I LOVE...!

Yes that is me, I have always loved photo shoots :]

• the little signs God gives me in my life to let me know I am on the right track
• getting closer to turning in my application for teaching in China
• getting closer to getting my Associates (don't worry I am going to finish with my bachelors!)
• journal writing
• blogging
• reading about how important life is on this Earth
• being a woman (and inspirational talks by church leaders about it)
• having a good FHE group
• cookies
• chocolate from Poland that pops in your mouth like pop rocks
• drinking water (especially the sparkly kind :])
• planners-the reminder that remindes me to remember to do something
• running into old friends and talking about the adventures of life
• watching Young Victoria, making up secret clubs (because we don't always have to act our age) and speaking in english accents with the girls next door
• mumus (yes they are for grandmas, and yes they are the most comfortable things to wear to bed)
• sunshine
• being reminded to look for the details in everyday life
• and with that the idea that I am going to start the 365 project tomorrow!

I have to say, I love my life. Do you love yours?

*photo by Nirantha

I would not trade places with anyone

Everyone has a great life. There are people who I do sometimes wish I could trade places with, just to do what they do and have their talent for a day (like the people over at TOMS or any given explorer/adventurer-like Indiana Jones-or any photographer) Anywho, I love my life. I really do. I am being productive (getting my stuff done to turn in for China!) I finally got money from school (which is now all gone because of my school debts-but I'm not in debt anymore)! Last night I had my first skittles bowling. For those who were just as niave as I, you get a bag of skittles (or M&Ms) and you assign each color a funny and ridiculous move. Example: green=granny backwards bowl; pink=sweetheart hug; purple=robot moves; red= through date's legs; so on and so on. Get really creative, it makes it way more fun!Did I mention we also got to play cosmic??

I went with these lovely ladies (old roommates reunited!)And Amanda found out she is having a baby boy! Hello craft time for this one!

Also, after I got home, was given a pack of cards for a momento of last night (and just a thought have a bruise as evidence I biffed hard walking to Amanda's apartment and brought down someone with me-sorry Carisa you are not the only one I take out when we fall on the ice) I met a pretty tall kid. He is in the white shirt. Guess how tall he is. 6'9"!!! Don't believe me? The guy next to him is 6'2", and I'm 5'4". He makes us all look like dwarfs. I want to point out when I jump, I cant reach the ceiling most of the time. He palms it.

The last thing I watched (I really wish)

Have you ever heard of the Life In A Day Project? It's phenomenal. It's beautiful. It's inspiring. And I missed the premiere.... The brilliant director Kevin Macdonald and a wonderful team created the idea of having people all over the world record their life on July 24, 2010 and submit the recording on YouTube. They then took and composed a 90 minute film depicting the life of the world, through the eyes of the world. I will keep you posted as soon as I find out when we will be able to view this again.

It is something like this that I want to do. I am so inspired by the world, and the world does help me. I, in return, want to give back. I want to inspire and help the world. I have no idea how just yet, but I promise to get there. I am doing it with baby steps. I am trying to be me and shine for those around me, hopefully sparking something on the way. I just hope one day I can do something world wide. I don't want the fame or the fortune. I just want to create. Thankfully, I am surrounded by some very inspiring and world-changing people. I send my appreciation out to all that make a difference everyday, making the world a more beautiful and better place. I will make a difference (and keep at it everyday), I promise.

pet peeves and things that just touch my heart

Pet Peeves:
1. rude people
2. mockery
3. selfishness
4. insensitivity
5. judgements
6. unwanted obnoxiousness
7. being purposefully hurtful
8. fraud
9. theft
10. lying
I do still believe this world is a good place, don't get me wrong, it's just those few things above seem to be something I have seen a frequently in the past week. The world is not all going to ruin, there is still all sorts of love and kindness that can be found around every corner.

Now here is a story that just touches my heart. I do not know this lovely lady personally, but I was introduced to her blog a couple of days ago. Her story is one about strength and love. I would recommend reading it. Find it here.

Today seems to be a day that I am reading stories that just make my heart happy, sad, and really just go on one big emotional roller coaster ride. From blogs to books to homework assignments. Today, I do feel.

*Photo by Kylynn

Song Lyrics Of The Day

"I'm happy, I'm feelin' glad, I've got sunshine in a bag..." but only that part.

I found I fit into a dress I have not been able to fit in since the beginning of my senior year in high school.

I got to see my old best roommate Kylynn!

I counted the licks to get to the center of a tootsie pop (598-apparently my tongue is weak...)

And yesterday was the best FHE opening ward social! (Thanks committee for making it happen!)

Right as the shirt painting started...

What my personal FHE fam looked like after.
My little helper/one of the best ladies to live with, Carisa.

Today, just like any other day, I wished that it would be spring time already. The snow was melting and the sun was shining yesterday, but as I looke out the window I did not see popcorn popping off the apricot tree. Instead I saw white snow and a whiter sky. But I wore this outfit in defiance of the drab day (and I was secretly hoping it would will spring to come). I love color!

A letter for the best friend

To my dearest friend,

You have stolen a piece of my heart. Actually, I willingly gave it to you in our friendship. I hope you keep it forever, and take care of it. You are one special person. You have seen me cry, you have seen me laugh. You have seen me be rude and a wench. You have seen me be caring and full of love for the world. You have helped me become who I am because you have been a good example. You have taught me knew skills and taken me on wonderful adventures. I always need a friend like you because well, you are a great person-plain and simple. You help me pick out what to wear. You play games with me. You encourage me to be a creep and a freak. And you help me get over boys when situations aren't turning out. I appreciate you convincing me I will not be a hag for the rest of my life. I enjoy every dance party and every song sung in the car.I am glad we share hardy laughs and just as hard cry sessions. You are among my most cherished memories. I am glad we get each other and that we have crossed paths. You are my best friend forever and ever...

Sincerely your friend,
Anna

This year's bucket list

I have a book of things I want to do in this short life. Now I have a list to do before this year is over.
- get my associates!
-be better at blogging (as in decorating and what-nots)
-save up some money for future world trips (yes I have a couple planned)
-to go along with that, finding a job would be very nice indeed
- read all the scriptures (Boook of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price, Old Testament, New Testamen-yup ALL of them!)
-go to China!
-decide on a major...seriously I need to decide.
-learn how to make crepes
-actually have craft sunday! which does mean I need to start getting inspirations and get supplies to do them
-Become a master thrift store junkie
-sew better, seriously my skills are in need of some polishing up
-make flower headbands like crazy (possibly sell? only time will tell.)
-hike somewhere new
-do more photo walks
-learn to crochet or knitt
-go to Festival of Colors
-make rootbeer
-actually find my mantra
-work out religiously...or close to it
-fall in love with poetry even more

This year I will do things I say I am going to do, and I will have fun!

Cheers!

Inspiration 3

"We work in the dark

we do what we can

we give what we have.

Our doubt is our passion,

and our passion is our task.

The rest is the madness of art."

-Henry James

Inspiration 2

"People come into your life and they take a little piece of your heart but they take such good care of it that you don't even realize it is missing."-Cali Crismon

We were all having a bit of a rough night when my roommate said these brilliant words. She spoke the truth. Friends and love ones all posses a piece of my heart, and I want to share my love for them to the world. My life would not be the same with out you family and close friends. I willingly give you a piece of my heart, you deserve it.

Inspiration Weeks

I saw this idea from this delightful little blog I follow here and think it is a wonderful thing to participate in. I am going to post inspirational quotes through out the weeks. Enjoy them as much as I do! :]

Week 1:

"May your coming year be filled with magic, dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful,and don’t forget to make some art. Write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
- Neil Gaiman