the secret's in the telling

i'm determined...

2011-12-13T21:00:00.005-07:00

So I'm a huge fan of the website goodreads.com. I seriously enjoy keeping track of what books I've read, and also sharing my likes and dislikes with friends. I can also keep track of books I want to read, or books friends recommend. Well, around February of this year, I made a goal on the site to read 100 books by the end of the year. I've been pretty consistent in reading at a regular pace until a few months ago. I just haven't read very much in the last two months.

Anyways, I realized a few days ago that I was 20 books away from completing my goal, and I had a little over 20 days to complete it!! I'm determined. It's ridiculous, but I'm going to do it.

So here are the books I've read in the last four days:
1. The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare --the sequel to The Clockwork Angel. I enjoyed it immensely. And when you have read it, let me know so we can discuss it. PS - Will or Jem?? I totally am rooting for Will, although a piece of my heart breaks for Jem when I say that.
2. The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas --I liked it a lot. Subtle twists and turns I wasn't expecting. It's about a group of women in a quilting club during the Great Depression in Kansas who band together during a crisis.
3. Women of Character by Susan Easton Black --I loved this. It was a book of mini-biographies on 100 prominent LDS women. Seriously loved it. It made me realize that I can make a difference in the world with whatever talents I have been given--whether it is service, education, compassion, humor, etc.
4. Proof by David Auburn --this is a script for a play. I enjoyed it. It was intriguing. I didn't expect to like it, but I totally did.
5. Betrayal by Harold Pinter --another script for a play. I didn't like this one. It was about a woman who cheated on her husband. I hate stories like that. Thank goodness it was short.
6. Dinner with Friends by Donald Margulies --another script for a play. This one was about two couples who are best friends--one couples marriage is falling apart, and the other is strong. It was interesting to see how the marriages were portrayed against each other.
7. Corker by Anya Bateman --cute LDS novel, super easy read, and yet, I've read better.
8. Big Ben is Back by Anya Bateman --the sequel to Corker. Ditto to my first comments.

So--12 to go. Not bad when I have 18 days left in the month of December, and over 30 hours of traveling to look forward to. I'm one of those lucky people who don't get car sick when I read. *grin*

So here are a few books I might read to complete the remaining 12:

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Daughters in My Kingdom: the History and Work of Relief Society by the LDS Church
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Inheritance (#4 of the Eragon series) by Christopher Paolini

Any books you recommend for my "end of the year" list??

wow

2011-12-08T00:34:00.002-07:00

So, sorry for my disappearance from the blogging world! My sister just sent me a link to her new blog--and I thought, "Oh my gosh! My blog!" Seriously--I am ashamed. I can't believe I haven't remembered to blog! What happened to me??

Well, here are a few updates from the last few months:
1. I got to see all my amazing Sheranian family for my Grandmother's funeral. My grandpa and I are slowly adjusting to a house without my Grandma. It's weird.
2. I almost went on a blind date. Long story short--we talked on the phone for hours, totally hit it off, and then he decided he really liked my friend who set us up and decided not to risk a chance with her by going out with me. So.... lamesauce.
3. I shot a gun for the first time in my life over Thanksgiving. A 12-gage shotgun. I shot me some pigeons. The clay kind. I sported a pretty awesome bruise on my arm for a while.

4. I've been baking a lot--i.e. Today I made the most scrumptious vegan pistachio cupcakes. Seriously to die for. With buttercream rose frosting. My mom made fun of me about these because 1. I made vegan for no reason and 2. I counteracted the whole vegan thing by putting real butter in the buttercream frosting. I don't care. They seriously are the best cupcakes ever. EVER.
4. I am currently deciding between two future occupations.

Ok--let's play a game I like to call "Help-KaRynn-Choose-Her-Future." Haha. But really...

I have narrowed my options down to two I really like.
1. Get my California teaching credentials (through UCLA Extension, or through CSUN). Ultimately, whichever is the cheapest. LOL
or 2. Get into the management portion of hospice care. I'm still looking into that--because I don't think I actually need to go back to school to be considered qualified... and if I do, most likely I will have to take Business Management classes--which is ALSO offered through UCLA Extension. (Oh the blessing of living five blocks from UCLA).

What are your thoughts?

PS - Props to the people who noticed I used two #4's.

i am the captain of my soul

2011-10-04T00:24:00.001-06:00

So, as most everyone is aware, my grandmother, Jean Prior Sheranian, passed away last week on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the age of 77. She was one of those extraordinary women who touched the lives of everyone around her. She was a friend to everyone and always thinking of who next to serve. She was not one of those people who had to create that habit. I feel like she was always one of those lucky people who was blessed to have a giving heart. It was part of her nature to help others. It was never done out of pity, self-gain, or for praise. She never thought about the time that she spent giving to others. It was so easy for her to say, "Oh! Of course I'll come pick you up!" And "Is there anything I can do? No really, I'll make you some dinner." Or "Have we sent her a card yet? I heard she isn't feeling well. I want to make sure she knows someone is thinking about her."

In honor of my grandmother, my family has invited everyone to follow in her footsteps by donating to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.

It has been a fantastic year. I know that I have been blessed to spend the last year of my grandma's life by her side. I have had the opportunity to witness the constancy of my grandmother's optimism, determination and charity at close quarters. I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything in this world, and I will cherish those memories forever.

I am constantly being asked, "Are you ok?" Under the circumstances, it is a typical, even expected, question. Here is my answer: Most definitely, yes.

Why? Because I believe in eternal families. I believe that she is in a better place and that I will see her again. That it is through the Lord Jesus Christ that this is possible. That if I keep my covenants, and strive to live worthy of the blessing of the temple, I will be able to create an eternal family of my own. How great is that?

This isn't a time for sadness. It is a time to rejoice in the life of an extraordinary woman. To honor her. Pres Monson said "Decisions determine destiny." She chose to live a good and happy life. To serve others. To stay close to her family. To remember her Savior. I too, choose to be happy. To choose to live in such a way that she will be proud of me when I see her again. I am the captain of my soul.

Day 23: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-08-01T21:03:00.000-06:00

Ok, so this is supposed to be a picture of my favorite book, but I don't have a favorite. That is impossible!! I have too many books I like. But even of the top 10, I can't pick a favorite because I like different types of books, which makes it impossible to decide, because then I'd have to decide which genre I like the best--and that is even more than impossible!!

So, here is the book I've read the most. ;D It is the most beat up. And I've read it more than a dozen times. Yes, I know. Ridiculous. But you can tell, can't you?

Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites by Chris Heimerdinger (which, ps- I love this book, but did you know that the author is in prison for tax fraud? say whhaaat? makes me disappointed... and maybe not want to read the next few books. Or not...)

new camera

2011-07-13T00:15:00.000-06:00

i'm psyched. i bought a new camera. a really good one. and the best part? IT WAS ON SALE!!
check me out...

granted, i still need to work on my photography skills, but i'm super excited. (it's a Nikon D3000, for those of you who care about cameras...)

Day 22: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-07-05T13:26:00.000-06:00

Something I wish I were better at:

the guitar.

Yep, I wish I could play the guitar. I own one, and had good intentions of learning how to play it.

But, alas, I am still guitar ignorant.

I would try again, but my sister is going to steal my guitar next month because she signed up for lessons at BYUI. *sigh* Maybe she'll teach me...

Day 21: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-07-05T00:44:00.000-06:00

Something I wish I could forget:

Sometimes I wish I could forget that my grandma has cancer.

And that I know the Cancer Center like the back of my hand. Every room. Every lab. Every infusion center. Every receptionist. Every lab technician. Every nurse. Every doctor.

I wish that this had never happened, and that there wouldn't be a situation where I would need to know all this information.

But at the same time, I don't want to forget all the conversations and special moments with my grandma, all the friends I've made, and the gratitude and appreciation I've felt towards a multitude of self-less volunteers and medical personnel at such a wonderful cancer facility.

Day 20: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-28T13:02:00.000-06:00

Somewhere I'd love to travel...

Egypt.

Ok, so considering the slight unrest in that country, I probably won't make it to Egpyt for a while.

But that doesn't change the fact that I once had an obsession...

I would still like to visit Alexandria, Cairo, Gisa, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, etc...

I would love to take a mini cruise down the Nile...

I would love to explore the pyramids and tombs...

I'm a nut. And I love it.

lake arrowhead

2011-06-28T12:45:00.002-06:00

Lake Arrowhead holds a special place in the hearts of the Sheranian Family.

My great-grandfather owned a cabin up at the lake for years and years.

My grandfather grew up going to the lake for a couple months every summer.

And then my dad went up to the cabin for a few weeks every summer.

So when we were talking about venues for a family reunion,

we decided it was about time to go back to the lake...

We had to wait before we could check-in to our cabin for the weekend, so we killed some time by eating lunch at Lake Arrowhead's very own Malt Shop..

it's been here a long time... ;D

i loved the authentic retro decor. amazing. i felt like i was stepping back into the 1950s.

which was the point. i was.

right?

Bryan with his pineapple shake. I think he got it only because it reminded him of Shawn and Gus. ;D

Afterwards, we went straight to our cabin (aka mansion...WOW!)

view of the "cabin" from the dock area...

the pathway up to the house...

the gathering area on the second floor...

the gorgeous windows in the gathering area... great view, right?

our very own dock!! ... which included two kayaks...

the view of the lake from one of the decks...

me lounging in the coveted hammock... perfect bliss *sigh* i miss it already.

Saturday morning, a few people took the kayaks out...

uncle Steve just getting back from kayaking out to "the island"...

"the island" was just across from the dock where my dad and his brothers grew up vacationing. so they used to swim to the island and play there all day. most of us made it onto the island at one point or another during the trip... including me. although i cheated by taking a speed boat during a tour around the lake... haha

right around this time is when Bryan lost his glasses... so my dad (deciding it was worth it to risk the cold for $200), jumped in the lake to dive for them.... unsuccessfully...

(disregard my nerdy-ness)... *facepalm*

my lovely family (and the t-shirt i designed...)

Steve and Shari sportin the family shirt. While I was walking through the village to the dock where our family was water skiing, a guy walked past Sarah and I and said, "You guys are everywhere!"
We were both confused for a second before we looked down and remembered that we were wearing the reunion t-shirts. ;D Hah. Glad we stood out of the crowd. Go Sheranians!

lake tour by speedboat...

me and Bry...

Bry and Harrison...

Alex, Scott and Bryan after water skiing
(i wasn't on that boat, so i don't have the awesome photos...)

Bry's wound from water skiing...

our tour--as you can tell, it was almost too much for Harrison to handle... ;D

We had a blast.
It should have lasted a week, instead of four-ish days. Just wasn't enough.

So here's something you might enjoy:

Grandma lounging on the dock with a friend (i think when she was dating my grandpa)...
she's on the left...

and grandma lounging on the dock at our reunion...

i ♥ it.

Day 19: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-23T11:59:00.000-06:00

When I was little:

That's me on the back of Sarah's tricycle.

I feel no shame in showing off my extraordinarily beautiful young self.

Aren't I adorable?

ward camp-out

2011-06-22T21:04:00.001-06:00

So for my ward's "big summer event" we went on a camp-out to McGrath State Beach in Oxnard. There were about fifty people who showed up (whew!). We had fun despite the June Gloom weather (overnight rain), and the partitioned beach (due to the endangered bird species living there). Great friends, great food.

I put up my very first tent! (I know, I know--pathetic...) But every other time I've gone "tent-camping" I've been with either my Dad (who puts it up for me), or we show up for Girls Camp, and they are already set up by our leaders.

Isn't my tent amazing? ;D I'm very proud. Allana and I put it up together. Only took us 20 minutes (haha). And the zipper is totally broken. We safety-pinned ourselves in for the night. Although, I ended up sleeping in the backseat of my car. My back/hips were killing me and I couldn't fall asleep. So around 4am, I gave up, unpinned myself from my tent, and dragged my sleeping bag through the damp dirt into the backseat of my dad's very comfortable (hah) SUV. But thankfully, I was able to sleep for at least three hours. haha.

We, of course, had some pretty fantastic food as well.

Tin foil dinners. YUM

Bacon-wrapped chicken. *sigh* Drooling just thinking about it. Bacon makes everything better.

Yummy peach cobbler, upside-down pineapple cake, and a chocolate berry concoction all due to Andrew Whiteside's skills. (He is now considered the ward's #1 bachelor!)

Masato and Johnny making everyone breakfast. We really took the gourmet route for our camping trip!

I never made it to the beach--it was too cold (that is my excuse), but we occupied ourselves very well.

Badminton, yay!

Campfire gatherings... talking, marshmallows... you know the drill.

And early morning ultimate frisbee!

A success, if I do say so myself--even if I had nothing to do with the planning or execution of the entire trip. ;D Way to go Ali and Dan!

Day 18: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-22T18:39:00.001-06:00

My biggest insecurity....

So I thought about lying, and saying that my biggest insecurity is my nose...But that is not true. My nose is awesome. And it doesn't bug me. It fits my face. Or my face fits my nose. Either way, I have no insecure feelings about my nose.

But, obviously, my weight has always been a big insecurity. I don't have the greatest will power when it comes to exercise or dieting. I'm aware that I need a life-style change to be healthier.

However, what I have worked on harder than the weight-loss, has been acceptance of my body. I think I have gained a point in my life where I am happy with who I am, body and all. I'm aware that I am overweight and that there are health risks involved. And I go through stages of working towards a healthier me. But I have always felt that self-confidence in whatever body type I may have, is more important. I want to be happy all the time. Not always unhappy striving for the "skinny me."

I read a book recently by Don Miguel Ruiz called "The Four Agreements: A Toltec Wisdom Book." Definitely a self-help book, but a lot of my family recommended the book. Nothing in the book was glaringly new, but it reminded me to strive better to accept myself. He said,

"We have the need to be accepted and loved by others, but [the problem is that] we cannot accept and love ourselves. The more self-love we have, the less we will experience self-abuse. Self-abuse comes from self-rejection, and self-rejection comes from having an image of what it means to be perfect and never measuring up to that ideal. Our image of perfection is the reason we reject ourselves; it is why we don't accept ourselves the way we are, and we don't accept others the way they are."

Self-love and exercise: the key to healthy happiness. ;D

Day 17: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-14T19:09:00.004-06:00

Something that has made a huge impact on my life recently.

Sarah & Brent's wedding last August definitely made an impact on

the lives of my entire family. But seeing her follow through on her decision

to marry a worthy man in the temple, made my own desire for a temple marriage

increase even more than I thought it could.

Way to be a good example, sister. ♥

chad is married

2011-06-13T20:20:00.001-06:00

So I know it's long overdue, but here is an update from the month of May: Chad is married. *Gasp* Yes, I know. And I totally made it to his wedding. Daniel, Melissa, the babe, and I all drove the 7-ish hours from LA to Sacramento.

I was in the backseat with the babe:

(And no, she was not always this happy. Part of the time she was screaming at the top of her lungs. Sad day that she can't sleep in the car)...

But I still love her....

So on Friday the 13th, while Dan and Melissa went to the sealing, Juliet and I played outside. That girly is hilarious. She's scared of grass and water (there's a big fountain in front of the Sac Temple), so she stuck to the concrete.

How do I know she's scared of grass? Well, here's her face when I put her on the grass...

She's totally giving me the evil eye, right? haha.

And then she ran away from me...towards the water. That was how upset she was with me for the grass incident...

And finally, Chad and Kristy walked out of the temple, all married and stuff.

Kristy totally made her wedding dress. I know. Amazing, right?

Congrats Chad! I'm so happy for you and Kristy!

Day 16: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-13T20:06:00.000-06:00

Someone who inspires me:

Bethany Hamilton

She's the awesome surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack...

and then got back into the ocean.

Faith over fear.

Day 15: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-09T12:47:00.002-06:00

Something I want to do before I die: Visit Santorini, Greece. Every picture I've ever seen is absolutely breathtaking. It's definitely at the top of my list for world-wide travel.

I mean, the architecture? the vibrant colors? not to mention the view?

what's not to like?

Day 14: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-08T16:48:00.001-06:00

Someone I could never imagine my life without:

There really are no other words.
I ♥ you, sister.

Day 13: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-06T17:38:00.002-06:00

So I know I'm totally behind on my photo challenge. Pathetic, right? I dropped my blog for a while with all the crazy happenings in my life. But here's a quick post.

My current obsession is Ingrid Michaelson. I know, I know, nothing new. But I seriously have been listening to her non-stop in my car. ♥ ♥ ♥

Day 12: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-05-01T20:59:00.000-06:00

Something I love:

I ♥ my family.

I don't know if I could get through anything

without them.

They are amazing. Every single one. And I'm so lucky to have

such a functional, loving, supportive family with parents

who love each other.

What a blessing.

Day 11: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-30T20:52:00.000-06:00

Something I hate:
Current gas prices.

For reals.

It is so expensive. Especially in LA.

This week, I've been driving on empty for a few days just because

I'm so against paying $4.35 for gas.

Yep, that's right.

$4.35

Ridiculous.

I vaguely remember the days when gas cost a buck a gallon. Or less.

Were those days even real?

It's such a vague memory, it must be my imagination.

Day 10: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-29T11:40:00.004-06:00

The person I do the most messed up things with:
Jessica/Jess/JBaum/RJ

Ok, so neither of us are super crazy.

Well, at least I'm not. ;D

But our "messed up"-ness is rather tame.

Our favorite type of night would be to get comfy,

get a strawberry smoothie (preferably from Jack in the Box)

and watch a Disney Channel Original Movie...
(preferably in cahoots with Jessica/Jess/JShcro/BJ).

Yep! We. Are. Exciting.
What do you expect from two people who lived with
each other for almost 5 years?
Although, I have to admit that we did go to a rave recently...

Tron-themed...
at Disneyland...

Day 9: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-28T10:27:00.001-06:00

The person who has gotten me through the most:

Obviously, there are a lot of people in my life

who have been supportive and loving.

But, I mean, come on.

Who else slapped a band-aid on my knee when I fell down as a kid?

Or made me practice the piano so hard that I now have a talent I appreciate?

Or lightly pinched my calf in church when I didn't wear nylons as a reminder of my disrespect?

Or let me cry on the phone when my college freshman roommates were being mean?

My mom. That's who.

I love you, Mom.

Happy Mother's Day (two weeks in advance)...

Day 8: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-27T12:49:00.001-06:00

This makes me laugh:

You see, my father is typically a quiet, serious person.

But when around family, he is comfortable enough to

show his playful side.

And I love Dad for being both quiet and playful.

He surprises you sometimes.

I've seen many a time when he is just sitting there

listening to a conversation going on,

and all of the sudden he jumps in with a comment

that cracks up the whole room.

Not many people have a great sense of humor

who aren't vying to be the constant center of attention.

Way to be awesome, Dad.

Day 7: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-26T00:13:00.001-06:00

My most treasured item:
Ok, so when I first realized what today's photo challenge would be, it was super hard to come up with anything I truly treasure. I found that things that are replaceable, I didn't treasure. I love my scriptures. I treasure the words and the knowledge I gain through them, but the actual book? No. I can get another one anytime I want.

I feel like the value of the things I treasure most, have more to do with memory, emotion and attachment. And that I would be absolutely devastated if said-treasured items were lost, stolen or destroyed. And then I remembered: I've already lost one of my most treasured items. And I've never gotten over it. I'm mad at myself. And I get sad when I think about it. And I get frustrated when I can't find an exact replica.

You see, when I turned 8 years old and was baptized, it was a big deal. My family came, and all my friends, and my leaders. And of course, people gave me gifts. My parents gave me my first set of scriptures. I'm sure I got other great things too-- but the only other gift I remember is a necklace. My primary teacher at the time (and I can't even remember her name) gave me the necklace. It was a delicate, gold chain with a delicate, gold dove pendant. I literally wore it everyday for years. And then one day, it was just gone. I remember putting it on my chest of drawers in my college dorm room my sophomore year. And the next day, it was just.... gone. I never found it.

If you look really closely, you can kind of see it in this picture:

It was something I treasured. And even if I replaced it, it wouldn't be the same...

Day 6: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-25T11:51:00.001-06:00

A person I'd love to trade places with for a day

would be Imelda Marcos.

And not to experience her Filipino dictator husband from the '80s,

but to have all her shoes.

Day 5: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-24T00:59:00.001-06:00

A picture of (one of) my favorite memories.

There are just too many for me to be able to pick an all-time favorite.

So this reminds me of some prrrretty good times

during my Freshman year at BYU (the latter half--haha).

Go Maeser 72!

Don't worry, those are virgin margaritas.

And yes, that's a HOT tub. In our living room dorm.

We boiled water and put it in the kiddie pool.

And no, we didn't get in trouble...

Until our RA saw pictures on facebook and we got busted.

Totally worth it for the slap-on-the-wrist warning.

happy easter, friends

2011-04-24T00:47:00.003-06:00

I love this talk. It's one I listen to and read more than a few times a year, to remind me how much my Savior loves me. And to help me remember that He gave His life for me. He lives.

I've been accompanying a ward choir who is singing "Were you there?" for the Easter Sunday program. It's such a powerful song. I feel the Spirit so strong, especially during the last verse. The lyrics are a lot of repetition, but here are the important lines...

"Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when He rose up from the grave?
Oh sometimes I feel like shoutin' glory, glory, GLORY!
Were you there when He rose up from the grave?"

Day 4: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-23T12:16:00.000-06:00

my night.
my nights often consist of

pointless worldwidewebbing.

usually sitting at the computer in the dark,

immodestly dressed in comfy pjs.

and i stay up so late--

that by the time i go to bed

i think "wow. the last 3 hours were spent doing what, exactly?"

well, usually doing things like:

playing with the my computer's photobooth.

which result in pictures like this---

Day 3: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-22T09:22:00.000-06:00

The cast of my favorite show (right now):

The Big Bang Theory.

Sheldon Cooper is my all-time favorite.

Sheldon: (running down the stairs after Leonard) Leonard, Leonard, Leonard, Leonard!

Leonard: Yeah, what?

Sheldon: Amy Farafowler has asked me to meet her mother.

Leonard: Yeah, so?

Sheldon: What does that mean?

Leonard: Well, you know how you're always saying that Amy is a girl who's your friend and not your girlfriend?

Sheldon: Uh huh.

Leonard: Can't say that anymore.

Sheldon: What??

Leonard: She obviously wants to take your relationship to the next level.

Sheldon: (whine) I don't want the next level. I like this level. (pause) Fix it for me.

Leonard: Me? How am i supposed to fix it?

Sheldon: Simple. You want a girlfriend. Amy wants to be someone's girlfriend. Take her off my hands! I give you my blessing.

Leonard: That is insane.

Sheldon: You're right. It would never work. Amy finds you tedious.

Leonard: Ok, good luck.

Sheldon: Wait! What am I supposed to do?

Leonard: Have you considered telling her how you feel?

Sheldon: Leonard, I'm a physicist, not a hippie.

Leonard: Alright, well let me see if I can explain your situation using physics. What would you be if you were attached to another object by an incline plane wrapped helically around an axis?

Sheldon: Screwed.

Leonard: There ya go. (walks out).

Sheldon: Amy's right. He is tedious.

vacay: part 2

2011-04-21T22:53:00.000-06:00

my lovelies stayed with me for a week
here in LA.
and we had a blast.
a few things we did:

1. visited Melissa, Dan and the babe

doesn't Melissa look like the ultimate lounging '50s momma? i love it.

2. went to Disneyland (of course)

waiting in line for Pirates...

"and everybody was kung fu fighting!!"

Jessica's favorite library. She would have married the Beast just for his books.

Jessica taking a nap when she got too queasy after Screamin'

3. went to the beach...

I ♥ Jessica's hair. Totally Ariel-style in this pic.

4. went to the fashion district to buy contraband knock-offs ;D

5. went to Disneyland again...

another Ariel hair pic--with British Gary in the background. ...yep

Mile-High chocolate cake. need i say more?

6. and visited Hollywood Blvd.

and my heart goes pitter-patter.

needless to say, my vacation was a fantastic success.
the only thing that could have possibly made it better were the people
that should have been with us who couldn't be there.
so, no hard feelings.
it's your own fault you aren't in these pictures.
♥ ♥ ♥

Day 2: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-21T18:03:00.002-06:00

Me and the person I've been closest with for the longest...
As you can see, Deveny and I are very comfortable being ourselves around each other...

Disclaimer: I'm sorry if you didn't win this raffle. I'm close with many people. And I've known people for many many years but have lost closeness. Deveny made both cuts. ;D

Day 1: Sixty Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-20T23:58:00.001-06:00

Me.

1. I love the color red, blue otterpops, and living in LA.
2. I like playing the piano, cooking, and the smell of sunscreen.
3. I tolerate small talk, exercise, and wearing shoes.
4. I have mixed feelings about thunderstorms, jeggings and Oompa Loompas.
5. I dislike loud people, being the center of attention, and high heels.
6. I loathe Catchphrase, junk mail and kettle corn.
7. I have a secret desire to be a photographer.
8. I was once obsessed with everything and anything pertaining to Egypt.
9. I've never liked milk or peanut butter. Get over it.
10. I ♥ blogging.

vacay: part 1

2011-04-20T23:50:00.000-06:00

Utah.

This was the type of vacation that was completely relaxing.

Don't you feel like sometimes, your vacations are so filled

with exciting activities, that you come home

more tired than you left?

Well, not this vacation.

Oh, don't worry,

I enjoyed a few fun-filled moments, like these:

General Conference with Jbaum and Jschro (where we ran into Kate!!)

the Carl Bloch exhibit at BYU's Museum of Art with my family (and lunch afterwards at the MOA Cafe!!--yum-- best turkey crescent sandwich ever!)

Going out to lunch with my girlies...

Seeing West Valley Hale Theater's production of "Tale of Two Cities"...

It was fan-freakin-tastic.

I cried.

This is me and Jess waiting to go inside to our seats:

the Jessicas waiting for the show to start...

Aaaaaaand

...the rest of my stay in Utah?

For reals--lots of sleep.

And lots and lots of reading...

Lots?

Yes, lots.

As in thirteen books, lots.

Oh, to relax and be carefree!

The end of the week in Utah came when

Sandi, Marci, JBaum and I crammed into my car at 5am

and traveled in this:

to THIS:

yeah, baby.

sunshine

2011-04-19T15:53:00.000-06:00

Hello all. Sorry for my complete absence from the blogging community. I've been playing for the last two weeks in beautiful sunshine--one week in Utah (before it snowed), and one week in California (of course there's no snow)... (pictures and details coming soon).

My vacation is most definitely over. And i'm really glad i went when i did. I needed the break, which gave me the recharge i needed for the emotional roller-coaster and hectic-ness of this week and the coming months. Right before i left, we found out that my Grandma's cancer was most likely back. And while i was gone, a catscan confirmed this. Starting tomorrow, we are back to the weekly grind of fighting for life.

One bright moment this week was a gift that my sister sent to my grandmother. Grandma has been having a rough time (understandably), and Sarah sent a sweet gift. It's a mason jar filled with bright yellow strips of paper with uplifting scriptures on them. And the little note on the jar says "Read one a day for a bit of hope." The sign on the jar itself says "Daily Sunshine." Grandma loves it. She reads one a day out loud to me and Grandpa and then tapes the little rays of sunshine (because that's what they are) on the fridge.

Thanks, Sarah.

adrenaline

2011-03-17T20:51:00.003-06:00

so my day didn't go as planned today.

this is what i wanted to do:

1. go to the grocery store

2. take gma to lunch

3. pick up dry-cleaning

4. visit "crazy aunt Darleen" at the rehab center

5. figure out all the crazy admin stuff to get ready to take her home tomorrow so that i'm finally free

6. go home and catch the end of the BYU vs Wofford basketball game

7. fix dinner for gram and gramps

8. curl up in my room and finish the fifth and final book of Fablehaven (fantastic, by the way... highly recommended. five KaRynn stars).

it would have been a fantastically uneventful, rather stress-free day.

but, NO.

here's what happened.

1. slept through my alarm. (not such a bad thing considering i didn't have a busy day, but i mean i slept. man oh man. i didn't wake up until 10:30am--that rarely happens to me anymore).

2. hence, i didn't make it to the grocery store. (no matter, i can go after visiting Darleen, right?)

3. was ready to go visit Darleen after lunch (which we had at home) and ended up waiting for Grandma to get back from her walk around the neighborhood.

4. visited Darleen and found out she's staying. which is good. for her. but that also means.... i'm not free. at least not for another month or so...

5. came home to a full-on adrenaline rush. my grandpa called me over to ask me to look at his eye because it was watering like crazy and buggin' the heck out of him. so i walk over to him and look at his eye. it's not swollen or red, but his eye is tearing up. then i take a step back to look at his face and notice that the left side of his face doesn't look quite right. so i asked him to smile. and sure enough--the left side of his face is paralyzed.

first thought? bells palsy. and then the alarms go off in my brain. and the adrenaline starts pumping. because my next though? stroke. so i said, "ok. i'm calling your doctor, but we're getting in the car to go to the ER." his doctor verified that immediately. but i had to fight both grandparents to get him to go. he kept saying things like, "oh no. it's nothing like that. i'd know it if i'd had a stroke." and "oh no. dr. nagata just wants to make money off of me." and "oh no. they'll keep me there for 3 days and it's going to be nothing." and i kept stressing that it could be a stroke. finally, i said, "i don't care what you think. i'm driving you. we're leaving right now."

don't worry. he didn't have a stroke. it really was bells palsy. but we didn't know that until after waiting 2 hours in the ER...

i cannot tell you how scared i was when i thought he was having a stroke. besides being scared, i was frustrated at both my grandparents lack of interest. although on the bright side, my grandma didn't think it was serious, so she was calm throughout the entire crisis. i definitely count my blessings. i seriously was barely holding myself together. and i think that if my grandma had started to panic, i would have burst into tears. the Lord is awesome. He definitely knows how much stress i can take. it's amazing to see how well He balances the stresses in my life. when i was totally stressed about my great aunt Darleen-- becoming basically the representative of the family and responsible for her-- the Lord broke my grandparent's car and made my grandma forget about her desire to renew her license (at least for a little while). when my grandpa appears to have had a stroke, i've just found out that i won't have to be constantly worrying about my great aunt 24/7 for the next few weeks because she would have been living alone and barely being able to take care of herself. and when i find out that it's just bells palsy, i can now focus on the other major stresses in my life pertaining to my grandmother's illnesses.

as you can see... i'm busy.

but despite the major stresses in my life, i always have things to look forward to:

1. march madness (which officially started today--also St. Patrick's Day--didn't wear green, by the way).

2. there's a ward party on saturday at FHB's house to watch some basketball games and have a BBQ. excited. might even ask FHB out on a date to go to Disneyland (still need to find some courage. i know it's hiding somewhere in my body).

3. Disneyland next week. it's the happiest place on earth. how can it not make me smile?

4. trip to Utah in April. please please PLEEEEASE let this happen. I don't want anything to stop it from happening. I'm planning to leave April 1st. And I will stay until April 9th, at which point i'm driving back to LA-- with JBaum, Mac-attack and Sandi. it will be the best.roadtrip.ever.

5. week in LA with JBaum, Mac-attack, Sandi and Melissa. the only thing that would make it better would be JSchro ditching her second-to-last week of law school (this semester) to play with us too.

but even though my day didn't go as planned, and i missed the BYU vs Wofford game, my adrenaline rush was cleansing.

really quick before i have to leave again...

2011-03-09T23:32:00.001-07:00

So i feel like i should probably give you wonderful followers a quick update.

this month has been hectic.

basically, my grandparents offered out my services

to my great aunt.

.....

so i've been taking care of three people

instead of the usual two.

of course, this third person is slightly older,

a bit more eccentric and demanding,

and in pain.

(not a good combination).

hence, my life has been two weeks of

non-stop complaints, little sleep

(aka late-night phone calls, unavoidable midnight

visits to the hospital to calm down panicky patients)

and unusual requests.

lotsa fun.

so that's why i'm busy.

between running to and from the hospital and the rehab center,

i've also been trying to avoid any and all DMV appts for my gma.

and making sure that her cancer isn't back

which is scary.

thank goodness my gpa is taking his pills without complaint

so i can say that there is one easy thing in my life.

puzzling

2011-02-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

melissa and i decided to do a puzzle

one afternoon.

and it took us 6 hours.

and then we had the world in our hands.

literally.

and we played with the babe too, of course.

fantastic day.

RR

2011-02-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

so this morning as I was driving home from the gym,

i saw this:

that's right.

a Rolls Royce LIMO.

enough said.

SAD - Single Awareness Day

2011-02-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

Considering I don't have a true Valentine this year,

(or any year, really)

I am going to celebrate this day

as a reminder of my status:

S-I-N-G-L-E.

I am acutely aware of this fact.

So now I'm going to curl up in the comfiest chair in the house,

grab a plate of red velvet cake with a

ginormous dollop of whipped cream,

and read the book

Torment

by Lauren Kate,

which seems aptly appropriate

considering my current status,

today of all days.

Afterwhich, I am going to go to a big

Singles gathering where I will gorge myself

on red and pink heart-shaped cookies

and chocolaty-goodness

in an much-failing attempt

to rejoice in my SADness.

(PS - Thanks Sarah and Brent, for sending me a V-Day card and asking me to be your Valentine. It was greatly appreciated).

january recap

2011-02-04T14:49:00.002-07:00

January was a blast.

and instead of doing a million posts

(which will take too long to write)

i just want to share some awesome moments

that covered a great birthday month.

(because you can't celebrate your birthday on just a day.

the party has to last the whole month).

and it did.

1. playing with juliet (and seeing her try to walk--it's so dang cute!)

2. fantastic friends enjoying my birthday at El Cholo

3. and then afterwards at the Greenfield girls apt...

with cheesecake...

4. trying out a Diner, Drive-in and Dive restaurant.
Gloria's Mexican & Salvadorean Restaurant.

OUTSTANDING.

I got the pork adobado. Delish.

5. Bryan's band concert.

he's my little renaissance man

(somewhere in the last row more on the right-hand side).

6. hanging out with my gorgeous little sis, Marie

7. DISNEYLAND!

(I know, I know.. I've done it all before...

but it just never gets old!)

Kenny and Ali gearin' up to go..

"Captain EO" *i.e. Michael Jackson in 3D

(if you haven't seen this, you need to).

This was my first exposure to Michael Jackson as a child.

It is the classic 3D movie Disney showed in the 80's and 90's

before "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience."

Kenny with his cape... of course

the Wonderful World of Color

was absolutely spectacular

8. Dutch Date on the roof

(this is my date, Stephen... and i'm not telling you what roof

because we probably shouldn't have been up on it... lol)

9. trip to San Luis Obispo.

scenery on the way...

we stopped in Solvang (of course)

gotta have something from Mortensen's Bakery

Grandma sportin' her short hair...

the view from the front of President and Sister Andrus' home in SLO

and I got to see Brittany while I was in SLO...

(this is an old pic of the two of us, but I've missed her and I'm really

excited that she's moving back to Simi Valley)

we went to dinner at a fabulous restaurant.

firestone grill.

yum

So basically, as you can see, I feel like all I've been doing this month is playing.

Good food, good friends, good family, good scenery, good fun.

What a birthday month.

I don't think it'll be easy to top 2011's January.

i ♥ spring

2011-02-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

...which it isn't yet. but it is still a beautiful day.

and because it's a beautiful day

i wanted to share some pictures of gorgeous flowers

that make me smile.

ouch

2011-02-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

So despite the fact that this story will make me seem one-hundred percent more pathetic than you ever thought me to be...

...i want to tell it. because it's kind of funny. in a pitiful/miserable kind of way.

so the other day i was in the shower minding my own business. i was washing my hair and singing. and then the water had the audacity to go cold (such a temperamental water heater) so i reached behind me (i admit, at an awkward angle) to turn up the heat, and. dun dun dun. my back spasmed. yeah, i know. kind of anticlimactic. but seriously? pain. like, how-am-i-supposed-to-stand-back-up pain? so i stood there clutching my lower back slightly bent over thinking, "alright. ouch. so how am i supposed to rinse out my hair? and turn off the shower? and get out? HAHA. figures this would happen to me!"

so, how did i get out? let me tell you: with extreme difficulty. i wish someone had been there to share in the hilarity of me clutching my towel in the most awkward position to turn off the shower (awkward--as in the only position i could find that didn't bring pain, to reach the stupid shower controls made for abnormally small people). and once that chore was done, i walked into my room (down two steps, i might add) and realized that all my clean clothes were on the floor. (bad habit, i know). i laughed out loud and then yelled for my grandmother. i would have thought that my face would be burning with shame or embarrassment, but this is not the case. i was laughing at my situation at the same time that i was tearing up from the pain. quite pathetic.

thankfully, my cousin is studying to be a physical therapist, my aunt is a nurse, and my mom has had this happen to her. so between the three of them, i was under strict instructions to basically do nothing for the next three days. to ice my back. to lay on the floor with my knees up. and to take lots of ibuprofen.

probably the most pathetic moment of the last few days was the first time i tried to get up off the floor. my grandmother had gone to the grocery store (i couldn't stop her --how could i when i'm completely incapacitated?) and my back had started to hurt from being flat on the ground for so long, so i decided i needed to get up. but every single position killed my lower back. i mean, every. single. one. i gave up a few times, staring up the ceiling, half laughing, half crying at my pathetic situation. but don't worry, i totally got up on my own without hurting my back more. i just did it really slowly and carefully. whew.

you don't realize how grateful you are for a body that works until something like this happens. i mean, one small muscle spasm (it could have been a herniated disc) made it impossible for me to sit, stand, walk, even move without pain. but, thank goodness, it's getting better. my back aches a bit, but there is no more pain. and i can walk again without having to stand ramrod straight (although i'm still doing that because i'm super-paranoid about tweaking it again).

regardless, i have had a few pathetic days the last few days, but i am thankfully on the mend. thank you cousin melissa, aunt martha and mom! (And grandma for not laughing at me when she had to do some ridiculous things that I couldn't do on my own!)

ps- the picture of the old lady i used in the previous post now applies to THIS post. for real, that is exactly how i looked when my back spasmed. even the wrinkles... ;D

sore sore sore

2011-01-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

oh. my. goodness.

i am out of shape.

i did a full-body workout yesterday over the course of an hour.

and today?

i look like this:

ok ok. so it's not that bad.

but holy crap--i'm sore!! arms, abs, quads, hamstrings.

all of it.

i look like a freak walking up or down stairs.

i keep thinking

"i like this feeling, right? i had an awesome work-out.

yes. i like this feeling......."

bahahahahahahahahaha

ouch

recommit

2011-01-18T15:20:00.001-07:00

So part of the whole "new year" existential philosophy is to create a better "me." We always come up with new ideas and try to implement them for the year... and usually stop after a month. At least, that's usually what happens to me. I procrastinate, or lose the will power slash interest to continue.

But, this year I'm trying to create a better "me" not just by working on things like exercising, eating healthy, writing a book, etc. I want to work on my will power, determination, follow-through, and goal-achieving skills.

My problem is maintaining interest. i.e. exercising? Yes. It's good for me. I know how to do it. I like the pain of sore muscles and the feeling of a job well done. But... I hate sweat. I hate working out in front of people and my feet are in pain, so I am limited in what I can do.

So what can possibly keep my interest? (besides an overly-expensive personal trainer to yell at me?)

Well, I'll tell you. Today, my grandma decided that she was not going to go another day without a gym membership. Granted, I was not planning on having a gym membership (because I wasn't actually going to follow through on my exercising resolution--I know, I know. I'm a hypocrite). But how pathetic would I be if my 76 year old grandma got a gym membership and I drove her to the gym everyday and waited for her to be done at the gym? Which is more pathetic? Sitting in my car for an hour outside a gym waiting for my 76 year old grandmother to finish working out? Or actually working out with my 76 year old grandmother? Hence, my decision to go with my grandma to Bally Fitness in Santa Monica to sign up for a month-to-month membership.

I wasn't all that excited when we first walked in. It's just a typical gym. Lots of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and weights. Nothing special. Until the guy walked up. You know the type--good-looking, in-shape, wearing work-out clothes... the kind of sales guy that makes you wolf-whistle in your mind (because it would be unlady-like to wolf-whistle out loud... not to mention the fact that I'm not brave enough to do such a thing..)

And then we started talking and found out that he's LDS. And single. And doesn't go to the singles ward because he likes the family wards better (so how would I ever meet him otherwise? and other girls don't know about him!!) And... so we signed up with Bally Fitness.

Will I have a problem with interest in working out when there's a cute LDS guy who works at the gym Monday through Saturday? I think not. Problem: solved.

hollywood

2011-01-18T13:08:00.001-07:00

With Marie back home from BYUI for a few months, we've had a lot of fun.

I haven't lived in the same place with my little sister in years--almost 6 years, to be exact.

So we are definitely taking advantage of our closeness.

A few weekends ago, we decided to have dinner in Hollywood.

We parked at the Kodak Theater and had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

YUM. I decided to be different, so instead of getting a delicious hamburger like usual, I got mac&cheese.

I know, I know. Weird thing to pick at the HRC. But seriously? Best mac&cheese I've ever had.

And then, we ran over to Grauman's Chinese Theater--just for fun.

Kodak Theater

(and Marie's dramatic entrance)

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Hard Rock Cafe

Grauman's Chinese Theater hand/footprints

Cary Grant & me. *sigh*

Harry Potter cast & Marie's foot

Bing Crosby & Marie

And then I dropped her off at a friend's house in LA. And we almost died like ten times on Mulholland Drive trying to maneuver the curves. in the dark. with fog. with Marie and I laughing hysterically. and completely lost because we kept missing the right turn, or taking the wrong turn.

It was quite the adventure.

jump for joy

2011-01-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

...despite the fact that it's January, I have been enjoying some warm weather. Warm enough so that I crave beach attendance... Not that I'd get in the water (it's freezing)... but you can still enjoy the ambiance--the sounds, the wind, the salt, the sand, etc. I definitely put my feet in.

Anyways, I've been going every week... not that it's planned that way. It just happens. Last week I went to Long Beach with Dan, Melissa, Juliet and my sister Marie.

The week before that, I went to the Santa Monica Pier with Marie and her bff Candace just for fun.

Needless to say, we went a little crazy with picture-taking:

I <♥> the beach.

Come and visit!

bliss

2011-01-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

long beach.

me and the bestie...

love love love.

happy birthday to me

2011-01-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

my birthday is today.

coolest day ever.

1.11.11

too bad i'm not turning 11 this year. or 111.

i am now 24.

and I'm planning to make a birthday wish

at 11:11pm on 1.11.2011.

Happy♪♫•*¨*•.¸♫♪Birthday♪♫•*¨¸♥ ♥¸to me¸.•*¨*• Happy♥

•♫♪Birthday♪♫*•.¸♪♫•*¨♥¸to me¨*•.♫•♥¨* •*¨*•♫♪Happy ♥

♥.•*¨*♥•♫♪Birthday♪♫• ♥¨* KaRynn, ♥ ♪

♫•*¸♥*•♪♪♥ Happy Birthday, to me! ♥ ♥

2010.2 facebook style

2011-01-08T20:46:00.002-07:00

i ♥ this restaurant

2011-01-08T20:15:00.001-07:00

Earth, Wind and Flour

Not only is it a cool name (which constantly reminds me of a cool '80s band) but it has some pretty good Italian food and the decor is sweet.

HIGHLY recommend. It's on Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, CA.

Come here and enjoy!

We did...

(The restaurant also has sawdust on the floor, which I didn't use energy to take a picture of... what can I say? I was hungry).

that time i celebrated the start of 2011

2011-01-08T20:08:00.001-07:00

I got invited to a sweet dinner party to celebrate the new year. You have no idea how happy I was to get invited. Yes, the people were amazing. Yes, the food was fantastic. Yes, the games were fun. Yes, the dancing was hilarious. And yes, I got home late. But I was happy because it meant I also didn't have to drive an hour away to a YSA New Years Eve Dance which probably would have been super lame and wouldn't have enjoyed.

So, we celebrated the new year with green food (to represent good luck in future finances--cross your fingers for me that this worked haha), games (have you ever played the game Werewolves? awe.some), dance (whats-her-name-Will-Smith's-daughter was a big hit), and YES. We each made paper airplanes on which we wrote our regrets of 2010. We didn't have to share our regrets with anyone (although some people were a bit more forthcoming *cough*awkward*cough* than others). Not me--I wrote my regrets with an invisible ink pen which Bryan got for Christmas and I accidentally stole. heh heh.

And what did we do with the regret airplanes of poor aerodynamics? Yes. We flew them (or attempted to fly them) into the blazing fire of a grill. There was not one person who had a superior paper airplane-making skill. We all sucked at burning our regrets in one try. ;D

PS.. I feel like I'm starting to sound like Barack Obama with all my yessing, so I'm going to show you pictures now...

"I whip my hair back and forth!" (my friend Ali)

the magic moment

getting our "regret airplanes" all ready

fire

the excessively loud noise makers we used for several minutes after midnight struck

girlfriends (Julia, Ali and me)

all in all. definitely a great way to celebrate the end of a hard year and the beginning of a new one.

sick sick sick

2011-01-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

I definitely started the new year off with a bang---by being completely, utterly SICK. Ugh. And I'm talking about the cold kind--the gross one. No energy, runny nose, nasty hacking cough, lack of sleep, did I already say lack of energy? -- oh yeah... and a constant fuzzy brain.

So what did I do? Sleep when I could, watch TV (i'm SO sick of TV), read (when I had the energy to even hold up the dang book), and depend 100% on Nyquil (which my grandma drank the rest of--that woman says she can't sleep) and Dayquil--which doesn't help me sleep (duh!).

But regardless of my energy level, I am finishing up my grad application to CSUN. It should be complete by early next week and then it's time for the waiting game.... Again.

In other interesting news, I've read several good books lately. (Hah!)
Here are a few recommendations:
The Maze Runners (and it's sequel The Scorch Trials) by James Dashner
Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson (truthfully, I've only read the first book, but if the other two are as well written and fun as the first one, then I don't feel anything wrong in endorsing all three. I'll let you know..)

2011-01-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

Resolutions

Work/Finances: find a job in LA so I can save money. For school or for that European trip I want to go on...

Health: workout regularly, stop drinking caffeine, and continue improving habits Grandma O. encourages. i.e. take vitamins, stretch, eat chocolate to reduce stress (lol), wake up early.

Education: learn something new every day whether it's a fact, a new hobby, or a new talent. I really do want to learn to play the guitar. I want to pick up piano lessons again. I want to take photography classes. I want to take cooking classes. I want to learn a new language or brush off my sign language skills and put them to good use. Figure out what I want to do: Speech Therapy graduate school, MBA, or teaching credentials--and do it.

Spiritual: be better at my scripture study. Make it everyday, and regardless of what I'm studying, make sure I read the Book of Mormon.

Social: Make new friends to last a lifetime. And date.

2011-01-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

2010.

turned 23
decided to learn how to play the guitar--which is now sitting lonely and out of tune in my room...
applied to grad school--which I didn't get into...
started to write a book--which I haven't finished it yet...
lost ten pounds
enjoyed a summer filled with chlorine at 7 Peaks with JSchro
met extended family (that I haven't met before) at a huge family reunion
discovered Criminal Minds
read the third Hunger Games and was disappointed
was introduced to Flipped and loved it
sported straight-across bangs for the first time in my adult life--and pulled it off
celebrated my sister's wedding
got a new brother
quit my job after three years with Prosper, Inc.
suffered through the last few months of my housing contract
packed up my car and moved to LA
dropped my lovely sister off at BYU-Idaho and spent a day in Yellowstone for the first time
called 911 for the first time in my life
spent roughly 140 hours sitting in the hospital or rehab center over the course of 2.5 months
reverted to using 1950s terms after spending 4 months with my grandparents (i.e. can you go to the market? [the grocery store] or, what time is the show? [the movie])
experimented with my gourmet cooking and baking skills (stuffed peppers, curry, cupcakes, etc)
reacquainted myself with los angeles traffic
fell in love with westwood all over again
went back to Utah for a week to celebrate Thanksgiving
helped one of my best friends find an apartment and move to California explored a new ward
made new and amazing friends

christmas traditions

2010-12-28T18:57:00.001-07:00

1. Candy houses.

Every Christmas for the past 5 years, my dad

invites his counselors and their families over to

our house for a Family Home Evening.

Candy houses are the name of the game.

We have a contest between the adults and the kids.

Except this year, we didn't really do that.

It was still really fun.

In the past, the older kids have built

a pyramid, a castle, and a tank.

This year we built a spaceship in honor of

Elder Sam Murphy who is on his mission

in Puebla, Mexico this Christmas!

Go Elder Murphy!

So we built this spaceship in honor of him:

2. Playing the chimes.

We made the chimes

a few years ago and our

family plays several Christmas carols.

It's hilarious. People missing notes or hitting the wrong chime.

But when we get it right?

...It sounds amazing!

3. Christmas lights.

Of course our house is always decorated.

But it doesn't feel like Christmas unless we drive

around to look at all the pretty lights!

Of course, the LA Temple is included in this...

And this is the tree my ward and I decorated on the temple grounds:

4. the Disney house.

There is a man in our neighborhood who decorates

his house every Christmas with Disney characters.

There is machinery involved so that some of the

characters move.

But he also has fun interactive stuff.

Like:

Yes, I know. Awesome, right?

So, without further ado, can you find Waldo in any of these pictures?

5. Playing wii on Christmas morning.

Inevitably, someone gets a new wii game. Hence, after the presents have all been opened, and we've eaten breakfast, there is a race to the TV. This year, Marie won out over Bryan.

So instead of playing the new Harry Potter Lego game, or Epic Mickey, we played Just Dance 2. I would include pictures, but I have been banned by my family to do so.

But because I'm not allowed to put up any photos or videos, I'll just tell you that my dad did a hip hop dance to "Funk Soul Brother" by Fatboy Slim. Absolutely hilarious. He was losing so badly that he ended up cheating by pushing Marie away from the TV so she couldn't see the next moves. She still won. ;D Sorry, Dad!

barbara barber

2010-12-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

My life is filled with interesting people.

And as I've been constantly surrounded by people of an older generation,

I decided to share one of my favorites:

Barbara Barber.

Barbara Barber is in the LA ward I grew up in.

She was the Sunbeam teacher for almost 50 years.

Yes, I mean it.

50 years.

My dad was in her Sunbeam class.

My sister was in her Sunbeam class.

And the year I was a Sunbeam...

Can you guess?

Nope...I wasn't in her class.

She had to take a year off because her husband was sick.

But I definitely felt jipped

because she was the coolest Sunbeam teacher.

Ever.

Every week, she had a folder with each of her kids' names on it.

And in the folder there were scripture-oriented pictures and stories

to keep them occupied during Sacrament meeting.

She felt so bad that my year of Sunbeams missed out,

that as a CTR 4, I got the Sunbeam folder every week.

made. my. year.

Barbara Barber (and yes, I call her that because it's just so much more fun to say both names) also had the best Christmas parties in LA. She started having a Christmas party to invite her Sunbeams so that they could have a night out with their parents. Over the years it ended up being a reunion Christmas party because she continued to invite her Sunbeams from all the years she taught plus their families (like my dad). They were awesome. Some of my best Christmas memories include a Barbara Barber party. There were many fun party traditions, like getting to pick an ornament off one of the several trees in her home or sitting on Santa's lap.

I went to visit her this last week.

She might be under 5'.

She might be missing the pointer finger on her left hand.

And she might be in her 90's.

But that woman is extraordinary.

i love this little girl

2010-12-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Juliet Marie Johnson makes me happy.

And I'm even happier because she is now moving to LA,

which means I get to see more of her (and her parents)!!

billboards

2010-12-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

So, of course, living in LA gives me quite an advantage in the billboard department. I see hundreds of them everyday. Granted, in some areas, you don't want to look up because the billboard displays are more than likely semi-pornographic or offensive in some way (aka Hollywood). And for the most part, billboards in LA are advertising movies or TV shows. But every once and a while I'll see something cool.

Like this:

Ohhhhh yeah. The Beatles. Can't go wrong. Every time I get off the freeway on Santa Monica, I know I'm in for a big smile, because the Beatles greet me.

(PS - Look! It's a Tesla store just beneath the billboard. Like woah, those roadsters are gorgeous).

Or another one:

Ok. Granted, this is slightly depressing. But cool factoid: this billboard has been up on Santa Monica Blvd since my dad was in highschool! For reals. And on January 1st every year, the digital readout goes back to zero and it starts all over again. It's all based on statistics. So as of today, 1 December 2010 around 10:00am, there have been 401,293 smoking-related deaths in the U.S.--and counting.

Another billboard that I see all the time, is the "THIS IS MY TOWN" billboard, with different celebrities on it. It's advertising the Dodgers. (Go Dodgers!)

This is Hiroki Kuroda, a pitcher that just resigned with the Dodgers. Woot! And LA is his town.

But guess who else thinks LA is his town?

That's right! Yoda!

Anyways, during traffic, my scenery usually ends up being overtaken by billboards, so I'd thought I'd share the wealth. ;D

this is for all those LOTR fans (you know who you are)

2010-11-30T22:02:00.002-07:00

I used to be a nerd. A cute one. I was a cute nerd, because when I was young and impressionable, I was bitten with the writing bug. I went through a two year phase where I was obsessed with writing stories. They were surprisingly well-written for a 12-14 year old, but ultimately 100% focused on boys. Of course, what else was on my mind at that age? ;D

And I was not the only one bitten by that particular writing bug. My best friend, Deveny was also suffering from the same fever.

So without further ado, Guess what I just found?

Our stories!

I started to read through them and found myself laughing out loud, blushing from the idiocy and naivety and ridiculousness of some of the stories. It's almost excruciatingly embarrassing how boy crazy we were.

I just had to share this. And even though Deveny might never forgive me for sharing this story, I just had to. I picked this particular one because it conveys exactly what we were obsessed with at the time and is typical of our writing style. (And she was also the better writer at the time).

It was never officially finished, but here is Installment #1:

MY OWN STORY
The True Story of the Lord of the Rings
As Told by Deveny Mortensen

Part One: The Start of the Quest
Everyone has heard of the true story about Frodo and the One Ring, right? Wrong! I was the real ring-bearer. I was the one who had to endure all those terrible things. That's right, a girl! They had to change the story because of what I did, but I'm getting ahead of myself. This is my story.

First let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Deveny and I live in the world of Men. My father, Charden, is a trader. He trades with the other people of Middle Earth. Usually it's Hobbits and Elves. Sometimes he takes me with him on his travels but I have never been to see the Elves. My mother, Belsong, hates me to go with father. She says it's not a place for a woman and that I should be home helping her clean our house. I hate cleaning.

I love going with my father because on the way to our destination he would tell me stories about dragons that lived long ago (especially Ancalagon the Black, the greatest of all dragons) and a hobbit named Bilbo and Bilbo's adventures. But my favorite stories were about the Elves. He would tell me about the famous city of Rivendell and the kind but dangerous people there. I could just see them at their parties at the Great Hall. I had decided long ago that I would go to Rivendell one day.

I also have a little brother named Windel, who is twelve years old. He can be a pain but we get along usually. We have a pretty big gap in our ages but we try to hang out together. I even have a nickname for him, which is Dell.

That brings me to my age. I'm eighteen, with long brown hair and blue eyes. My mother has been trying to get me to marry and move out but I just don't feel like committing to anything yet. My father could care less and so we never fight about it like my mother and I do.

Well now that you have an idea of where I come from and who I am, I'll get on with my story.

It was on a Tuesday morning when I heard about my father's latest trip he was taking. Of course I was going.

"Father, where are we going this time?" I asked, eagerly.

"Oh, just to Hobbiton. I have some last minute trading I need to do before the big fair next week. It's also Bilbo's birthday and I should pay my respects to him," my father said absently. He was often found with his head in the clouds. Some people said that it is because he isn't smart or all there, but he just has a lot on his mind.

"No! I am not going to let my daughter go this time. She is eighteen and should be staying here helping me," my mother interrupted.

"Mother, I've helped you all my life and I need some time away from here," I replied.

"Chardan, you will not let our daughter go, will you?" my mother asked, staring at my father. Pulled out of his thoughts, he turned to look at us.

"Deveny not go? Of course she is. I need her more than you do, my dear. Deveny, don't you think you should go pack before we leave? We'll be going first thing in the morning."

I grinned and headed towards my room. This was the time when my father would consult with my mother and make everything alright. He always had a way of making her see his way.

I pulled out my satchel and put some clothes in it. I wouldn't need a lot since Hobbiton was only two days travel from where we live. We used to go there a lot when my uncle lived there. We would go visit for weeks at a time and I would play with my cousin, Frodo. Frodo and I became best friends that first summer even though he was about three years older than me. I hadn't seen him for over four years so I was really excited to hear that we would be going there.

You might think that since I'm related to Hobbits that I am one, but it's not true. My mother came from Hobbiton. She had to leave it when she met and married my father, who was, of course, a man. Everyone thought he would leave her later but when they came back with their baby (me, of course) everyone forgot all those rumors. My mother wanted to stay in the Shire because she had friends and of course her brother was there, but my father's job didn't allow it.

So I'm a little of both, human and hobbit. I'm 5'2", which is the average height for a grown hobbit. At least it is for the hobbits in Hobbiton, since there are all kinds of different hobbits. So I didn't feel that out of place when I went with my father to visit. My father though, is about 6' and seems to tower over the little hobbit people. I guess I inherited my mother's height. [Comment: I should point out, that Deveny didn't write 6'. She wrote 5'12", which made me laugh].

Suddenly I heard a knock at my door. In came my mother to see how my packing was coming along.

"Honey, I know you really want to go with your father but won't you even consider staying here? You know how I hate you to go to strange places," she said, as any over-protective parent would.

"Mother," I sighed, "I'll be fine. And it's not some strange place, it's your old home! I'll be fine, really," I reassured her.

She nodded and stared at me for a while. Then all of the sudden, she turned to face my window but not before I saw a couple of tears. Instantly I felt guilty and went to hug her. Of course she knew I was going to be safe, but she was really worrying about how she would miss me.

"The house will be pretty quiet without you," she admitted.

"What? Without Dell and me screaming at each other? Don't tell me you'll miss that!" I said jokingly.

She gave me a little smile and hugged me tight. Even though my mother and I don't always get along, we still love each other a lot.

"Well, I'll let you get back to packing," she said, wiping a tear away. "I'd better go help your father pack. You know he forgets the simplest things."

I laughed too as she walked out. It was true, my father could go on a week long trip and forget a toothbrush or something. I told you he gets preoccupied.

After dinner it's a custom in my family to talk about the day around the fireplace. But tonight I wasn't paying attention to Dell's version of a game he played at school. I was thinking about Hobbiton and Frodo. I wondered what he would look like after these last four years. I quickly told them about school and then asked if I could go to bed. After a little tossing and turning, I finally fell asleep.

End of Installment #1.

Are you enjoying it enough for Installment #2?

cupcake adventure

2010-11-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

photo journal

2010-11-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

rainbow jello

2010-11-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who, sadly, have never experienced the exhiliration of rainbow jello, here's the recipe:

Ingredients

3oz packages of jello in these flavors: lime, lemon, orange, strawberry, cherry, and black cherry.

2 cups sour cream

Directions

1. Dissolve the black cherry jello in 1 1/4 cup water over heat.

2. Once dissolved, divide the jello in half. Put 3/4 cup of jello in a separate bowl.

3. In first half, add 1/3 cup sour cream. Whisk the sour cream in SLOWLY.

4. In second half, add 3 Tbsp cold water.

5. Keep the glass pan on a flat surface in the fridge.

6. Pour the sour cream layer in the pan first. Pour slowly and make sure there are no big bubbles in the jello.

7. Let the jello set for 30 min.

8. Add the other half of the black cherry jello. Pour slowly and then even the layer out.

9. Let it set for 20-30 min.

10. Repeat with each of the jello flavors. There are 12 layers altogether. The order of the jello I use is black cherry, cherry, strawberry, orange, lemon, and lime.

Disclaimer: The process of making this jello takes quite a lot of time (about 6 hours). But it is SO good. Everyone loves it.

Enjoy!

2010-11-25T10:24:00.004-07:00

I am thankful for:

chocolate --Grandma Ogles' interesting fact of the week: chocolate has magnesium which is needed for seratonin which is the hormone that controls happiness. So eat chocolate so you're not depressed. ;D

rainbow jello --Me, my Mom and Sarah all were making rainbow jello yesterday at the same time in different states. Me in Utah, Mom in California, and Sarah in Texas. We're awesome. It connected the three of us during Thanksgiving even though we aren't celebrating it together.

music --Yesterday, Grandma Ogles snagged the majority of the grandchildren in her house for an impromptu musical talent show. I accompanied Lydia on the piano, who was playing a violin piece by a Giorgio guy. I can't remember his last name, but it was very Italian. And the performance was fantastic and fun to be apart of. I'm grateful for what music can do--the way it can express feelings without words.

harry potter --He was paramount in the gathering of my very best friends, perhaps for one of the last times we were able to do so with everyone present. Melissa, Daniel, Jessica, Jessica, Lionel, Chad, Marci and I. And their significant others. "Cast your spell on me, Harry Potter!"

prayer --Heavenly Father loves me. And I know this because I can feel His love when I pray. He has answered my prayers, given me strength and peace in my life. I'm excited about my new phase in life, set in LA. I've made some fantastic new friends and I'm blessed to be in a ward full of extraordinary people.

boots --There is snow on the ground here in Utah, which definitely signifies winter. It is beautiful and my freezing feet wouldn't be warm without my boots. The other day, Utah got a weather alert, warning everyone that a blizzard was coming to the majority of the state. We became super excited about all the snow that we could use for snowmen, snow angels, sledding and snowball fights. After staying in the house for several hours to avoid "the worst" of the storm, we were sorely disappointed that "Utah's Biggest Blizzard of the Decade" was rather pitiful in Springville, Utah. And wasn't different from any other previous flurry of the season. Sigh. Oh well. At least my boots are still useful, regardless of the amount of snow. The Lord blesses us in mysterious ways. He knew it was more important to me that the roads were clear this weekend for my drive home, over the chance to go sledding.

marie --It's fun to have my litte sister here with me in Utah for Thanksgiving. Yesterday, we teased her mercilessly as it was "pick on Marie" day. But in truth, she is one of my favorite people, and I think she is talented, sharp and beautiful. I miss her when she's gone, tease her when she's here, and text her constantly.

These are just a few things I'm thankful for. My life is full of spectacular, special and giving people. And I am more blessed than I sometimes realize.

Happy Thanksgiving!

flu season

2010-11-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Somehow, every year, flu season arrives and then disappears again without me ever getting a flu shot. Granted, this doesn't always work to my advantage, as I end up getting the flu almost every year. Why haven't I learned?

I don't know. And I still haven't gotten the flu shot this year. But guess what? I totally fought off a cold. Like hardcore. And I'm proud of this, so I had to share.

My grandparents/uncles got this really nasty, incapacitating cold/cough. Granted, since I'm basically living on their couch, I did everything possible to remain germ-free. Hand washing, orange juice chugging, vitamin taking precautions. And.... they failed me!

I arrived in Utah and not even 48 hours later, I started to feel not quite right. My throat kinda hurt, I just didn't have as much energy as I usually do, and I even leaned over to JBaum to have her feel my forehead.

So what did I do? I ran to the grocery store and bought Cold-Eeze, Nyquil, Dayquil, Orange juice, crackers, and Kleenex. Then I proceeded to sleep for 36 hours while constantly sucking on a Cold-Eeze (kind of like a cough drop, except filled with good stuff that is proven to shorten your cold). Not only did I kick my cold in the butt, but I never got congested and hence, remain cough free!!

And through it all, I was still able to see Harry Potter 7. Whew. Thank you, Cold-Eeze!

family

2010-11-23T03:13:00.000-07:00

Due to the Thanksgiving season that is now upon us, I have been thinking a lot about family--and the importance of good relationships between family.

It's distressing that so many families nowadays are broken, fragmented, or lost. It's common to suffer divorces, unexpected death, estrangements, abuse. You name it, it's there--from minor disunity between siblings who can't get along to the more severe, emotional-damaging divorce proceedings.

It literally makes my heart ache when I hear friends talk about how their mother-in-law won't accept them, because she deems them unworthy of her child. Or how another friend, as an adult, can't decide which home to celebrate the holidays because one or the other of their divorced parents will act hurt or offended. Or how another friend has never met their aunt, uncle or cousins, because their parents have long given up on trying to get along with "that side" of the family. It's painful to think about. So why, you ask, am I talking about this?

Because it reminds me to be grateful to have the family that I do. I know I'm lucky to have parents who have been married for over 25 years and are still going strong. And grandparents with the same legacy, who love and respect their son and daughter-in-law. I'm lucky to have aunts and uncles who all get along and love each other. Who often gather together. So often, in fact, that I know each and every one of my 30-some-odd cousins, all the way down to the very youngest at 3 years old.

I'm grateful to know the peace you can feel in the middle of a chaotic family dinner, when you take just a moment to sit silently and watch the family interact: an aunt rolling her eyes exasperatedly and with a grin, because her five-year old decided to hate turkey today of all days; two siblings elbowing each other playfully for more room to eat; the cacophony of utensils clanking and several conversations going on all at once; and the 3-year-old who took advantage of the chaos and snuck away from the table to steal a piece of the pumpkin pie he's been begging for all afternoon.

Joy and contentment--that's what I feel when I think of family. I am lucky to have such a spectacular family. One that admittedly, on closer inspection, is not perfect. But when times get tough, we band together, forget our petty differences, and remember why it is so awesome that we are related.

thanksgiving holiday starts with a bang

2010-11-18T16:24:00.002-07:00

So the LA 1st Ward & the Santa Monica 3rd Ward put on a black tie, "Black and White" themed service auction. The proceeds go towards families in both stakes who need help to give their children a Christmas this year, and missionaries who need help.

It was a fantastic success!!

I've never been to an event like this. Everyone dressed to the nines with the sole intention of helping others.

Is that a tux you see? Why yes. Yes it is.

There was the silent auction portion, where everyone donated services such as "a dinner for 6", or "3 guitar lessons" or "1 free piano tuning", etc.

Everyone signed up! Everything was purchased that was donated.

And then there was the live auction portion of the night, where the big items were auctioned off.

Things like:

Clippers tickets

Disneyland Park Hopper tickets

Custom hand painted Vans Shoes

Lakers tickets plus parking pass

3 hour sailing trip

2 tickets to the season finale of Dancing with the Stars

1 week vacay to a beach house in El Salvador with staff included

etc...

Like WOAH. I could not have even TRIED to bid for these items. I am sadly not rich enough. Or spontaneous enough to gamble with my finances.

But people really got into it.

She was going for the Dancing with the Stars tickets. And she got them. For a LOT of money. Whew.

But it was a fantastic event. Super successful. And the best part? The feeling. That we were helping kids have a Christmas, and support missionaries in the area. With everything going on in my life, I've thought a lot about charity and service in the last couple of months. It's sad that it takes Thanksgiving and Christmas to push a lot of people to do service. It should be an everyday occurrence.

My advice?

When you're feeling particularly down, or your self-pity level is at an all-time high, DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE WITH NO OTHER MOTIVATION THAN THE BENEFIT OF THE OTHER PERSON.

It will make you feel better.

I guarantee it.

happy halloween!

2010-10-31T20:19:00.000-06:00

Halloween holds a lot of fun childhood memories for me.

The occassional trip to the witch house in Beverly Hills:

No joke. Someone owns this house. Don't ask me who, 'cuz I don't know. But if I lived in that house, I'd be constantly creeped out.

Or Trick or Trunk--which if you don't know what this time-tested Halloween tradition is--you are missing out. Big time. Trick or Trunk is where kids go from open trunk to open trunk to get their candy, instead of door to door. People decorate their trunks and it's a safe way to trick or treat.

Since I lived in LA--yeah, well, we Tricked or Trunked. ;D

Or thinking of Halloween costumes.

This year, I was Malificent.

Yes, from Sleeping Beauty.

Versus me:

Granted, I'm smiling, but I did a pretty good job in only a couple of days. Don'tcha think?

Anyways, I enjoyed Halloween on Friday night at a huge regional dance in LA. There were definitely a couple of thousand people who showed up. Whew.

At the dance, I was helping out with the Speed Dating. Yep.

I almost screamed running away from it. Half the boys--ahem, "men"--participating in the Speed Dating were 17 or 18 years old. Ridiculous, right?

I'm almost 24. What's the use of Speed Dating when these boys are still in high school. Ugh. It was a bit disconcerting, if you ask me.

But you didn't ask me, so I'm just going to say:

Happy Halloween!

Enjoy the pumpkins, the candy and the horror films!

And NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING!

LA1

2010-10-24T20:07:00.000-06:00

I am now in the Los Angeles 1st Ward--the best singles ward in LA. ;D

Quite frankly, this ward is FANTASTIC. We have so much fun, and I'm making so many new friends.

This weekend was stake conference. After the Saturday evening session (which was very uplifting), I tagged along on the ward's biannual tradition of going to Roscoe's after Saturday's stake conference.

Roscoe's. As in Roscoe's Chicken N Waffles Roscoe's. Yep.

We had so many people, there were a few tables around the restaurant with a bunch of dressed up white people on a Saturday night. LOL.

We were all so hungry, we couldn't even smile! ;D

My new friends: Kenny, Ali, Julia and Jessica.

Some boys in my ward:

I probably shouldn't have, but I ordered what you HAVE to order as a newbie to Roscoe's:

Chicken n Waffles.

Literally.

And it was delicious!

And of course, Bishop Thomas and his wife came too! Sister Thomas was one of my first young women's leaders, right before I moved to Simi Valley.

As you can tell, my social life is starting to pick up again, THANK GOODNESS! ;D

But I still miss you Utah people.

cancer survivor

2010-10-14T21:14:00.000-06:00

My grandma had her very last chemotherapy session today!

Granted, her neutrophil counts (a type of white blood cell that fights against infection) were low--but she has an awesome Doc who understood that as it was supposed to be her last chemo, it would be a low blow to make her wait another week. So she got her chemo today--a grueling 12 hour ordeal, most of which was waiting. (The actual drip-drip of the chemicals takes 6 hours). And then tomorrow, she has to go in to get a Neulasta shot to boost her neutrophils so that she doesn't crash. And we are happy that it's Neulasta instead of Neupogen because the latter is 3 shots over a period of 3 days, instead of a 1-and-then-you're-done shot.

I just have to say that the more I've been involved in the treatment/recovery of my grandmother, the more I respect doctors. They are amazing. What would we do without them in serious situations as these?

Anyways, Grandma Sheranian is a cancer survivor! Way to go! She's going to be exhausted for the next week--to the point where she won't be able to get out of bed for a few days. But after that, we are excited to know that she will get her energy back--AND HER HAIR!! Grandpa is hoping it will come back red. I guess we'll see. ;D

top ten: of all time

2010-10-13T22:39:00.000-06:00

Since I've been reading constantly these last couple of months to fill in the time while I am just sitting (at a hospital, rehab center, doctor's office, ER, etc), I decided to put up a list of my top ten favorite books of all time.

This is in no particular order. I couldn't order them if I tried.
Before I list them, I should also admit that these top favorites are books that blew my mind when I read them, or were so good, I've read them more times than I can possibly remember. So, with no further ado...

Top ten favorite books:

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

This book is short, entertaining, and brilliantly written. It's not gripping or anything, but it is philisophical enough that by the end of the book, my thoughts were, "Oh my. I am SO not living the way I should. I'm just gliding through life without really enjoying the journey. I need to count my blessings." Coehlo really made me stop and think about my life. I loved this book. I own it and I've read it multiple times.

2. Exodus by Leon Uris

My grandparents gave this book to me for Christmas in highschool. I looked at it and thought, "Hm. Huge book. I'll get to it sometime." And... I put it on my shelf. A year later, I glanced at my shelf and felt a little guilty. So I picked it up and started to read.

And I Could. Not. Put. It. Down.

Should be considered a classic. If it isn't, I declare it so.

Uris masterfully conveyed the situation of the Jewish people right after WW2 and their plight in creating a national state of their own. He recreated the struggles of the Holocaust in a manner that grips the reader, brings them to tears, and then makes them sob as the survivors build their lives once more.

3. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Seriously, Card has an amazing imagination. I've read this book so many times, my copy is falling apart. No matter how many times I read it, I get excited about the battleroom. I get anxious for Ender. I want him to win. I've never been a huge sci-fi fan. But if anything has made me so, it's this book.

4. The Giver by Lois Lowry

I loved it as a kid. I love it now. And every time I read it, I see some new symbolism or parallel to my life. Lois Lowry is brilliant. All I know is, I don't want to conform to anything in life. I want to see the color in my life and feel things: even if I have to feel pain so that I can understand and feel joy.

5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Do I need to say anything? Isn't it self-explanatory? People always make fun of the popularity of this book. The thing is--it's the ultimate romance. A lot of struggle, a lot of class, and a happy ending. What else do you need?

6. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Every time I read this book, I can't put it down. Even though I know the story, I am gripped by Dantes' road to revenge. I feel his anger and his loss. Dumas knows how to bring characters to life and how to portray emotions so vividly that you begin to feel it for yourself.

A classic.

7. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

This is a great adventure story. My Dad read this to me when I was little, and since then, has always been one of my favorites. I remember dreaming of the adventures in this book. And no matter how often I've read it, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which are still my favorite characters, and I still cheer Charles on in his quest for his father through time and space. I am definitely reading this book to my kids one day. Gotta carry on the tradition. ;D

8. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again." It does not get old. A mysterious love story, so convoluted and dark, you don't know what's going to happen next.

9. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

I have read this series so many times, it's laughable. So bright, so sweet, so cheery--I'm never sick of this easy read. You can't help but love Anne and hope that one day you'll have your own bosom friend. You cheer for Gilbert Blythe for years as he constantly fails to live down his "carrot" hair comment of his youth.

10. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

I just discovered this book over the summer. It was so delightful. There's no other word for it. Their is love, tragedy, friendship, laughter. I caught myself giggling several times. I had to get used to the style of writing, though. It's written in letters back and forth between the main character, Juliet Ashton, and a group of friends on Guernsey (an island off the coast of England) who banded together when German forces captured and occupied their island for the majority of WW2.

Hope this list gives you a few books to read. I can guarantee you will enjoy all of them.

flipped

2010-10-13T21:05:00.000-06:00

So, this is for you, JSchro.

I just read this FANTASTICALLY adorable book called

Flipped

by Wendelin Van Draanen

It is also a movie---which I have yet to see, but am looking forward to doing so.

Ok, so I have to discuss it. If you haven't read it, DO SO, and get back to me.

**SPOILER ALERT**

Overview:

It is about this boy and girl, Bryce and Juli, who meet in the second grade. Her heart "flipped" when she first saw him--she fell instantly in love because of his to-die-for blue eyes. Bryce, on the other hand, ran away as fast as he could--literally. They tell their story together, taking turns every other chapter. They start in elementary school and take their story to middle school, where, although they have been neighbors all their lives, they start to really get to know one another. By eighth grade, Juli isn't so sure she wants to know Bryce because of some things he has done. She thinks he might be "less than the whole of his parts"--maybe all he can offer are beautiful blue eyes. But Bryce is finally starting to crush on Juli because he begins to see what a truly smart, compassionate and creative person she is--looking past her dumpy house and strange convictions for a 13-year old.

There are some great morals to the story--

hard work,

coming together as family during hard times,

don't judge people by their appearances,

create strong relationships with your family,

be creative,

find something in your life that makes you realize how great it is to be living...

They both have drastic paradigm shifts at 13 years old. Of course, at thirteen, everything is taken in drastically. Both feel highs and lows so acutely. I remember being 13 too. Man oh man. Hormones make you crazy. This book seriously reminded me of what it was like to become a teenager. It also reminded me that NO ONE--and I mean, no one, could get me to relive those years.

Anyways, they both learn about relationships, families, and honesty in a very realistic way.

Juli learns that to-die-for blue eyes are not the best reason in the world to fall in love. Bryce learns that people who live in houses with dumpy yards might be cool people.

When I read it, I started asking myself questions about how I would handle certain situations.

Is it better to be honest or to be polite?

Is it better to be honest or to protect your children from the stress of worrying?

Is it better to run or to face difficult situations?

It is totally awesome when Bryce stops running from Juli and she starts running from him.

I totally cheered for the both of them.

Juli is being smart by protecting herself from a boy who could possibly hurt her in the future by his actions and comments. But she is also a kind and forgiving person--especially at her age.

Bryce is just a 13 year old boy who blindly follows his dad's example/expectations/attitude until he experiences a few things that makes him question the type of person his dad is, and in turn, what type of person he wants to be. You can tell that through the book, he is becoming a person of depth--someone worth knowing.

I loved Bryce's grandfather. Although I was mad at first that Grandpa took the time to get to know Juli, but not his own grandson, I realized that he knew exactly what he was doing--letting Bryce make his own mistakes and helping him to learn from them. He also wanted to teach him to take the initiative to create a relationship instead of running away from people. Bryce did that a lot. I felt like at the beginning of the book, Bryce was literally running constantly from everything that reminded him that he was living. Not just from Juli, but also from his grandfather, from his responsibilities, and from honesty. While Juli literally ran towards those things. She met things head on, loved feeling like she was alive and did her best to do so.

By the end of the book, you know that Bryce is no longer the shallow kid he used to be. He learns how to treat people kindly, to think of others, to apologize. He is finally worthy of being Juli's friend. And she is so cute and forgiving, you can't help but think that they will be great friends in the future.

I was slightly annoyed by how the story ended. It was a great gesture on Bryce's part to plant the sycamore tree for Juli. But I felt cheated when it ended without the two of them speaking. All you know is that Juli thinks that there might, after all, be something more to Bryce than his "to-die-for" blue eyes.

Tell me your own thoughts on the book.

What did you think?

Did you like it?

Were there things you didn't like?

And if you've read this whole post and HAVEN'T read the book yet, you better go and buy it and then come back and tell me what you think.

All I know is, after reading this book:

1. I'm glad I have a boy who used to live down the street from me who has remained my best friend despite his stupid shallowness as a teenager. He has become someone worth knowing.

2. I need to find a spot (like Juli found her's up in the tree) that reminds me daily of how great it is to be alive--to count my blessings.

this is what i love

2010-10-10T19:16:00.000-06:00

The sunset.

The rain.

The lights.

The people.

The buildings.

I love it all.

This is Westwood Village just south of UCLA campus on the way home from grocery shopping. It was just so pretty, I couldn't turn down such a spectacular Kodak moment.

yellowstone

2010-10-05T21:21:00.000-06:00

Ok,

So. At the very end of the summer, after all the wedding stuff, my family turned right around and went back to drop my sister, Marie, off at BYUI for her Freshman year of college.

We packed her stuff up in the car (oh my gosh, I don't know how my Dad and I organized it well enough to fit all 5 of us, our own dufflebags/backpacks for our week long trip, AND Marie's hoard of stuff. ;D)

But everyone still had a roomy seat in the car--except Bryan. I seriously should have taken a picture. Poor kid. He was scrunched in the back with boxes beside and behind him with his knees pulled up to his chin. Whew! You can imagine what 10 hours would do to him. Let's just say he was sorely tempted to kiss Utah ground when we reached Springville for our overnight stay before continuing on to Rexburg, Idaho.

I ended up staying in Springville (Bryan praised heaven for my goodness) and drove with Sarah and Brent the following day. We met our family in Rexburg, helped Marie move in, met her roommates, helped her shop, and participated in the orientation activities. And then we left her--with 5 boys already gracing her apartment. Not sure if I should be worried or not....

You can judge for yourself:

Not that you can tell, but that's supposed to be fried cookie dough. *Shiver*

One of these days, I won't be surprised if we get a call telling us she broke her clavicle. I can hear her now. "I didn't do ANYTHING! I was just reaching for a textbook and it broke!!"

I love Marie. It looks like she's having fun her freshman year and I am consummately jealous!

Well, considering how excited she was about school, Marie did not mind our family leaving her and taking a mini vacation without her before we headed home. So instead of turning around and completing the long drive back to LA, we masochists decided to tack on a few more hours of car driving so that we could enjoy Yellowstone.

Bryan blowing off some steam:

Enjoying the waterfall. The big one. Not the bigger one.

New Faithful:

Scenery:

Waiting for Old Faithful to be faithful:

Living up to it's name:

Whew. Pretty spectacular, huh?

Yep, they walked right across the road.... a few different times...

We did the whole loop (I use the word 'whole' loosely) in one day, coming back to West Yellowstone to our hotel room where me and Bryan slept on the floor because all 6 of us were in one room (Mom, Dad, Sarah, Brent, Bryan and I).

On our drive home, we stopped again in Rexburg (we didn't bother Marie), and visited the Rexburg Temple:

And then we drove home. All in all, I think we were in the car roughly 50 hours in a matter of 5 days.

But it was awesome, if I say so myself.

the Simi reception...

2010-09-30T19:56:00.000-06:00

So a week later, Sarah and Brent maneuvered their way up from San Diego (where they spent their honeymoon), to Simi Valley for their California wedding reception.

Here are a few pictures that describe the event without words:

They look so happy, it's hard not to smile!

the Provo reception...

2010-09-30T15:45:00.000-06:00

I spent a lot of time in this room helping to decorate.

We did good, huh?

This is the ballroom at the Provo City Library.

Sweet treats for the guests:

Gorgeous flowers and pictures everywhere:

The pretty cake:

The pretty lights:

The car decorating, which they SO did not appreciate. ;D

Cutting the cake:

Their first dance:

The Daddy-Daughter dance:

And althought I have no picture proof yet, I DID catch the bouquet. ;D

Unfortunately, I was putting Sarah's dress away when they left, so I don't have any pictures of the very end. But I heard they left with a big hurrah!

the wedding day...

2010-09-30T15:15:00.000-06:00

There were about 30 cousins standing outside of the Provo Temple waiting for the Aunts, Uncles, Mothers, Fathers, Grandmothers, and Grandfathers to come out of the Temple. While waiting, I caught the cutest moment ever: My cousin Afton and my cousin's son, Will (who became best friends).

After waiting for Sarah and Brent, they finally arrived outside all smiley:

And of course they had to show off:

And my dad was ecstatically happy:

So was Marie (see her behind Brent with her hands clasped in front of her with her dreamy eyes? You can tell that she totally wants a temple wedding--just like me).

Marie and I played around with Sarah's parasol while they were taking pictures we weren't in. ;D

Gorgeous day, right? And girl... ;D

Sisters. Need I say more?

Looking at this picture made me laugh a little bit. We look like sisters when you look closely. But really, we are all different. Sarah with her blonde hair and fair, freckled skin. Me with my dark hair and pale, unfreckled skin, and Marie with her sun-highlighted brown hair with her tan.

And of course, the bride and groom took many pictures around the temple afterwards.

They are a gorgeous couple:

Congrats Sarah and Brent!

the day before...

2010-09-30T14:55:00.000-06:00

So Sarah got married on August 12, 2010 to Brent Monson (who is an AWESOME brother-in-law).

There was a lot of prep before the wedding. ;D

Of course, we got our toes done the day before the wedding. (Mom, Marie, Sarah and me, with Grandma Sheranian to come and keep us company).

That night was the rehearsal dinner at Magleby's in Springville, UT.

The restaurant was gorgeous:

The company was sublime:

PS - I really think I look good in this pic. I'm awesome.

And the bride and groom were adorable:

(This particular picture was taken by Becca Weidner. Thanks cousin!)

Afterwards, we decided to take a picture outside, and my Mom was making fun of how Marie poses for pictures. ;D

I love my Mom.

fighting for health

2010-09-30T00:04:00.001-06:00

So I'm living in Los Angeles, a half block west of the LA Temple with my Sheranian grandparents to help out. They are both in poor health at the moment, so I'm essentially their maid, chauffeur, grocery shopper, all-around technical go-to girl, and live-in nurse. You could probably throw in that I am their personal calendar too. I better know what's when, or we're in big trouble. ;D

One of the most exciting moments I've had so far was my first experience calling 911. Kind of funny, actually. My grandpa had his hip replaced in July, and the week after my sister's wedding, his hip popped out of place twice and he had to be rushed to the hospital. My Uncle Danny was the one with my grandparents at the time and was thankfully there during both traumatizing experiences.

Well, after about 2 weeks of living with them, I got to experience it as well. I was woken up around 4:30am on a Monday morning by my grandmother, hysterically informing me that grandpa's hip had popped out again. I jump out of bed (literally) to run out to the den (where my gpa sleeps in his recliner). Running into walls down the hallway (you know how it is when you are kind of disoriented when you get up too fast?), I reach the den where my gpa is cussing up a storm.

I have learned a lot about myself in a crisis.

1. I am surprisingly calm.

2. I can make a prioritized list in my head in like 10 seconds flat.

and 3. I tend to laugh.

(In this case, choke back laughs, because it would not have helped the situation. Of course, I felt bad for my gpa--he definitely was uncomfortable and his leg was paralyzed, but with his throwing profanity around like a sailor, and gma freaking out and having an amazing skill at being in the way, and my hair sticking on end and being slightly blind because I left my glasses by my bed, I just can't explain it any other way than hysterical. I wanted to laugh).

Instead, I grabbed my grandmother's hand, gently shoved her onto the couch by my grandfather, forced her hand into his and told her to comfort him. I then grabbed the phone and dialled 911. The operator answered and said something, (I don't know what, because my gpa was still swearing and I didn't catch what she said so I asked her to repeat herself as I ran out of the room so I could better communicate with her). Granted, the moment I asked her to repeat herself, I started to chuckle a little bit because I couldn't believe that in an emergency I was taking the time to ask her to repeat herself, so instead of waiting for the repeat, I just told her what was going on with my gpa. She immediately transferred me to emergency response (or whatever) and this guy asked me a series of questions like what happened, is he conscious, is he bleeding, is he in pain, how old was he, what's the address and the phone number, etc. (Funny sidenote--even though I know the address and phone number by heart, I still got them wrong when I told him. I think this is partly because I was still half asleep and partly because of the hectic manner in which I had been thrown into the situation). So then the guy (who was talking super fast, by the way) told me that the ambulance was on it's way and would arrive shortly and added that if my grandfather lost consciousness or had any other problems like a heart attack, I should call back. And then he hung up on me.

And the only thought in my head was, "DUH!"

And then I was brought back to reality by the cussing in the background. I ran back into the den to let them both know that the ambulance was on the way, I ran to the front door and unlocked it and then ran back to my room to get decently dressed, grab my glasses and try to tame my hair. By this time, gma had left gpa's side and followed me into my room (still hysterical--I never want that woman [whom I adore, by the way] around if I'm in an accident--she would only make me more nervous.) I told her to get gpa a change of pajamas, some slip on shoes and his wallet and put it in a bag. By the time she was done with her chore, I was slightly more presentable than 5 minutes before, although not nearly looking good enough for the two hunka-hunka firemen who walked through the front door--right into gma, who regardless of all 3 of us politely asking her to move to the side, she remained standing in the entryway right in the way of the firemen until I physically removed her from their path. ;D

They asked my gpa a bunch of questions which he seemed, for the most part, unable to answer correctly. I felt bad having to interrupt a bunch of times, but I just kept thinking, "It would be more efficient to ask me what medications he's on. He apparently doesn't remember the names of them." But anyways, they got through that. And then they had to figure out how to get him out of the house. You see, from the sidewalk to the front door, there are about 20 flagstone steps. And from the side of the house, there are a few steps as well but they would have to get him through the laundry room and up and over a wall about hip high. Needless to say, they spent a few minutes trying to figure it out and then finally brought a guerney in and--although sorry about gpa's pain during the lift/drop onto the guerney--MAN oh MAN. You shoulda been there to see those arms. Whew! ;D You know what I mean.

Anyways, I left gpa in good hands (or arms, or whatever), and with a slightly calmer gma, grabbed a book, my purse and the bag gma had packed and shuffled gma through the front door and to my car. We followed the amubulance back to the ER where I spent the next 7 hours without phone reception, sitting and waiting trying not to fall asleep until it was all over. Gpa had his hip back in place, the release forms were signed, and we maneuvered him into my car and took him home around noon.

Can I just say that I did this on 3 hours of sleep?

And that I never got to laugh out loud during the whole experience?

So there ya go. A day in the life of KaRynn.

Haha, seriously. I have spent more time in hospitals and rehabilitation centers than I have at home. It is exhausting work and I try to find time for myself, but it's not always that easy.

Since the popped hip, my gpa has had surgery and was in the hospital for 3 days, afterwhich he was moved to a rehabilitative center across the street where he has been until now. And probably will remain until next week. And my gma has cancer. Or HAD cancer. She is definitely a stubborn survivor. She has one more round of chemotherapy. Thankfully it is not the nausea-enducing type of cocktail, but it brings complete exhaustion for about a week afterwards. She's just ending one of those weeks right now. It's even hard sometimes to get her out of bed to eat and drink. So I am literally her nurse.

The thing is, it's hard work.

And I'm loving every minute of it.

I get to hear my gma tell me (while we're eating lunch at California Pizza Kitchen) about her first experience eating pizza when she didn't have any idea what it was.

I get to hear my gpa daily let me know how much he loves my gma and how great it is to have her around to rub his feet, and that he can't wait until I find someone whose feet I can rub too. ;D

I get to spend all of 7pm to 8pm watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune with my grandparents.

Or sneak in a strawberry milkshake for my gpa at the rehab center (I'm still not sure if he's allowed to eat that, but I figure one or two won't hurt him).

I get to become best friends with all my grandparent's friends. Seriously. They all have my cell phone number now and are always calling to talk and to find out how my grandparents are doing.

I get to smile when my gma can't sleep and she comes into my room at midnight when I'm watching something I recorded on DVR and she'll climb into my bed and watch with me until she's tired.

I get to see my grandmother become a special friend of a woman who sits in her wheelchair on the 3rd floor of the rehab center by the elevators. Everytime we come and leave, she will walk over, put her hand over the woman's, smile and greet her and tell her how beautiful she looks today.

I get to hear gpa's recollection of what a "sexy broad" gma was back in the day with her red hair, when Julie (a friend of my gma's) brought a printed copy of an old picture of my gma before they were married:

It's an exhausting job to help out, but I'm getting to know my grandparent's as people instead of just as grandparents. It's hard to explain that difference. But instead of loving them just because their family, I'm starting to love them because I admire them both. They complain and grump sometimes (I would too if I were in their position), but all in all, they stand up taller, grab each other's hands and remain their stubborn old selves, fighting for their health.