Once, my sister got married...

And it was great.

And I got a new brother in law.

That was great too.

It truly was a beautiful day, a sweet ceremony, and a rockin' party. Sadly, I didn't take many pictures. Luckily, I was able to snag these two, even though they aren't the greatest of the day.  

I'm so happy for Linds and Jason, and wish them all the best in their future together.

Here's to love and marriage, and all that mushy stuff!

Sometimes I do cool things...

But only thanks to Living Social.

I kid, but only a little.

A bit ago I found a great deal for a glass blowing class at the Redmond School of Glass, and jumped on it. I persuaded my friend Windy to join me (it wasn't too difficult--this sort of thing is right up her alley), and we had a fabulous time!

At the very beginning. I don't know how to take self portraits yet, can you tell???

I got up bright and early that Saturday morn, anxiously anticipating the grand adventure. I was not disappointed. Our class met up at 9 am in the showroom of the school. Various pieces of blown glass were on display, and we perused the displays until it was time to start. 

Our instructor gave us a quick tour of the studio, and then showed us the process we'd be using for making the glass ornaments  that day. Might I add that he was VERY attractive? In that moody, artistic, sort of way? Well, he was. 

The machine used for heating up the glass. It was boiling!

The whole process was a lot more complicated (and heavy) than I thought it would be. You have to be quick, and exact, and the actual blowing is a two person task (three for us beginners). 

Windy shaping her ornament while I blow.

It was an exhilarating experience, and highly addictive! Windy and I are already planning when we can go back. 

Here's to trying cool, new things!

A few things...

from here

Hello, Summer!!!

The usually grey Seattle did not disappoint at the start of this season. Hallelujah! It felt so good to go outside without a jacket on and to not freeze. That's how life has been for the last week and a half. Drizzzle, mist, rain. We saw it all. Even some fog. FYI--not summer OR spring weather.

That brings me to my list...

SUN!!! I never realized how much I love it until it disappears for days on end. It's in those moments I realize how much I crave it. Maybe I should look into living somewhere else? (Just kidding. I love Seattle too much for that at the moment. But who knows what's in store?)

The sense of sight. Being able to see is a very important thing. Along with other health issues this past year, I've developed cataracts. No, I'm not 65. But the good news is I'm having eye surgery tomorrow! I will be seeing the world in technicolor once again! I'm interested to see how my vision will be different. Fake lens vs.original lens. Hmm. I can't wait. I'll be able to drive at night again! Hurrah!

Fresh peaches and blueberries. I think I've died and gone to heaven. I realized that apples have too much sugar in them, but blueberries and peaches are fair game. And they are sooooo good right now.

My mom. Seriously. She's amazing. I know I say that all the time, but it's so true. I'm so not worthy! My mom celebrated her birthday this week, and to mark the occasion we saw Madagascar 3 Let me tell you, go see it! It was hilarious! And I normally I don't think I like animated films. I'm always pleasantly surprised after the fact, but I wouldn't shoose to see one in the theater unless others came up with the idea.

Men who ask women on dates. I went on a really fun date last night. Low key, kind of random, but refreshing.It was just what I needed!

What has made you happy, or has rocked your world  this week?

Summer, is that you?

Yesterday started out crummy--rain, mist, the whole shebang.

And then, about 4pm it cleared up. The sun shone, and it was warm. Gloriousness.

A friend and I took a walk around the Seattle Temple after institute last night. The sun was just starting to set and it was casting a pink glow on the building. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Happy first day of summer to you all! I wish you all sun, and heat, and beauty!

It's Sunny in Seattle!!

It's sunny in Seattle--a magical thing, I tell you! Sun in Seattle rights all the wrongs in the world.

And...it's warm!

Summer, is it you?

In the summertime, I've  noticed that my taste in music tends to shift. On sunny warm days, my regular indie/alternative music doesn't seem as appropriate. That's what fall and winter are for. Summer calls for upbeat music, whatever genre it may be (except for most country).

I came across this video the other day, and thought it was soooo funny! Catchy and creative, and Carly Rae Jepsen doesn't seem to take herself too seriously. What's not to like? 

Please enjoy!

A few things...

• Reunions with high school buddies are always fun. Good friend Katherine, whom I've known since 3rd grade is in town for the summer (lucky school district employees!) and we met up with our bud, Troy.Laughter abounded. Stories were swapped. Memories shared. Good times were had by all. 

• I'm finally getting used to my hair cut. Or, should I say, chop. Some days I love it, others I feel like a triangle head. But looking at the above picture, I kind of love it. And that's important

• I'm in to a new Korean drama (I know, I know. I've decided this is my one area of geekness allowed)  called The King 2 Hearts. And so far, I love ti! I have to admit, some dramas, are ridiculous. Super cheesy, and barf worthy. Those I turn off and can't continue. This one is about the tensions between North and South Korea and a fake modern-day royal family. It's interesting to see how Koreans view the rest of the world. Caucasians are the bad guys, and the Americans are portrayed as racist jerk-faces. 

Side note: they rarely have Americans play Americans. 

They're almost always French. 

Which is funny because they

 have terrible accents. 

And, they even had one French guy

 act like he was from the South.

 Seriously?!

 Hilarious!

• My cousin Carli, and  my cousin Barbra Ann both graduated this week! I can't believe they're that old.

Am I that old? 

Because this makes me feel super old! 

• I'm getting stronger!!! Hallelujah! The past few months I've felt like such a weakling, but I'm building up muscle like I'm used to. And I'm finding I can work out harder and longer. Oh the benefits of being healthy!

• I found out that one of my mission companions is coming out to visit! I'm super excited to see her! I was fortunate enough to hang out with her a couple of times while I was living back East. Seriously, this girl has some wicked wit, and I always end up on the floor in fits of laughter. Oh, it's going to be good!

A few things...

Image from here

Do you ever spend too much time in your head?

I do.

I'm the queen of over-analyzing.

In some instances over-analyzing could be a good thing, but mostly not. Especially not now. My life has gone topsy-turvy, and dwelling on the craziness is giving me a headache. And that is quite exhausting.

So...
A decision has been made.
Decision:.
More time will be spent marveling on the glorious things that are happening in my life, less spent dwelling on the crummy.

I find writing these sorts of things down, is the absolute best way for me to remember that life is pretty awesome. But, I'm hoping I can keep this up longer than I have my past happy/favorite/gratitude lists from days past.

And, I might add, the items on this list will not always be serious in nature. Simple pleasures can make one happy. Expecially me.

Without further ado, a few things:

My red salt water sandals make me happy. They remind me of my childhood, except then, may favorites were white.

Sorry James McAvoy. Chris Hemsworth is my new celebrity crush. Perhaps you need to make some new films, so I can be reminded of why I loved you so. But as of now, Thor and the Huntsman rules my heart. But who knows what the future may hold?

Kroger Plain Greek Yogurt is the best. And let me tell you, I've been on the hunt for a good Greek yogurt. I have tried every single brand out there. No joke. Dannon's Oikos is a close second, and Chobani is third.

 Anberlin is rocking my world right now. Some of my mission buddies raved about Anberlin while we were in the Czech Republic. I put them on my list of bands to check out when I returned to the States. Yeah, that was 6 years ago, and I'm finally getting to it. They are amazing! Love them.

Catching up with old friends. I had that opportunity twice in the past week. There's something about sharing my deepest thoughts, fears, and successes with someone who has known me for years, and still loves me despite my flaws. I love my girlfriends. Hopefully one day I'll find that in a man! :)

Friends and Family. Thank you for all your love and encouragement. Thank you for your prayers, your sweet notes and emails. They have all buoyed me up at this time in my life. Thank you for being there!