awake minds make for tired fingers.

In the midst of this flash of weeks and glimpses of days that has become my life, I have drifted back into my insomniac ways. This is both good and bad, but I have yet to decide which overrules the other. It is good in the sense that I get shit done. Shit I never even knew I had to do. I have those moments at 2am where I suddenly recall where I've put something or a homework assignment that needs attention. It is good in the sense that I haven't had less laundry to do since I moved into my own place. It is good in the sense that my dog may also be suffering from bouts of a sleep disorder. I'd normally complain, but it's nice to have the company. It is bad in the sense that the rest of the world requires normal sleeping hours and therefore any interaction that I deem necessary with the outside world at this time must be put on hold. It is also bad because my own bad rest habits have severely confused my puppy about what time zone we reside in. However, these things are neither here nor there. This blog isn't exactly about my being an insomniac nor what I do in those wee hours of the morning, but more about the thoughts that enter my less than drowsy mind at this time. I have begun to greatly question my character. Who am I? Who was I? How do I appear? Most of all, supposing that 'good' does have a definition, am I a good person? I'd like to think I am, but perhaps different people would pose different arguments on this specific topic. Here's my own thoughts:

1. I have an unmistakeably-can't live without-great influence-loving-caring-take you in on a rainy night sort of family. I would argue tooth and nail with anyone about the absolute greatness of the people who raised me and those I was raised among. I have been given great opportunities, financial and physical. I was raised with a strong sense of self, taught to go out and face the world. I love my parents for the confidence they have given me. I was encouraged my entire life to leave home after high school, get an education and a job I loved (my mom always says 'you have to work a long time so pick something that makes you happy'), and make a life for myself. I was raised to develop ambition, a good mind, and a strong independent nature.
2. Under my awful procrastination, I am a hard worker. I recently had my palm read and this was one of the most prominent things I was told. Me? Hard working? I'd never really dared define myself this way because of the recurring, less-than-great habits that often cover this up. Yet when opportunities to work hard in life involved something I genuinely care about, am interested in, or love, I'm willing to spend hours and ounces of sanity to get things done.
3. Giving sound advice is in my nature. The small amount of friends I do have (not for lack of trying but more by choice) are typically my friends due to my ability to communicate with them. I love to discuss issues and try to find fitting solutions. I try and often succeed to look at things from multiple angles and perspectives, take a non-judgmental approach, and find an intelligent way to attack. I don't sugar coat things. I'm honest yet helpful. I hope the people I have come to encounter this with appreciate that.
4. I'm in love with a detective. Deal with it. From the second I brought him home, I knew his curiosity would win me over. The way he explored the same things each day like it was a whole new adventure has given me a new love for living. Watson had my heart from the second I picked him up out of a Rubbermaid tub in Provo. He's protective and loving. He keeps my feet on the ground (though it's usually because he wants to bite or lick them). He takes care of my heart and soul, something I'm so thankful for.
5. Patience has never been my strongest suite, but tolerance for others might be. I feel like there are numerous idiots in the world (sorry Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Palin, and anyone on Jersey Shore). Though my road rage and overreactions to the stupid ways some people approach an issue don't necessarily support this statement, I feel that I was raised to believe that no thing is better than the other. We aren't lesser or greater, but rather different. I try extremely hard to tolerate those who I don't particularly agree with and though I don't succeed always, I think I try much harder than most would. I guess if you don't agree with this, I can try to make room for some tolerance for you too.

I guess there is a lot more that could be said, but this is all that comes to mind at 12:39AM. I'm a overall at least okay person with a vibrant soul and a clear mind. I treat other with the respect they have shown themselves worthy of and I only influence people in a way that is going to be beneficial to them. I don't manipulate. I don't lie. I don't tell others what to do. I'm honest. I'm trustworthy. I'm kind to those who stay long enough to see it. I'm caring to everyone to the point that I sometimes exclude myself. I know that there are some people in or now out of my life that haven't taken the opportunity to see this and for that I am sorry. I'm not sorry for a lack of trying on my behalf, but rather sorry to them that they don't care to break down my rough exterior to witness the person I know I am.

xoxo.
morgan.

musings of a bookworm.

I'm a reader. Call it a curse. Call it a hobby. Whatever you do, don't call me. I'm reading. I'm currently in between a mess of books, mostly of different genres and mostly entirely different from one another. I pride my life on variety I suppose. I will usually unmark the book the most brightens my day during a particular hour or mood. As of lately, Chelsea Handler has done the job most appropriately....and I quote:

"I learned early on about redheads and how they were prone to melanoma. I wasn't about to invest in my first Cabbage Patch doll, only to lose her years later to cancer. Plus, I had a young childhood friend named Farrah Linklater, and her whole family had red hair. It was thick, unruly red hair that would inevitably end up in one of the dishes they served at dinner. I was sure of this. They were like a tribe, an Indian tribe who took up weapons against other single-hair-colored families. Red hair was always suspicious to me, like something made out of flammable synthetic fibers. Redheads are a minority and the more consolidated they become, the greater the danger. The only thing I could imagine more suspicious than a regular redhead was a black redhead, but I knew that whatever company was in charge of Cabbage Patch dolls was not nearly progressive enough to throw that at the marketplace."
-Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang

Happy reading to all.
xoxo.
Morgan

The Faces of Freddy Spaghetti

Frederick may be the most animated person I know. Here's a few faces from the last month or so :]

influence & arrogance.

I don't have children so it maybe a little out of line for me to post something like this. However, it's my blog and here in this little corner of cyberspace, I say what I choose. You typed in the URL so you can deal with it. The more media I encounter, the more I am forced to wonder: what the hell is going on in today's world of stars, professional athletes, and "role models"? I remember being about eight years old and thinking Michael Jordan was a stand up guy/basketball player, Whitney Houston was truly talented, and our political leaders were doing the best they can. The way this scene has evolved truly scares me for several reasons. I have to wonder about the impact these individuals have on children today. It sometimes makes me wonder what I will do to keep my own children from being influenced by those a-listers that don't necessarily set the best example. For example, I hate the Los Angeles Lakers, but it is not this extreme dislike that causes my intense hatred for Kobe Bryant. His arrogant style and poor sportsmanship are just two of the characteristics to think of him as someone I'd rather never watch play basketball again. Also, what the hell is going on with Lindsay Lohan? What happened to that sweet little peanut from the remake of the Parent Trap? It's truly sad to see the way fame has changed from a little ginger bean to a dark haired crack whore. I am also choosing to group Miley Cyrus with her. Call me crazy, but Miss Hannah Montana seems to be turning into quite the little skeeze and definitely not someone I'd want my little girls listening to or aspiring to be. The stars that steal the limelight in today's world seriously concern me and it seems as if fame is becoming more toxic everyday. Perhaps the largest disappointment is the way these so-called stars are not limited by their adult caregivers that society dares us to call "parents". Michael Lohan, Billy Ray Cyrus, and whoever the hell Jessica's Simpson's dad is JUST NEED TO STOP. They feed off their children rather than putting a stop to their destructive ways, something that makes me wonder how some individuals are ever permitted to reproduce. I long for the day when the world will once again be filled with inspirational figures rather than underage criminals/drug addicts as role models. I only hope we don't have to go through a complete and utter hell before this happens.
xoxo.
Morgan

we'll always be best friends, whether you like it or not.

The other day I was sitting at work and these two girls came in. I could tell they were having a girl's day and they were definitely what we could call BFF. It really got me to thinking. I have never been a huge socialite. I prefer sticking close to a few people and developing a strong relationship with them rather than "spreading the love" among a few hundred friends. I really don't have a best friend. The best part of this is that I'm totally okay with that. I feel like the several individuals that I do have in my life that could begin to qualify as a best friend are outside the criteria for what society would allow. In simple terms, best friends aren't supposed to be family members or significant others. Well guess what? SCREW YOU, SOCIETY. I'm breaking the rules. This blog is all about MY best friend and the reasons for which I list her under that title.

1. Eating breakfast for dinner isn't weird.
2. Driving two hours to sit in a decent movie theater and watch a good chick flick is totally worth it....every single time.
3. Age is just a number. You determine how old you are by how you feel.
4. Along with #3, you are NEVER too old to accomplish your dreams. (i.e. running marathons)
5. Parents prepare you to have confidence in your own decisions and know that whatever you decide, they will support you.
6. Shopping means you get a prize. If you keep grandpa in line at lunch, you get two.
7. You might find one great friend in this world and you might be about thirty years old before that happens.
8. You can like hip hop/rap music no matter how old you are.

Thanks for being my best friend, Mom. You're stuck with the job so I hope you enjoy it :]
xoxo. Morgan

Nuggets of My First 20 Years: Inspired by Chelsea Handler

Lately I have been absolutely consumed by two things: a need for sunshine and Chelsea Handler's latest masterpiece Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang. Not only is the funniest author I have come in contact with since Jen Lancaster, but she speaks the truth no matter how profane or hilarious it might be. She also has a show on late night E! called Chelsea Lately, which if you haven't seen, I would highly recommend it. On this show, Chelsea provides 30 minutes of crude, lude humor along with her panel of roundtable comedians and her faithful assistant, Chuy. This little ball of charisma just so happens to be a hispanic little person (see oxymoron) or in Chelsea's words "a sweet little nugget". In honor of Chuy's literary efforts and my 20th birthday which just so happens to be today, I have decided to create a list of 20 of some of the most interesting/funny/valuable "nuggets" of information I have gathered over the last two decades.

#20: Ricky Martin may or may not have been the last person to know he is gay.
#19: It is never a good idea to play beer pong with hard alcohol. There's a reason it's called beer pong.
#18: Dogs can eat anything from paper napkins to cans, but NOT shellfish.
#17: Telling some to "drive safe" is relatively pointless. I mean it's not like you are going to say "please drive excessively fast and use road rage as often as possible".
#16: No matter what they tell you, never let your older sisters cut your hair.
#15: As time goes on, it seems like corporations are cutting more and more corners. For example, McDonalds' Happy Meal toys used to be gender specific. No more.
#14: Whoever invented the Furby was seriously disturbed.
#13: Dumb is not entertaining (see The Amazing Race 15).
#12: People who think Twilight is outstanding literature need to be slapped.
#11: Don't take life too seriously. Nobody makes it out alive.
#10: If you can't keep a pet alive, please do not reproduce. If you can't keep a plant alive, we have bigger problems.
#9: Cereal should be a food group. You can thank my mother for this.
#8: If you have enough time to learn how to play Halo or World of Warcraft, you need to get a job, a significant other, or both.
#7: Beauty magazines will usually make you feel like there is something wrong with your appearance.
#6: College is not a place for drama, slacking, or your small children.
#5: A religion should fit you. You don't have to fit that religion.
#4: Metal does not belong in the microwave. Just trust me here.
#3: If you don't shit, you die. Thanks for the advice, Daddy-O.
#2: Ames makes the best shovels.
#1: I'm 20? I used to think I'd be dead by now.

xoxo.
Morgan

my life in a shoebox.

so far this week has been fairly easy going. it's spring break starting tomorrow [thank the lord almighty] and even though i'm not going anywhere, a few days off school always finds a welcome place in my thoughts. fred also found out that he will be getting his job back with orem city at the beginning of april. he is so excited. i never knew someone could get so thrilled to throw asphalt, but he sure is. other than that, the weekly recap is pretty simple:

t.v. - loving survivor: heroes vs. villians and chopped [on the food network]
weather - awesome today :] hope it stays warm
apartment - very clean actually. i love when fred cleans :]
luck - i found eleven dollars outside the education building yesterday. ka-ching!
my car - clean on the outside and filthy on the inside. i have a moral obligation against cleaning/vacuuming it in the freezing weather.
on my ipod - swollen members, the john butler trio, priscilla ahn, and death cab for cutie
my blog - new layout. same me.
excitement - can't wait to see my mother dear on friday. love spending time with her. love catching chick flicks with her. love....her.
to do list - fill out my scholarship application for next year and do my math homework. yuck.
hmmm? - hoping i did well on my math test.

here's to warm weather over the next few days. i am so excited for a pretty relaxed week and weekend. be happy & believe in peace ♥

xoxo.
morgan.

Great Romances of The 20th Century: Quotes on L-O-V-E

I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for a good chick flick. There's just something about a movie that makes you believe in the way love should be. I guess we all know love isn't REALLY like that all the time, but it is a beautiful thought. So here. Eat your heart out.

"I'm not saying it's going to be easy. It's going to be really hard and we're going to have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you....forever....you and me....everyday."
-Ryan Gosling as Noah in "The Notebook", 2004

"All I know is I want to stay here with you as long as I possibly can and I need you to tell me that I can."
-Channing Tatum as John in "Dear John", 2010

"Dear Holly,
I don't have much time. I don't mean literally, I mean you're out buying ice cream and you'll be home soon. But I have a feeling this is the last letter....because there is only one thing left to tell you. It isn't to go down memory lane or make you buy a lamp because you can take care of yourself without any help from me. It's to tell you how much you move me, how you changed me. You made me a man by loving me, Holly. And for that, I am eternally grateful... literally. If you can promise me anything, promise me that whenever you're sad, or unsure, or you lose complete faith, that you'll try to see yourself through my eyes. Thank you for the honor of being my wife. I'm a man with no regrets. How lucky am I? You made my life, Holly. But I'm just one chapter in yours. There'll be more. I promise. So here it comes, the big one. Don't be afraid to fall in love again. Watch out for that signal, when life as you know it ends. P.S. I will always love you."
-Gerard Butler as Gerry in "P.S. I Love You", 2007

Blah, Blah, Blah.

Okay so first of all, I obviously suck at this blogging thing---partly because my life is not that interesting and partly because I forget about my blog until see something about blogging on Facebook. Hence the reason I'm here now. Nevertheless, nothing exciting has happened recently in my life so if you are reading this, here is a list of randomness for your viewing pleasure. Now quiet, you.

So recently I rediscovered my love for several musicians and bands. It's funny how you can hear a song from three or four years ago and be affected by it in a whole new way. Here are my ten songs that made my week:
#1 "Empty Apartment" By Yell owcard
#2 "AM Radio" By Everclear
#3 "Float On" By Modest Mouse
#4 "Fallen" By Sarah McLachlan
#5 "Drops of Jupiter" By Train
#6 "White Houses" By Vanessa Carlton
#7 "Vienna" By Billy Joel
#8 "Sympathy" By Goo Goo Dolls
#9 "Hear You Me" By Jimmy Eat World
#10 "Follow You Down" By The Gin Blossoms

Here is a video for you to watch as well. It's from 2006 documenting "The Night Commute" sponsored by Invisible Children. I'm a huge supporter of this cause.

12 Reasons

Okay, so I'm a slacker....but we already knew this. This is extremely late so you'll have to forgive me, but I've been thinking of posting this for the last month or so ha ha. October 1st was Freddy and my one year anniversary. I know what you're thinking. We're cheesy. You're right. More than a celebration, it's kind of a landmark for us. It symbolizes how we've grown together and all the issues we've overcome in the last year. Basically, he's put up with me for 365 days and I wanted to recognize that :] so here's a post with 12 reasons as to why I love dating this boy.

#12: Humor. If you've ever seen us together, you can tell that we love to laugh. Fred has the best sense of humor and he is always able to crack me up, even when I'm upset, which is quite the feat. I love it that we are able to tease each other CONSTANTLY and end up in giggles.
Example - Me: Oh my heck Full House is on!
Freddy: Isn't that show from like the 80's or 90's?
Me: Yes and I love it!
Freddy: Oh yeah I used to love it too....and then my dad got a job.

#11: Intelligence. Fred is extremely smart and he remembers the most random facts. I love it that we are able to intelligently debate things :]
Example- We watch Cash Cab as often as possible and he usually beats me. He even knows what different types of sharks look like and what distinguishes them. Ahhh my dream boy :]

#10: Dedication. He recently stopped going to school so that he could work full time in order to help support us. He doesn't mind getting up early or doing the dirty work (such as cleaning the bathroom or taking out the trash which I REFUSE to do).
Example- In a matter of three days this week, he has worked close to 36 hours.

#9: Honesty. It took us a long time to get there, but we're pretty good at telling each other EVERYTHING now. He's pretty quick to share, even with things that I'm not sure I really wanted to know.
Example- The other night I was walking down the hall to put some laundry away and....
Freddy: Morgan stop.
Me: Ummm why?
Freddy: Just stop.
Me: Okay....
[about five minutes pass with me standing in the hallway]
Freddy: Okay I'm done.
Me: What are you talking about?
Freddy: There was the biggest spider I've ever seen in my life on the bathroom door.
Me: Sick!
Freddy: And it's the third one I've killed this week!

#8: Talented. Fred is such an awesome musician. I can't tell you how often I'm watching TV and I hear him messing around on his guitar in the other room....and how awesome it sounds.
Example: Ask him to sing "Our Song" By Taylor Swift for you :]

#7: Friendly. I can't tell you how easily this boy makes friends. It seems like everyone likes him, whether it's the clerk at the grocery store or one of our neighbor's kids that is playing outside.
Example: The family that we share our duplex with has a little boy that sits in the window and waits for Fred to come home from work so he can yell "Hi!!!!!" out the window.

#6: Romantic. He's always got little sweet ideas up his sleeve, whether it's sending me white lillies for no reason (my absolute favorite flower) or calling just to tell me he loves me.
Example: I have a whole folder full of notes that he leaves me, mostly just to say hello and I love you :]

#5: Stylish. Okay, so I admit it's a problem when he sometimes takes longer than I do to get ready to go out, but he always looks great :]
Example: If he doesn't like the way his hair looks after he does it, he puts a hat on.

#4: Helpful. He's one of the only guys I know that will fold laundry, cook, do the dishes, vacuum, and make the bed. I have to admit....I kinda like it :]
Example: Last night when I came home from work, he had nearly all the laundry done and he was unloading the dishwasher.

#3: Thoughtful. He's always doing things that I don't even ask him to, just because he knows it will make my day.
Example: At least once a week, he brings me dinner at work just because he wants to see me.

#2: Patience. He never gets upset with me. He is always so willing to listen to anything I have to say. Even when I start getting worked up and I can hear the crazy coming out of my mouth but find myself unable to stop it, he sits there and takes it. Bless his soul.
Example: I once got really upset that he bought a new pair of shoes without asking me and he took full blame for it, apologized, and made me dinner.

#1: For being my best friend. I have to say I'm extremely lucky to be in love with someone I get along with so well. We're so comfortable together and it's so easy to talk about anything with one another. I guess I just want Freddy to know how thankful I am for him being in my life, for being my best friend in the whole world, and for being the guy that I've always dreamed about.

Absence of Parents & Presence of Pirates :]

Currently, my parents (and the Jensens) are in the Carribean on a cruise. Frederick's parents just returned from their vacation to France. So is the life of two poor college students....always getting stuck at home in Utah while the 'rents are off playing :] ha ha. Anyway, while both sets of parents were away, Fred and I spent some time with his younger sister, Abbie. She was staying in Orem with his grandma so we took an afternoon/evening to take her out. We started the adventure at Jump On It, which is essentially a large warehouse filled with trampolines and bouncy things.

Realization #1: We only needed to pay to jump for one hour. It was plenty of time.
Realization #2: I'm very VERY out of shape.
Realization #3: Fred is such a big kid :]

Sidenote: Jump On It is in Lindon, approximately 10 minutes from Orem. It took us about 30 minutes to get there due to a combination of Fred's bad sense of direction and rush hour traffic on I-15.

Nevertheless, we all had a great time. I forgot how much I love trampolines :] ha ha. After that, we called up Nick and he met us at Pirate Island. It's kind of like a new-age Chuckie Cheese. However, I never got to go to Chuckie Cheese when I was little so it was a new experience for me as well (I guess once your parents take your older sisters there it kind of ruins it for the baby of the family). It was actually a really cool restaurant and the food was decent too. The inside looks like the Pirates of the Carribean ride at Disneyland and everyone was all dressed up like pirates. They also had an arcade so we spent a little time playing skee-ball and Deal or No Deal.

Realization #1: You're never to old to get excited about winning tickets.
Realization #2: You spend much more on those flimsy pieces of paper than they are probably worth.
Realization #3: Boys will never NEVER get to old to enjoy a video game.
Realization #4: Fred is an awful dancer :]

Here's some pictures to outline the evening for you :] thanks for reading!

My Life Update

I noticed today I hadn't written for a while so I thought I'd update everyone on what's going on in my always-exciting life. I started school again on the 26th of August and I'm actually really enjoying my classes so far. I am taking:
*Elementary Astronomy - way cool, we have class in the planetarium :]
*Genetics - surprisingly interesting
*Exceptional Students - a required education class dealing with special education
*Development of the Adolescent Student - another education class
*Intro to Comparitive Politics - my teacher used to be a US Embassador!

I'm actually very excited about getting my degree in History. I am going to get to take lots of awesome classes. I have also started reading a new book entitled "Impulse" by Ellen Hopkins. She is one of my favorite authors. She writes in verse so it's a very easy yet intense read. I also wanted to brag about my family for a minute if everyone is okay with that :] my mom and my two older sisters recently finished a half marathon in San Diego, CA. It was thirteen miles and they all finished in less than three hours. I have to say I am extremely proud of them, especially my mom. She is such an inspiration. She has always been quick to demonstrate that you can do anything you put your mind to and I definitely attribute my ambition/determination to her. Other than that, Fred and I are still living in Provo. He is still working for Orem City doing street labor....poor boy. He gets so sunburned every day! He is hoping to get back into school next spring. I'll try to do a better job of keeping everyone updated on my life. Thanks for reading!

Call Me Cake Boss!

If you know my mom, you'd wonder where I got my love for cooking and baking (no offense mom). Growing up, we didn't do much baking and cooking was something done only when absolutely necessary. My mom was always on the go and slaving away in the kitchen was never her idea of a good time. I started to become interested in baking when I was about twelve. The result: a HUGE red food coloring stain on the kitchen carpet, a few ruined cookie sheets, and even fewer decent results. I've always loved finding new recipes to try and putting my own twist on them. When I moved away from home, I was determined to become a good cook. I didn't want to be one of those college students that constantly ate fast food and junk. I've recently been doing a lot of experimenting with new recipes and decided to try my hand at cake fondant. I found a pretty simple recipe and gave it a whirl. I didn't have very high hopes seeing as how I've never been so great at cakes, but the result actually wasn't too bad. Here's some pictures:

I used two 8" round white cakes.

Here's the pink fondant I used for decorating.

Here's the finished product.

I have to admit I was a little impressed with myself :] you may call me Cake Boss if you like ha ha....or not ;]

Where the Wild Things Are: Hogle Zoo

The day after Memorial Day, Frederick and I both had the day off work so we decided we should do something fun. He has been begging me to go to the zoo for a few months and since the weather was beautiful that day, we headed up to Salt Lake City to the zoo. It was a hot, fun day and I took quite a few pictures (despite the fact I forgot my digital camera and had to use a disposable one). Here's a few of the them :] enjoy!

Some Real Photographic Finds :]

So the other day Freddy and I were scavenging the internet and decided to check out his mom's blog. She's always posting funny things and great pictures. I came across these and they were so fun I just had to share them :]

Baby Fred and his big brothers.

This is Fred picking flowers in Jamestown, VA when he
was just a little guy :]

Fred & his mom in Virginia. Love this picture :]

Fred and his big brother Nick.

Nick, Fred, and Sam in the tub (he's going to
kill me :])

From left to right: Fred, Nick, & Sam when they lived in Fort Irwin, CA

Freddy & his grandpa. It looks like something that would be sold
in an art gallery. Classic :]

Looking sharp!

Feeding My Addiction

Newsflash! I've recently discovered a few more ways to feed my undying love for scrapbook supplies. It's amazing the things you learn when you work with avid scrapbookers and I have to say this is one of the best tips I've picked up on the job.
The first website I've discovered is cropchocolate.com which sells strictly Making Memories products, but for very discounted prices. They advertise a new product every 24 hours and it is always at least 50% off. It's insane. I've seen some products advertised on this site that are amazing deals.
The second is another website called peachycheap.com (check out my "I'm Addicted" button to the right). This page displays dozens of products from various lines including American Crafts, Petaloo, Basic Grey, etc. and I've seen some things discounted up to 80% off.
Fortunately, both websites offer relatively cheap shipping (about $4 an order) and if a product sells out, they are quick to post a new one to finish out the day. They both post new items every night at midnight central time....so eleven o'clock mountain time. Just wanted to share the great discoveries and happy scrapping everyone :]

Through the Headphones, Pt. 1

So anyone who knows me well knows that have an extreme music obsession. I can't get ready in the morning without listening to some Jack Johnson or Between the Trees. I have over seven hundred songs on my iPod, all of which I'm deeply in love with. Therefore, I've decided to do an update every two weeks on my blog letting everyone know what I'm listening to. Here's the first installment of the ten songs that have been shorting out my iPod adapter lately.

10- "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" By Iron & Wine: I discovered this band after seeing Twilight in theaters (one of the only good things that came from that experience---no offense). They are very relaxing....good stuff to fall asleep to.
Sounds like: MGMT, Lifehouse, The Fray

9- "Ho Ho Hopefully" By The Maine: These guys are pretty typical mainstream, but their lyrics are a little more unique. This is one of their acoustic songs (also a Christmas tune). Check it out.
Sounds like: Relient K, Mayday Parade, Cute Is What We Aim For

8- "This Town" By OAR: This was the first new single from this 90's hit band in a LONG time and I wasn't disappointed. It's pretty upbeat and sometimes it makes me dance (I'll admit it).
Sounds like: Ben Folds, Barenaked Ladies, Noah & The Whale

7- "America's Suitehearts" By Fall Out Boy: I know, I know. I was a little surprised with myself too. I really do not like Fall Out Boy usually, but the sound on their latest album is a little different. The jury's still out on the new record, but this song is sweet.
Sounds like: The Postal Service, Mika, The Academy Is....

6- "You'll Ask For Me" By Tyler Hilton: I first started to listen to Tyler Hilton when I became an avid One Tree Hill fan. He's very classy and guitar-heavy. This song is a little more soft and chill.
Sounds like: Matt Costa, John Mayer, Jack Johnson

5- "The Mixed Tape" By Jack's Mannequin: So this song is a little old, but I've been a fan of Andrew McMahon's work since Something Corporate. The piano is this track makes the whole song.
Sounds like: The Rocket Summer, Jimmy Eat World, Straylight Run

4- "Always Love" By Nada Surf: I absolutely love this song. When I discovered it, I realized it put in to words everything that so many people were trying to say. It's pretty catchy too.
Sounds like: Sherwood, Paramore, Goo Goo Dolls

3- "9 Crimes" By Damien Rice: I've always been a fan of angry, starving-artist music and Damien Rice definitely fits that mold. This song has female vocals in it as well and they are amazing.
Sounds like: Sarah McLachlan, Joshua James, The Postal Service

2- "Seventy Times 7" By Brand New: This is one of my favorite bands of all time. This is an old song, but it's classic. Jesse Lacey has the best scream :]
Sounds like: Incubus, Blink 182, All Time Low

1- "Wedding Dress" By Matt Nathanson: I'm a sucker for singers with guitar talent and good vocals so Matt Nathanson has been a recent favorite of mine. This album "Some Mad Hope" has such a variety on it and with a powerful voice like his, you're bound to get hooked.
Sounds like: Ben Harper, Allred, Coldplay

Politically Correct

Have you ever been on a journey, an adventure really, or an odd attempt to accomplish something you were not exactly sure was right? Have you ever worked really hard at something only to realize that maybe it wasn't what was best for you? I recently realized I was in one of those situations. This past fall/spring was my first year at Utah Valley University. I began studying for a Bachelor's of Science degree in elementary education. It was a couple semesters full of trials and triumphs. I learned so much and took some classes that I definitely wouldn't trade for anything. Yet during April of this year, I started to wonder. What if this isn't the right path for me? Last week I started to explore that idea a little bit. I was up late one night unpacking a few boxes of books when I came across some old favorites: The Jungle, Confederates in the Attic, and The Kite Runner. Then it hit me. I figured it out. I want to be a history teacher. Perhaps it was flipping through these novels and recalling the way I felt when I read them....the guilt for being so unthankful for what I have, the appreciation for those who suffered so this country could become great, and those who continue to go through tribulation every day so America can remain the symbol it currently is in the public eye. I got goosebumps. I knew this was the right choice. It reminded me of something one of my favorite high school teachers Steven Player once said to me: "History is so important because it is what allows the future to unravel." I must also admit that Mr. Player's influence was a huge factor in what guided me to make such a sudden decision. His love for history and politics played such a large role in my high school experience. It's something I have learned to appreciate whether I'm watching CNN, checking polls in the last presidential election, or just recalling crucial facts from the Civil War. If I had the power to impact a few students' lives in the way he did mine, why wouldn't I take advantage of that opportunity? The next day I called John Macfarlane, the history education advisor at UVU, and his positive attitude and helpful nature enforced the fact that I've made the right choice. I'm taking a few classes this summer that will go towards this degree and I must admit I'm very excited. I'll keep you updated on my journey towards becoming an educator....thanks for reading :]

A Quick Update....Finally :]

Sorry it has been so long since I've updated everyone on what's been going on in my life. Between work, finals week at school, and moving to a new place, I haven't been able to find the time to sit down and catch you all up. So today I decided I'd take a minute to let everyone know about the recent updates in my life. Here goes:
Fred and I moved in together about a week ago. We now live in Provo in a two bedroom duplex just down the street from 24 Hour Fitness. The place is amazing and we both love it. We've been working on getting all of our stuff moved in and decorating a little. Once we get a little more set up, I'll post some pictures.
I also got promoted at work. I'm now a floor supervisor and I still work mostly nights and weekends. It's been a great opportunity and there has been lots to learn. I'm loving it.
I am also just about done with my first year at Utah Valley University. It has been so awesome. I have taken so many great classes this year and I've learned so much already. I'm very excited to apply to the professional education program in the fall. I will also be taking a couple classes this summer to finish up my pre-requisites. Wish me luck!
Now that you are all up to speed, keep your eye on my blog because I'm going to work on posting more often now that this busy time in my life is slowing down a bit. Thanks for reading!

The Movie Critique

Most of you that know Frederick and me are well aware of our habit of going to movies. We're kind of junkies :] ha ha. Since we frequent the theater so much, I've decided to do a few little critiques of the last few movies we've seen.

"Taken": By far the best movie we've seen this year! It was very suspenseful and kept you guessing. Liam Neeson was AMAZING in it. I'm not usually a big fan of action films, but I would easily recommend this to just about anyone.

"I Love You, Man": This one was really funny, but only if you like that Step Brothers/Wedding Crashers/Knocked Up sense of humor. Paul Rudd is a pretty comical guy and it was a nice change of pace to see him put in an awkward situation. It had a great cast and the story line was pretty clever.

"New in Town" (*For Clare :]): As far as chick flicks go, this one was pretty good. I even got Fred to sit through it with me ha ha. I loved the small town mentality because it's something I can surely relate to. The cast was a little different, but it was your average feel-good comedy.

"Knowing": I'm honestly still trying to wrap my mind around this film. It had so many strange elements....science, religion, aliens.....I just don't know. It was a little too preachy toward the end for my taste. Fred really REALLY did not like it. It was actually okay up until about the last 35-40 minutes. Let me just say that if I could, I would take those two hours of my life back to the theater for a refund.