Sunday, February 3, 2013

Dreams

You know how from age ten you have your life totally planned out and everything is supposed to go according to that plan? Well folks, it doesn't. Ever since I was twelve, I dreamed of coming to BYU, playing on the BYU women's soccer team, dating some athlete, and getting married. I also dreamed that I would be this average height girl that had pretty long blond hair that all the guys would love. Welp, I think reality is just a little different than what I dreamt of as a kid. Right now, I'm 5' 1", I have weird curly/wavy/straight thin brown hair, and I can definitely attest that I'm not that popular among the guys. I haven't been on a date for six months. I have acne. I've never been kissed. Actually, I've never even held a guy's hand. The guy I do like isn't really interested. And I'm transferring to BYU-Idaho in the fall. There is no way I would have pictured my life as it is right now, even a year ago. But you know what? It's perfect. I wouldn't have it any other way. Well, there are things that I don't like and I wish I could change, but these trials and difficulties that I have today are going to make me so much better in the future. I know it. And I choose to look on the bright side. I'm 5' 1"? Well, that gives me a unique perspective. I have really awkward hair? Hey, at least I've got some. I've never kissed a guy? Well it's going to make it so worth it when it does happen. And I'm going to BYU-Idaho? The Lord must have something in store for me there. And even though I am giving up so much down here, I just gotta have faith.

But this in no means translates into me giving up my dreams. Because I have lived many of my dreams, and I wouldn't give those up for anything. I went to state with my soccer team junior year. I was captain senior of my team. I was MVP. I got to play with a wonderful group of friends.


 I made the Advanced Jazz Band. I learned how to play the alto saxophone.



I took AP English and Calculus. I passed both tests. I graduated as Salutatorian in my class. I got accepted with a scholarship to BYU.

I gained friends for life.



And most importantly, I gained a testimony of the gospel. That, most of all, is what I cherish most.

Dreams are important in life. Even the far-fetched crazy ones that we envision as a kid. And even if the way we plan out our life may not be how it turns out, we can always revise, rewrite, and reevaluate our dreams. If dreams didn't ever come true then there wouldn't be happy endings. If there doesn't seem to be a happily-ever-after in sight, there will be one--if we keep reaching and hoping and praying and doing. And after all, we'll come to understand hindsight is sometimes the best perspective on life because it's then we realize that those unexpected and different paths of life were in our dreams after all...

Friday, February 1, 2013

Books

I really love to read. Sometimes it's bad, because it distracts me from homework and school stuff, but I still enjoy it nonetheless! I love all sorts of books: dystopian, mystery, adventure, romance (not too mushy though), and comedies. I love me a good witty book. So,  I thought I would share some of my favorite books with all ya'll.

Ok, these are some of my all time favortites. The author is Lisa T. Bergren, and she does a wonderful job. She is very clean, and that's what I love best about these. She can incorporate a love story and an adventure without having to be yucky. I hate reading books where it has that one part that just ruins it for you, and you never pick it up again. Nope, not these. It's about two sisters who travel back to medieval Italy. Totally worth your time.

Also another of Lisa T. Bergren's is the Grand Tour Series. The first one is the only one published (second one comes out in March. AHHH!) and it is just fantabulous. This one is about a girl named Cora who is trying to find who she is, and the way she's going about that is taking the Grand Tour in Europe. She comes up on some unexpected adventures, all which keep you hooked into the story the whole time. It takes place in the 1920s (I think) and I highly recommend.





Alrighty, these next ones I have been reading since like tenth grade and there was no way I could just drop them. It's probably because I have always wanted to go to a school for genius spy girls. Yeah pretty intense.


Ally Carter is just hilarious. She so is. And she's totally relatable. Very clean and funny and full of adventure. There's only one more book left to complete the story, and although I will be sophomore in college, I'm totally looking forward to it.

And then there's the second series that Ally Carter is writing called Heist Society. This one is about teenage thieves who are stealing art work back for those who rightfully own them. Even more intense. There are two books so far:

They are about a girl named Kat who is pretty good at stealing stuff. She really wanted to get away from the family business, but got sucked back. And let me say, Ally Carter does pretty good with her male characters. You will love Hale ;) The next book comes out on Tuesday!! I am so excited.







Next one: one of my all time favorites. If you like Pride and Prejudice, then you will LLLOOOOVE Edenbrooke.

I never really saw myself liking this kind of genre, but this book has definitely changed my mind. Pretty much it's about a girl who inherits a large sum of money from her aunt and no one knows. At least she thinks no one knows. Really, I couldn't give a summary of this book without giving something away, and I definitely couldn't give it justice. Just read it. Just do it.









I really couldn't take the time to show every book I've read and loved. Here I'll just type a list:
Old Maid of Honor by Heather Horrocks
The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson
Divinely Designed by Rachel Anderson
The Princess of the Midnight Ball (and all other books she writes) by Jessica Day George
Percy Jackson and the Heroes series by Rick Riordan
Legend by Marie Lu

And really the list goes on. But let me just mention one more book. The best of all I've read and the one I've learned the most from. Read it, and I promise, it won't disappoint :)











Have a wonderful weekend!!! :)

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

50 questions

Well guys, it's Wednesday. Such a wonderful Wednesday. I have to keep telling myself that haha. And for this blog post, I'm gonna do a get to know you thing. Well, here goes nothing.

50 questions!!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No sir. No middle name either.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Uhhhh, last Friday I think.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Some days. I don't really care. Usually, I don't like taking the time to make it look nice.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey...

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No. And not for a while. Haha I haven't even been on a date for like six months.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Haha, um, yes??

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Never... Ok, yes.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yup. We're like best buds.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I'd like to think I would. If I got the chance.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Cocoa puffs. Or Reeses Puffs. Or Marshmallow Mateys. Take your pick.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope! I usually don't wear too many things with laces...

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
For a little person? Yes. Yes I am.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Cake batter. We're in love.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Smile. I like a good smile :) and then their eyes.

15. RED OR PINK?
I guess I'd say red, definitely not pink. I'm more of a blue/gray person.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Eh, I'd say my hair. It's super thin.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My friend in Hawaii. And the one at Utah State. I don't get to see them as often as others.

18. WHAT IS THE PAUL MCKENNA TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
I wouldn't know because I have no idea who that is. Haha!

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Brown combat boots.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A breakfast omlet: hashbrowns, eggs, cheese, and ketchup.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
I was listening to the life story of the girls down the hall. Very interesting.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Light Blue.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
The post office. I used to walk in there just to get a wiff...

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
The stake president's secretary's answering machine...

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
I'd say beach house. If I had the beach to myself, ha!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Basketball. Love watching basketball. They can come back really fast, and it makes things intense. Also, I wish I could actually play it besides a game of horse with my brother (I win of course.)

27. HAIR COLOR?
Carmel-ish, brown-ish, blondish. Will probably keep heading towards blond.

28. EYE COLOR?
Greenish blue. With some weird yellow around the middle.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes. I would be lost with out them. Literally, I wouldn't be able to see where I was going.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Chinese. But I'm starting to lean towards Italian.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings! I hate scary.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Extended version.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Blackish gray.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer. But I don't like really hot. It kills me. So let's say spring-ish summer or fallish summer.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Uh, seeing as I haven't ever been kissed, I wouldn't know.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Frozen yogurt. Cake batter. With brownies. And fudge.

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Cardio. Run, run, run.

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Um, I'd say computer. Not too much of a TV watcher. I only watch movies and sports on TV.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I should be reading my nutrition textbook, but the last one I read was called Old Maid of Honor. Oh and the Book of Mormon. That's too important to forget :)

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have one!

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
I love the sound of rain when going to sleep.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles. But I haven't listened much to either.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
I've been to Hawaii, and I've been to New York. I'm guessing Hawaii is farther haha.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Um... I'm a pretty good listener. And empathizer.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Rexburg, ID

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Provo, UT

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
My apartment complex is made of brick.

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
I don't have one now (haha see my second to last post) but it was red. But I miss by gray geo. It was the best. Stick shift baby!

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?
Wasn't too bad :)


Well I hope you got to know me a little better :) Have a wondrous Wednesday! Eat your friuts and veggies.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A day in the life of an introvert.

All right. Let’s clear some stuff up first. An introvert is not someone who doesn’t like being social. An introvert is not someone who doesn’t like to talk. AND in case you didn’t know, an introvert is not a hermit who hides in a cave and is afraid of light. Thought I’d just throw that last one in there.

So. Hi, my name is Kristina, and I am an introvert… Glad I could get that off my chest (Name that movie!). Now let me just say, introversion isn’t a bad thing. It’s just how I am. Dictionary.com defines introvert as someone who is shy. But what I learned in my Family Processes class was that introverts are people who like solitude (running, reading a book, taking a shower) instead of socializing to recharge. Most people think that introversion is not being social or never talking. Not true. But sometimes it means you keep some things to yourself that some people don’t. I still love to visit with others and get to know others like anyone else. So I thought I’d share some insight on how it feels for me (not necessarily others) to be an introvert.

Pros and cons of being an introvert (+being a girl):
-You don’t tell people your real feelings very often. You can talk to anyone, but putting yourself out there is kinda hard.
-For me, this makes me really loyal. As in, if I tell someone how I really feel, it shows you how much I trust them.
-You make friends easy enough. It’s just hard to make best friends easy enough.
-If you like a boy, you never tell him. Or anyone.
-Also, it’s hard to flirt. For some reason you don’t want him to know you like him. Act normal. Which really doesn’t make any sense once I think about it…
-It is so hard to talk to the boy face to face. It usually comes out as, “Hey, you did good.” “Thanks.” End of conversation.
-When you do actually say something or text him and he answers, you want to skip around and do laps around your house or something.
-When he doesn’t answer back, you think, “I’m an idiot. *echo* You’re an idiot.” Like from How the Grinch Stole Christmas


-You over analyze. A lot.
-If I smile at you, that’s a good sign. A really good sign.
-You know that one comment that totally would have made the conversation and everyone would have laughed and thought you were witty? Ya, you don’t say it. *Palm to the face*
-You are probably really hilarious. Just no one knows it.
-Boys usually go for the extroverted, friendly girls. And when a boy does like you, he usually stops cuz he thinks you’re indifferent.
-This can be nice when you’re trying to get rid of a guy…
-The center of attention is not the place for you.
-This means you’re pretty good at people watching.  
-And this makes you really good at reading into people’s emotions and actions.
-That makes people ask you for advice a lot. “You know how that feels?” Yeah…
-You’re a really nice, friendly person, but not everyone knows this. I promise I don’t think I’m too good to talk to you, it’s just cuz I’m a little bit shy.

Well I hope you enjoyed this little insight on what it feels for me to be an introvert! Some of it is being an introvert, some of it being a girl, and some of it just me. And even though sometimes it is hard, it is for anyone, and we just have to push through it. Everyone has their own challenges. We are all unique, and whoever you are, you are just perfect the way you are. Come back for more soon!

Monday, January 28, 2013

A broken car, a short night, and a train ride

First of all, let me start out by saying that I had a wonderful weekend. On Friday after getting home, I went and played soccer with some pretty awesome friends. Then, I woke up Saturday morning with my brother Stephen telling me to get up so we could go play in a futsol tournament at BYU-I. That was so much fun, even if we didn't get that far in the tournament. We played two games to determine our seeding in the tourney (we lost one, and then won one), and then after getting our seed, we played our first game and won! It was pretty exciting seeing that the team was thrown together the night before.There were some amazing players on the team, so I didn't feel like I did a lot, but it was great to be a part of. We lost our next game to the team that won it all, and we only lost by one! So that was pretty neat. The rest of Saturday was pretty chill, and on Sunday my brother and I went to our home ward to listen to a farewell of a good friend of ours. After church and an amazing dinner (homemade lasagna really hits the spot) we (Stephen, my roommate, and I) headed out. This is where stuff gets interesting.

So Stephen and I talked most of the time while Kacy napped in the back.
(Stephen in all his cool-ness. Aka, he has some sweet shades)
After passing Pocatello, our conversation kind of died. I decided to do some stuff on my laptop and Kacy... I have no idea what she was doing. Anyway, the farther we headed down the road, the worse the roads got. Stephen went to pass someone, and of course slush was kicked up all over the place from crossing over the dotted line, and a few minutes later Stephen noticed our once three-quarter full tank was now at empty. After Stephen vocalized this, we all kinda looked at each other and were like Oh crap. We debated for a bit, wondering whether to try and make it to Tremonton (we were just over the border), but the needle continued to drop lower. We pulled off the freeway into a middle of no where (literally, I don't think there was even a name for it) and Stephen hopped out to check under the car. At this point, the smell of gas was pretty strong, so we knew it wasn't just the gauge that was broken. We drove back on the freeway and were only going around 40 mph due to the road conditions, so we knew there was no way we would make it to Tremonton. We had to find a gas station as soon as possible. And we did. In Plymouth, Utah. We had just gone under the over pass on our way to the Sinclair just off the I-15 and the car just stopped. Great. So we attempted to push it. This was pretty much how it went:

For some reason, I found it quite hilarious. Either the fact that we were so close to the gas station and there was no way we were going to make it, or because Stephen wanted to wring my neck. Both were pretty comical. 

Any way, we eventually gave up because we kept losing our footing, and man it was cold. And snowing, which definitely didn't help. Stephen ran to the gas station and was able to borrow a 2 gallon gas container from a nice trucker guy, and we got enough gas in there to get it started and to the gas station. While Stephen called Mom, who was doing her duty and being extremely worried, I filled up the tank with about 4 more gallons. We were hoping to attempt to gas station hop our way back to Provo, but we soon found out that wasn't going to work. Stephen started the car and checked underneath and look what surprise we found!
I don't know if you can tell, but that is a very large puddle of gas. Bad news: Beula popped an artery. More bad news: no one around was a cardiologist, so we resorted to trying to find a ride back to Provo. Luckily, we had a cousin who lived in Logan who was oh-so-kind to come and pick us up. Meanwhile, we had to wait inside the gas station for about two hours. Let the waiting begin.

So that's my roommate. You see those shoes? Ya those are Stephen's. Kacy only had some flats and Stephen who had like three pairs of shoes (he's such a girl... haha) lent her his. They look pretty funny, but hey they worked. And I think Kacy became kinda partial to them. Second thing about this picture. What she's doing... she's looking at her phone, which is plugged into the wall by that pop machine. And the process to find that outlet, at least for me, was a little embarrassing. So we looked around Subway thinking that they would have an outlet that we could plug our phones into. Nope. Nothing that we could see at least. And then I got this brilliant idea to look behind that big cupboard thing and, wouldn't you know it, there was an outlet behind there. The problem was plugging it in. This definitely wasn't one of my finest moments, but I tried to squeeze behind that pop cupboard and plug it in. I was to determined to get that thing in the wall because I was so close. And the result was me almost getting my head stuck back there while my legs were flailing trying to get traction on the ground. This was when a wonderful employee came by and noticed my distress and allowed Kacy to use an outlet in the office. I got unstuck and to my distaste, Stephen had video taped all of that. Well that's just great. I guess if you really wanna see it, you can ask him. But we found an outlet a little later. Right on top of the cupboard. My attempt was in vain, but hey, I guess I provided for some good entertainment! :)


 It was starting to get pretty late, and the condition of the roads was pretty bad, so after making some calls we arranged to stay at my other cousin's house near Ogden. My first cousin finally got there and we headed out. At this point, I need to express my gratitude for my cousins. They were really wonderful to get us out of that bind and go out of their way to taxi us, feed us, and house us. We would still be at a little gas station in the middle of no where if it wasn't for them. 
That night we decided to take the Frontrunner from Salt Lake where my cousin-in-law worked to Orem where my cousin could pick us up. That would mean getting up at 5:30 in the morning. Ew. Definitely not a morning person. Anyway, after having a fun night with the cousins, we went to bed. We hitched a ride to Salt Lake, which took longer than expected because of the road conditions, and were dropped off at the UTA station. 



At this point I felt like a homeless person. We had our bags thrown on the bench, and we were all huddled around this tall, lamp-post-heater thing. It was like sitting around, having a causal conversation around a fire in a garbage can. Yup, definitely felt homeless. Anywho, we waited around for almost an hour (because our train was delayed. Of course.) and finally boarded around 8:20. The trip took about an hour because of all the stops on the way. Thankfully, we got picked up around 9:20 by another oh-so-wonderful cousin and were dropped off at our apartments. I then had to leave for class 40 minutes later, and, well, here I am! This over here --> is some cool drawing that was drawn on the glass of the canopy thingy. I thought it was pretty great and should be shared haha :)

Well, that was my adventure. I'm really tired, and kinda sore but hey, it could have been waaaay worse. And the experience really wasn't that bad. I never got anxious or worried; to be honest, I was pretty calm the entire time. Sometimes even laughing :) I feel so blessed. Really. The car could have stopped while on the freeway, and that would have been a whole different predicament. And the gas leak could have been elsewhere and started a fire, and I might not be here right now. So I am extremely grateful for the safety and protection God has granted me. I have amazing friends and family who love me, and were there every step of the way. And to look at the bright side, I got to ride a really fast train :)

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Wanderlust

 Yeah. I'm one of those. I mean, who isn't right?? I really really really want to travel. Like more than I want some BYU creamery ice cream (that's saying a lot). I have always loved learning the history of other countries. Every country has their own unique story, and I just want to read all of them. Doing it of my own free will and not being tested on it would also be nice. There are so many places I want to go, and these are some of them on my bucket list:

London Bridge #london
The Thames and London Bridge

ireland
The cliffs of Ireland

Venice, Italy riding in a Gondola and listening to some Italian guy singing...
Ride a Gondola in Venice

Parthenon #Greece
Visit the Parthenon in Greece

Beautiful Holland – Fields of tulips
See the Tulips and Windmills of Holland

Spain
Go swimming in Spain

i know paris was one of the least favorite places on our ambassador trip, but i would give anything to go back here. paris at night is magical, and it sucks that we weren't able to ever go sight seeing because i'm sure everybody would have loved it.
See the lights of Paris

And really, the list goes on. I would love to visit these places someday. Maybe with friends, maybe with my future husband, maybe just by myself. It's amazing how beautiful and diverse this world is. There is so much to see and so much to learn. But even after the many exotic and exciting places that I want to experience, it always feels good to be home, ya know? This is where I grew up. This is where my whole life has been up 'til this last year. And you know what? I miss it. A lot. And even though there are lots of more interesting place outside the little bubble of Sugar City, I will always cherish this as my home.


And the view's not too shabby :)


Friday, January 25, 2013

And look what Facebook led me to...

I got on Facebook today. Like usual. And while I was looking around (*cough* stalking) it made me realize how blessed I am. Really, I know I say that in like every post, but I am. I have these wonderful friends, awesome roommates, a warm apartment, an education, enough food to satisfy my ever hungry stomach... but most of all I have the Gospel. It is so wonderful. And what I am most grateful for is the comfort and knowledge that it brings into my life. Like the knowledge that no matter what happens, it's gonna work out. If I don't get that application done, it's gonna work out. If my laptop crashes and doesn't save that paper I've been working on for five hours, it's gonna work out.
If I trip and fall down these stairs on the way to class and break every bone in my body... hey, it's gonna work out. If that one guy doesn't ask me out... then he's stupid, but it's still gonna work out. If I lose my signature card while walking home, well it totally did work out. And if that one decision that could change my life is just nagging and hanging out in my head distracting me from all else, just keep praying and He's gonna help me work it out :)

I guess ya'll can see where I'm going with this. God has a plan for all of us... But we don't always understand that plan. We're kind of incapable of that, at least right now. I've always been a stubborn person, and I am not always willing to let go. We like to call it the Burg-Woman Syndrome in our family.

For example: If my brother tells me that I should wear shoes instead of slippers while it's snowing... then no, I'm going to keep on wearing those slippers cuz I want to, even if my toes are icicles and may have to be amputated later on. If I missed that PK during a soccer game, then I am going to practice for hours and hours to get it right even if I never get a chance to take one again. So as you can tell, I don't like being wrong and I don't like letting go. But I have to. That's what I've learned from this gospel, and especially what I've learned from being on my own. It's not all about me. What it's really about is doing the dishes for your roommate, babysitting your cousin's kitten, letting your brother use the washer first, being a listener, going easy on that one kid in soccer, giving up that one argument, listening to that still, small voice... Humility. Meekness. Charity. Forgiveness. Love. Trust.


 "Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask and ye shall recieve; knock and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
Doctrine and Covenants 4:6

God loves us. He wants the best for us. All we have to do is look outside ourselves and be a little humble, and He will answer any prayer we send His way. It may not be the answer we want, but that's when we have to let go and just trust. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) Even though I think I know a lot, well, he knows more. Infinitely more. He's there, always waiting, always there to help it "work out." All we have to do is just knock...