December 30, 2012: Meeting Your Best Friend's Roomate

Jen seems like quite a cool person. Glad I could met her.

December 28, 29: 2012

December 28, 2012: Falling Asleep While Reading Books

December 29, 2012: Pretty Girls with Pretty Eyes Who Have Birthdays And Who Are Also A Great Friend Who Maybe One Day You Will Marry But Maybe Not Really But Really Who Knows What Could Happen In The Future Not Me.

December 26, 27: 2012

December 26: Late presents

December 27: Les Miserables (and crying like a baby through almost the whole thing)

December 24, 25: 2012

December 24: Short, cute, adorable, friendly, spunky, funny friends who visit you at work for a lot longer than they planned on

December 25: Sentimentality

December 20, 21, 22, 23, 2012

December 20: Miscommunications That Make Life Better for Everyone

December 21: Vegas Weddings

December 22: Wendy's Chicken Sandwiches

December 23: Christmas Trees

December 19, 2012: Little Books of Beauty

The ones that speak truths you couldn't seem to find the words for.

December 18, 2012: Skipping

I didn't know I had forgotten how to skip.

But today I remembered how!

=)

December 17, 2012: Narrators

December 16, 2012: Asian Fangirls

"SQUEAL! IT'S BRAD PITT!"

December 15, 2012: Pretty Girls Behind the Cash Register

There are days when you go to order a sandwich from a fast-food joint, and instead stumble your way through seven different kinds of mumbling while trying to make yourself focus on something besides the very pretty girl behind the register who is very kindly trying to understand what you're saying and who you know you would probably get along with fantastically if you could actually make yourself talk to her, but you also know she's probably older than you by enough years to make it slightly awkward if you were to ever talk to her outside of a buying-food-from-her situation, and then the next thing you know you're sitting at a table waiting for your sandwich to come.
And then when it does, it's the wrong sandwich.
But you don't mind. Because a really pretty, nameless girl handed it to you. And life is good.

December 14, 2012: Christmas Hymns

December 12, 13, 2012

December 12: Restaurants that play music I like

December 13: Magicians

December 10, 11, 2012

December 10: "Jury duty!"

December 11: People Who Play With My Hair

December 9, 2012: Beautiful Rooms

Sometimes you walk into a place, and just have to take a moment to let the beauty of it all sink in.

December 6, 7, 8, 2012

December 6: Phone Calls Bearing Good News


December 7: Being Too Busy to Think


December 8: Couches That Get Lighter And Darker When You Rub Something Across Them

December 5, 2012: Life of Pi

This movie changed my life.

Some people think it's boring and nothing but two hours of cool special effects, but the symbolism through the whole story, especially at the end was incredibly insightful. Watching Pi's story made me think of my own life, and things I have to do and face.

December 4, 2012: Bookstores

They smell good, they have books in them. I love them.

December 3, 2012: Ravioli

What can I say? I'm a sucker for anything Italian.

December 2, 2012: Spontaneous Writing Buddies

"Hey, want to write a book with me?"

I love hearing those words.

December 1, 2012: Long Days Spent with Friends

I spent upwards of 16 hours with the same group of people.
And it was absolutely amazing.
I'm so grateful for the fantastic friends I have, and for the time I get to spend with them.

November 30, 2012: Ballet Teachers

They can be a li'l bit scary sometimes.

But they teach you to dance nice. And such.

November 29, 2012: Trying a Soda for the First Time

You know those times when you see a soda sitting there and you say to yourself "Hey, I've never had that kind of soda before!" and you try it and it's delicious and you fall in love with it?

Yes.

Butterscotch root beer.

YUM.

November 28, 2012: School Pictures

"Give me your most awkward, embarrassing smile on three.
Ready? One, two, THREE!"

Click.

November 27, 2012: Pink Socks

I don't wear them. 

I just appreciate them.

November 26, 2012: Re-watching Movies

Watching a movie a second time can help you understand so much more.

November 25, 2012: My Sister That Isn't Really My Sister

I talked to her toda at length. We made lots of funny noises at each other.

She's really great.

I wuv her.

November 24, 2012: MusicalPal

I have a friend. I'm going to call him Musical Pal.
He and I are writing a musical. It's fantastic.

November 23, 2012: Mallets

They're useful for hitting things.

November 22, 2012: A game involving doodles

I laughed heartily, and I believe by doing so I will live another 75 years.

November 21, 2012: Bass Guitars

You can feel their music reverberate through your soul.

November 20, 2012: Portal Technology

Mind-bending and awesome.

November 19, 2012: Sugar in the Morning

Sometimes, it's all that can keep you going.

November 18, 2012: Growing Up

There are things that happen to people that prove that people are getting older.

While most days I try to abstain from aging, there are a few times I've been grateful for my growing level of maturity.

November 17, 2012: Mario Kart

When I get my hands on a nunchuck, I can lay waste to the masses.

November 16, 2012: Good Customers

The ones that leave before closing time, don't leave a huge mess, and ask for help when they need it, rather than complaining because they can't figure something out on their own. The ones who don't get mad when you don't carry an item they're looking for. The ones that smile back at you, and allow the magic of childhood to once again come into their life.

November 15, 2012: Dance

Music courses through my vains, and sometimes the only way I can let it out is to move.

November 14, 2012: Unknown Berry Cobbler

Tasty. Friendship-making. Tasty.

November 14, 2012: Random texts from friends

That moment when your phone goes off and it's a text from someone that you weren't expecting.

But it still a wonderful, lovely surprise.

November 13, 2012: My Job

I work at the best toy store on Earth.
And I love it.

November 12, 2012: Getting Things Done

It can be boring, but sometimes you just have to do it.

November 11, 2012: Chocolate Cake

Yum. Friends.

November 10, 2012: My November Miracle

I'm in a band. Don't bother asking me what band, because we don't have a name yet, and we just started.


BUT

Today, during our first practice, we suddenly came across hundreds of dollars in the form of music equipment that we were free to use and keep.

It was a wonderful thing.

I'm grateful for it.

November 9, 2012: Internet High Fives

SMACK

November 7, 2012: Stupid Movies

They may be a pain, but sometimes you just need to waste two hours to feel okay about life.

November 8, 2012: That moment when...

Your neck has needed to pop for over an hour, and it finally does.

November 11, 2012: Over-sized sweaters

I'm grateful for friends who lend me their sweaters that turn out to be much to large for my small body. But snuggled up in them in my bed at night just feels like happy and home :)

November 6, 2012: Springs

Nifty, boingy things, they are.

November 5, 2012: Voice Mails

Especially the ones that give you really, really good news.

November 5, 2012: Comfy sweat pants

The ones with pockets that are fuzzy inside and feel like a warm hug just when you've gotten out of the shower.

November 2, 3, 4, 2012

November 2, 2012:

The wondering faces of children


November 3, 2012:

Suddenly doing something right that you kept doing wrong


November 4, 2012:

Time spent alone

November 1, 2012: Novels

It's hard to really appreciate a book until you try to write one.

NaNoWriMo, I will conquer you!

October 31, 2012: Enchilada Soup

Mmmmmm.

October 30, 2012: The Process

Sometimes it's more about the process of carving a pumpkin, then what it ends up looking like.

October 25-29, 2012

October 25: Seat warmers.

October 26: Caution tape

October 27: Tails on cars

October 28: An understanding hand

October 29: PISD: Pre-Interview Stress Disorder

October 27, 2012: Sincere Compliments

When you're at work and after you've been running around for the last six hours, your boss stops you just to say, "Great work. You're doing so good."

October 24, 2012: Online Classes

Generally I greet the term "online class" with bitterment and total sadness.

But in tonights case, my views of online classes was completely turned around.

That was because my online class turned my day around completely.

For our assignment, students were supposed to reply to a video I had made.
I sat on my bed listening to strangers complimenting me, and saying things like "You're doing so great!" or "You're going to go so far!"
People whom I've never met, who said these things after a three minute video, somehow knew they were the words that I needed to hear right at that exact moment.

October 22, 23, 24, 2012

22: Power Outages

23: Road Signs

24: Blindfolded-Pudding-Feeding-Contests

October 21, 2012: Firesides

If you ever want to feel the Spirit, go to an AU! fireside.

October 20, 202: Pumpkin Guts

Slimy.
Seedy.
Gross.
They bring people together.
In pies.
In cookies.
In pumpkins.

October 19, 2012: Walks to Nowhere

When you can just take a walk with a good friend, headed nowhere, talking about anything and everything, life is good.

October 18, 2012: Sterotypes

Specifically the opportunity I have right now to break them. I see them constantly, and I love seeing the change in people's hearts when they realize a stereotype is not true.

October 17 & 18, 2012: Best Friends and Babies

October 17, 2012:

Best friends

October 18, 2012:

Babies

October 18, 2012: Forgiving School Internet Access Systems

Lehi High School's internet access system is pretty strict. If a website has anything even resembling something like a game or any adult content or anything the school wouldn't want students to see or do, it gives you a lovely blue screen explaining that the website you are trying to open could not be accessed because it is classified as ... and then it lists, adult, games, forums, etcetera.Sometimes, though, people figure out how to sneak through that filter via google search for obscure gaming engine sites. It's sort of exciting when this happens. If you do find one, the school technicians send you a memo asking that you stay on-task and then block your internet access all together. But... For about ten minutes, it lets you play. They allow you for ten minutes of distracted enjoyment before they demand you return to your work.

I'm grateful for those sweet ten minutes of tetris.

October 17, 2012: Free Samples

That moment when you're at Costco and they have free Teriyaki chicken AND hot cookies so naturally you circle past them at least five times hoping that if you adopt a different accent they won't get as mad?
Yep, those are the best kinds of moments.

October 16, 2012: Basses

Some men can sing LOW.

October 16, 2012: Good friends

Those friends who have your back. Who come up to you when you're eating dinner and ask about your day and give you a back rub because they can see your stressed out.
And they clean up your dirty dishes for you because you have somewhere to run to.
And they let you borrow their chemistry book so you can do you homework.
And they help you with you homework when you're having a hard time doing it.
And they give you hugs.
And they make you laugh and smile.

October 15, 2012: Spinning-Tops-of-Death

Some destroy gravity.

And the ones that destroy gravity win.

October 14, 2012: Luncheons

Food, strangers, food...

October 13, 2012: Rides Home

Sometimes people are kind and let me hitch a ride home with them.

October 12, 2012: Spoonerisms

Why jump in puddles, when you can pump in juddles?

Why drink out of a little bottle, when you can drink out of a bittle lottle?

Why slam a door, when you can dam a sloor?

Why go fishing, when you can fo gishing?

October 11, 2012: Crossword Puzzles

Especially the World's Largest.

October 10, 2012: Headphones that work

Headphones are good things.
Especially the ones that work.

October 9, 2012: Dry Cleaners

Not that I go to them very often. I just appreciate what they do for mankind.

October 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2012

October 3: Rocket fuel cookies

October 4: Four straight hours of Disney music

October 5: Hamlet Aftershock

October 6: The warmth of defeat

October 7: Cabins

October 8: The Baker

October 2, 2012: Stop-Motion Filming

It's quite cool.
Nifty.
Clever.
And stuff.

October 1, 2012: Little Talks

Note: "Little" is a relative term.

But talks during which you actually talk.
Those are nice.

September 30, 2012: Model Airplanes

The ones that fly!

September 29, 2012: Bill Murray

Heh.

September 28, 2012: People Who Take Your Place As A Dishwasher

In case you didn't know.

I really, really don't like doing dishes.

At all.

But today, when I was going to be doing so many dishes I wanted to explode, a lovely friend of mine stepped in and let me do something else.

It made me so happy.

Thank you, friend.

P.S.
I know I capitalized the title of this post wrong.

Get over it.

Love you all!

Septemeber 27, 2012: Lyrics That Don't Make Much Sense

Sometimes something can be grammatically correct, and still make no sense whatsoever. Sometimes songs do that. And usually it makes for a terrible song. But every once in a while a really good song comes up in my life that is like that.

September 27, 2012: Pictures

They are a wonderful way to let out ones creative side.

Or to help one remember family, friends, and beautiful memories.

September 26, 2012: Rocks

Grey, lumpy, heavy things that are just begging to be used in almost every object lesson.

September 25, 2012: Time Spent Talking

Too often, I go to a friend's house wanting to watch a movie, or playing a game.

Rarely do I go and just talk.

It can be quite refreshing to do so.

September 24, 2012: After School Rehearsals

STUFF CAN GET DONE!

September 23, 2012: Finding Things Early

There's an album that isn't due to be coming out in the US until tomorrow.
But I found it today.

September 22, 2012: Chairs

Today, I was up and about, walking, dancing, running, standing, and dancing and standing and walking for almost twelve hours straight.
Chairs.
How have I never realized how beautiful chairs are?

september 21, 2012: the circus

animals, tricks, blown minds, art, friends.

September 20, 2012: Twenty Dollars

Once upon a time, there was a knight who went on a crazy awesome adventure, battled mosters, slew dozens of rocks, and saved three hundred people.
Then he found twenty dollars.
The end.

September 20, 2012: Oatmeal with brown sugar

The  perfect thing to soothe a sore throat when one is ill.

September 19, 2012: Pirates

Yarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

September 18, 2012: Full Gas Tanks

The world is at my feet.

September 17, 2012: Tuna

Fish. The only fish I am willing to eat on a somewhat regular basis.

September 16, 2012: Resumes

They're actually kind of a pain.
But you know. I'm grateful for them anyway.

September 15, 2012: Unnaturally Large Headgear

Today, I wore a hat that made me taller by two or three feet. It also made it hard to see, hear, and dance.

Yay for being the Nutcracker!

September 14, 2012: Barbershop Quartets

Four-part harmonies, humor, great tuxedos... Yes.

September 13, 2012: Car Heaters

It's early in the morning, and your fingers are freezing. As you drive down the canyon, you yearn for it.

The car heater.

As the engine warms up, you flip the switch, but it's cold air blowing in your face, and you flinch.

The car heater.

Eventually, you begin to feel heat, gratefully you turn the heater to full and bask in its soul-warming flow.

The car heater.

September 12, 2012: S'mores

Sugar, sugar, and sugar combined to make... sugar.

September 11, 2012: Dust in the Air

When you start coughing.
When your mouth is dry.
When your eyes sting.
When tiny particles of dust are clogging up your senses and making you angsty.
You're living life.

September 10, 2012: Kind Police Officers

Today, I drove to rehearsal, parked, turned off my car, grabbed my binder, locked the car doors, and went to rehearsal, accidentally leaving my keys in the cup holder.

Fast forward.

Six or seven hours later, I'm frantically searching through a phone book, trying to find the phone number for the nearest police station.

I find it.

I borrow a friend's cell phone.

I call them.

I explain the situation to them:
My car is parked behind the SCERA theatre, and my keys are locked in it. Could somebody please come help me?

I give them all my personal information.

I wait.

And wait.

And watch as a police car drives into the wrong parking lot.

My friend hands me her cell phone.

The lady tells me that the police officer can't find my car.

I tell her the police officer is in the wrong parking lot.

She tells me she'll tell the police officer that.

I wait again.

The police officer finally comes to the right place.

He looked like a slightly intimidating, but not too scary kind of police officer.

And then he asked me to sign a paper that said I wouldn't hold him responsible if he damaged my car.

And suddenly, I was terrified.

What if this man has me sign the paper, then pulls out a baseball bat and destroys my windshield?

What if he dropped eighteen bowling balls on my poor little vehicle?

What if he calls it NAMES!?

I hesitantly signed the paper.

Then he did some cool stuff with a weird yellow thing and a three-foot long little rod thing.

And he unlocked my doors.

He told me to have a nice night.

Then he got back in his car.

As I drove away, I couldn't help but think "Thank you, kind police officer, for not dropping bowling balls on my car.  I don't think I would have been able to handle that."

September 9, 2012: Awesome Playing Cards

... And the people who create them.

[INSERT BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR LANCE MILLER HERE]

(Lance Miller created some really awesome decks.)

((Like these ones:))

September 8, 2012: Conveyor Belt Toasters

I didn't know they existed before. But they rock.

September 7, 2012: Gummy Bears

Despite (un)popular belief, it is, in fact, possible to have too many gummy bears.
But that doesn't mean you can't love them until you hit that point.

September 6, 2012: Cousins

Sometimes you see them frequently, sometimes you see them less frequently. But you're related to them, and can be yourself around them. Monkeys.

September 5, 2012: Road Trips

Sitting in a car for hours on end can be a wonderful way to not be in school.

September 4, 2012: Music Store People Who Know What They're Doing

Today, I visited two music stores, looking for the same thing.

At the first store, the experience went kind of like this:

Me: "Hi, do you have [CERTAIN SHEET MUSIC]?"

Employee: "Ummmm. If we do, it'll be over here.... Yeah, I'm not seeing it. Oh, wait. Is this it? I think this is it."

Me: "No, that's not the right one."

Employee: "Huh. Well... Um..."

(This continued on for a little while, and he wasn't a new employee. He also asked his co-workers, who all had almost exactly the same reaction)


The second store experience went like this:

Me: "Hi, do you have [CERTAIN SHEET MUSIC]? Oh! It's right here."

Employee: "No, that's not the one you're looking for. That's the cut version that people use for auditions. If you want the whole thing, it's right over here."

Me: "Oh, wow! Thanks."


Thanks, employee I don't know.

September 3, 2012: Jumper Cables

Sometimes, cars have troubles and refuse to start like they should.
Thats when jumper cables save your booty.

September 3, 2012: Fuzzy Towels

For those moments when you hop out of the shower in the wee hours of the morning and need something fuzzy.... stat!

September 2, 2012: Tin Whistles

Irish music is great. And glorious. And beautiful. And wouldn't be complete without a tin whistle or two.

September 1, 2012: Rain

Glorious, wet rain.

August 31, 2012: Dirt.

It's brown.
And messy.
And it nourishes stuff.
And the stuff it nourishes nourish us.

IT'S THE CIIIIRCLE OF LIIIIFE!

August 30, 2012: Trampoline Parks

Imagine a big room, full of trampolines.

You can bounce, fall, jump, flip, and badoing all you want.

Now, imagine that there are two such rooms.

One full of dodgeballs.

Now, imagine an area with foam pits next to the trampolines for the sake of doing awesome stunts.

I was there today.

And it was beautiful.

August 29, 2012: Dumas

I've been reading the Count of Monte Cristo, and... wow.
WOW.

August 28, 2012: Number Seven

Money, money, money.

August 27, 2012: Orange Shirts

They're bright, and tend to mean friendship is quick on the way.

August 26, 2012: Surprise Dinners

It's nice to find out someone already made you delicious food to consume when you announce you're hungry.

August 26, 2012: Laptop cases

There are so many lovely things one laptop provides, but without the case, how are we supposed to enjoy them if the laptop is damaged?

August 25, 2012:True Love

I went to a wedding ceremony and reception today, and was struck by the fact that true love can, in fact, exist.
Just like in Princess Bride.

August 24, 2012: Electronic Pianos

They bring me much joy and happiness.

August 23, 2012: Swings

Take three side-by-side swings, rotate them a bit, lie down, and voila!
Insta-bed.
Somewhat more comfortable than gravel.

August 22, 2012: Surprise Visits

Going somewhere where you aren't expected can result in:

People screaming and hugging you.

OR

People attempting to kill you, as seen in many an action movie.

Lucky for me, today was an encounter of the first kind.

August 21, 2012: Second Chances

Getting to try something over again is always good.
Even if you totally mess it up.

August 20, 2012: Glowsticks

Selling glowsticks to the masses as a fundraiser raised a good amount of money (for a tour I'm planning on going on... kind of a long story, but expensive and totally worth it), but mostly, it gave me a great opportunity to meet people and get to know a specific few people much better.
I love people.
I don't know if I've ever said that before on this blog.
But I do.
I really, really, really love people.

Anyway. Yes. Glowsticks. Good for money, for bonding, and for awesome.

August 19, 2012: Car Chargers

When a battery is low,
Where to go?
To the car! To the car!
Drive, and charge!

August 18, 2012: Theatre People

When one is a theatre person, one views life a little differently. 

One is less afraid of being embarrassed. 

One is more inclined to suddenly burst into song, dance, and spontaneous monologuing.

One is also less inclined to think other people odd for doing these things.

One also begins to enjoy the company of other such theatre people.

August 17, 2012: Dr. Orange Beer

Mixing various sodas is kind of a passion of mine.

I'm grateful for tonight's brew:

Dr. P, Orange Fanta, and Root beer.

August 16, 2012: Impromptu Sleepovers

Sometimes they happen.

August 15, 2012: Microphones & Color Discrepencies

The two are one and the same, as far as this post is concerned.
I consider it false advertising.
But it was alright.
Because it was fun, eh?
Recording one's voice can be an entertaining venture.

August 15, 2012: Notebooks

A place where one can write.
Their feelings.
Their thoughts.
Or simply just draw a picture.

For me, it helps me think, and process information to be able to have it all down in front of me, for me to review whenever I like.

August 14, 2012: Ridiculous Outfits

What else?

August 13, 2012: Candy You Love for No Apparent Reason

I don't really care for coconut all that much.
Cream is alright.
Almonds? Please. 

But there are these candy ball things that are a combination of the three, and I love them.

That's all.

August 13, 2012: Scanners

Printers can scan things too. It's a little miracle.

Got it on paper?

Get it on your computer.

Nifty little things, scanners are...

August 12, 2012: Songs of Praise

Singing brings me closer to the God I know and love.

August 11, 2012: Spray bottles with fans attached

August 10, 2012: "Mutilate the Bodies"

There is a card game by name of Munchkin.

It's ridiculous. I love it.

This post is dedicated to my favorite card in the whole thing.

Mutilate the Bodies.

It lets you gain a level.

Which is nice.

August 9, 2012: Legendary Pandas

The one named Po, especially.

August 8,2012: Dressing up

I love being able to put on a fancy dress and curl my hair.

For no reason other than it being for pure enjoyment and fun.

August 8, 2012: Kayaks

I've never really understood the difference between different kinds of small watercraft.
But today I went down a river in what I was told was a kayak. And I had loads of fun.
I never capsized. Bam.

Still. I enjoyed it, and I'm grateful for the experience.

August 7, 2012: TV Show Marathons

Today, I watched roughly 15 episodes of a show in which a 12-year old boy repeatedly outsmarts and outfights adults by blowing wind at them.
It was immensely enjoyable.

August 6, 2012: Pain

I have no words to express why on Earth I'm grateful for pain.
But I am.
Maybe one day I'll find a way to show you how I could appreciate something so... not enjoyable.

August 5, 2012: The Ability to Express One's Amusement Through Laughter

I mean, like, what if when we thought something was funny, we just said, "That's so funny!"? That isn't a very effective way to express amusement. Like if you're in a crowd and a speaker said something entertaining? Can you imagine a crowd of hundreds all, collectively, saying, "That's so funny!" All together but at different times? No. It's an ugly sound.

Also, some people have entertaining laughs, giving cause for more joyous laughter.

... Also, laughter is so very good for you and your friends. It's a wonderful thing.

August 5, 2012: Permanent Markers

When you want something to last.

August 4, 2012: Phone Calls from China

I will admit, this is the first time that I've had this experience.
But it was wonderful.

A good friend of mine whom we'll call Theodore has been in China for the past five-ish weeks. It's been strange without him here, but I've gotten mostly used to it, methinks.

Anyhow. He called me this morning, and we talked until he ran out of international minutes to use.
It was quite a good conversation.

Thank you, Theodore, for that wonderful conversation via telephone.

August 3, 2012: Crunchy, Delicious Apples

A little bit tart, but not overwhelmingly so.
Beautiful, stickerless outside.
YUM.

August 2, 2012: Flowcharts

A sometimes necessary and sometimes entertaining evil.

August 1, 2012: Complete and Utter Lack of Productivity

Sometimes a person just needs a day to do absolutely nothing worth doing for as long as possible.

July 31, 2012: Chess

It's nerdy.
And it's fun.
And that's all I have to say at the moment.

July 30, 2012: Proprioception

Proprioception is the body's ability to sense where it is in space.


This is what allows you to be able to give yourself a high five with your eyes closed.


This is what allows you to catch something you knocked over/dropped before it hits the ground.

Proprioception.


Tell your friends.

July 29, 2012: Fruity Drinks

Grape juice, apple juice, orange juice, cran-apple juice, juice, juice, juice.
YUM.

July 29, 2012: Fuzzy warm blankets

Because even on summer days, your feet can still get cold.

July 28, 2010: Natural Teachers

Some people teach, even when they don't mean to.
And those people are the people that I really learn from. The ones who don't even know they're teaching, sometimes.

July 27, 2012: New Dances

More specifically, Hip-Hop.
I had my first taste of it today, and oh my dear Splinda Rapuccinni, that was fun.

July 27, 2012: High messy buns

They are perfect for the hot summer days when you are too lazy to make any sort of effort to look good.

July 26, 2012: Sticky Hands

When a kid is messy, sticky, and otherwise adorable, it's just cute and nice and happy and stuff.

July 25, 2012: Glockenspiels

Many a good song has been made great by the presence of the joyous sounds of a glockenspiel.

July 24, 2012- Hugs

They really are the greatest thing on the planet.

Ever.

July 24, 2012: Beautiful Music Surprises

"Surely, there is no way that this song could be made better than it already is," I thought.

I thought wrong.

The Boxer, by Simon and Garfunkel, was just redone and was at least equalled, if not improved by a small smidgen.

This my friends/readers, is what I am grateful for today.

Yes. It did bring tears to my eyes the first, second, third, and fourth times I heard it.

July 23, 2012: Unorganized Stacks of Paper

Part of the fun of being a generally unorganized person is trying to organize things.
When one is going through a stack of completely unrelated pieces of paper, it's much more fun and enjoyable than if one is going through a stack of papers that all have to do with the same boring problem/subject/thing.

July 22, 2012: Realizations

You know those moments when you suddenly realize something that should have been completely obvious to you, but wasn't?
And as soon as you figure it out, it changes the way you live?

Yes.

Those are good moments.

July 21, 2012: Kinda Sunny Days (Happy Girl)

Those days where you sit outside with your laptop and it's kinda sunny but there's some clouds so you're not too hot, but it's not overcast, so you don't feel gloomy inside.

You feel just right.

July 21, 2012: Good Neighbors

There is a story behind this post.
But I won't tell it.
Not because I want to be annoying or enigmatic, but because it's personal.

Let's just say bad things can happen to good people, and it's at those times when people like me gain respect for those who shine through as examples of good men.

July 20, 2012: Kind Bank Tellers

Today I went to the bank.
By myself.
For the first time.

And I had absolutely no clue what I was doing.

Luckily, the bank teller lady was very nice and helped me through the whole process. I am ever so appreciative of this woman's overflowing helpful attitude and generosity.

Thank you, bank teller lady.
I owe you one.

July 19, 2012: People Who Decline

Today, I got to thinking. If everyone went to everything they were invited to, life would be nothing short of utterly insane.
Thank you, everyone who has told me no over the years.
I really appreciate it.

July 18, 2012: Spacecraft

The fact that mankind has the capability of going to space is kind of insane.
And incredibly awesome.

One of the best things I ever did as a youngster was go to Space Camp in Kansas.
This place is wonderful.

If ever you're on a road trip and you happen to be driving through whatever area it's in, go to the museum they've got. Because they have everything.

The museum takes you through the journey the human race went through to end up in space. It starts in WWII, with missiles the Germans had started to use.
It goes through the Cold War, through the Space Race, and into the moon landing.

They have Apollo 13. THE Apollo 13.
Not some replica. The real deal.

They have the Mercury Bell, which was lost at the bottom of the ocean for years.

They have rocket ships.

Oh, and they have one of these babies sitting in the lobby.

July 17, 2012: Free Food

"Ugh, I can't finish this."
"Instead of throwing it away, why don't you give it to me?"
"Okay. Here."
"Thanks. OMNOMNOMNOMNOM..."

Food, my friends, is wonderful.

July 16, 2012: Crazy, Televised Driving

It's both fun to watch in movies and the like, and a joy to do in the imaginary realm of video games.
It can be quite funny, sometimes. I especially enjoy watching English people drive on the wrong side of the road, so I can chortle quietly to myself and say "Oh, those silly British people. They drive on the wrong side of the road."

July 15, 2012: Notes (iPhone app)

The next time you steal someone's iPhone, instead of being a dork with it, leave them a nice surprise in Notes.

I promise it'll make you feel good, and it'll make them happy too, probably. 

July 14, 2012: Ranch Dressing

Delicious.

And I have it to thank for helping me end up with the best friend anyone could have.
But this post isn't about her.
That will come later.

July 13, 2012: Forgiveness

People can do really dumb things. Things that hurt other people.

I've done dumb things.

But there's one dumb thing in particular that still haunts me.

The person who I hurt, however, has forgiven me.

And I cannot even begin to describe to you how appreciative I am of that.

July 12, 2012: Nights Off

People have things to do.
People have work, school, and everything else in the world to occupy their time and drive them insane (slowly, and over time).
Every once in a while, people need to take a break.

YOU.
Take a break.
And leave your cell phone, iPod, etc. BEHIND YOU.
For one night.
It'll be nice.

Believe me.

I'm grateful for nights off. They keep me sane.

July 10-11, 2012: Pomegranates, Driver Licenses

July 10:
Delicious, messy, seedy, juicy, yummy....

July 11:
FREEDOM!
AND SAFETY! AND THE CAPABILITY TO SING AS LOUDLY AS YOU WANT WITHOUT JUDGMENT!

July 11, 2012: Sunglasses

Not only are they a stylish accessory, but they are also used as a mirror, or simply something to cover your retina's to prevent them from burning out.

July 9, 2012: 7 layer chip dip

It has seven layers, it's delicious, and... yes.

July 8, 2012: Staple Removers

To be quite honest, I was rather frightened the first time I saw a staple remover.
It looked dangerous.
Scary.

But after a little bit of time, I realized just how useful they can be.

Which is very useful. On really random days.

Other days, they're completely useless.

But I'm still grateful for them, because if I didn't have the on the days I needed them, I would be in a bind.

July 7, 2012: Pearls

A boring grain of sand goes from being a nuisance to being a beautiful nuisance.

I'm sure there's a good lesson in there somewhere, for which I am very grateful.

July 6, 2012: Sarcasm

Without it, I would not be myself.

July 5, 2012: Icelandic Bands

Specifically a certain group called Of Monsters and Men.

July 4, 2012: Fireworks

They scared me to death as a little kid, but now I really enjoy them.

July 3, 2012: Cowboys

They may have atrocious accents.
They may listen to country music.
They may wear interesting hats.

But...

They play guitar real good.
They wear some dern good-looking boots.
And they are great when stuck in musicals.

July 2, 2012: Popcorn

It's crunchy, it's buttery, it's delicious, and it's ridiculously unhealthy.
What's not to love about popcorn?

July 1, 2012: Honesty

Life is so much easier to live when one is open and honest about who they are.
I really appreciate the times in my life when my friends have been truthful with me about their lives, and what they think of what I've been doing.
That's all I'm going to say for now.
Because, honestly, I'm quite hungry at the moment and would like to get something in my stomach before I start getting grumpy.
Love you all, my dear readers (if there indeed any readers)!

June 30, 2012: New Old Cars

Today, my family replaced our previous vehicle with a used car that is very, very much like a car we once owned.
It's scaring me a little bit, actually. It makes me feel like I'm seven again.

However, I am grateful for this new vehicle. It will get me places.

And make me feel even more like a little kid.

June 29, 2012: The Green, Mean... Driving Machine?

My family's car died today.
It was green.
It was mean.
It was indeed a driving machine.
And it got scrapped for $211.

It has been our mode of transportation for the past eight years, and it will be missed.

Thanks for getting me places, O dead vehicle.

June 28, 2012: Classical Music

Lots of people don't appreciate it anymore.
I was one of them, once. Briefly.
When I was a wee, naked baby.
But I learned as I grew.
Classical music is a beautiful thing.

June 27, 2012: Short People

I like feeling tall.
Although there are times that I miss being a shorty.

But instead of being bitter about my height, I will simply give thanks for the short people I know.

June 26, 2012: Popsicles

Cold and delicious.
Perfect for a summer day.
Yes.
That's all.
Goodbye.
This post is over now.

June 25, 2012: Crazy Awesome Accents

I will one day marry a girl, and I really hope she has an accent. 

Irish, preferably.
Because and Irish accent is a beautiful, beautiful thing.

Also.

Brave is a very good movie.
You should see it.

They have accents.

June 24, 2012: Sunscreen

It's nice to not get sunburned.

It's not so nice to be thinking this after you've forgotten how nice it is to not get sunburned.

In the future, I will remember you, sunscreen.

June 23, 2012: All-day Adventures

They last a while.
But they're worth it.

June 22, 2012: Hot Baths

When your body is annoyed and mad and upset and in pain, take a hot bath.

It helps.

June 21, 2012: Mr. Kennington

Normally, with this blog, I do not name people. I normally remain intentionally vague about identities and such things.
Today is different. Today I am blogging about a specific person that I want everyone on the planet to know about.

Mr. Kennington.

This man is one of the most wonderful people I have had the good fortune to meet in my life.
The previous headmaster of my previous high school, I only really spoke with him a few times. But he knew who I was. He always asked about how I was doing, and I could always tell that he genuinely cared.

He also, with the help of my tenth grade English teacher, helped me learn to love Shakespeare's works. No one loves Shakespeare as much Mr. K. I can't even fathom the idea of a person more passionate about the Bard than Justin Kennington. His passion is inspiring. It allowed curiosity to build in the minds of students (particularly mine), making us wonder how. How can a simple playwright born hundreds of years ago whose words are often harder to understand than an ogre talking in his sleep be all that wonderful?

I don't know how to answer that question. It still doesn't quite make sense to me. But I have learned to love Shakespeare regardless.


Words, words, words...

I seem to be rambling a bit. Allow me to try and get back on track.


Mr. K.


Great man.


I was very sorry to hear he had been let go.
  
I wonder what on Earth could have made the Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy school board think that the man who gave their school identity and spirit; the man who did more personally to help that school become the great place it was, was no longer needed.

Mr. Kennington, you remain in my prayers.

You convinced me to attend the school you were headmaster of, where I made numerous friends and learned to think, as well memorize.

You inspired me to read the works of the Bard, and my life has forever been changed because of it.

You helped me get into theatre, the world in which I now refuse to leave on most days.

I am and always will be grateful for you and the impact you had on my life.

Thank you.

June 20, 2012: Highly-Functioning Sociopaths

In case you couldn't tell from the title of this post, I just watched the first episode of BBC's Sherlock.

Me gusta.

June 19, 2012: Dead Characters

Beloved, hated, of meh-quality, or merely there for dramatic effect, good stories include a death somewhere.
Despite the tears that are often shed because of their untimely (and yet so very timely, generally) demises, I am grateful for the fact them, for their deaths, and for the normally fictional lives they led before they met the tall man wearing black.

June 18, 2012: Printers

They... print stuff.
And, consequently, can be the source/cause/aid/friend/enemy in many an adventure.

June 17, 2012: Latin Roots

While talking to someone today, I made up a word.
And it was a real word.
And I felt smart.
I told my friend how I felt. She asked for a speech.
So I wrote the following:

Once, I wasn't smart. I was an ignorant child, just like many of you are now. 

But then, one day, I had a teacher who was different. I had a teacher who was excited about life.

A teacher who taught us all a person ever needs to know in life - Latin roots.

I know. I know. You're probably all thinking "Wait! What about math, and history, and all those other 

things that teachers say are important?"

To those of you thinking that, I have this to say:

Your teachers are lying to you.

Math?

Please. Numbers do nothing for you, aside from buying candy at the local grocery store.

But Latin roots... Those are the biggies.

They give you such freedom, such confidence in life, that you will start doing big things.

Things like making up a word for a situation, and finding out later that the word already existed, that 

the word meant what you meant it to mean, and that you used it correctly.

Latin roots, my friends. Latin roots.

If you can sound smart, people around you will think you are smart.

And if you are surrounded by people who think you are smart, you ARE smart.

Thank you.

And that was that.

Also, it's my birthday.

June 16, 2012: Pointe Shoes

Mostly, I'm grateful I don't have to wear them.

They are pretty, though.

June 15, 2012: Hollywood Super-Star, Shia LaBeouf

He has robot friends.
He has robot enemies.
Robots surround him.
He's SHIA LABEOUF!

Penguins?

SHIA LABEOUF!

More robots?

SHIA LABEOUF!

Actual cannibal, Shia LaBeouf!

---

... Don't ask.

June 15, 2012: Proper Technique

There are some tasks one may perform in very nearly any manner and the job will get done exactly as efficiently as if they hade done it the way it was taught to them.

There are some tasks that can also be performed in very nearly any manner and the job will get done, just not quite as well or as efficiently as if the person did it the way they were taught to.

And then there are some things that must be done exactly the right way or else it might be just off, or else completely wrong.

Typing is one of the second. Apparently, upon learning the proper technique of something you thought you already knew, you actually get to start completely over again. I went from about 60 to 65 wpm to... about 20.

Learn the proper technique the first time.

It's worth it.

I'm serious.

June 14, 2012: Partner Dances

From ballet to ballroom, dancing with another person is always exciting, entertaining, and totally worth the time spent learning.

June 13, 2012: Cuteness

Not hotness, not sexiness, not any of that-ness.

Cuteness.

Cute people are just so adorably lovable that one can't help but want to always be their friend forever.

June 12, 2012: Goats

There's something about them that's undeniably adorable. Especially when they're babies.

June 11, 2012: Slippers

The dancing kind, the just-got-out-of-bed kind, and any other kinds that might come to mind.
They help your feet out in various ways, whether it's keeping them warm or protected from harm.
Thanks, slippers.

June 10, 2012: Old Books

You open it, and you can hear its bones creaking. Your finger comes away from the cover with a coating of dust. You breathe in, and you smell history.
This book has seen a lot over the years. It's been through presidents, wars, and natural disasters. It's seen marriages, moved houses, and helped stop tears.
This book has its own life story. A story that will never be shared.

June 9, 2012: IT people.

They have to go through so much.
People don't appreciate them nearly enough.
So thank you, IT people. Thank you.

June 8, 2012: Trains

Chugh-a-chug-a-chug-a-chug-a-CHOO-CHOO!

Basically, I like trains.

June 7, 2012: Stand-up Comedians

They make me laugh.
Hard.

June 7, 2012: Summer School

This might seem odd.
And it's probably an unpopular opinion.
But I am currently sitting in a computer lab at Lehi High School, and I'm glad I'm here. Becaaaauuuse....

Summer school means I have fewer classes to take during the school year.
It also means I'm not sitting at home, enduring insufferable boredom and sitting in front of my computer at home, being COMPLETELY unproductive.

Also, my medication does things to me.

GOOD things...

But things no less.

I'm done now. I hope you enjoyed your insight to my uh.. Personal life? I'm not sure what that would be considered.

I'm rambling. Sorry. I'm actually done now.

'Cause I'm at summer school. (x

June 6, 2012: Salsa Cookies

Don't let the awkward thumbnail put you off. This video is quite, quite entertaining.

June 5, 2012: The Little Dipper

Sometimes I go stargazing. And I can't find the little dipper.
Because I can't see it, I search for a long time.
This keeps me outside in the beauty of nature, looking at stars for a long time.
Stars are wonderful things.
I don't know where this post is going, really. So I think I'll just end it.

June 4, 2012: Bacon-Flavored Popcorn

I've never had the stuff.
But I'm still grateful for it.
Mostly because it was the reason I ended up with a great friend.

June 3, 2012: Irish Bands

Combine music (one of the greatest things imaginable) and Irish accents (another one of the most fantastical things that could possibly be thought up), and you get pure fantastic.
It's true.

June 2, 2012: Little Lights

Ones you can hold, and juggle, and stick in your friends' hair.

June 1, 2012: Forcefields of Awesomeness

Starting with waking up, my day hasn't been too wonderful.
I barely had time to put something and scarf down something barely resembling breakfast before I was taken off to band practice.

Note: By "band practice," I mean a few of my friends and myself sitting around and trying to make music happen, generally without much success.

Headache.

Being told I wasn't going to be able to see a friend I was really hoping to see.

Just little things like that have all stacked up and made me a little grumpster.

Then I got home.
And I see my nephews playing around with some toys I don't remember ever knowing about in my life.
Then one of them turns to the other and says "You are no match for my forcefield of AWESOMENESS!"
I had to smile.
And then my day started looking a bit brighter.


The end.

May 31, 2012: Digital Clocks

They're quite useful.
If not somewhat annoying at times.

May 30, 2012: Corny Movies

Everybody has seen at least a few.
They're wonderful things to bond over. When you watch a corny, or cheesy movie with someone you automatically have a hundred thousand (not a billion) private jokes with that person.
It's beautiful.

May 29, 2012: Dogs

Not all dogs.
The little ones that don't bark too much that like to cuddle.

If I ever get a dog, I want one like that.
They're nice.

May 28, 2012: Change

I'm not talking about things changing from one thing to another.
I'm not talking about Obama.
I'm talking about pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.
The loose coins you have in your pocket or purse that cling, clang, jingle, and ping.

(ASL) May 27, 2012: Harmonicas

They're small, portable, easy to play, and occasionally headache inducing.

May, 27, 2012: Journals

They're like a good friend you can tell all of your secrets to that will never, ever, EVER spill ANY of them to ANYONE.

Unless, you know, someone finds it and decides to read it.

In that case.. you're toast.

... Hide it well.

But they're so great! Right? =D

May 26, 2012: Harmonies

Because they make life beautiful.

May 25, 2012: Towels

May 25.
Towel Day.
You're probably a little bit curious. Please, allow me to explain.
There once was a man by the name of Douglas Adams. He was brilliant.
He wrote a story entitled The HitchHikers' Guide to the Galaxy. And it's brilliant.
Douglas passed away in the year 2001. Every May 25, people all over the universe celebrate Towel Day, honoring the stories Adams wrote, and by doing so, him.

On Towel Day, people are encouraged to bring a towel with them, everywhere they go.
Although I have yet to leave my house today, I have been doing so.

You may be wondering. How is wearing a towel celebrating the life of a genius?

Well, in his books, there is a lengthy explanation of why towels are the most useful thing an intergalactic hitchhiker could have.

Would you like to read it?

Here you go:


 "A towel, it says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value - you can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapours; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on thedesert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a mini raft down the slow heavy river Moth; wet it for use in hand-to- hand-combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes or to avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (a mindboggingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can't see it, it can't see you - daft as a bush, but very ravenous); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.

More importantly, a towel has immense psychological value. For some reason, if a strag (strag: non-hitch hiker) discovers that a hitch hiker has his towel with him, he will automatically assume that he is also in possession of a toothbrush, face flannel, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet weather gear, space suit etc., etc. Furthermore, the strag will then happily lend the hitch hiker any of these or a dozen other items that the hitch hiker might accidentally have "lost". What the strag will think is that any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is is clearly a man to be reckoned with."

So, there you have it.
Towels truly are wonderful, useful things.

May 24, 2012: Adventures

They happen, sometimes.
Actually, they happen a lot.
We just fail to notice them a bit too frequently.

May 23, 2012: Air

Today, I went on my first SCUBA dive. The instructor of the course was taking each student and showing them how to deal with different situations that may arise on a dive.
At one point he said "Now, I'm going to turn off your tank, and you'll know what it feels like to run out of air."
I thought that sounded like an adventure. I watched my pressure gauge go farther and farther down as he cranked the tank's air valve shut.
And then suddenly, my lungs refused to inflate.
I tried and I tried, and nothing happened.
That is probably one of the scariest things I have ever experienced.
I have never been properly grateful for air before today.
I love breathing.

May 22, 2012: Mailboxes

You open them, and there are surprises inside!
Letters, little packages, coupons, and sometimes, you get the biggest surprise of all:
Nothing.

May 21, 2012: Silent Football

This game is one that takes a long time to learn, and an even longer time to get good at.

You may not use pronouns.

You may fwop a fwop, but you may not fwop a fwopped fwop.

You may zoom a zoom, but you may not zoom a zoomed zoom.

Keep track of your own penance points.

Listen to the Dictator's every word.

Don't hallucinate.

Customary tip of the hat.

May 20, 2012: Spiders

I can't believe I'm writing this post.

But I am.

I am.... um.

I'm very grateful for...

Ugh.

I'm thankful for... Spiders.

There. I said it.

I'll consider figuring out why that is.

I'll get back to you.

May 19, 2012: Scenic Routes

Sometimes they end in the wrong place, and sometimes you have to turn around.
But every one's a little place of wonder, just waiting to be found.

If you have the time and want
To take the longer way,
You'll see things in a less gaunt
Light, and for the scenic route,
There is no need to pay.

May 18, 2012: Tuxedos

Fancy pants, fancy shirt, fancy tie, fancy, fancy, FANCY!

May 17, 2012: Pendulums

Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.

Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.
Back, and forth.

May 16, 2012: Raspy Voices

I love hearing people sing.
It goes without saying that some voices are easier to listen to then others.
But the voices I could listen to forever and ever and three days without ever being even slightly bored are the ones that have a smoky, raspy feel.
I just can't help loving them.

May 15, 2012: Corn

It's yellow, delicious when slathered in butter and salt, and gets stuck in your teeth.
So what's not to love about it?

May 14, 2012: Terry Pratchett

Few authors have the comic genius of this man.
Allow me to share a few brilliant quotes from his works.

“In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” 


“It's not worth doing something unless someone, somewhere, would much rather you weren't doing it.” 


“I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.” 


“It would seem that you have no useful skill or talent whatsoever," he said. "Have you thought of going into teaching?” 


“The intelligence of that creature known as a crowd is the square root of the number of people in it.” 


“You can't map a sense of humor. Anyway, what is a fantasy map but a space beyond which There Be Dragons? On the Discworld we know that There Be Dragons Everywhere. They might not all have scales and forked tongues, but they Be Here all right, grinning and jostling and trying to sell you souvenirs. ” 




These aren't even close to the best lines of his, either.


But I've been thinking aboot his stuff lately, and it's gotten to me.

May 13, 2012: Antiques

They have so much personality.

Weighed down my memories, they can do nothing but wait for someone to come along who wants to hear the stories they can tell.

May 12, 2012: Maine

It is now where a good friend of mine is living.
So I suppose I should be grateful it isn't making her die.

May 11, 2012: Velcro

It makes things stick together, and is useful in so many ways that people don't think of.
It's like magic!

May 10, 2012: Space (The person)

There is a gal I know by the name of Space,
Who has a most beautiful face.
Talents, and kindess, goodness galore,
She possesses them all, rest assured.


A spontaneous poem, written by me, to express my gratitude for a wonderful person who is very nice to me.

Joy!

May 9, 2012: Bamboo

It's beautiful stuff. It also feeds pandas.
And who doesn't like pandas?

May 8, 2012: Gnomes

They know no love.

...Just in case you were wondering where this post came from:
That's my friend.

And this little song she wrote makes me a very happy child indeed.

May 7, 2012: Talent Shows

Sometimes they're impressive, and sometimes they're just downright hilarious. Either way, they're entertaining, and I love seeing the personality of different individuals displayed through what they do when left to their own devices.

May 6, 2012: Orange chicken

It isn't the most authentically Chinese food, but it sure is delicious.
Smiley face.

May 5, 2012: Naps

Naps are magnificent things.
They kill time you could be being productive in, and rest you up a bit for the night time.
And it's just extra sleep--and be completely honest here...

Who couldn't use some more sleep?

May 5, 2012 (ASL): Confetti

It may get everywhere, but it is colorful.
And colors make me happy.

May 5,2012: Gooey Brownies

Simply, why not? :)

May 4, 2012: Chiropractors

I've never been to chiropractor.
But I'm pretty sure, that one day, I will desperately need one.
So I figure I might as well start being grateful for them now, rather than waiting until I really need their services.

May 3, 2012: All the People I Don't Know

Because every one of them is a person I could potentially meet.

May 2, 2012: Opening Nights

When one is in a show, there is nothing more terrifying, nor anything more intoxicating, exciting, and fantastic, as opening night.
Adrenaline pumps through the body like Allinol into Lightning McQueen's engine.
It's quite hard to put into words.
But it's wonderful.

May 1, 2012: Rabbits

If you remember them, they supposedly will give you luck for months at a time.

If you remember them.

If you don't remember them, they're just adorable little furry creatures.

And if you try to hunt them, they may just humiliate you in ways that should kill you.

April 30, 2012 (ASL): Imaginary Friends

You know... the ones that only you can see?
The ones that steal your food and poke you during tests?
The ones that think Singapore is in Wisconsin?

Yes.
I'm grateful for them.
They're grand beings.

April 30, 2012: The Giggles

I'm grateful for the giggles.

Especially the friends who inflict such torture. Rather than poking and prodding when you say your day was bad, they will simply try to make you smile.

But eventually the smile gets too big to stay on your face and must immediately burst into the world.
And you get into such a fit of giggles that you are rolling on your back and squishing your eyes so you can't see.

And any upset-ness you felt was immediately released out of your mouth and replaced only by happyness.

April 29, 2012: Telescopes

Space is a very large, very far away thing.

With a telescope, we can bring the heavens that much closer. We can see things that we never could have imagined up.

We can see the beauty of the Universe.

April 28, 2012: Wite-Out

It makes things white again.

April 27, 2012: My Left Shoe

What do you get when you mix improv theatre, improv music, J. Edgar Hoover, Australia, 78 Things I Hate About You, a ditzy American scientist, spies, juvenile delinquents, and oceans?
You get "My Left Shoe", which is unique and probably never to be ever repeated ever again.

April 26, 2012: Glockenspiels

This amazing instrument has enough personality with its name alone to make people smile.

April 25, 2012: Yellow

Though it's despised by many, the color yellow remains among my favorites on account of its vibrant personality and refusal to change simply because people don't like it.

April 24, 2012: British Authors

From flying bricks and the number 42, to a flat world resting on the backs of four elephants that are standing on the back of a turtle flying through space, British minds seem to be the best at being awesome.

April 23, 2012: This Video

That video right there changed my life.

'Nuff said.

April 22, 2012: Exclamation Points

They make life more exciting!

(ASL) April 21, 2012: My Tongue

Without it, I could not speak, and, being an actor, I consider speaking the speech trippingly on the tongue to be of utmost importance.

April 21, 2012- Tissues

A small square of cotton.
Easily obtained and quickly thrown away.
Yet, when one is sick with a runny nose, it is these small things that help me survive.

Thanks, inventor of tissues, for preventing me from stuffing grass, hay, or something of the sort up my nose.

April 20, 2012: Pillows

They're comfortable and sleep-inducing.

And at this moment in time, I don't want anything else in my life.

April 19, 2012: The Piano Guys

Normally, I try to stay away from mentioning specific groups or people here on this blog.

But tonight, I'm too excited to keep it to myself.

The Piano Guys.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

If you are reading this, you have internet access.

And so I'm giving you an assignment.

Go to youtube dot com, and look up the Piano Guys.

Watch the video entitled "Michael meets Mozart" and be amazed.

And then look up everything else they've done and be blown away completely.

April 18, 2012: Brains

Despite popular belief, I am not a zombie.

I do, however, love brains.

Mostly, I love how well some people use the ones they have been given.

How they have learned to think creatively, usefully, and brilliantly.

April 17, 2012: Needles

Because I like wearing clothes, I must be grateful for the process of making clothes, which involves these very point, sharp things.
Scary in some circumstances, ridiculously useful in others.
Next time you see a needle and you start to freak out, think of all the good things needles like that have done for you.

(ASL's) April 16, 2012: Firewood

If you have it, you can be warm.
And if you're in a situation in which you're using it, you're probably either outside in a camping-ish situation, or your home has a wood stove, which is nice.

April 16, 2012: The color Red

I simply can't help myself.

Each, and every single time I see the color red, I break into a huge grin that can't seem to be hidden.

It doesn't matter what exactly is red.

Leaves on trees, nail polish, hair, shoes.

It is all so wonderful and brings me oh, so much joy.

April 15, 2012: Dry Erase Markers

Sometimes it's the little things.

April 14, 2012: Shotguns

They are very fun to shoot.
They make a loud noise, and... yeah!
I like them. Usually.

April 13, 2012: My Imagination

"...you’ve heard of the French nation or the British nation. Well, this is the Imagi-nation. It’s a wonderful place!"

-Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street

That quote right there just about sums it up. The Imagination is a place where one can go to do everything they ever wanted to do. A place where there are no limits. A place where everything can happen, and frequently does.

If you've never had the pleasure of taking a trip to the Imagination, I would suggest you start packing as soon as you can. It'll be well worth the trip.

April 12, 2012: Roller Blades

You out them on your feet, and you zoom around awesomely.
I miss the ones I used to have.
One day, I'll get another pair.

April 12, 2012: Birthday's

Not necessarily my own, per say.

In fact, when I celebrate my own, the age is usually made up.

No, I like others better.

Just seeing the pure joy and happyness radiating off of them.

It's beautiful.

Especially when you call them in the wee hours of the morn.

That's my favorite.

Plus, sometimes you get a cupcake out of it. :)

And hello. I am unbelievably excited to be here.

April 11, 2012: Kittens

They're tiny, cute, and just plain adorable.
Oftentimes, they make little noises that make you want to cry they're so cute.
They will occasionally sit in your lap, and make you love them even more.
I love kittens.
And cats.
But this post is about kittens.

April 10, 2012: The United States Postal Service (and another introduction)

I have this thing rather near my house. It's called a mailbox.
Every once in a while, a man puts things inside of it for me. Things like cards, and letters, and rubber bands.
That's what this guys job is. To bring people things.
And he isn't the only one. There's a huge force of people working to send everything everyone wants sent.
I'm so glad they exist.


Now.
We have another lady joining the TTP Authorship boat. We'll be calling her Happy Girl.
She happens to be a very close friend of mine, and I am very excited to see what she brings to this here blog of gratitude and joy.

April 9, 2012: Velociraptors

ROAR!

April 8, 2012: My Savior

I won't even try to put into words what Jesus Christ means to me.

April 7, 2012: Pugs

I want you to understand something. I am not a dog person.

So when my neighbors asked me to take care of their pug while they were in Mexico I was a bit hesitant to accept, but decided to be nice and not let their poor dog die while its owners were away.

This was the first morning I went to go take the animal out for a short walk.
When I walked in, Joey (for that is the pug's name) was so excited to see me and go outside I had to give her a few scratches behind the ears and a happy greeting.

It's a bit odd. I don't like dogs. And pugs are typically snorty, farty little guys that are a bit more... doggy than most dogs.
And yet, today I found myself genuinely liking the creature.

Sometimes I think we just need to take the time to see someone in a different light. It can change how we view them completely.

April 6, 2012: Spring Break

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

April 5, 2012: (ASL) Jell-O

Okay, okay... So I live in Utah.
So I didn't know it came in any other colors besides green until I was ten or eleven.
But that doesn't stop the fact that it's delicious and jibbly-wibbly-wobbly-hobbledy.

April 5, 2012: Good Lyrics.

The kind that are simple, and short.
But the kind that make you think, really hard.
And when you finally get it
it's an idea so profound you can't get over it.
And it changes you, little by little,
from the inside out.


Also, Hello.

April 4, 2012: Telepathawesome communications, and an announcement!

It's like telepathy, but way more awesome.
I would try to explain how it works, but that would be impossible. Either you have it, or you don't.
I, luckily, have a telepathawesome connection with a good friend of mine, and it's been grand.



Also!
There is a change coming I feel I should announce. I, ASL, will no longer be the only person posting on this blog.
Periodically, my good friend Sara (except we'll call her Bird on this blog) will be sharing tidbits of gratitude as well. She tells me she's planning on writing for TTP roughly twice a week.
I look forward to seeing what she brings to the table of thankfulness to share with us all.

April 3, 2012: All the Things I Hate

This post is difficult to write.

But let me try to explain my thinking here.

It is in the nature of humans to hate things, like things, love things, and not-really-care about things.

Now. If everything I love was all there was, what would I hate?
Something I currently love, undoubtedly, because I would have to hate something.

If that doesn't make sense, I apologize.

If you do understand, you should go buy yourself a cookie or something.

April 2, 2012: Fire

It's fascinating.

It's hot.

It's beautiful.

It can be scary sometimes.

But I am grateful for it, nonetheless.

April 1, 2012: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

So good.

Post 91: Inspirational Speeches

I don't mean the kind of speech that puts you to sleep feeling fuzzy at night.
I mean the kind of speech that makes you want to take a stand for something you believe in.

The kind of speech that speaks not only to your mind, but to your heart.

The ones that resonate somewhere deep inside you and take root in your soul and refuse to not be heard.

Post 90: Friends in far-off places

When they come back in town, it gives you a reason to blow normal schedules out of the water and do something different for a bit.
They're friends, which are good things.
And.. yes.

Post 89: Chicken Noodle Soup

I think most people have a Chicken Noodle Soup memory.
A Chicken Noodle Soup memory is one in which you were sick. Probably as a child.
And your dear, loving mother brought you hot chicken noodle soup.
And you had it.
And you felt like you were drinking the love of your mother who made soup for you because you were sick.

It's a really great kind of memory to have.
Sometimes I forget to remember my memories like that.

Post 88: Disposable cameras

A story from my life:

Once, I went to Kansas on a school trip.
I know, I know, it doesn't sound all that great. But it was. Before this trip, I bought a small plastic thing known as a "disposable camera."
I took many a picture with that device.
And then, one day, it disappeared.
I never got to see all those pictures I took.
And I haven't bought another cheap, disposable camera since.

But I'm still grateful for the novelty and wonder they bring in to the lives of the people around me.

Post 87: The Waltz

It's such an amazing dance.
Easy to get the basics, hard to get great at. It's a very rewarding challenge.
I love it.

Post 86: Speed Dial

Sometimes it's the really little things that we forget about.
With speed dial, we save an entire second and a half (at most) of time wasted dialing the number of a good friend or acquaintance.

Post 85: Colors

There's a story behind this post. It involves colored powder being thrown everywhere.
Including my eyes and mouth.

It involves a feeling of happiness and joy pervading the air about me.

And it's great.

Post 84: Magic

There are many different ways you could interpret what I mean by magic.

I could mean a card game.

I could mean a hobby that involves blowing peoples' minds.

I could mean the moments that make me thin reality is changed.

I could mean hugs.

I could mean a lot of things.

And I do.

Post 83: Calendars

Im not going to write a post about calendars.
But I am grateful for them.

Post 82: Trombones

When I was younger, I had a friend whose older brother played the trombone.
It fascinated me. It was big, shiny, and sounded different when you moved your hand along it.
Ever since the age of 4, I get a little bit excited at the sight of a trombone.
They're just... cool!

Post 81: Headphones

They play glorious music in mine ears.

Post 80: Free Writing Software

Sometimes wen I have a sudden urge to write something, there is not a notepad to be found within a 79-mile radius of my location.
Luckily for me, my laptop is usually close at hand, with all of its beautiful free writing software just begging to be used.

Post 79: My Ankles

They let my foot have a wide range of motion, and seriously, I would hate my life if I didn't have that capability.
Allow me to explain.
I dance.
Ballroom, clogging, and ballet.
See?
I need my ankles.
I love my ankles.

Thank you, ankles.

Post 78: Globes

Globes are spherical maps of the planet Earth.

They generally are attached at two points to a rim, allowing them to spin around. This offers hours of entertainment for children, and allows people who actually care to see everything on the surface of the plastic.
Beautiful things, globes.

Post 77: Mexican Food

Tacos, burritos, enchiladas... YUM.
I'm grateful for Mexican food and its deliciousness.

Post 76: The Printing Press

They make books, which are a rather vital part of my life.

Post 75: Crayons

This post has a bit of personal story behind it that I'm not completely comfortable posting about.
Let's just say that due to a hotel, some crayons, a freeway, and a Little Mermaid coloring book, my day yesterday took a very unexpected and very wonderful turn.
And so it happened that I became very grateful for crayons.

Post 74: Lungs

Lungs are very important things.
Without them, I'd be dead.
I think that warrants thankfulness, wouldn't you say?

Post 73: Classic Franchises

The Muppets, for example.
There's just no other word to describe them.
Classic.

Post 72: Zippers

They make a satisfying zipping sound, and hold two sides of something together. Yay!

Post 71: Blue Skies

Today I went on a walk.

The skies were clear and blue, the sun was shining, and my neighbors were out and about as well on account of the beautiful weather.

What a wonderful place I live in.
I don't always appreciate I as much as I should.
But today I got to.
I even drew a witch with some sidewalk chalk.

Post 70: The Little Mermaid

This is a bit of a private joke, but it's one that I'm very grateful for in my life. The Little Mermaid brought an imaginary friend of mine to life, and it was a wonderful moment for me.

Post 69: Cauliflower Soup

I wouldn't have thought it would be tasty.
But it was wonderfully delicious.
And now I'm going to want more for the rest of my life.

Post 68: Books

When you have nothing to do, or something else to do that you'd rather not do, books are a wonderful thing to turn to.
Take today, for example.

I'm sick. Quite sick. But since I didn't have to go to school, I got to lie on the couch with a horrible headache, a seeming inability to breathe, and pain all over my body in general, and read the last 300 pages of Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings for the second time.

Brilliant use of time, methinks.

Now that I have posted about being grateful for a distraction from sickness, I'm going to go take some kind of medicine. Again.

Post 67: Ping-Pong

It's a great game.
It makes me feel happy. The ball makes such a cheerful sound as it gets bopped from one side of the table to other.
No other game sounds so pleasant as you play it.
'Tis a fact.

Post 66: Forgotten Photos

Today I stumbled across a treasure trove of lovely memories.
Fake mustaches, Harry Potter-esque jokes, and pyjamas.
A very large grin spread across my life at that moment.
I hope you will one day experience the feeling you get when going through photos you've forgotten about.

Post 65: Experienced Mentors

Sometimes, I decide to try new things.
Often, when I do so, I go to the internet for help. But it can only do so much.
When I turn to someone I know who has had lots of experience with whatever it is I'm doing, however, they can answer specific questions I have, and teach me so much more than random websites scattered across the interwebs.
Yay for people with experience!

Post 64: Taco Soup

Sent straight from Heaven itself, this soup will forever and always remain among my absolute favorite things to eat.

Post 63: Dark Chocolate

Story time!

Once upon a time there was a young lad named ASL, and he hated dark chocolate.

Then one day, he went to Switzerland!

While in Switzerland, he bought lots and lots...

LOADS....

TONS....

Of MILK CHOCOLATE.

He loved milk chocolate. He ate it all the time.

And in one night, he ate the lots and lots...

The loads...

THE TONS

Of milk chocolate.

And he got sick.

He would look at milk chocolate and say "No! Not more milk chocolate! It's far too sweet!"

He would go to the sweet shop, and say "All of this is far too sugary for my tastes. If I eat any of this, my tongue shall fall off, and I will be sick forever."

But one day, his father offered him a piece of very, very, very dark chocolate.

At first, ASL thought "Ew! Dark chocolate! It is gross and bitter!"

But then he realized...

"If I don't like sweet things anymore, maybe bitter will actually taste good to me now!"

So he tried a little bit.

And...


....

"I LOVE IT!" He shouted. "I love it so much I will always eat dark chocolate whenever I can!"

"It's delicious!"

"It's so bitterly fantastic!"

"YUM."

And then, one day, he got sick because of eating too much dark chocolate.

He learned that too much sweet sugar will make you want something bitter, and choosing only the bitter things will make you crave sweetness.

And now he eats both milk chocolate and dark chocolate.

The End.

Post 62: Superman

I'm actually not a huge fan of Superman. But I have a certain respect for him, and he is the inspiration for many other suer-heroes and characters that I do love.
So I suppose I'm grateful for him, even if it is a rather indirect kind of gratefulness.

Post 61: Rubber Bands

What would we do without them?

Post 60: Snow

I stepped outside into the falling snow, and smiled.

The girl behind me, however, stepped into a world of surreal beauty, frowned, and loudly proclaimed "I hate snow!"

Why people hate snow will be something that always confuses me.

When it first covers everything you see, it's beautiful. A soft white blanket of peace. It calms troubled feelings. it's wonderful.

After it's been walked in and driven on, it's a testament to the fact that we humans are alive and moving. That we have things to do, and we keep doing them, even when driving is a little bit more difficult.

I look at freshly fallen snow, and I see beauty.
I look at snowmen and places where snow has been trampled down because of people running around, and sledding, and I know that someone had a good time.

I'm grateful for snow and all it is to me.

Post 59: Ballroom Dance

It's a brilliant way to get to know people, it's ridiculously fun, and I love it.

Sometimes I Tango. Sometimes I Chacha. Sometimes I do the Foxtrot. Sometimes I SAMBA!

But I'm almost always dancing.

Post 58: Facebook Pokes

Allow me to share with you something I wrote spontaneously about Facebook posts.
I think I may use this in Drama as a monologue.

"Hey.

I poked you on Facebook last night. And it would mean a lot to me if you poked me back. You might think that pokes annoying and useless, but believe me.

Pokes are important.

Most people just don't understand! When I poke a girl on Facebook, I'm not just trying to annoy her. I'm sending them a signal. A large, almost-fist-shaped, blue signal that couldn't be more clear. It's saying "Hey! Look at me! I want to be a part of your life! Notice me, even if it's just for this one moment."
That's what a poke is. A way to help somebody realize you exist.

But not always.

Sometimes, pokes are what I use to say "Hey babe, I think you're hotter than a backyard barbecue grill in the middle of July."

Other times, pokes are what I use to exact my revenge on those who have done me wrong. Those knavish, worthless, incapable souls who don't understand the inner-workings of a virtual life. I poke them so they will constantly be reminded of how much I despise them.
Those pokes are of a more rare, precious breed.

But my favorite pokes to send are the ones I send that say "You are beautiful to me." The ones that state "I think you are gorgeous, and because I am infatuated with your beastly good looks, I watch you sleep at night."

Those pokes are the best ones. The ones that announce "I stalk you, because I care."

So.

I poked you on Facebook last night.
And it would mean a lot to me if you would poke me back."







I'm grateful for Facebook pokes.
For obvious reasons.

Post 57: My Mother

My mother.
A bit of a hard topic to write about, for me.
She brought me onto Earth. Everything that happens to me happens because I live on Earth.
So even though she isn't responsible for everything that happens to me, everything that does happen to me would not have happened at all if it hadn't been for her.
But I must say this:
I like my life.
In fact, most days I love life.
And my mother is the one that gave me life.

I don't believe I'll ever be able to really repay her.

Thanks, mom.

Post 56: Wind

Sometimes I hate it, but it also adds some spice into life. I'm glad I have to chase after things I drop on occasion.
I love the feeling I get when on a windy day, I just stand still with my arms open wide.
I love wind.
Most days.

Post 55: Paperweights

These little guys are ridiculously overlooked.
Paperweights save us from many moments full of annoyance, and they do it  while getting nothing in return. If it weren't for them, papers would constantly be blowing about, falling off of things, and slipping out from places.
Thanks, paperweights. You save me from a lot of trouble.

Post 54: Pipe Organs

Because beautiful music should be played LOUDLY sometimes.
I'm grateful for that.

Post 53: The asdf movies

There are probably many among those reading this who have never seen these.
In all honesty, you technically aren't missing out on much. Four utterly bizarre and pointless videos, each about 3:00 minutes in length.
And yet, I can't help but pity those who have not yet seen these films in all their glory.
They provide me with a knowledge that as long as I live, I will never reach the ultimate intellectual low reached by these.
They're also just plain fun to quote throughout day-to-day life.

(If you are uninitiated and curious, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYnsfV5N2n8)

Post 52: Math

To all of you teenagers out there thinking I'm committing a terrible crime with this post, allow me to explain.

I'm not really too grateful for math CLASS.
But I am grateful for math and how it allows me to have a house, food, technology, a world, and everything else on Earth.
And in a way, I guess I am grateful for the opportunity to learn math skills, even if I don't enjoy it too much.

I'm grateful for math.
Sha-bam.

Post 51: Toaster Treats

I won't name brand names, because I don't fancy getting sued, but...
Aren't they great? If you microwave them for two seconds, or stick them in a toaster for a minute, you have delicious warm... stuff to eat.
They also make rainbows when attached to cats.
What's not to love about delicious toaster pastry-things?

Post 50: Shakespeare

Call him what you will: William Shakespeare, Edward DeViere, Francis Bacon...

He was an excellent playwright. The things he wrote have inspired, enlightened, and bored many to tears.
While many a playwright can say the same, I don't know of another who can say they've been doing it for over four hundred years.
Bam.

The Bard truly was ahead of his time.

Post 49: Good Books

There's something about a well-written book that makes me so happy. When I can curl up n the couch with a blanket and just read for a few hours with nothing else on my mind but a truly good story.
I love books.

Post 48: An Orange Beanie

Most people are in possession of an item which, while ordinary to others, holds deep meaning to them.

My orange beanie is like that. To most people it's just a brightly colored head ornament. But to me, it's a symbol of friendship and a cap full of memories. Every time I see it, I think of another thing that I did, or that happened to me, while I was wearing it.

It was made for me by my best for Christmas in the year 2010. Since then, I have worn it hundreds of times.

I love my hat.

Post 47: Chapstick

Oh, what a wondrous little tube of joy. It makes my lips not feel gross, and makes a very satisfying noise when I pop off its cap.

Post 46: Musical Theatre

It's fun, it's dramatic, and it's entertaining.
Not everybody gets to go see musicals and things.
Thanks, life, for giving me musical theatre.

Post 45: Awesome Dreams

Those times when you wake up, and have to lie in bed for another half-hour, just to relive every moment of your dream.

Post 44: Laptops

I can do all kinds of things with a laptop. I can talk to people. I can write blog posts. I can watch pointless videos. Not everybody has access to one of these.
I'm grateful for the laptops I have access to so readily.

Post 43: Simon and Garfunkel

Simon and Garfunkel. Oh boy!
I love this band and the beautiful music they have created. They have been my life's soundtrack for a while now.
If you've never heard them, look 'em up.
The following are what I consider their best songs:

I Am A Rock
Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall
The Sound of Silence
The Boxer
The Bridge Over Troubled Water


Those are just a few of this bands many, many amazing songs.
I'm grateful for this band formed in 1957 from New York.

Post 42: The Feel-Goods

Different people give it different names.
But most people I've met have felt it at least once in their lives. It's a very hard feeling to describe. One could say it's like a light switch was flipped on inside your body. One could say it's like floating. One could say a lot of things.
It's the feeling of ultimate joy. Where you are so overcome with happiness you want to go share the feeling with everybody you see.
I love that feeling.
And I'm grateful for it in my life.

Post 41: Handshakes

Lots of people look at handshakes as a good way to judge newcomers into their lives. A weak handshake translates into a weak personality, etc...
But not me. When I shake hands with somebody, that means that I've met somebody knew. It means that I am meeting someone who could potentially become very important to me in the not-so-distant future.
New people means new experiences.
I'm grateful for handshakes.
Thanks, handshakes.

Post 40: Last-minute Playdates

Sitting at home with nothing to do.
One phone call and seven minutes later, I'm having a fantastic time with one of my best friends.

I love it when last minute playdates work. I'm so grateful for them.
And life.