"Youth is Wasted on the Wrong People"

     As I was sitting down with my family this Christmas Eve to watch the traditional viewing of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life,"  I heard a line spoken from a very wise old man sitting on a porch.  The young George Bailey was flirting away with the beautiful Mary when the old man watching from his porch told George to kiss the girl instead of talking her to death.  George was obviously a little confused and probably slightly embarrassed as well, and did not heed the advice.  The old man then said, "Youth is wasted on the wrong people."
     I realized then how true the statement was.  I myself have fallen victim of trying to be so conservative and good that sometimes I forget how to live.  I'm not saying that every teenager should go out and make a crazy mess of their life, but that we shouldn't be afraid to live a little.  I think older adults probably regret not being a little more rambunctious when they were still able bodied and young. I therefore see it fit to not waste our youth in fear of being too wild, but to make sure we live life to its fullest in this moment because we might look back in regret over our uneventful life in the future. 
     Now think about it. Just think.

Random

I haven't posted in a long time, soooo, here's some random stuff from my life: 

First off: Emma Smith is absolutely incredible. Today in seminary we talked about trials and how we can rely on The Lord's atonement in difficult times. We watched a video that showed some struggles Emma Smith went through while the church was being formed and established back on the earth.  It was absolutely amazing to see the things she went through and how strong she was. What was so amazing to me was that everyone saw and knew that she was strong and elect, yet she herself did not see it. This shows maybe her humility, but also in my eyes, how sometimes we don't know our divine potential. She was such a phenomenal person yet she didn't feel so. I think some people forget that they are worth so much and are such great, strong people, but they are!!  I just love Emma's story. Just astounding.

So my friend is keeping a log/journal of what some of my other friends wear everyday. And it's weird. But funny. Especially because my friends found out that our other friend was doing this.

Okay, so...guys should ask girls on dates more frequently than they do because we all like dating, but girls hate having to be the one to always go ask the guy. And guys complain and throw that right back in our faces, but really though. Guys should not be afraid to just ask a girl on a silly, cheap date. It would actually mean a lot to a girl. 

Funny story: As my grandparents were trying to leave my house, my grandma motions to my grandpa and says, "Let us go, even unto to Bethlehem...or Clinton. That's closer..."  Super hilarious!

FYI: I do not snog.

Thee End.

Movie Messes

     If you really know me, then you know I'm a HUGE fan of books and I really like to criticize movies that mess everything in the book up.  The series I have always enjoyed criticizing the movies for is Harry Potter.  If you're a true 'Potterhead,' the you will understand how truly messed up the movies are compared to the books.  

      Although the movies are quite enjoyable by themselves, they are nothing like the books.  I would say that the first three films held more truly to the books than the others, but there were still flaws.

     Now, people hate me for hating the movies because "they can't fit in every detail into a two hour movie!"  But I still think they could've done a better job than they did with this specific series.   

      This summer, my sister and I have been reading the series; her, for her first time.  At this moment in time I am nearing the end of only the fourth book and this is where I have begun to see really how much they've screwed up the movie.  They leave out plenty of characters and suppose they can just rewrite half of the storyline and plot.  Now, I've known many things to be wrong in the past, but you tend to forget after not reading the series for a year or so.  Where are Dobby and Winky in the movie? They were vital! And then the whole Crouch thing was rubbish! Having him being found dead after the second match? In the book he didn't even turn up until the champions were told about the third task, and even then he disappeared again! And what about Rita Skeeter?! She was banned from the grounds but finds out loads of private information which she publishes, yet no mention of that and how she does it in the movie.  What about Snuffles?! Or Fred and George and their money? Or Hagrid being half giant? WHERE THE HECK IS PEEVES FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Not that he's too important or anything, but he adds so much to the story, I think...

      It just upsets me. All of it! But I still have the books I guess. I could burn all the movies if I really hated them that much... #bookwormprobs

Thanks for pointing out my flaws. I really needed that. #justleavemebe

Dying for Dinner

So... My dad and I are really hungry, and we're both too impatient to wait for dinner to be done before we eat a little of something.  So my dad pulls out the last of our chicken pot pie from last night and sits down and starts eating it, but then decides to start grilling our meal for tonight. So he gets the meat and goes outside to start grilling. Meanwhile, I'm starving and don't have anything to eat; I realize my dad left his bowl of food on the table. So I go over and sit down and start eating it.  My dad walks in and sees me eating his food and I just kind of look guilty and.... get up... and leave. Pahaha! It was so great! ...But I'm still hungry....
The end.:)

So.... Last week my friends and I decided that we would start a 'Poisoning Pigeons in the Park' Gang, but decided that would be too difficult, so we settled for going cookie caroling.   We glathered (yes, glathered) together at my friend Marissa's house and we made cookies.  Then we selected specific friends and people to go carol to.  We sang a cookie-fied version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"  when we took the cookies to people.  It was quite disappointing when we went caroling and half of the people we planned on taking cookies to weren't even there!! But we had a good time still and we plan on doing this monthly.  We even made a Facebook page called Cookie Carolers.  We promise that anyone to go like the page will get the a visit from the Cookie Carolers!! 

Modesty

       As I was skimming through some posts today on Facebook, I came across a post from a blog the caught my attention.  The title of the post was Modest is NOT Hottest, and I was intrigued as to what was in the article.    I read the article about modesty, and realized where the phrase I have often heard and said was 'not true.'  It was actually quite a good article and I suggest you read it yourself so you know fully where I'm coming from.  Here: http://mylifeasacraig.blogspot.com/2014/06/modest-is-not-hottest.html
     This article was written by a young women and wife, telling how young girls and women need to dress modestly and not try to be hot, or sexy, or sexually appealing at all.  She explains how the phrase is contradicting in the sense that we cannot be modest, by trying to be hot and attract the attention of boys or men.
      I believe so much in the concept of being modest, and it disheartens me every time I see certain girls dressed in degrading ways just to get the attention of boys.  But not only do I dress modestly to keep the young men around me safe from bad thought, but I mainly do it for myself.  There have been times that I have worn a shirt or skirt and have felt so uncomfortable because the neck line is too low, or it's inching up too high.  I dress modestly so that I feel comfortable.  I dress so that I feel protected from unwanted eyes and so that I feel safe and confident.   I don't even know if this makes any sense, but I just want everyone to know how important modesty is to me, and that I think it is so so SO important.  
      I don't normally read the comments on blogs or posts, but I decided to do just that this time.  I was shocked as I kept reading down the comments and sub-comments, how many negative things were said about this wonderful post I had just read and completely agreed with!  So many comments, I felt, try to make our standards, MY standards, sound horrible and bad.  They made my beliefs sound wicked and inappropriate.   I can't help but want to scream that I know that the things mentioned in the actual post and my standards are true!  Dressing modestly isn't just so that we can keep young mens' minds clean, but to also protect what is most precious to us, to me. 
        As I was reading these things, I was reminded of a young man, a dear friend, who showed a high standard for modesty the other day that impressed me deeply.  We had gotten our yearbooks, and a group of us had noticed a picture of a friend (we'll call him Rob) dancing with his preference date.  One of our friends commented saying that it was a good picture of Rob, and asked my friend if he agreed.  My friend replied strongly saying that of course it wasn't, because he was dancing with an immodest girl!  Even though the girl was wearing something that was actually more modest than others at that dance, I was gladdened to here that my friend still realized it to be immodest and inappropriate. 
        I just wish every young man and woman felt as strongly as I do about modesty.  It's one of the most important standards to me. (Of course, all of my standards are important..)  Why get to know a person's body when you can get to know the actual person?   We can all help one another out, and maybe find that eternal companion of our own if we all try a little harder to be modest, eh? 
      Sorry about my confusing rant, but it is my firm belief that modesty should not be considered lightly, but that everyone should exercise being modest to the fullest extent.  Modest is the best way to be!

Bowling

So for my online PE class I have to learn two activities/sports. One of them I chose was bowling. In order to get the needed hours if learning, my family went bowling for FHE. Unfortunately when I put my new bowling knowledge to the test, I did worse than I have in the past with no bowling knowledge! I don't think that's the way it's suppose to work... 

Another thing: My shoes were too big, but my feet weren't small enough for the next size down. And after a few minutes of wearing these shoes, my feet started burning. I don't think that's suppose to happen either....

So, yesterday I had planned on waking up early and then spending my whole day catching up on my online high school courses that I'm four weeks behind on. Instead, I woke up at about nine being told that I had to clean, and then getting a text reminding me that I actually had to go do garden work for Youth Council that day.  I was sorely disappointed when I had to go do this service instead of catching up on my homework. Furthermore, when I finished helping, I called my brother and told him to send a parent over to pick me up. After saying yes and hanging up, I proceeded to wait about 45 min for a ride. Eventually I decided that no one would be getting me and so I just walked home in the heat of the day. By the time I got home, it was a little after one and I was in desperate need of a shower and food. After my shower, I could find nothing to eat, so I just carried on and finally started my online homework. I stayed up until 11:56pm doing online stuff, and only got about two-three weeks worth of stuff done in just one class. Fortunately, the stuff that I still have to complete to be caught up is something that will hopefully be enjoyable. I was to pick two activities from a given list and learn how to do them and then create a video of my demonstrating my learned skill. I chose bowling and social dance. My mom said we could go bowling for FHE, and I thought I could maybe get with some friends at school that know how to dance and would teach me... So, my question got you is: what kind of social dancing should I learn, and who would be able to teach me? I would love any suggestions!

Missionary Prep

    Last night the young women had a missionary prep activity in my ward. We started out on the stage. 4 chairs with a skirt laying on top were situated in front of us. Off to the side there was a chalk board with a map drawn on it. Each girl took a turn putting on a skirt and opening a "mission call" that our leaders gave us. It was written out just like a real call.  When we found out where we would serve, we took a sticky note and put it on our location on the map drawn on the blackboard.  It was quite exciting and interesting to see where girls would serve, even though it wasn't even real. Some girls were called to Germany, France, and England, and some were called to the Philippines and South Africa. I was called to Colombia along with my good friend, Ashley. Our friend Mallory was called to Peru. 

     We separated by continent into groups and went around to different stations of preparation. The three of us girls in my group started by learning about languages and what we should ack in our daily backpack. To be honest, I would take the missionary's load over my own...

    Next we made mini pizzas and emailed people and shared a thought on Facebook, as if it were P-Day. 

    We went on from there to learn how to sew on a button and iron shirts. 

     The last station we went to was with our Stake's sister missionary. There we memorized the scripture John 14:26. If you don't already have it memorized, I urge you to try.  

       We finished the night with a departing devotional where the Sister spoke to us bearing her testimony of pure love for others and how difficult but wonderful her mission has been.  

        Overall it was a fun night, and I learned some new things. Although I don't plan on serving as a full time missionar away from home, I do plan on looking and finding many missionary experiences throughout college and the rest of my life, and I can even apply some of the lessons taught last night to do this. :)

AP Meetings With Meaning

Coming to an AP Test instruction meeting is one of the most entertaining thing ever. I'm not even taking the test, but it was quite enjoyable!  My friends Logan and Dallin, and I sat together. Dallin was the only one actually taking the test, but all of us participated in making fun of the system...haha.... We decided that since they ask for the first 15 letters of your last name, that all names need a Russian prefix to put in front to make sure all boxes are filled in. Who knew that filling in a bubble sheet would be so difficult? (No one, because it's not...). On the bright side, they chose fantastic colors for the sheet: baby blue and light purple are my favs.
"My parents were too in love to finish their bachelors..."
"*face lights up* They want my number?!?!"
"Wait, where are the exits?! ...TMI..."

Too too funny.... :)

And Yet Another Annoying Rant

I just want one night of peaceful sleep. Is that too much to ask?? How can I be expected to function properly when I just toss and turn 3/4 of the night? I just want so badly to be able to sleep without waking up every half hour... Any suggestions on how to fall asleep and stay asleep? I swear I've tried everything...

Pessimist Rant-Please Skip

Sometimes I wonder if I can do anything right.  Fate just seems to be against me at times I guess... Fate wants me to fail, so I do. It's so frustrating. I think that I've got the whole world in the palm of my hand and that everything will all work out one minute, and the next I make huge mistakes and just become so overwhelmed with all the things that have stacked up because of my mistakes. And it's not okay. This week has just been a week of disappointment and today has not made it any better. I'm just done. I'm done with school, I'm done with people, I'm done with life. I just want things to just stop -pause- for just a minute so I can catch my breath and clear my head. Sometimes I wonder if my wants and dreams are worth it.... I really have no idea, to be honest. From now on, my name is Stress. And I hate it. I'm burned out and need a break, but will I get one? No. Not even summer will be a break for me. Instead I'll be doing schoolwork and other busy boring activities 24/7.  Sleep? What's that? A social life? What's that? A happy, carefree life? What the heck is that? 

I hope and pray it's worth it...it better be

... 

Math Mercy

I have made it through another term with a 4.000! I really didn't know if I'd get it this term because my math grade has been sitting at an A- for the past two weeks and there was nothing else I could do. My percentage sat at a 92.43% the last day of term. I had done all I could and had spoken to my teacher. I actually had prayed to my Heavenly Father that all would be well with me, but that I might be shown compassion and grace in my grade. I was content though that all would turn out well because I had done all I could and I had faith The Lord would take care of the rest.  As spring break progressed though, and my grade was unchanging, I began to doubt. I prayed again for comfort and help. My mom checked my grade a while later and let out a shriek. My grade had bumped up to 93.05%. Just barely an A. I'm so grateful for this tender mercy, for I know it was because of my faith and the kindness of my teacher that I am able to maintain the 4.0 that I have worked so hard to keep.

Being a Piano Teacher is Awesome!

   I love teaching piano! Something about it just leaves me happy after every lesson I give. I have the sweetest students who have taught me that with a little motivation, we can do hard things. I was very impressed today when one of my students, who very rarely practices, came prepared after practicing EVERY day this week, plus this morning! To see my students get to put gold stars on their charts is like me getting to put a gold star on a chart too. I love it.  They are such fast learners and so awesome. They just make my week so much easier to get through. :)

   It's no wonder that so many people encourage you to do something you love for a career; it really doesn't feel like work and I love it! 

Misinformed People

I hate when people just jump to conclusions... Or when they just assume things and keep saying things about you even when you constantly tell them that's not the case. I mean, have you ever had a rumor told about you? And people just sort of keep bringing it up and bug you about it? It's frustrating to me... Can't you just keep silent at least? Not say anything at all? I guess not, obviously... I guess all I can do is prove them wrong. 

Is the Stress Really Worth It??

I really don't know the answer to this question. All I've done for nearly the past two or three weeks is stress about homework and end of term and such. I come home every evening after some different event and then do homework until eleven that night. Then I wake up and try to finish anything I didn't the day before and my schedule repeats. I'm stressing myself out way too much, and sometimes I seriously wonder if all the stress is worth it in the end. Tonight though, as I looked through the many assignments I will turn in tomorrow, I was proud with the hard work I put into them, and I think I'm satisfied.  I guess I'll have to just wait and see what the future brings to knows if my hard work, dedication, and stressfulness paid off. Cross your fingers it does!!

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

   We need to do more than just be good people, we must also stand up against things we do not agree with. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has given me certain standards to live by, and sometimes we just need to take a stand for our values and beliefs.  We can't just be good people but not defend our values. It would just make living those standards even harder in the evil world we live in today.
    Take a stand today! Defend your beliefs! Follow the prophets! Don't go astray!

Persistence

"People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to."
~George Allen (whoever that is...)

     I've been told many times that I'm smart, and this really frustrates me. I don't think people really understand the difference between a smart person, and a hardworking, determined person. For the record, I really am not that smart. I just know where I want to go in life, and will keep trying to achieve the things I want because I'm too much of a perfectionist.  People think that just because I have a 4.0, that I must be a genius, when in reality, I just do by best and put all the effort into it as I can. Anyways....don't quit. Keep going. Even though it can really stink sometimes, I think it's suppose to pay off in the end...

P.S.  I really do think that quote fits me to a tee though. I mean, have you seen some of the things that an unimportant and unintelligent person received just because of my hardwork and determination?  I would have never thought I would get Student of the Year...

WARNING-NERD RANT: I am a huge Ender fan. I love Ender's Game and all the books branched off of it. I had vowed to never watch the movie because I didn't want to see this incredibly beautiful book destroyed on screen. Unfortunately, I fell into temptation and watched the movie the other day. Worst. Decision. Ever. I'm just here to tell you, that if you read the book and stay away from the movie, you'll be a billion times more satisfied.
Now, we all know that movies based off books will never be as good as the book itself, so you probably think my complaining and criticizing is pointless, but I guess I just have too high a standard for my imagination.  I want nit-picky details perfect. I was just super disappointed when they screwed so much of the important details up in the movie, I mean, Ender is suppose to be the tiniest kid in the whole place, and in the movie he's a head taller than his bully?!?! It just doesn't make sense!! And also, Bean is suppose to be even younger and even smaller than Ender, but that didn't happen. They put Bean with the totally wrong group of launchies! It's upsetting. Anderson is a man in the book, not a woman. And there is no romance between Petra and Ender! And Ender's  name is not Andrew Ender Wiggin!!!! Ender is a nick-name! Hear that. A nick. Name. Not his middle name.   And at the end of the "graduation battle," as they call it in the movie, they totally messed up who's cheering. In the book, Ender and his team are beat after the battle. They're just plain exhausted and falling asleep, not even caring that they won. Whereas, all the adults and important people are the one's jumping up for joy because they know humanity "won the war."  The movie totally switched that up. Dumb.  And do have to say though, I thoroughly enjoyed Harrison Ford as Colonel Graff. I thought he was one of the best casted people in the whole movie....
Now that I've got so much of that out of the way.... I'll go back to reading my books.

"Ordinary" Girl

So... Hello, I'm just an "ordinary girl" from Utah and I just decided that I wanted a place to put my thoughts, feeling, opinions, and stories. I felt that creating this electronic journal and place for me to put whatever I felt like would be a lot easier for me to get everything that's in me out. It's a random blog that nobody will probably ever read or follow, mainly because I don't have some big inspirational story about a major challenge in my life or anything like that worth reading. I really created this blog about me, for me.

     In case you want to know a little bit about me... I am a fanatic musician. I'm a violinist and pianist. A dancer, a singer, and actress. Bottom line: I'm a performer. I love being in and watching musicals.  I'm a book worm and a nerd. I'm a Doctor Who geek and love Star Wars and all the classic geek stuff such as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and stuff like that.

    I'm a weirdo. I know I am. And the more you get to know me, the weirder and crazier I become. But I love being weird. "It's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."  I live by that quote. 

    I'm one of six kids in my family. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and am proud to be a member of it.  I'm in high school and think it's the best and worst thing ever.