HAPPY CHRISTMAS

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

And here's a little present from me--a recommendation. This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. I know it's weird. But give it a try. Listen to it. Do it:

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A Spanish Christmas Story

Since I'm too busy working on finals to post, I figured I'd post some of my finals. This is part of my final project for Spanish. We had to tell a story about our lives and do a presentation on it en todo espanol. Let's see if you can read it. 


This is a true story, fyi.

Era diciembre y yo tenía cuatro años. Yo y mi familia viviamos en Renton de Washington en una casa pequeña. Nuestra casa rodeado (surrounded) por un bosque (forest). Pero no veiamos los animales provienen (come) del bosque nada. En nuestra casa, teniamos un “playroom” donde mi hermano y yo manteníamos nuestros juguetes (toys). Típicamente, era muy desordenado. Navidad estaba en el aire. Mis padres querian comprar un árbol de Navidad. Pero, el “playroom” estaba sucio (messy). Si el playroom estuviera limpio, comprariamos el árbol.

 Mi madre me dijo, “Limpia el ‘playroom.’”

Yo dije, “Porque?”

Ella dijo, “Santa solo traeria los regalos a las niñas si sus los “playrooms” limpio manteniera.”

Inteligentemente, yo dije, “¿Cómo Santa sabe si yo limpié mis juguetes o no?”

Mi madre dijo, “Hay los ciervo (deer) en el bosque son los amigos con los reno (reindeer) de Santa. Si los ciervo vieran en la ventana y supieran el playroom está sucio, ellos dirían el reno y el reno dirían a Santa.”

Me quejé y gemí (complained y moaned) y dije, “Yo soy como Cinderella!” Pero me le creía. Queriendo más juguetes, yo fui y limpié el playroom mientras que mi madre lavó los platos.

Yo volví pronto. Con orgulla, me la dije mi madre, “Todo está limpio! Vengas y ve! Vengas y ve!”

Ella dijo, “Ok, Bailey, dame un minute y voy a estar allí.”

Se secó las manos en una toalla y yo corrí delante de ella.

Yo grité.(screamed)

Mi madre se me pensando que estaba herido (hurt). Corrió a el playroom. Ella me vio. Yo estaba de pie (standing) con los ojos enormes, la boca abierta, y señalando (pointing) por la ventana.

Allí, en el marco de la ventana, fue un ciervo, buscando en el playroom.

It's That Time of the Year

I'm not talking about Christmas. I'm talking about finals. These next two weeks really put the phrase, "It gets worse before it gets better" into perspective.

I'm not here to whine though. I thought I would just give you all a heads up that the reason I am not posting as consistently now is simply because I have a lot of school work and other things to think about like how to pass Spanish. I will try to keep posting but it may lack in luster.

And after finals, from the 17-24 I will be out on a boat in the ocean, seeing the exotic sites the world has to offer for one week. Unfortunately internet in the middle of the Atlantic is a bit pricey so you won't be getting stuff then either. But, you'll have awesome stuff to hear about once I get back.

CHEERS!

Creepy Cotton Candy

Taken in the MTC. The cotton candy was in the Halloween package I sent him. This makes me smile so much.

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First World Country Problems

Story of the last week of my life. 

Computer broken. Phone broken. Money drained out of my bank account. An unsightly break out. Not enough beach time and vitamin D. Can't eat cheese tomorrow. Cute kid I met and want to be friends with because I miss my male friends is graduating in two weeks. Pulling myself off of caffeine. Yes, that's been a trip.

But in the end, it's really just money, just stuff, just a lack of a tan, just another fish in the sea, and just things that will eventually make me fat. In a few months it won't even matter and there are bigger problems in the world. Life will go on. So it goes and I just keep on smiling.

Across the World It Came

Yes. Yes. It happened. And I'm so happy about it, I can still scarcely believe it. My letter finally got here! After two weeks of not hearing Trevor, of being ever so "patient," and having slight meltdowns and picking myself back up again by telling myself "it's coming, it's coming," it finally got here from the other side of the world.

I arrived home late Monday afternoon to see a box and a fedex envelope waiting for me. I knew what the box was because unfortunately, over the break, the screen of my Acer laptop completely cracked. It was a traumatizing event that made me so angry I just got online an bought myself a beautiful HP pavilion despite lack of funds. This was the second major issue I had with my Acer laptop's screen and they didn't cover cracks in my warranty. Seeing as that computer was less than a year old, I was sick of dealing with it thus Acer and mine's relationship is over forever.

Anyway, I stared at the envelope, not daring to get my hopes after the 14+ days of waiting. I opened it. And well...let's just say that his letter might as well have been laced with speed and ecstasy because there was screaming, shrieking, jumping, and fist jumping in pure joy and excitement. My first letter from India had made its way to me. There are not enough words to describe how happy and appreciate I am to have received my letter. It came at a time when I definitely could use a pick me up and Trevor, being the wonderful person he is, wrote exactly what I needed to hear/technically read.

And Trevor is doing great. He's happy, healthy and as sweet as ever. I'm lucky to have such a thoughtful boy in my life. His companion is really helping him adapting and is sensitive to his foreign needs so I'm very grateful to Elder Challadurai for taking good care of him. They have baptisms scheduled every Sunday next month. I'm amazed at the maturity and growth that I can already see taking place. It is truly profound how the Lord's work can affect us. And of course, he loves the Indian branch of McDonald's:

I LOVE EGGNOG!!!

I was so happy to see this on the shelf at Foodland that I knocked down a quart of milk and dropped my sprees to get to it. This is the face of pure joy.

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My Gratitude List

Two years ago, I was a senior in high school, ruling my secondary education kingdom, eating crackers and cheese with my sister.
One year ago, I was sitting in my dorm room eating a can of tomato soup, reading a Cosmo, completely depressed.
Today, I'm happy as can be living in a house, watching a movie with my awesome housemates, and going to an actual Thanksgiving dinner with one of my favorite families in all of Laie.
It's amazing how far we can come in life in just a short amount of time. I feel so blessed for all that I have and all that I've experienced.

"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse."

I'd like to share a small part of my Thanksgiving. It would take a book to describe everything I am grateful for but I can start with a list (in no particular order). 

1-7. My amazing family and everyone in it. 

8. Trevor, my best friend

9. Melly, my saving grace

10-14. My amazing housemates: Jess, Molly, Hailey and Athena

15. My extended family and all their love and support. There's many of you so one space doesn't do you justice but you'd take up too many spaces. Just know that I love you.

16. The gospel

17. A loving Heavenly Father

18. Prayer

19. The scriptures

20. My school

21. Music

22. Singing

23. Dancing

24. Animals

25. Movies

26. The prophet

27. Kisses from a certain someone

28. Jesus Christ

29. My house

30. Having been provided the means to put a roof over my head

31. My job

32. Having my job be awesome

33. Indoor plumbing

34. Letters

35. Pen

36. Paper

37. Ink

38. Pencils

39. Erasers

40. The mail system

41. The grocery store

42. The priesthood

43. Airplanes

44. Money

45. Heating

46. Air conditioning

47. Electricity

48. The internet

49. Books

50. The printing press

51. Cars

52. This beautiful island of Oahu

53. The beach

54. Water

55. A variety of cultures

56. Toliet paper

57. Toliets

58. Showers

59. Sinks

60. Make-up

61. Eyebrows

62. Hair

63. Brushes

64. Combs

65. Bobby Pins

66. Hair ties

67. The Ram's for all their kindness and generosity

68. My grandparents

69. Missionary work

70. Temples

71. The promise of eternal marriage

72. Skype

73. Cell phones

74. Blankets

75. Pillows

76. Light bulbs

77. Being able to read

78. Being able to write

79. Cleaner

80. Farmers

81. Video cameras

82. A stove

83. Shakespeare

84. The theatre

85. Mattresses

87. Teachers

88. Creativity

89. Refrigerators

90. Cupboards

91. Trees

92. Rain

93. Headphones

94. Curlers

95. Straighteners

96. Life

97. Sweat pants

98. Flowers

99. Safety pins

100. Sewing machines

101. Government

102. Numbers

103. Photographs

104. Highlighters

105. Colored pencils

106. Paint

107. Boots

108. Watches and clocks

109. Rivers

110. Beauty

111. Artistry

112. The ability to create

113. The ability to love

114. The ability to give life

115. Power

116. Computers

117. People who preserve old cultures and traditions

118. Temple work

119. Baptisms for the dead

120. Dancing shoes

121. Smiles

122. Doctors

123. Dentists

124. Medicine

125. Ibuprofen

126. Breathing

127. Jones soda

128. Caffeine

129. The ability to cry

130. The ability to feel

131. Insurance

132. Construction

133. Financial Aide

134. Scholarships

135. Mirrors

136. Towels

137. DVDs

138. Being able to think for myself

139. The companionship of the Holy Ghost

140. Knowing I'm loved by others

141. Bravery 

142. Being able to lift ourselves back up when we fall down

143. For people's patience

145. Email

146. Coats and sweaters

147. Fire

148. The sun

149. All the stars

150. The moon

151. Air freshener

152. Microwaves

153. Google

154. Recipe books

155. Laughter

156. Hope

157. Faith

158. Courage

159. Service

160. Love

161. Locks and keys

162. Candles

163. Matches

164. Lighters

165. Scissors

166. Rainbows

167. The radio

168. Windows

169. Chairs

170. Tables

171. Doors

172. Musical instruments

173. The genius and ability of others

174. All that my parent's have taught me 

175. Independence

176. Living in a democracy

177. The newspaper

178. Washing machines

179. Shampoo and conditioner

180. Deodorant

181. General Conference

182. The wind

183. Starbucks

184. The support of my family

185. Hailey

186. Rhett

187. Carter

188. Any other friends that I have learned from and can rely on

189. The Atonement

190. The mountains

191. My health

192. Having a body

193. Filtered water

194. Education

195. Febreeze

196. Toothpaste

197. Opportunities

198. Strawberries

199. Our fore fathers

200. Razors

201. Forgiveness

202. Lotion

203. Keyboards 

204. My bed

205. The future

206. The ability to change

207. The ability to heal

208. Libraries

209. Trials

210. Being included

211. Animals

212. Planners

213. Strength

214. Acne medicine

215. Sleep

216. Yoga

217. Relaxation time

218. Tucker

219. Girls' Nights

220. Fuzzy socks

221. Shelves

222. Raid Spray

223. Bishop

224. The Bishop's Storehouse

225. Sight

226. Hearing

227. Smell

228. Touch

229. Feminine Products

230. Homeless shelters

231. Dad's cooking

232. Calendars

233. Hugs

234. Comfort

235. Warmth

236. Hot baths

237. The feminist movement

238. The constitution

239. Having there always be a way

240. Revelation 

241. Knowledge

242. Folders

243. Open minds

244. Open spaces

245. Intelligent conversations

246. Silliness

247. Craziness!

248. Epic stories

249. Undeveloped land

250. Conservation efforts

251. Whip Cream from the can

252. Boats

253. Listening

254. Sunlight

255. Vitamin D

256. My memory

257. Mother Eve

258. The Abrahamic Covenant

260. Christmas

261. Fly swatters

262. Not having to be perfect to be loved

263. Colors

264. Musicals

265. Summer

266. Vacations

267. Soap

268. My son, Kobe

269. Motivation

270. Emma Smith

271. Joseph Smith

272. Burt's Bees Healing Ointment

273. Babies

274. Imagination

275. Collaboration

276. The invention of the wheel

277. Options

278. Ideas

279. Notifications

280. Clouds

281. Bowls

282. Eating utensils

283. Examples

284. Thomas Jefferson

285. Bread

286. The Sacrament

287. Second Chances

288. Good timing

289. Pleasant surprises

290. Safe drivers

291. Bonding

292. Compassion

293. Nail clippers

294. Happy mediums

295. Instinct

296. Honesty

297. The moments were you just feel happy and content for no reason

298. Lazy afternoons

299. Affection

300. Seat belt

301. Shopping malls

302. Shopping carts

303. Spell check

304. Running

305. That my mom didn't pierce my ears when I was younger

306. Sunsets and sunrises

307. Signs

308. Hair dryers

309. Carpet

310. Food storage

311. Rechargeable batteries

312. Blistex

313. Going home after a long day

314. Spending time with my family

315. Sunscreen

316. Aloe Vera

317. The Visitors' Center

318. Living so close to the temple

319. Snacks

320. Pots and pans

321. The thesaurus

322. Learning new words

323. Not being tone-deaf

324. Chiropractors

325. Movie rentals

326. That taste buds change

327. Crock pots

328. Experiences

329. Being trusted

330. Online applications

331. The pioneers

332. Herbs

333. Nebulizers

334. Thumb tacks

335. Maps

336. Green houses

337. Privacy

338. Heated pools

339. Vaccines

340. Craig's List

341. Declaration of Independence

342. Being able to dress myself

343. Being able to move in heels

344. Flashlights

345. Play time

346. Finding lost things

347. That I don't struggle with the Word of Wisdom

348. Being able to travel

349. For all the wonderful people I've met this year

350. YOU! Because if you're reading this, I'm grateful for you too!

I love you all!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

On It's Way to SLC

After two hours of warming up, practicing, and trying to figure out the camera angles as I film myself in a practice room largely taken over by a grand piano, I finally did. I completed my application and DVD audition for the performing mini-mission in Nauvoo for the summer. It was quite a feat. Filming yourself singing and performing is not an easy thing to do. In fact, I think I scared the people in the practice room next to me away. They weren't in there for very long and I was being super loud and then they just upped and left. Shrug.

The requirements for my DVD included two minutes of an upbeat, broadway song, two minutes of a hymn or ballad, scales from lowest to highest note, and a dramatic reading. Therefore my DVD consisted of:

• The Spark of Creation from Children of Eden
• My Kindness Shall Not Depart from Thee, an amazing song based on the Lord's words to Joseph in Liberty Jail
• My scales--those were funny
• A short monologue from Dancing At the Lughnasa, minus the Irish accent because you're not supposed to do an accent for auditions but it sounded super weird with out it because that's how I learned it. But whatev. 

Anyway, as of 10:48 AM Hawaii time, it is in the mail on its way over to good old Salt Lake City. I'm actually super excited.  I've always said that I would never go on a mission when I was younger. However, if I were to go on a mission this one would be perfect for me! It's only four months long, I get to go through the intense daily scripture study which I would actually love, and instead of proselyting, I get to sing and dance!  Nothing may come of it-after all they do only take 20 people a year. But I'm proud of myself for applying and trying to come up with options for this summer. I would be so happy if I got accepted. Because as much as I love this rock of Oahu, I need to get off of it for a few months and go see more of the world.

Since the chances of getting into the pageant are not impossible but slim, I'm also applying to a few different study abroad programs through BYU. If I do get into the Nauvoo pageant, my back up is to study abroad in the Fall instead. That would be awesome. To go from a mission to across the world!

Anyway, I'm getting overly excited. But we shall see what happens.

I'm too shy and embarrassed to post my whole audition on here. But I'm willing to share my scales because I think they're funny.

This Rock Isn't Perfect

I live on the beautiful island of Oahu. It is everything you'd imagine a tropical paradise to be-beaches, nice weather, palm trees, waterfalls, the works. It truly is a wonderful place and I love it. But let's get real-it's a dot in the middle of the pacific. While there are lot of things I love about this place, there are definitely things I don't like such as the price of cheese but there are also a lot of things I miss. A lot of items aren't available on the island or are replaced to fit in with the local culture. There are just some things that only a sizable land mass can provide. 

STUFF I MISS:

1. In and Out

2. Grocery Prices (especially in the dairy department)

3. Amazing Mexican Food

4. Knowing you can just keep driving for miles and miles

5. Winter

6. Not having the humidity  and wind ruin your face and hair the moment you step out the door

7. My family

8. Jones Sodas

9. Variety on the radio station

10. Not being labeled as a tourist because I want to take a picture of something

11. Not having my feet get sweltering hot in the moments when I do decide to wear closed-toed shoes

12. Amusement parks

13. Macaroni and Cheese from KFC. Here, they just serve rice.

14. Professional sports games, especially football

15. Not being looked at critically because I'm not tan

16. Ballroom and contemporary dance

17. Being able to wear hot, sexy jackets without getting heat exhaustion

18. Amazing movie theaters like The District

19. Running around barefoot in the snow this time of year

20. Fireworks

21. Having going to the beach feel like a special occasion

22. Not having to shave all the time

23. Being able to buy taco seasoning in bulk at the grocery store

24. Having stores readily at hand so I don't have to order it online because waiting a week is easier than trying to work up the time and energy for a bus ride into town or wal-mart

25. Personal space

26. Artsy films being played in the movie theatre

27. More variety in the clothing department with cheaper prices

28. Not getting my slippers or towels taken

29. Being able to go to a variety of big cities

30. Not being weird for wanting to swim in a swimming pool

Inspiration-Willow Trees

And I will love to see the day

The day is mine

When she will marry me outside

With the willow trees

Guy on a Buffalo!

This video kills me every time. 

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