the weather depicts my soul...

Nothing like a gloom gloomy day for the first day of school. All weekend I've had this creeping feeling like it's my last days alive and happy, and last night was the worst. I laid there thinking, why am I this sad..?? It's school! Get over it! Good things will still happen to you! But despite my attempt to meditate and generate positive thoughts, my stomach churned thinking of early mornings, long classes, and cold weather. I've woken up feeling better though. Despite the cold rain, I've decided to wear my new cute outfit, bring my umbrella and hope for one of these to come along and brighten my day....

End of summer depression, you will not win today. I'm going to school and I'm going to LOVE IT!

"aren't those the one's with humps...?"

We've had a fantastic time in Idaho Falls with my crazy crazy family... as crazy as the Kardashians. I am Kim, Lauren is Kourtney, and Mckell is Khloe and naturally my mom is Kris. We argue like them, we yell like them, it's ridiculous. I just wish we had their wealth and gorgeous Armenian hair. Tuesday the fam/Courtney Cook watched America's Got Talent to cheer on our long time friends Ali and Christina Christensen, I still can't believe they've made it this far! TOP TEN! So excited for them. Today we slept in, packed a lunch, and rode our bikes to Tauphaus Park to attend the zoo. It was a lovely afternoon, we adored the monkeys, the baby goats, the llamas and the penguins!

Glamp

Hey hey silent blog followers! I don't know why I keep posting on this thing, I feel like I'm talking to myself but oh well... This weekend Jake and I went camping with the Bitners at Green Canyon, and boy did we have a blast. I was sort of nervous about finding a good spot since last time wasn't the best. So this time we walked around and found a great area with a bathroom and picnic tables, I was in love... until we discovered every good spot was taken. So we decided to make one of our own. Jake dug us the perfect fire pit and him and Spence dragged over a picnic table from another site. We set up my family's old tent which was HUGE, so we decided to share it with the Bitners. It was a lot of fun. We stayed up late playing No Peeky Leeky and then Jake rigged his iPad so we could watch a movie on the ceiling of the tent. Can you say glamping? 

Jake's family came up Saturday to move Courty into her new dorm. We had a fun time shopping and getting her all set up for her freshman year. I forget how sad it is to say goodbye to your parents when you move away! We all got choked up but I know this will be a great year for her. Can't believe school starts in a week... I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. It will be great. It will be great. I love school I love school I love school. 

3 years ago...

Wowzah... School is close to a week away and I can't believe that I am senior. It seems like yesterday that I was packing up my old room, moving to Old Farm and starting Connections. It's safe to say A LOT has changed since then. This weekend my sister in law Courtney Kearns is moving in to her freshman dorm. I am so excited for her to experience this first year of college, Utah State is an amazing school and great place to find out who you are. I've met so many amazing people here, including my husband, and I could not imagine a better place for me and my family. I love having both my sister's here and can't wait for my last year of college!  Let's take a trip back in time to see some pictures of my freshman year and the fun times I had a long they way.

Football Games

Oakridge Hot Tub

Firehouse Pizza

The Gentlemen's Picnic

80's Prom Night

if i was a rich girl...

So if you know me, you know how much I loveee Anthropologie. It's my dream to open up a boutique just like it someday (just a little less expensive...). Well every once in a while I look through the website or the magazine and pick out the one dress I would buy for myself if I had the money. Here she is...

Wouldn't this be adorable with a belt and some flats...? Very shabby chic.

p.s. my birthday is September 30th if you are feeling extra charitable... 

some great hints to serve by....

So today at work I received a lovely typed letter on fancy stationary paper from my manager, informing me that I did not give the proper service to a certain customer. At first I was sort of stunned that someone was that upset with me, I could not remember anyone complaining. Then I read it... here is the list of things I did wrong as written in my letter:

Never informed of the specials of the day

Never offered pepper for my salad- had to ask for

Ordered ice tea and no sweetner offered- had to ask for

Empty salad plate left on my table- till I was finished with lunch

Empty ice tea glass left on my table- after 2nd glass was served

(here's my favorite) Dessert was offered with a hand on your hip + a flip tone in your voice

It shocks me that people are that... observant? And I'm still trying to figure out what the problem is with my hand being on my hip. Oh, and what does it mean to have flip tone in my voice? She said the letter was sent in hopes that I stop and think about each and every person who sits down at a table. And that I make them feel like they are the only people in the world.  Well obviously she thinks she is the only person in the world. I admit that there are things I can work on as a server, but when I have ten more people I am taking care of, forgive me if I take an extra minute to grab your glass, or for thinking you were still working on your salad since it was on the opposite side of the table. 

Anyway, after a few tears and moments of self-pity, I regained a bit of confidence and decided not to be angry. Yes, I pity you my sad and lonely customer... I hope you find better things to do with your time than to write me a specific letter about how I didn't make your lunch the most perfect 45 minutes of your life. I Love my job :)

Puppy Love

Can I just tell you how much I want a puppy right now? Not just a puppy, but a little white fluffy puppy. So it's a good thing this apartment doesn't allow them because I don't think I could hold myself back. But mark my words... the second we get out of this hole in the wall I will be buying a cute little ball of fur  like this one...

Sooo excited!

"Ruin is the road to transformation..."

Eat, Pray, Love... what a wonderful movie. I've always been a huge fan of Julia Roberts, so naturally I was very excited when I learned that she was starring in this movie. I don't know how, but somehow she has this power over people. I mean she's gorgeous (especially in this movie), but there's some sort of magic movie star spark there. It could be that I've grown up watching her movies. Most of my all time favorite have her in them, such as: Steel Magnolias, Notting Hill, Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, Hook, My Best Friend's Wedding, etc etc...

This movie has all the goods. Beeaautiful scenery (I want to go back to Europe SO bad!). Delicious food. Hunky men. Romance. Laughs. Tears. The whole package. There was no sex, no crude humor, a little swearing, and a naked man bum. Basically it's adorable and leaves you feeling like you can conquer the world. I would highly recommend grabbing some of your besties (or sister-in-laws) and seeing it. It's pretty long (2 and a half hours) so plan ahead and eat before.

A little wake surfing...

So we decided to take a spontaneous trip to Idaho Falls on Sunday. I have no idea why... but we did and had a great time. We did some bowling, some BBQ'ing, a little "no peeky leeky"(it's a card game people), and went boating. It was a lot of fun! Here's a picture of Jake on his FIRST time wake surfing. Not only did he do exceedingly well, but he threw in the rope on his first day. Man I hate him sometimes... ;)

 Oh and here's me. Smooth aren't I...?

Finally!

So for the past few months we've been waiting to hear what our first base assignment is. A while ago we made a wish list after Jake got his pilot slot, and we had to choose between Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. We decided that our top choice was Oklahoma, it's the closest to home, Jake's brother went there, it's close to family and friends in Texas, and it's the largest. From the sounds of things, it's pretty rare to get your first choice sooo I was pretty nervous. We got a call yesterday morning, and the results were in! Needless to say tensions ran high as we called the colonel to find out our long awaited future. Where are we going...? OKLAHOMA! So here's a special thank you to whoever gave us our first choice over there in the United States Air Force. We like you a lot. As for you Oklahoma, I hope you and I can be friends. See you in a year!

A trip back in time...

So it's been one year since I came back from my lovely European tour. I want so desperately to go back. I miss the Nutella gelato, the pizza, the Bueno bars, the crepes, the yogurt, the cheese, the bread, the fruit, and wine gummies. Oh and all of the history and gorgeous scenery :) I hope that I can return someday with Jake... here are some photos from my fantastic month in heaven.

The beautiful bridge in Florence.

Peaceful Venice.

Amazing Eiffel Tower.

 Marie Antoinette's Hamlet

Musicals!

The view from the top of St Pauls

A Servers Diatribe

So my new thing is to make random top ten lists. Like... top ten reasons I want to leave Logan... or top ten reasons i want to move out of my apartment... top ten reasons why i should be excited for school. Don't know why I do it. Girl venting I guess. Tonight's thought was...

Top Ten Reasons I Hate Serving:

(before you read... know that as much as I hate serving and can't wait to be done with it, I am very VERY grateful to be employed. I'm not a spoiled brat, just a frustrated employee in desperate need of liberation.)

1. People telling you what to do. for hours. and treating you like your their slave. Their slave that can't make a mistake without serious consequences. I know you want your meal to be enjoyable but try to understand that we're only human.
2. Cuties who think that 10% is a good tip. Look, I know how it is to be poor and stingy. But if you have enough money to go to dinner at a nice restaurant, you need to plan on leaving AT LEAST 15%. I mean c'mon people. We make $2.15 an hour! Which leads to...
3. Unpredictable wages. You could make $70 or you could make $25...
4. Managers who have bipolar personalities. (hahaa scary, right?)
5. Servers who chum up to the managers and get away with everything.
6. A hot, uncomfortable uniform that gets splattered with food at least 5 times in a shift.
7. Coming home smelling like that food.
8. Being on your feet for hours, carrying heavy dishes and crap like that. Yeah, hello sore feet. and shoulders. and lower back.
9. Surrounded by delicious food that you cannot eat.
10. Having to serve on holidays because EVERYONE eats out.

Now this probably sounded a tad melodramatic but I've talked to a lot of loved ones about how frustrated I am with my job and was surprised to hear how unaware they were of the circumstances most servers find themselves in. So you might roll your eyes OR you might say, huh, I didn't know that, I'm going to tip better next time, maybe treat my server better next time. I hope it's the latter.

With any luck, this bitter post will help you take the time to notice if your server has lots of tables they're taking care of before you get bugged about your refill. If your food is late or screwed up, don't just assume your server is satan. It could've been the kitchens fault. Just have pity on us people. It's a tough job.

P.S. Serving is not always horrible. You usually get the one awesome table who makes your night. And you work with lots of fun, interesting people. And get discounts on food and stuff. I just usually get caught up in the rough stuff.

The Domans

Yesterday we went to Lava Hot Springs with our besties Ally and Isaac Doman. It was their one year anniversary! Here's a little history behind our relationship. I've been friends with Ally and Isaac since 9th grade. They are my favorite people on this earth. Whether it's a missionary leaving, my parents divorcing, or marrying my boy Jake, Ally's always there. It's been quite the ride watching her and Isaac's relationship grow and develop over the past SIX years. This couple has been through it all, and because of that, they are such an example to me. I can't believe we are now married, and for a year! I'm so glad that Isaac and Jake get along so well. It'll be exciting to see our families grow over the next several years. I know they will be close friends of ours for a lifetime. As for Lava, it was very hot and a lot of fun. We always see the most fascinating people (like massive boob lady) and run into old friends (like Cody John). It's definitely a summer must. And it's pretty cheap too! 

I also saw "Dinner for Schmucks" last night with our sister Courtney Kearns and our cousins Bryan, Melody, and McKenzie Matthews. I haven't hated a movie that much in a long time. Which is sad because I was really excited for it. It really bothers me that today's comedies have to have a bizillion comments on sex. And not just sex, vulgar specific details about sex that make me want to run for the door. It's not that I'm a prude, but when my 13 year old cousin is with us and my 13 year old brother is seeing it at home... I'm not laughing. I definitely don't want them going home wondering what a BJ is. And for that, I didn't find it funny at all. I just hate when hollywood takes one of the most intimate things in this life and exploit it. Other than that, the plot was over the top and the characters were obnoxious and fake. 

TP and Bombs

Nothing like starting the week off with a little summer mischief. After a late night of no peeky leeky, spoons, and swimming, Amy, Court and I decided to do some damage involving an old friend named toliet paper. I had the energy so I had to embrace it in the only way I knew how (after all, I was the queen of all pranks in my youth). So we chose the perfect victim, bought some TP from Walgreens, and started our caper. This house had more trees than imaginable so it was A LOT of fun... until we got caught. We were putting the finishing touches on the front yard when a curious neighbor came out to see who was decorating. Needless to say we booked it out of there leaving a beautifully papered house. Have a good future you victim of ours... I think you'll think twice before messing with my sister again.

Last night we had another memorable grilling night with the Bitners. The steaks were large and tender, the grillin beans were delicious, and the watermelon... divine. It was a fantastic meal. After it got dark we decided to finish up some firework bombs we found laying around and man they were loud. After some strange parked cars and a worried Spencer, we left hoping that a cop wouldn't follow us out. We passed two on our way. wheeeew it's exhausting living on the edge :)

Our large and delicious root canal traded beef. Thanks father!

Tomorrow Jake and I are meeting the Domans at Lava Hot Springs. Man am I excited! I've been waiting for a day in the sun, reading People and nibbling fruit snacks and sun chips. Also, Courty Kearns is coming to Logan for the weekend which is always a good time. And I have a feeling I'll finally be making it to the Logan Farmer's Market. YAY!

Sew it begins again...

Ohh Project Runway, I'm glad to see you back so soon. You will make this semester much more bearable. So far this cast is looking fruitier than ever. We've got the 50 year old Peach who tries to act like a youngin, which could be entertaining...(by the way, who names their child Peach? I mean I'm obsessed with peaches but I would never name a child that. Maybe a dog or a goldfish?) and you have Cassanova, a crazy awky Puerto Rican who just makes me want to close my eyes and sing childrens hymns whenever he comes on to the screen, and NOT because I'm turned on. His name should be anything other than Cassanova, like creepy guy who lives on my street. As for the goodies, so far I'm loving Gretchen. Valerie also seems interesting... but her personality border lines quirky and annoying. We'll see where that goes. Kind of a bummer that the girl from Layton, Utah got cut first. I was hoping she'd make it far. Oh and p.s... the person in the middle is a guy. uhhh huh. where do they find these people?

Well I've got a few weeks until school starts again... I hope the fact that this is my last year terminates my bitter hatred for classes. Besides, I know that when this college thing is over and we move far away from Logan I will miss it very much. I'll be dying to get out of our small base town and take some design classes. So I just hope that I can realize that in time to live up to my full potential and learn tons this year instead of my usual buckling under pressure and feeling like a fool bidness. 

Park City

Oh family reunions... how I love them. We spent the weekend in Park City with Jake's family and had a fabulous time. Friday was beach day, it was very hot so the water felt great. Tubing and ski dooing was the name of the game and man was I sore after. Court and I kept trying to splash Jake on the jet ski and ended up throwing ourselves off in the process. Which I am kinda thankful for because it made me face my fear after being thrown off at 12 years old. Thanks Courty. It was a crazy fun and exhausting day. We also made a trip to the Olympic Park and tried out the zip line. That place is awesome! I can't believe those ski jumpers. Anyway, shout out to the Kearnsy's, I couldn't have joined a greater family. Get ready for some pictures...

Getting ready to Party...

William, the goofiest.

Ashley takes her job seriously. 

The Chillins.

Jake, being queer :)

Davis, my love.

Ski Doooooos with Papa and Tyler

The Gals

I looove being an auntie

Tubing fun. I was actually pretty tough.

Aaadorable.

Brotherly Love.

Tuckered.

Olympic Park

The worst part.

Crazy fools

Buster loves his hair cut...

Bestie Barbeque