I love to laugh. I have been a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints for my whole life. I love watching and then quoting movies. Exercising and practicing good nutrition makes me happy. I played the saxophone for 7 years, but have retired from that, and now practice having no talents. I love any kind of sports and hanging out with friends- any kind of fun really, especially roller coasters and parks.

"So, now you got a little taste of what I do- it's pretty dang exciting, eh?"