Monday, March 31, 2014

I love Mondays because that's when Loveduck gets to email me! This week, she said she ate crawfish. Now, she dislikes fish the same way I dislike fish, so I definitely have a lot of respect for her for giving it a shot! These pictures are perfect. They make me smile!





Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

My home teachers surprised me with a visit today. We had a really good conversation about humor and he importance of laughter. Oh, and the brought me a giant candy bar! 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Saturday, March 29, 2014

A few days ago, I made this marinade for some chicken. I got out a glass bowl and threw in a little of this and a little of that and didn't really measure anything. I added some uncooked chicken tenders and let the marinade do it's thing for a few hours. Baked till the juices ran clear, and served with a baked potato and some asparagus. The chicken turned out so so good! Lucky for me, I made enough for a few meals so I was able to enjoy it more than once. And wouldn't you know, it's better a few days later! Too bad I didn't measure what I was putting in the marinade and write it down cause it was pure culinary genius!

But no picture. Cause I ate it first... The chicken, not the picture...

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Friday, March 28, 2014

I really don't like the sound my alarm makes when it's time for me to wake up in the morning. It scares me to death! But this morning was the third morning in a row that I've conveniently awakened just a few minutes before the alarm, so I was able to turn it off before it had the opportunity sound. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Thursday, March 27, 2014

I redid the artwork in my living room today. I think it looks lots better!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

I bought this song yesterday because looking it up on YouTube whenever I wanted to hear it wasn't cutting it. I was singing it all day at work today, and I listened to it on repeat all the way home. It kind of makes me want to dance, and I'm no dancer!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Someone came to inspect my apartment yesterday. They emailed this afternoon and asked if they could come again today to take pictures for advertising. No problem. When the fellow arrived, he commented on how clean my apartment is and said he should have brought his camera yesterday instead of having to come back for pictures since it was already clean yesterday! That made me feel good. I am pretty much a neat freak, so I put a lot of time and effort into keeping my apartment clean, but I usually feel like it goes unnoticed and unappreciated. I loved that he complimented me on my hard work!

So, no picture of the apartment or anything... But here's some asparagus I sauted for dinner...

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Monday, March 24, 2014

Tonight, my Family Home Evening group was able to do some service for one of our group members by helping her move.  It felt so good to use my time to help someone who really needed it. We went for ice cream after. This is a picture is some of the group.

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Sunday, March 23, 2014

I got to play cribbage AND Fluxx AND eat jello cookies with a few friends this evening! We ended the night with a few funny YouTube videos, so we got in some good laughs. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Saturday, March 22, 2014

So last night at the dance performance, I was sitting next to Charwhal, and as we were waiting for the show to start, I was noticing all the people walking in with bouquets of flowers to give to the dancers after the performance. You know the way people do that? Anyway, I commented to Charwhal that I'd really love it if someone would bring me flowers because I love flowers. Today, I came home from work to find these lovely flowers waiting for me on my desk! Charwhal is the best!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Friday, March 21, 2014

I have two for today...

I have for a while now been on the hunt for good dried apples. They've got to taste good but also have exactly the right texture. And I haven't found them. I've been waiting for a day when I'd be home long enough to make them myself, and today was the day! First thing this morning, I sliced up my apples, soaked them in some lemon juice/water, and popped them in a 170 degree oven (that's as low as the temperature would go.) Six hours later, I had the perfect dried apples!

But no picture, cause I always take pictures of food I make. 

This evening I went to a previous roommate's dance performance. A group of us went for ice cream after. It was fun to catch up with some friends I haven't seen for a while. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

This delightful little jar contains a homemade brown sugar scrub. My supervisor from my old job gave it to me for Christmas. When I found it in my box, I thought Oh, how sweet of her to give me a gift! But what in the world is sugar scrub? I went home and googled it. No surprise I didn't know what it was. I'm really not in to spa treatment stuff or cosmetic products and the like. But I've come to really love this stuff! It makes my skin so soft and it smells really good. 

So today was one of those to-do list days. I was going going for most of the day and pretty much got everything done and then some! But at bed time, I was beat. So I drew up a bath to soak my tired feet, grabbed my happy little jar of sugar scrub, turned on my Liquid Mind  Pandora station (it's pretty much meditation music), and made a pretty good attempt at relaxing. I made it through all of five minutes!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

My mom gave me a spice rack for Christmas that came with spices in it. But  most if the spices are things I've never used before. Like crushed mint. I've done some reading about a few of the spices just to figure out how to use them. I tried making lemonade with a mint simple syrup this evening. I think I added too much mint, but I liked it enough that I want to try it again! I am really enjoying all the recipe reading and research that's come with all these unfamiliar spices!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The movie Frozen was released today on DVD! I saw it while I was running a few errands this afternoon and bought myself a copy! I even tried to buy one for Littlest Sister, but the cashier said he was only allowed to sell me one. Something about movie rental companies buying too many blah blah blah. (Littlest Sister's birthday is coming and that's what I plan to give her, so hear ye, hear ye, those who are planning a gift for her, I claimed it first!)

I feel this need to voice an opinion on the movie, simply because of the recent hubbub on social media and in the blogosphere about the intended message(s) of the story. The way I see it is you see what you are looking for in any movie you watch or song you listen to or picture you scrutinize. If you are looking for something horrifyingly inappropriate, it's going to be there. But if you are looking for something beautiful and positive, you are just as likely to find it, especially in a movie made for children. (See the very end if this post. And every post in this project.)

That being said, the overall messages I took from the storyline of Frozen are twofold: First, you have to believe in yourself and your abilities, otherwise personal growth is almost impossible. Know your limitations, but don't let them hold you back. 

Second, relying on your family is of the utmost importance, especially your sisters!

Which is why I intend to give Littlest Sister her own copy for her birthday. I'm pretty sure she won't comprehend these ideas just yet; to her, Frozen is a really awesome movie with pretty princesses and a funny snowman and lots of memorable music. But someday she'll understand why I believe so strongly in the moral of the story. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Monday, March 17, 2014

This is the cute little gift my coworker gave to me today! She's so thoughtful!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Somehow, I was able to spend about five hours in my kitchen today. That felt good! I made six dozen cookies and a pan of chicken enchiladas. I didn't think my roommates were home so I turned up my music and sang really loud. Turns out they were both home but they were napping. Oops. But they said I didn't wake them up, so I don't feel so bad. Anyway, I was able to deliver some cookies to some friends this evening, and that's usually my favorite part of baking, but because I haven't done much baking since I got my new job, I also haven't been sharing much. Sunday afternoon well spent, I think!

Here's one of those delicious enchiladas I made:

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Saturday, March 15, 2014

These are my awesome pink shoes. I got them on the internet a few years ago. The picture didn't show them as being that hot pink, so when I opened the box, I thought to myself, "I could never wear these!" But I took a risk once and wore them. Turns out they are pretty cool cause I get compliments on them all the time. Anyway, I haven't worn them for a while, so it was fun to pull them out and wear them tonight. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Friday, March 14, 2014

I ordered a new flat iron on the internet a few days ago and it arrived today! This is the third time I've purchased this brand/model. I love it. They last for a long time and they work really well on my thick, complicated hair. So excited to switch out my old one for this new one!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

I received an exciting letter in the mail today! It was from Loveduck's good friend (He's a good friend of mine, too, but he and Loveduck are best friends and that's how I know him.) who is also currently serving a mission. He's in South Africa. The postage stamp on the envelope was interesting because it says the letter was mailed 08/01/2014. In the United States, that's in the future! But South Africa must write the date differently. Anyway, he had some good thoughts and stories to share. It's great to see how much he's learning and growing and how many people he's influencing.



Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

I'm gonna be a bit vulnerable here. 

See, I'm pretty germophobic. I'm pretty sure I worry about germs a lot more than the average person. 

This evening, one of my roommates attended Institute and was thoughtful enough to bring me some of the refreshments--Costco muffins, which I actually really like. When she came to my room to give me half of a delightful chocolate muffin, she explained that she'd been careful to cut it with a clean knife, and she used a clean napkin to carry it and she made sure she didn't touch it. Etc.

In all honesty, I was pretty surprised by all the lengths she'd gone to to bring me this sanitary muffin. And I had mixed feelings about what she said--all the germophobe things I worry about that she addressed--and I felt embarrassed that all that is a thing for me. 

But the more I thought about it, the more gratitude I felt towards her. Most people don't get it when I explain my anxieties about dirty things. But she went to the trouble to not only think to bring me a Costco muffin, but also to "prepare it" so I wouldn't be nervous about eating it. Wow. That made my day! 

But there's no picture of the muffin. Which was delicious. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Today was a day set aside for working on my to-do list, and most of those things weren't very exciting but it looks like I'm going to talk about them anyway. 

Since I didn't sleep well last night, and today is my free day this week, I decided to take my time getting ready. My dad called during his lunch break (which is kind of ironic given I'd only just eaten my breakfast-ish). I love it when he calls me! Usually he just asks how I'm doing and what my plans are for the day, then says he'd better go. But even though the phone calls only last a few quick minutes, that's what I look forward to the most on my days off!

I went to get my hair trimmed during the early afternoon. I asked for the usual--just clean up the ends and the layers--but she must have gotten a little scissor happy cause my hair is a lot shorter! I almost cried. 

I popped in to the grocery store on my way home to pick up ingredients to make dinner. I wanted to try a new recipe. 

I read part of the first chapter in one of my textbooks. I knew it would be hard to get back in to the routine of being a student again so I'm trying to not be discouraged that I could only pay attention through half a chapter. I'll have to think of some reward system or something. 

Tried a new recipe. I haven't been able to cook for about a week, mostly cause I was sickly, so it was nice to spend some time in the kitchen again. But I didn't love the recipe which was a bummer. 

I was able to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I haven't been able to watch for a week!

That's it. Here's a picture of my dinner. It's Spicy Thai Noodles. But I don't recommend them... So the happy part is that I got to cook today. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Monday, March 10, 2014

I don't really like Daylight Savings very much. Especially in the spring when we lose and hour. I feel tired and grumpy. But I actually appreciated it a bit this evening when I left work. See, after ten-and-a-half hours a day in the office, this winter I've felt like I never see the sun. Today, when my coworkers and I walked out of the building, we were shocked and excited that the sun was still up and it was light outside. It was beautiful, even though it was about to start storming. 

No picture. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Sunday, March 9, 2014

I like popcorn. A lot. Perfect Sunday dinner. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Saturday, March 8, 2014

All of my textbooks have arrived!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Friday, March 7, 2014

Today has been a little eventful, especially considering I'm still a little sickly. But remember how I said I hate being sick? I can't seem to make myself rest so I don't think I'm recuperating as fast as I could be. Anyway, the highlight of my day was probably attending tonight's Young Ambassadors performance. I have a good friend who's been in the Young Ambassadors for two years now. It was a delightful show and it was so so good to see him after!

Here's a picture of the front of the program. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Thursday, March 6, 2014

One of my aunts has a dance studio and once a year the studio puts on an incredible fireside. The dancers use their talents to share a special spiritual message. It's always a beautiful show! Tonight's performance did not disappoint. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

I awoke at an ungodly hour this morning and immediately knew I was sick. Bummer. But I'm the type to ignore those hunches until being sick is much too much to bear, so I tossed and turned in my bed for a few more hours until it was time to get out of bed and rush to work. I was super sluggish, so there was no rushing, except the speeding on the freeway. But I somehow made it to work in time. I struggled through half my ten hour shift, but alas this unfortunate physical ailment got the best if me and I asked to leave early. 

You know I'm sick if I ask to go home early from work. But even more so, you know I'm sick if I'm wearing pajamas during the day. 

Which is what I did. 

I hate being sick. I hate that my mind continuously reminds me of all the things I think I need to get done, but my body somehow refuses and thus lays useless and exhausted on the couch for hours. 

But I still managed to find a happy thing for today. If that's not proof that there's something everyday to be happy about or feel gratitude for, I don't know what is. 

I've been reading John Green's novel "The Fault in Our Stars" this weekish. I finished it today during my residency on the couch. I really enjoyed it. I've been reading books on my phone lately, so here's a screenshot of the title page. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

I received my first textbook in the mail! I guess this means it's time to get to work... :)

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Monday, March 3, 2014

So, Coldplay just announced their new album coming out in May! Oh, yay!  I'm excited to hear what this one is like compared to their past albums. 

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Sunday, March 2, 2014

I made more curry today, but I tried making it a different, faster way, and I actually liked it better!

Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day. 

Saturday, March 1, 2014

One of my little cousins got baptized this afternoon. Since my family was in the area-ish, they came to my apartment after and we played some games and watched a movie. When they were on their way out the door, I decided we should try to get a family picture really quick. I couldn't get my silly brother to give a normal smile, so I finally gave up on that. I suggested we do this ridiculous thing where you move your face constantly and randomly snap photos. We got some funny ones.

Here's a normal one:


And here are a few silly ones:




Life is beautiful, especially when you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day.