I DID IT!

For those of you who have seen the movie "My Fair Lady" will hopefully remember the scene after Professor Higgins takes Liza to the party at they end.  He, Colonel Pickering and Liza have just returned home and Professor Higgins begins to sing a song where he expresses how proud of himself he is in regards to Liza's transformation.  He exclaims, "We did it!  We did it! ..."  I'm feeling a little like Professor Higgins today, because I was able to create a maxi skirt/dress without an official pattern AND the lack of a sewing machine.  That's right friends and lovelies.  I stitched mine with my own two manos.  (That means hands for you non-Spanish speakers.  Haha.)   Huzzah for me! 

Picture property of Elle Apparel.

I suppose I should disclaimer that while I make it on my own.  It wasn't totally my idea and inspiration.  Thank you pinterest. :)   As I'm uhh... not at home, pictures of my skirt/dress will come later... as I'm sure will a whole slew of these in a million different colors.  You may never see me in pants again this summer! 

In the mean time.  Enjoy dreaming of your next summer comfy project.  I highly recommend it.

Brittish Knees

It's Been a While...

I looked at my blog today and realized it'd been months since I'd last written.  Oops...  To make up for my extended absence, I thought it'd be appropriate to share a semi-funny/happy-ending experience from earlier this week.

Monday night I got ready and went to bed like normal.  Pjs on, check.  Teeth brushed, check.  Contacts out, double check (one for each eye). Prayers said, scriptures read, check, check.  It wasn't until about two o'clock the following morning I realized something was wrong.

It's weird.  I rarely sleep through the whole night.  I often wake up having to use the bathroom or get a drink or something. (I really hope that is normal...)  During one of these "wake-up-sessions" I found myself adjusting my wedding ring, which I sleep with on. (Side note:  I know that you shouldn't sleep with jewelry on, but I've been doing it for years.  Cut me some slack.  Maybe someday when it doesn't fit my finger any more because of water retention or something I'll change my ways, but until then....  it comes with me to bed.)  It was then that I realized it wasn't there.  I was in silent, in-the-dark panic.  It was horrifying to think that it was gone.

I tried to be so quite and not move around so much, as I knew the Hubs had to wake up long before I did.  Let's be honest though, that never works.  I searched my side of the bed, trying to feel for it with no avail.  So I climbed out of bed thinking maybe I'd thrown it during a bad dream.  I used my phone light to look on the floor and this is when he woke up.  Very gingerly he told me to turn on the light and he'd help me look for it.  We moved the bed away from the wall, checked the floor and bed again.  I considered going through the dirty laundry when I remembered something!  The night before I'd been sectioning meat off into smaller portions to put into the freezer to make it more cooking friendly. :)  As I typically do, I took my ring off and .... du-du-du-duh!  I checked my shorts pocket and it was there!  It was a Christma-kuh miracle!!

My ring got put right back where it belonged, on my finger, we turned off the light and climbed back into bed.  As I laid there trying to calm myself down enough to doze back into slumber, the Hubs snuggled up and said, "it's just a thing."  I was touched and so happy he wouldn't have been eternally upset with me had I truly lost it.  What a comfort to be married to someone so wonderful. :)

Life update:  Life is blissful, even though each moment isn't.  We're happy and aside of a couple of colds were in the process of kicking to the curb, we're healthy.  Our families are loving and supportive.  We have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and are eternally grateful for that.  School is going well for Brain and I'm venturing into the world of looking for teaching jobs again.  This summer is going to be a busy one, despite our thinking it would be low key.  Brian has school and an internship this semester and his internship next.  I'm working nearly full time, have girls camp and possible youth conference.  We've got family reunions, a handful of hopeful weekend excursions, Hawaii and more to come.  It's going to be exciting and stressful.  Stay posted for more updates and ridiculous things that I do. :)

Yours truly,
Brittish Knees

Flash back

Earlier this week I found myself reading through one of my blogs (... so I have more than one.  What of it?) and ended up reading (out loud to Brian) all of the blogs I wrote during Brian and my dating, engagement and up to now.  I talked wrote about my apprehensions, excitement, utter joy as I anticipated his official proposal.  It was also fun for him to see how I write.  Not how I write a paper or even really in my handwritten journals.  But that I write and think the way I'd speak.  He was cute to laugh at the funny things and get sentimental about other things.  It was a fun couple bonding activity.  :) 

On a completely different note, it must be February... and my psyche knows it.  It knows that it's time for me to be tired and restless of being in the same place for so long.  It knows that like Brian, I'm tired of this semester and we're both ready for a break.  It knows that I'm aching to visit somewhere else and today that location of choice is Alaska.  It makes total sense since the in-laws will be moving this summer and we'll likely never venture that far north again. (*sniffle*) 

Today I reminisced on the fun we had last summer.  Everything from me freezing (for not really dressing appropriately for the weather), to buying a bathing suit at the end of the season to camping just outside Denali National Park, to endless car rides.  I tried to think of something hilarious that happened there (as I've not blogged about something funny for quite some time) but it was with no avail.  Sorry.

Well, wow... that's it.  Until next time.

Happy Holidays for the Rest of Forever!

I feel like with it being almost Christmas now (which happens to be on of my very favorite times of the year) that I should write a little something about our wedding and my thoughts on the season.

Our wedding day was nothing short of beautiful.  The weather was great, but more importantly we were surrounded by family and close friends as we promised our lives and love to each other and for eternity.  The ceremony was beautiful and I'm so grateful to be married to my best friend.

As I was looking for a new blog background today I thought again about Christmas cards and how I wish I'd have thought to get one together sooner.  Alas.... I got swept up in the setting up of a livable apartment and taking care of a sick husband the week before finals.  (Not to worry, the Hubs is doing waaay better and is just about cleared of the nasty whatever it was.)  I suppose this post will just have to do.

This year has been one of great blessings for us.  Everything from the perfect circumstances and time of our meeting to and unexpected but welcomed invitation to Alaska to a beautiful proposal and a blissful wedding ceremony.  Ultimately our greatest blessing comes from our Savior.  It was centuries ago, in a humble manger that the Savior of the world was laid that humble Christmas night.  Through his life long example of service, love and ultimate sacrifice of the Atonement that we find the way to return to our Heavenly Father. 

Brian and I hope that this post finds you well.  We wish you the merriest of holidays and a wonderful new year. 

With love,
The Olsens

Snow

It snowed today before I left for work.  Normally (and as the season progresses) I have a more negative outlook on the white stuff that impedes traffic, makes me wear shoes that cover my whole foot, and a heavy coat & scarf.  However today it was different...  Today the snow felt magical, romantic and even dare I say welcomed?  While the white wet flakes heavily and quickly gallivanted from the sky to the ground at my parent's home it wasn't after driving for 5 or so minutes that it stopped.

As I've sat at my desk today I've been enjoying the softness of instrumental holiday tunes on my Pandora station.  For some reason it's so soothing.  It makes me want to snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket, a cup of hot apple cider and a good book by the fire as I watch the snow dance to the ground.  Since I can't do any snuggling up to anything but my computer screen it caused me to peaked out a window here in my office, hoping that I'd be able to at least watch the snowfall.  Alas, the clouds are parting and the sky is becoming ever more blue.  I suppose in it's own way, this too is romantic and wonderful.

In a way, I guess I'm anticipating winter this year.  Brian and I will mix and match the traditions we grew up with and create new ones of our own.  This seems like a very blissful and romantic time of the year... more so than normal.  What a new and exciting chapter lies before us.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

While the weather is still fickle about what it wants to be, I suppose my advice would be to find something about it that you love.  Whether it's the smell after it rains, the frigidness of the first snowfall, the warmth of a sunny day or the briskness that comes with the bit of a fall wind.  Happy fall/winter! 

Brittish Knees!

Waaa-ddings!!!

Wow!  I looked at my calendar today and realized that Brian and I have 23 days until our big day is here!!  I almost can't believe it!!!  I'm amazed to see how everything just seems to be coming together and how supportive and helpful so many people are.  A special shout out to all of you. (You know who you are!!)

Well, the dress and tux are arranged for, honeymoon confirmed, invitations are out (if you didn't get one, consider the one posted yours), housing is set, and now we're just finishing up the little details to make our reception beautiful.... okay my mom and sisters have really been heading that up.  (When it comes to small details, I'm totally the wrong person to talk to.  Creativity is NOT one of my gifts.)

Shortly after we got engaged a friend of mine gave me a list of many of the things that are typically done prior to getting married.  As I initially looked at it I was so overwhelmed, even though it was broken down into smaller time tables (four months, three months, two, one, two weeks, one week, day of... you get the point).  I looked at this list again recently as was so relieved to see that we are right on schedule, even a bit a head.  What a blessing it has been to have so many talented people in our lives who are willing to help with the little (yet important) things.

 It's been fun to countdown to our big day and anticipate being with current and meeting new family and spending time with them.  I can hardly believe how quickly it's all coming now - although sometimes it still feels like forever away!  Well, thanks for all of your love support and help, and maybe I'll more pictures and other cool stuff to share in the future. :)  Until then, thanks ya'll and I can hardly wait to see ya at the wedding!

Announcements. Announcements! Annou-n-cements!!!

Since the cat is out of the bag that I'm engaged, and all over facebook I guess I can now share our story:

Brian and I met April of 2011 at a mutual friend's birthday party.  While neither of us paid much attention to the other - beyond recognizing the other to be good looking, we knew we wanted to meet again.  It wasn't until about a month later when I moved into a new apartment with our common friend that as a result of an unreal backache and an intramural soccer game for my roommate that we were able to reconnect.  She's told him weeks prior that I'd been sleeping weird and had a super tight back and one of his shoulder rubs might help.  He agreed and after we chatted through the game I was more than okay with it.

The game ended and Brian and I met up again at my apartment.  We talked for hours that night, then when BYU curfew rolled around (at midnight) he left.  He didn't ask for my number so I thought he wasn't really interested and that we'd just be friends.

That weekend my older brother and his wife were blessing their second son out of state, so I left with my family to spend the weekend with them and celebrate their new little boy.  While I was gone Brian got my number from our friend and called to see if I would be interested in making dinner with him.  I told him I'd love to, but wasn't home.  (I don't remember working out the details then, but I guess we did eventually cause we're now engaged!)  Sometime between then and the following Monday we decided to go out.  We had a good time that night; went to dinner at at Mexican/Salvadorian restaurant and watched a movie (who knows what it was...) and sat on his front porch swing chatting.  We were enjoying what was left of the evening and he put his arm around me.  I wasn't sure if he was just resting him arm on the swing back or if it was really around me... so I down played it and didn't lean into him.  Oh well...

The next day we went out again.  I'm not really sure what we did, because it wasn't near as eventful as what happened as we were heading back to my apartment to say good night.  As he was walking me home he held my hand and I was ecstatic!  Shortly after he kissed me goodnight and from that day on we've seen each other everyday.  It's now been a wonderful three months full of bliss.

After we'd been dating about a month and a half-ish Brian said he'd been talking to him mom and she asked about him bringing me home (to Alaska) in August (after summer semester ended).  After some some personal deliberation he suggested the idea to me... very nervously, mind you.  I could see how nervous he was, so I asked him to give me some time to think about it and not to stress about it too much now.  As the week progressed our relationship continued to grow.  It was then that I knew I wanted to accompany him to see where he'd grown up and meet his parents.

The following weeks were just as wonderful as the weeks prior.  We checked out flights and booked a week long trip for me to meet him up in AK.  The anticipation grew and so did our feelings for each other.  By the time the semester ended and I was driving Brian and on of his roommates (also from Alaska) to the airport, I realized I really did not want to say good-bye.  While I didn't cry as I dropped him off or until we met up again, the days until I would meet him there were nearly torture. 

Finally the day of my departure had arrived and we were both beyond ready to be together again.  I climbed onto my flight calm and collected - and just in time for boarding.  (Phew!)  I had a layover in Spokane and another in Seattle and after missing one of my flights (not my fault!) I finally arrived at the airport in Fairbanks.  I called Brian when we touched down and I was so excited to see him that it didn't dawn on me how tired I really was.  We met curbside and I really can't describe how good it felt to physically be with him again.  Hellos are always wonderful after an absence. :)

Before going back to his folks house we drove up to a lookout point and saw the city at night.  It was incredible.  You could see all of Fairbanks, the University, the military base and some of North Pole (or at least the direction it was headed in).  We didn't stay long as both of us were tired and ready for bed.  Everyone was asleep when we got in, so I grabbed the things I needed to get ready for bed and was quick about it.  I slept sooooo good that night.

The week was absolute bliss.  We went our to North Pole (which is south of Fairbanks... funny huh?), the knotty shop, got ice cream, met loads of people (well, I did), saw a major hub for the bird migration path (Cramer's Field) - which is where Brian did his Eagle project, went to the farmers market, went camping just outside of Denali National Parked and did a few day hikes inside, attended church, played games, went to Chena Hot Springs and the botanical gardens at UAF.  It was a pretty busy week - but so great!

It was Sunday night that Brian and I talked about getting married.  It was totally unplanned for both of us.  While getting married is what both of us wanted I needed some more time to make sure it was right for me.  Brian told me to take my time and that he was in no rush.  (Much appreciated.)  By the next morning I was sure - actually before I ever closed my eyes to fall asleep I was sure.  It was as if someone was saying, "Brittney you already know - you've done your homework, but thanks for asking anyway."

That was really the only day I didn't sleep in (that and the day I left... sorta).  Not because I didn't want to, but because I could not sleep!  I finally decided to not fight it anymore, poked my head out my door to see if his was still shut.  I don't think it was, but didn't really register to me.  Shortly after I made my way downstairs and found him watching a movie and playing on his laptop.  I sat down and snuggled up next to him.  We talked about how we slept and had a bit of small talk.  I couldn't wait any longer, so without any other preface I looked right at him and said, "yes."  He checked for confirmation and I was pleased to provide it.  We decided to not tell anyone else yet, so for the day it was our secret.  When we were alone (which wasn't much because we'd gone to Chena Hot Springs with his parents) we started making wedding plans and continued making them that night while I was packing to come home after we told his folk our good news.

We're getting married November 23, 2011 in the LDS Mount Timpanogos temple.  Our reception will be the day prior, November 22.  Please check our facebook group to ensue we get your address.  We couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of life together!

Just because pictures make everything more enjoyable.  Here's a few of us... enjoying the others company.

BEST NEWS EVER!!

Well, for those of you not on facebook or family members who didn't get phone calls/texts... I'm engaged!  His name is Brian Olsen and we'll be married on November 23, 2011 in the LDS Mount Timpanogos Temple.  More details are to come about how we met and the proposal and such, but for now you and I can relish in the fact that I'll be Mrs. Brittney Olsen.  WAHOO!

Updates

Well, I guess it's been kind of a while since I've posted anything on this blog of mine...  Oops!  I guess July... and August for that matter, was just a busy month.  I can hardly believe they've both come and nearly gone!!

Let's see... what happened this month + a few weeks?

My brother, his wife and their growing family came home for a visit at the beginning of July.  It was so much fun to have everyone close again.  While they were here we went to the 4th of July parade in Provo, had a family dinner (everyone was there - minus my missionary brother who is still serving a mission for our church in Mexico), and just kind hung out.  I love it when our family is so close in proximity.  So much fun!  The grandkids love being together and I love playing with them.  It's a toss up who loves it more, the kids, me, or Grandma & Grandpa.

My family (well, what's left of them at home, so parents and youngest brother) went camping with my dad's family mid-July.  I was supposed to meet up with everyone for the weekend when my engine decided it was time to seize... 4 miles outside of Scipio (for those of you out-of-towners this is just about an hour south of my parent's house.  Translation:  barf!).  So I called my boyfriend, Brian to come to my rescue.  Since then I've been driving mom and dad's car until my new engine can be installed (hopefully this week! Thanks mom and dad).

I'm going to Alaska in approximately... actually nearly exactly six days... to the hour.  I take off on August 16th at 3:15 (or something) to meet up with Brian who will have already been home for a few days.  I'm so excited to get some time with him away from school and work.  Ahh!  A vacation will be the greatest!  It's been much needed for both of us.

I can hardly believe how fast this summer went!  I swear I just moved into my new place in Provo and now it's already time to move out again.  I was thinking back to my grade school days when the summer used to drag on and on.  I remember being excited for school to start up again because then I had something to do again.  I guess all the many hours running through the sprinklers, building forts in the irrigation ditches, nursing injured grasshoppers, and putting loads of miles on my ten speed wasn't enough excitement for me.  I guess I've always been a fan of school... even as a college graduate.

That said, I've been thinking a lot about school recently; particularly because I know I'm not going back quite yet. It's such a strange thought.  I've been a student for a solid 19 years. Well, minus most summers.  I'm not sure how I'll handle that, especially if I'm still working part time.  Ahh!  I just might go crazy.

I guess in a nut shell, that's what I've been up to.  Stay posted, I'm sure I'll have about a million pictures of beautiful Fairbanks, AK in about two weeks.

Until then.  Keep your stick on the ice.

BK

PS. I was once told that post without pictures are boring... so here's a classic of Brian and me at my ward's Sadie Hawkins dance. :)  Enjoy!

Travel Bug

Well I guess it's that time of year again.... I've got the travel bug.  Which means that I'll start checking flights to all kinds of realistic and unrealistic places.  I'll then crave dealing with airport security and the butterflies I get from take-off.

Some of my hopeful to-go's are as follows (but not really in any particular order):

• Washington DC (a bucket list item for the last... 3 years?)
• Hawaii
• Mexico
• Alaska
• Paris, France
• Costa Rica

...and I'm sure others.

So, until I have travel updates or other exciting news...

BK

Reflections from June 2010

It dawned on me the other day, that approximately one year ago I was in Mexico.  I was living amongst a people whom I'd never met, in a culture that was so differently from mine, but whom I loved instantly.  It was an unreal experience that I wouldn't trade for the world.  The feelings I had, the people I learned from and the gratitude I experienced is something that still affects my daily life.  I don't know that I'll ever be so grateful to stand in a shower without shoes on or drink straight from the tap, or have access to free public restrooms.  (Yup.  There are people who are grateful for them.)

Here is a walk down memory lane of my Mexican Adventures from June of 2010:

First day in the village of Bautisa Grande. They had an incredible cultural show prepared for us.  The children were amazing and touched me right from the start.

Ooh!  We got to go around and meet them all... well, rather we let them touch our hands and we took pictures.  They were absolutely adorable!

My ninas.

Teaching in the schools was a beautiful experience.  They were like little sponges that wanted to soak in everything!  The kids wanted to learn English so much.  Later in the week they followed the Spanish speakers in our group around and asked them to tell them the English version of specific words.  We made flash cards for them on the bus ride and left them with the school supplies.  Ahh!  I miss them!

Butterfly and animal puppets

Cute kids at the school

San Cristobal.  This is a view of the city where we lived.

A church in San Cristobal as we walked the markets our last Sunday in Mexico.

Me and Shmance

More of the beautiful city, San Cristobal.

Ah!  We all fell in love with the kids in the village. :)

One of the projects we worked on was a mural that was inspired by the children.  This is the finished, sealed product.  I'm excited to see pics of it in this years trip down there.

This is the school yard. Those buildings in the background are the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms.

More adorable children.

This little guy was a hoot.  He was doing cartwheels and all sorts of other tricks for me.  As I'd take pictures he'd want to see them all.  It was priceless.

More of the school.  This is more typical of what the yard looked like - even during school.

Another project we worked on was digging and laying the foundation for a free-standing bathroom for the kindergarten and pre-k students.  (Those are their classrooms in the background.)  The tarp is covering the hole that was being dug for the well.  YouthLinc partners with a rotary clubs and they provided the money for this project.  The locals provided the manpower.  It was AWESOME!

Our dorms.

Nancy on a... llama?

THIS is where we washed out laundry.  I will never, ever whine about doing laundry.  The water was COLD and I hate starchy butt jeans.

Playing at the playground at La Albarata (the name of the school where we stayed).

Walking to the banos to take pictures showing how short the showers were here.

Yumm!  There are the sinks where we spat when brushing teeth and washed hands.

THESE are the lovely, state of the art showers we used. 

Okay, seriously... Nancy is the only one on her tippy toes.

Our room.  I think it had like 9 bunk beds.  It was a little like glorified girls camp here.

Merritt's and my Chaco tan lines.

Adorable children!

We loved to play games with them.  I think the favorites were Duck, Duck, Goose (pato, pato, gillina) and  Ring Around the Rosie.

Me and my little Victor.  He managed to steal the heart of just about every girl in our group.  He was so tender and could tell that he just wanted to be given attention and love.  I pray that someday I'm able to meet him again.

The reality is, I've been given so much... we've all been given so much. The odds are that you're reading this post on a laptop - not in an internet cafe, which means you have significantly more than the majority of the people in the world and all of the people I worked with in Mexico.  For that you have reason to be grateful.

Remember your blessings please.  Thank God that you've been given so much.  Look for ways to bless the lives of those around you, because you don't have to leave the country to make a difference. My experience allowed me to go elsewhere to love and serve and being among these children and their humble circumstances reminded me over and over that there is a God in Heaven.  He loves his children (whom we all are) and He wants us to come back to Him.  As I watched drunken men come stumbling into the school yard (which is essentially the city center) it became abundantly more clear to me that true happiness is found through the entirety of his Gospel.  I hope that someday when I meet my Heavenly Father again that I can account for the time I've been given with joy as I am able to see what I allowed him to make of me and my abilities to love and serve.

Do your best to make a difference for the better and do what you know to be right. :)

This is Brittish Knees signing out.

Humor, irony... whatever. I call it life.

After my last post I didn't think I'd have anything funny to post for a while (a bit of a let down), then I went country dancing...

A few days ago (well... it was Wednesday, so two days ago) I went country dancing with some friends.  Country dancing is a funny thing; whether or not you dance seems to be feast or famine.  For whatever reason Wednesday was a feast.  I'd not danced with more than 4-5 guys when a young man asked me to dance and during the process of spinning me forgot to bring his elbow back in and my forehead met it... hard.  While the impact was hard, I was mostly just taken back and was able to laugh it off. Thus for a good two days I had the remainings of a goose egg in the middle of my forehead. 

When I got home, I wasn't so sure I was going to be able to sleep because of the headache (which had echoed down into my bone just below my right eye) I could feel developing.  So... I called up a friend who was still awake and we made a late night Macey's run for pain killers and a few groceries.  (Pain killers for me and groceries for him and his roommate.)


Oh... in case you're wondering.  I'm fine. No bruise, concussion, or even amnesia.  All in all, it was a good night.

Moral of the story:  forget keeping your eye on the ball... watch out for elbows.

Humor in the Morning

"Brittney... Brittney... You're date is at the door.  He's ready and everything!"

This is how my roommate woke me up this morning.  This week I was set up on two dates, both for today.  It never really occurred to me to check the AM/PM part of the time... (first mistake).  Thus when 8:30 this morning came and my date came-a-knocking, I was still in bed.

It played out something like this:

*Knock, knock, knock*
"Is Brittney here?"
"Yes, let me go get her."
"Brittney... Brittney.... You're date is here.  He's ready and everything!"
I halfway hear her my wonderful roommate and am terribly confused as to why my date is here at the wrong time then I realize... dun dun dun!:

I READ THE DATE BOX EMAIL WRONG!!! 

I threw my covers off, started digging through my laundry basket of clean clothes and frantically said, "Tell him to give me five minutes!"

I more or less jumped out of my pjs and into jeans and a top, snatched some shoes, brushed my teeth, fixed my hair, threw on a little eye liner and powder, and even sported the specks rather than contacts.Approximately 3 minutes later, guess who was ready?  Oh me.

It's probably a good thing this wasn't a first encounter for my date and I.  We've been friends for a few weeks now, and from what  he was forgiving.  We gallivanted off to breakfast and had a great time laughing about the whole thing.

Moral of the story:  Hilarious things happen in the mornings in our apartment.

15ish Single Adults + Monday Night + Nearly Laughing to Tears = Successful FHE

Every Monday night in BV 10 looks approximately the same.  There are between 10-20 guys and girls squished onto couches, plopped on the floor or uncomfortable enduring hard chairs for Family Home Evening (affectionately known as FHE).  That's right, my calling in my new ward is FHE Mom.  It's been really fun thus far and this last Monday proved to be very exciting.

We have about eight apartments in our FHE group.  Several guys and several girls.  Surprise that there are WAY more girls that come than guys... the men who do come are brilliant!  The odds are completely in their favor.  Why the rest don't come.... I'll never know.

BV 5 (a guys apartment) took charge this week. (Oh how I love delegation!)  We sang a song, that only about half of the group knew - which was fun and had a prayer.  They shared a great thought from 3 Nephi 18 regarding how Satan is always trying to get us, regardless of what our position in the Church is.  We talked about how to overcome his temptations and "enticements".  Well done Men of 5!

We then were introduced to the Sock Game.  Don't let the name fool you, or really the description.  It's probably one of the funnest games I've played - at least since The Animal Game.  Now that I've got you all sorts of intrigued, I'll tell you how to play.  Everyone sits in a circle on the floor in a tight circle.  Legs are bent to about a 90 degree angle and hand/arms go under your legs.  (It gets a little squishy and I think I may have a bruised tailbone, but it was well worth it!)  Several socks are placed into a long tube sock (to make a sort of ball at the end) and tied off.

Here comes the fun part:  one person stands in the middle and as everyone on the floor is passing the sock through each others legs without being caught with it.  The person in the middle doesn't just have to know where the sock is, they have to get it from whoever has it.  Yup!  They get a little grabby and all personal space goes out the window as whoever is in the middle grabs behind legs in search of a sock.

Oh, could this game get any better??  YES!!!!  As per your discretion, the people in the circle can proceed to hit the person in the middle with the sock - you know... taunt them with what they are looking for.  (Sorta reminds me of dating... in a very Provo sort of way.  Hehe...)  The game proceeds in this manner until the person in the middle finds the sock.  Whoever they took it from is then in the middle.  The game continues until either everyone has a turn in the middle or you get tired of playing.

In the many rounds we played there were knees planted in toes and shins and arms under four sets of legs in either direction.  All in all it was a great night with lots of good "Mormon Fun".

For everyone in FHE groups 1 and 3, thanks for a great time!

Brittish Knees :-)

All in the Eye of the Beholder

Perfection.  

A word that is feared, loathed, loved, craved for and for a select few...

it is truly achieved.

Perfection is a funny concept... 

Some would claim that perfection cannot be attained,
and to some degree I agree with you.

Others would attest that perfection can be achieved, 

to this I also agree.  

While some see perfection as an "ideal body"... whatever that means, personality, teeth, ability or inability, character traits, talents,  etc.

I think perfection all lies in the eyes of the beholder.  

You see, while perfection is everything it is to you...I don't think it's always consistent; even to you.  As time, age, and experience all take their toll on life.... it likewise changes the way perfection is perceived.

A Little of This and a Little of That

This post should probably be like 8 different ones, but it's not... It should have also been posted a good month+ ago, but it wasn't.  Oops! Fair warning: given.

I'm always amazing how fast time passes when you're busy.  For six years (yes, count them... six) I have been anticipating graduation and now that the day has come and gone I can hardly believe that life has panned out the way it is.  Today while getting my Praxis scores (just a test that says I was smart enough to take the classes to become a teacher... no biggie.  Haha!) from the School of Ed at UVU, I saw a bulletin board-thingie for graduate students and free GRE prep classes.  Got me thinkin, maybe I'll start a masters program if I don't find a job for this fall.  It's goofy that I've been out of school of approximately two weeks and already I'm seriously thinking about going back.  Ha!  Never thought that day would come, especially this quickly.

On a lighter note, I moved to Provo.  I live in an apartment with four other girls and am loving the experience!  However there are a few things I miss; noise in the morning (our apt is like a tomb all morning... maybe I'll get used to it), my mom's cooking, having a washer/dryer unit, and my family.  All in all life is good.  I've joined a dinner group, which equates to instant friends (right??) and tomorrow we're going on a hike up the canyon.  I'm crazy excited to be up the canyon with new and potential friends.

Other exciting news!  I'm an aunt again!!!  This is number eight for us, and he is ADORABLE!  (As are all of my nieces and nephews... trust me when I say this is unbiased.)  I get to see him in the flesh and hold him in approximately three weeks... but who's counting?

I've come to know (again) that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is where true happiness can be found. The other day I was having kind of a bum day and since I got off work early I went to the temple.  As I was sitting in a pew I started reading in the most recent Ensign (from the most recent General Conference) and found myself more or less bawling tears of joy right there in the temple.  There were only about 5 other people there, yet I didn't feel embarassed at all; just joy and peace.  Ahh!  I love when Heavenly Father blesses me with wake up calls and allows me to repent and come closer to Him.  The reality is, we all need them, and He is just waiting for us to humble ourselves so we can grow and improve.

Well, this is Brittish Knees peacing out!

Things I Love

It's important to share the things you love.  I'm sure that someone way more articulate that me has said it very flowerly and pretty, but well... that's not me.  So here we go!:

• Grapes!  I had them for lunch and they made my tastebuds smile
• Girl Scout Samoa cookies that are made by Western Family!  Bless the person who thought of that!  Carmel, chocolate, coconut and a cookie were MADE to be married together!  Mmmm! :)
• Finding housing.  Happy day!  
• Graduating
• Not really having plans for my future.  I probably shouldn't admit that out loud, but the unknown is a little bit exciting... and repulsive at this moment.
• Traveling.  I've been doing a little reading as of late about various places; Mexico, France, Equador... okay so I've been reading missionary letters, but it's all the same.  I want to go somewhere.
• Spring.  I have a burning desire to be wearing cargo shorts and chacos.  I love those sandals.  Pitty they look goofy with skinny jeans or I would be wearing them right now.
• Good music: Jack Johnson, Truman, Thompson Square, Mo Tab, ahh!  Love it!
• Smiling children.  Currently my wallpaper at work is of some niñas I worked with in Mexico.  They smile at me everyday.  I miss those chillins.
• Letters.  Why don't people write letters anymore?  Maybe I'll bring it back... make it cool again.  Everyone loves getting mail.  Why don't we write other people then?  Hello?!?  What goes around comes around.  That's it!  I'm writing someone today... don't you hope it's you?
• String cheese.  Maybe I should just say food - good food - free good food.  Wait, nope, it doesn't even have to be free.  Just good.  Yum! 
• Being done with finals.  I hate to rub it in the week that classes end but I am completly finished with school... forever unless I get additional certificates or a masters degree.
• A good book.  I'm talking really good.  Maybe I'll read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. 
  

D-Day and More!

It's coming!  It's finally, really, freakishly coming!!!!  The due date for my project is drawing ever closer!!  In fact, it's in two days, four hours and approximately 30 minutes... but who's counting?  Wanna know the best part?!?!?  I'm hoping to be totally 100% done with it today!! Yeah me!  After seriously countless hours I will be a college graduate.  It's gonna be official my friends.  Huz-freakin-zah!

Other awesome things that have happened today:

• I got an oober random text from an old... wait... former roommate (she's not older than me. hehe.) who is moving back to Provo!  Happy day!
• I'm indulging in way too many funeral potatoes that one should eat in a single setting & looking forward to the hot cocoa later this after noon to celebrate conquering a best of a project!
• I'm going to spend approximately 2.5 hours at the BYU library this evening.  :)
• Am wearing a long sleeved shirt and a sweater, I sorta love winter clothes but hate that it's cold outside.  Yeah... we've got a love-hate relationship
• I got a ROCKIN parking spot today and accidentally honked at the man who was un-occupying that spot.  Oops!
• I realized that I can pick up my robes for graduation to-mor-row!! 
• I (well my family) got an email from my little brother who is serving a mission for our church in Mexico.  I sure do miss that kid!  But love him like a zillion times more for the sacrifices he is making.
• This one hasn't happened today... but it will.  I am going to indulge in gas station hot cocoa.  Mmmmm... It's the only way to go.

Anywho, as you can see.  Today has/is going to be a good day.  I hope yours turns out to be just as, if not more lovely.

Peace out Comrades!

-Brittish Knees

P.S. How does one go about getting cool fonts for blog posts?  Keep in mind I'm HTML illiterate. Thanks! :)

Cheese Crackers & Peanut Butter

No one should have to live on those Cheese & PB Sandwich crackers - albeit they are so delicious.  Alas, today I am. This morning all happened so fast and I neglected getting something for lunch to put on the rest of my make up and brushing my teeth (the appropriate thing to do, in my mind).  After zipping up to the airport to drop off family, checking out an apartment (that is approximately 8 minutes from campus - brownie points in my mind!), and hunting through a parking lot for a spot I tripped on my way into work and realized... no lunch.  Huzzah...  So I did what any self respecting, poor almost college grad would do and went to the break room to find something to eat.  Bless.

The Things That Make Me Smile

Today I came to a conclusion:  if you aren't happy with where you are in life, it's your own dag-gum fault!  Thus I'm finding things that happened to me today - or recently - that make me happy.

• Fruit snacks: I absolutely LOVE fruit snacks.  Maybe that is the real reason I've gone into Elementary Education... okay, probably not but sometimes I think the commonality with my students makes a difference.
• Spell check:  There are several words in the English language I can NEVER spell correctly.  One is 'definitely' and the other is 'absolutely'.  Slightly embarrassing, but it's so true.  I love the spell check feature.  It saves me from a lot of frustration.
• Sassy flip flops:  You see, I probably should have been born Mexican (although I am incredibly grateful that I wasn't) because I thrive in the heat.  Someday I desire to live where it snows maybe once or twice... all year.  I can come home to get my fill of the freezing, fluffy, white stuff.  Oh, I love the heat because I can wear my sassy flip flops.  (Yes, today it is approximately 46 degrees and I am wearing them with a skirt.  I'm boycotting winter.)
• Waking up to an empty house:  Okay so maybe I wouldn't love this everyday, but it was nice this morning.  No one told me to get out of bed, I was just awake when my body was ready for it.  Ahh...  Love that!
• Delicious food:  I may or may not be eating lunch and enjoying left overs that my mom made several days ago.  :)  There isn't a whole love better in my mind that food that makes your taste buds "dance and sing!" 
• A Known Future:  No, I have no idea what I'll be doing in a year... okay so I have SOME sort of idea, but my plans are still fluid.  However the though of a known future is still something that makes me smile.  Someday...
• MISSIONARIES:  Oh gosh!  How come this is so far down on my list?  Why did I not think of this sooner???  Regardless, missionaries are one of my all time favorite things.  Since my little brother and best friend are serving missions for my Church it makes me all the more excited to talk about them and what they are doing.  AGH!  I love missionaries!!!
• Being a student:  As goofy as it sounds, I'm kinda sad to be graduating.  I sort love being a student - in a sick sort of way.  I love going to class and even doing awful homework assignments.  It's be strange to not have that anymore.  This is one of the parts of having a career that I'm not necessarily looking forward to. (Oh, 'necessarily' is another word I struggle to spell, although I did it correctly this time. :) )  Maybe THAT is why I'm really going into teaching... then I can still sorta be a student and go to school.  Who knows...
• Traveling!!:  Oh my goodness!  I can't even effectively express my love for going to and seeing new places.  There is something so exhilarating about gallivanting off to a relatively unknown place.   Someday I'll be able to more of it, but for now I'll relish in my past adventures.
• CHICK FLICKS!:  No explanation needed.

Well my friends,  I'm sure you're done reading about all the strange and wonderful things that I love.  I encourage you to look for the things in your life that make you happy - even the small things like fruit snacks. :)  Have a great day and thanks for reading!

Brittish Knees