Thursday, November 26, 2015

Thanksgiving

I hate how much the world has destroyed the good in every holiday.

Christmas isn't about Christ anymore.

4th of July is about fireworks instead of freedom.

Thanksgiving is overshadowed by Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Why has everything become so commercialized and vain??

I could complain forever and rant forever but wouldn't that also ruin that fact that today is Thanksgiving?


usually I would just rant your ears off, but today I really do want to express my gratitude.

To the person I am most thankful for:
Jesus, our oldest brother.
Who gave up his life for us all to live with God again. 

To my parents:
who put up with my sassiness
who love me
who let me get my way a lot of the time
who support me in most of my crazy ideas
who provide me with a high quality life 
who remind me daily to take a step down off my pedestal
(that probably includes my brothers too)
made me play piano
let me do dance/gymnastics for so long

To my brothers:
who also put up with most of the stuff my parents do
who every once in a while actually care
who have prevented me from becoming an entitled only child

To Kenna:
who does not judge me ever
who has bought me tons of food
who has always provided me with ice cream
who rarely ever is dramatic
who pushes me when I'm too scared to make decisions
who was my only friend for awhile
who went along with a lot of my crazy ideas
who was my taxi for a solid 8 months
who used to text me more than most people
who is too nice 
but also rants to me about people haha
who shares my love for binging sugary foods
who has made me drink soda again
who got me to start spending money
who is totally okay with looking ugly with me
who jams out in the car with me
who sets me up on fun dates
who is like a sister to me

To Sav:
who helps me remain calm in situations
who helps me gain sanity and be more rational
who got me into 21 pilots
who keeps me on the right path haha
who was also my taxi driver for awhile
who goes with me to BK to get our daily 50 cent cones
who goes on super fun double dates with me
who has become closer than ever in the last few months
who is super thoughtful and knows exactly what people like
who takes tons of pictures with me
who keeps me from spending all my money
who listens to all my rants
who is the best peace keeper ever
who talks politics with me
who enjoys not washing her hair with me
who is going to get married faster than Makenna which is crazy because Kenna is getting married like this summer....

To Benny:
who has been my longest friend in KC
who has dealt with more crap from me than anyone
who never ceases to make me smile
who understands me better than most people
who makes me feel like I'm worth a billion dollars
who spoils me too much
who helps me study
who deals with way too many of my rants
who has shown me so many new movies I haven't seen
who forgives quickly and rarely angers
who loves hanging out with my family
who goes along with lots of my crazy ideas as well
who has can keep conversations going on forever
who has loved me through all the ups and downs

To Cole:
who has also received his fair share of rants
who is one of the best guy friends I've had
who enjoys cooking junk food and trading with me and Sav
who always blows me off but I get over it fast (no I'm not still mad. of course I am though)
who encourages me to go to choir and mission prep
who knows how to push my buttons better than anyone else
who lets me come over and watch movies on his foof
who got me into Blacklist and the 100

To my table boyz (Josh, Silas, Daniel, and Ethan):
thanks for making me become more thick skinned and not getting offended as much....?

To Sis Haas and Sis Barnes:
who are the best church leaders I could ever ask for
who were definitely put in their positions to help me
who are so supportive and thoughtful
who always are willing to listen to me
who I can always count on


I'm so thankful for this screwed up world.

The politics are frightening, the world conflicts are boiling over, and corruption is everywhere. Yet I have been blessed with my freedom, freedom of religion, an education, a nice big house, lots of motivation, and lots of motivating teachers, friends, parents, and leaders.

I'm thankful for my crappy school.

The ceiling leaks in places, 15% of the bathroom doors don't close, and it's been expanded 6 times. Yet I have learned something from it. Even in the crappiest taught classes I've learned patience. 

In Westlake I was thankful for:
Coach Stowell and Coach Kipp for showing me that I really can do amazing things! For not only allowing me to be on our top dance team, but in all the dances and in the front for a lot of them. Who knew how far I could be pushed and pushed me that much. Who loved what they taught and loved all us girls who also love to dance.

Mr. Wierderhold who tried so hard to get me out of my comfort zone. Who got me to think deeply about To Kill a Mockingbird (now one of my favorite books). Who still gave me an A in his class even though I chose to basically run away from my problems and not give two mandatory presentations in front of class. 

Mrs. Hinkley who couldn't get me into Biology, but was the sweetest most caring teacher ever.

Mr. Burdett who favored the three girls in his class the most: me, Gabby, and McElle. Who taught my favorite class and really got me into woodworking. 

In 10th grade I was thankful for:
Mrs. Morris who taught one of my favorite subjects: art.

Mrs. Miller who got me into photoshop. Best program there is.

11th grade:
Mrs. Kurtz who is the most intelligent person I've met in my whole life. Not just school-wise (Oxford), but so mature, and composed, and wise! I was so motivated in her class and tried so hard to get a stellar grade. I studied so hard. My vocabulary grew exponentially, my study skills....well I actually obtained some, and my love for the arts and literature--specifically Shakespeare has been reinforced. I loved her attitude towards school. She knew that she had so much to offer but she never once tried to force it on us. She tried to teach us that we must put effort into our learning and schooling. It was heartbreaking to see half my class choose to blow off the class because she didn't force them to be engaged. However, the other half, really learned. It was the most draining class ever, but the conversations we had were so insightful and deep that they affected me on a much deeper level than I think she intended.

Mrs. Leddy who I learned SO much about government from his class. Unfortunately I think it has depressed me and caused me to increase my cynicism toward America, career politicians, and the "government". Although many of my classmates disliked him, I really appreciated his love for teaching. How can they not see how rare that is?! A teacher who loves to teach! Who tries his hardest! Who tries to help students all he can! He gave up so much of his time to help us and yet he was rarely recognized. He hand wrote me a note when I gave him chocolate for Christmas and still remembers my name and that makes me respect him more than anything.

Mrs. Morris who expanded my love for Adobe programs. Illustrator is the shizzz. I learned so much more about the power the programs hold. If only they were cheaper. Darn you Adobe for allowing us to use your programs. Enslaving us to your glory because we are already proficient in your features and can't handle downgrading ourselves to a free design program! I love how much you loved my designs--very biased, but it helped my confidence. I desperately want to take graphic design classes but am terrified to major in it because BYU's program is so intense and hard to get into.

12th grade:
Mr. Fairchild, another spectacular teacher. I swear he's a teenage boy at heart. He loves trying to push my buttons and make fun of my stupid mistakes, but I know that's only because I'm his favorite student in that class *hair flip* (okay okay, he likes Cole and I both). His intellectual is also astounding, AND he actually uses it to teach effectively! (much more rare than you would suppose) I have discovered my love for Physics. I really am good at it and work harder than anyone in the class to be the best. They only class I do my homework for immediately, and understand. Ugh physics. You are ruining my life plans. Now I don't know what to major in....

Mr. Fulkerson, my AP Psychology teacher. Initially I wanted to drop your class, but now it is also one of my favorites! Everything we learn is so interesting. Even though I have a freaking 92 percent--my lowest grade--I'm grateful that I am actually learning something. I am motivated to go to school because I love learning and it's hard when I am not learning in 50% of my classes. Thank you for being one of those teachers who actually teach!

I'm so thankful for airlines. Particularly Southwest because of the cheap tickets and the few flights via my dad's frequent flier miles.

I'm trying to think of the things I'm most thankful for:

people--friends, family
education/learning
food (junk food)
traveling
movies
sports 
clothes
differing climates
music
decorations
super cute perfect mormon bloggers whom I stalk
Daisy (my adorable shetland sheepdog)
KC
but also UT
and NYC
and Cali
pinterest
missionaries
the gospel
money
yes that sounds awful, but money lets me experience the world, learn, experiment
schools
thrifty parents
a car I can drive
a good memory
a laptop


The list goes on and on.
I am so grateful for everything.

Even my trials. 
It takes a few days or weeks sometimes to recognize it, but they are there for a reason and they help you learn and gain experience. 

God has a plan for all of us.

He has given us all we have and he can take it away.

It is not just enough to be thankful--we must be thankful to God and recognize where all we possess comes from. 



Monday, November 16, 2015

BYU vs Mizzou

Redeeming myself with this post.
Not going to lie we don't look ugly. We look freaking hot.
(not that we usually look ugly...but we do a lot...)

Fireside the night before:



COUGARTOWN TAILGATE:
aka most boring thing ever




Banishkin filled in for bae:
thanks addie


Food is actual bae.


So exciting right????







Eventually moved to my families seats because Sav and Addie don't know the rules of football.
But then I froze.


Yes I look ugly in all these pictures.
Hence the smaller size and cute big pics at the beginning...


Incase you didn't know that the Chiefs stadium is the loudest in the world....
Now you do.
KC is the shiz.




BYU lost in case you were wondering.
Let's not talk about it.
16-20
Still upset.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Life's Good

I'm just happy.
You know those weeks where everything is just funny and amusing?

Hahahahaha

This is one of those weeks (but it's actually been like 2 weeks...oops)


Why is this funny? 
Because my school is GHETTTTOOOOO and I have to stick pens in the handle to keep it from swinging open mid-pee 


Free Sporting KC game?
Yessss. Cole you are the best. 
(actually your dad is because he sang the national anthem and got the tickets)


We didn't even get a group pic...so sad...
I need the pictures because my memory is so bad.
Jk I just use it to memorize billions of song lyrics.
And random street names so I can tell people terribly accurate instructions even though they themselves don't know the street names.



Took this while I was supposed to be in seminary.
I have no idea why.
I just know it was because I was sending it to Kenna I think, to show how short my hair is.
(not short. it was just super long before. i cut off 6-8 inches.)



Bought matching stuff with Sav lololol
Christmas underwear?
HECK YES.
On sale?
HECK YES.

And cute bras.
And freaking cute "KALE" sweatshirt that I've wanted for months!


Don't worry Kenna.
I sent you a pair too hahahaha


Guess what?
Burger King = BEST PLACE EVER

Why?

50 cent cones.

Nothing says diabetes and obesity like an ice cream cone a day.....


Benny is obviously really good at helping me eat healthy!
They were horribly delicious in case you wanted to know.


We were supposed to make a pie but then realized it's cheaper to buy one....
Also the sparkling grape juice was one sale...
(aka 95 cents cheaper)


we are equivalent to:
SENIORS
who don't give a crap what people think
and act really immature
but are mature
...and expect everyone else to act mature...
because deep down we are actually mature


Senoritis is actually a thing.
Prime example:

Favor skipping school to sit in the library with me and paint a pumpkin hahaha



If you match, you must take a picture.
Sorry Sav.
Sorry I wouldn't get out of bed.
Or make a cute face.

But I mean, we got these really cute pics instead!



Got chocolate ice cream on National Chocolate Day w/ this Culver's babe.


Here's proof that we learn nothing in seminary mom:


the guys get bored often and find the easiest way to stay entertained is do weird stuff to us.


gas was so cheap....
*cries*
It's gone up 25 cents now.


50th time getting 50 cent cones?
Probably....


I'm honestly really proud of my funny pun.
I've told so many people at school about it.
I'm so funny.


Friends are the best.
Cole, you are the best.
Thanks for the cake.


Finally sent in my application!!!
Not telling where I applied to in case I don't get it.
oh oops it says on there. 


Food break at HyVee!
First time I've gone in since I quit lol
They offered me my job back HAHAHA
So I guess that's where I'll be working.


NHS anyone?
aka the most boring induction ever...???



swag swag swag 227

(quote cred to banishkin)





yes i'm constantly asked to model.


yes my belt is hecka big and annoying and ruined the pic.

My new reason to do everything(mostly just to get out of stuff) is:

"I'm a senior"

Hence the movie nights on school nights, ice cream every day, and sweats everyday.

First Friday (novemberrrrrr)

First Fridays, round twooooo

I love going with different people every time because everyone likes different things.
Also because you find new stuff every time!

This time we discovered Christopher Elbows chocolates:


The most beautiful chocolates. 
However, the taste might be a little too artisan for me haha
(for lack of nice word that means weird/disgusting)

I guess I don't like eating lavender for fun. Or weird passionfruit/chocolate/caramel stuff.


The store is incredible though!
I'm definitely going back and buying normal stuff lol
And First Friday deal is 1 for a $1 which is still expensive but better than their usual. Yikes.



I love all the different kinds of art!
AND IT CHANGES EVERY MONTH


so hot


I really want to find all these pianos, I love them so much!


And I mean I love those winners.
lol definitely a fair weather fan, but I mean I'm a sore loser and sore winner so it makes sense.