So I've been trying to come up with a week's worth of easy, fit and healthy meals.
Swimsuit season's coming up, is it not?
For lunch I opened the fridge and grabbed whatever the heck we had.
A tub of spinach, some eggs, some sweet peach and pineapple salsa, and some wheat bread to toast.
I only used the egg whites (I hate to waste, but when sexy was made, yolks weren't involved).
This was super easy, super fast and kept me full.
I'd love to try this with bell peppers or chopped tomatoes inside.
There are tons of alternate ways to make this if spinach isn't your thing.
The last few days have been filled with a lot of stress as I wait for my final grades.
It's like every time I check to see if they're posted, a chunk of hair falls out.
So what if my grades aren't as good as I hoped...I could just go to....nail school.
No one wants their nails done by someone who is stress-balding and can't even speak Vietnamese.
What was I thinking.
You see, this semester's grades determine whether I get to keep my full ride scholarship or not. There's been so much pressure to perform well in classes. Speaking to students throughout the year about how easy they have it, to be able to have parents who pay for anything and everything, and those students who are struggling and have a bunch of loans out already, has made me thankful for where I stand in all this. To understand how hard work results in hard earned success is something I am thankful for.
And with all this, I realize there is no such thing as luck, at least the way we use it.
"Luck is preparation meeting the moment of opportunity. Every single thing that has happened in your life is preparing you for the moment that is to come." - Oprah Winfrey.
She's like legendary or something.
After times of stress and trials, I normally feel compelled to reinvent myself.
A new project gives me the push I need to move forward with a fresh mind.
And why not have a reason to celebrate getting through school?
So since I plan on living at home for a while, I want to reinvent my bedroom.
Just some fun ideas...
I just owe all 8 of my followers (and those who maybe creep my blog and don't follow (; ) a big apology for being incognito with posting.
It takes mad discipline to keep it up, props to you guys and your fun and crafty lives.
But my oh my, do I have news for you.
So now that spring semester is out, I have moved back home for the summer.
Moving home isn't exactly every college student's glory moment, but hear you me, I am counting my blessings that it worked out this way.
I had originally planned to rent a house with three other girls, but one thing lead to another and I no longer felt comfortable in that living situation. Backing out wasn't an easy thing to do, given that it was last minute and everyone was left unprepared. I suffered a lot of repercussions from doing so, but I feel incredibly happy with my decision in the end and know it was the right thing.
I am so thankful to my mom and my soon-to-be stepdad, Aaron, for their support and help in getting me out of a messy situation. I understand now the importance of following my gut and trusting in my prayers, that they will always be answered, and in the end, everything will be okay.
All my stuff has been hauled out of the dorms and packed into my small room at home.
Maybe if I'm lucky, my mom will let me move into the basement.
That would just complete my cool I-live-at-home existence.
But it's free, and the food is good, and I feel loved.
Now I can save money to buy a new car, and maybe move out with my bestie, Miyuki.
...Love that idea.
So, here's the start of my summer.
I don't usually watch TV, but I HAVE TO watch Animal Cops. It's my coffee in the morning; gets me through the work day.
This morning's episode was extra good.
18 inches of straight up dog poop caked all over this woman's carpet. DAMN YOU, SUSAN! What were you thinking letting 50 dogs take over your house?! The woman has to sleep on the porch.
It's comparable to watching the Jazz game, really.
Aside from working 38 hours a week, this summer has potential to be amazing.
My mom is getting married in Hawaii in June, and is taking my brother and me.
Not only is this HAWAII, but it is also my birthplace and the islands in which my parents met and were married.
It's funny that a place with such a strong history for my mom and dad would be somewhere she would want to go back.
It's also funny that my dad took his new wife there on a honeymoon just a month ago.
It's almost like they both wanted to go back to start over.
Cheers to their new lives.
Cheers to a successful first year at the U.
Cheers to this sassy British ginger who wonderfully covered an originally wonderful song.
More to come!
My mantra for the past week: "What I lack in facial complexion, I make up in fashion selection"
I've been punished with awful skin since the SIXTH GRADE. Sixth.......grade.....Please, Buddha, I need this. I've been a good monk. I never leave rice in the bowl. Boys actually matter in college.
A few additional things:
1.) I just paid $1.29 for a song that's 2 minutes long. I'm trying to be a good citizen and stop pirating my music. I can't take it, Ingrid Michaelson wasn't worth it. No returns?
2.) I understand that Valentine's day is this week. I have a dentist appointment this day and an exam. That's how significant it is to me. We don't talk about it.
3.) School is...kinda cool this semester. Wait, I said that? No class on Fridays is the bidness.
4.) PINTEREST IS THE STEALER OF TIME AND SOULS. I love it so much.
5.) LIVING IN A ROOM LOCATED PRECISELY BY THE STAIRS IS THE DEVIL'S WOMAN.
6.) Where have all my friends been lately? Bless their souls.
7.) Four pockets full of mission calls, hours of apartment hunting, and Tina Fey's biography (READ IT!!)
I'm done creeping everyone else's blog, now I feel the need to take up some digital space.
It's so great to hear all the good news from all my blogging friends!
I'm very happy for you guys!
Married life, engagements, food, jobs, the gospel, friends and fun.
Did anyone else in SLC notice white death falling from the sky?
I'm crossing my fingers that this Sunday sunshine will melt it off my car in time for me to drive to work tomorrow without having to scrape.
I FRIGGIN' HATE SCRAPING MY CAR.
It's in every conversation.
It's what I think about 24/7.
I'm just whittling soap bars and mumbling curse words about it while my eyes roll back into my head and foam spews out of my mouth.
I hate it so much.
Despite the epic storm last night, I was able to have a great time at the Crystal Hot Springs with some of my good friends.
What better way to get out of the cold than to soak in hot, steamy minerals!
...Let's be honest, it smelled like eggs and there were a lot of scary old men.
But on the other hand, it was much nicer than other springs out there.
Chugging up to Ogden in a mini cooper in white-out conditions was super sketch, but with the power of men and four wheel drive, we were able to traverse the death-laden freeway.
We probably got some STD's in our feet from the overly-moist and moldy bathroom floor.
I'd definitely go back.
Well geez, what's been up with my life lately.
I discovered that 90's house parties are so sosooso great.
The clothes, the music, the house-party-ness of it all.
My mother got a Facebook account.
She has maybe 5 friends and posts all these super hideous photos of me from 3 years ago.
I just cry about it.
I was so unstylish and chubby. The Facebook account has to go.
Connections are always nice, especially when it comes to shopping.
My friend Alex works at Urban Outfitters and has been kind enough to extend his employee discount to me.
However, I still managed to spend 80 bucks....on 3 items.
Typical Urban experience; I hate myself.
I'm feeling shopper's remorse and plan on returning some things.
At this time, I'd like to push Alex's newborn blog into your souls.
First of all, happy new year to all, and to all a good night.
Isn't that just rad?
I thought of it just now.
Christmas and New Year combined into one glorious, heavenly, holiday baby.
Okay, not really that rad.
Mom is now engaged to her boyfriend of 2 years. He proposed on Christmas morning. He got me a GPS for Christmas. Buying my love is one way to win me over... But really, he's a good guy. They have tentatively planned their wedding date for sometime in june/july.
One semester down, a new one to go. We don't talk about my grades. We just don't. Tackling 16 new credits. 5 new classes. 1 more semester with my room-hate. 1,000 new ways to kill myself.
Snowboarding for the first time. Soreness in every muscle of my body and crevasse of my butt. When you're an adult and taking lessons from the "Learn to Turn" program, you feel like a major wiener. So judge me, 12 year olds. I actually had fun.
Christmas party, as well as new years, with the wonderful babes in my life.
Paying $15 to go to the UVU Newphoria bash....not the most mind-blowingly fun new year experience ever. But seeing these girls was well worth it!
Bummer of the night: right as I entered into the land of Orem, I got a text from my good friend Dan. He wanted me to be his date that night to go bowling with a bunch of friends!
CURSES! I says to muhhself.
I miss Dan dearly, I only wish I didn't' already have plans that evening.
If I had gone with him, the chances of me scoring a New Year's kiss would have been relatively high according to my research...I studied the logistics and analyzed the approximate geometry of the stars and probability of our lips meeting and all...you know. Science.
There's always next year!
Last but not least, I got to spend some quality time with Miyuki!! Always good. Especially when Myung-Ga, family dinners, the ginger app, and Crazy, Stupid, Love are involved.
I hope you all set some "goals" for the new year, cause let's be honest, "resolutions" are diets people keep for three days and the dusty elliptical sitting unused in your basement. Right?? I'm just bitter.....well, whatever you like to call them, I wish you the BEST of luck! :)
Some of my goals:
- REGULAR ATTENDANCE AT CHURCH (Including full tithing payment and fasting!!)
This is a big deal.
No more of this "Oh it's 7:30 am, Im going to be a wuss bag and sleep in."
December 2011 was actually the first time I ever fasted; need to keep it up every month!!
There will come a time when your bishop asks you if you're a full tithe payer, and you'll poop in your Sunday's best. Not this year, I bought some Depends.
-SERVICE. SAVING. SELFLESSNESS.
I admit that I've been very selfish and greedy in my life. Whether it's asking for Christmas gifts from my parents or even just buying myself clothes or useless things, I need to grasp the concept of SAVING! I'm growing up, there's going to come a time when I'll have bills to pay and a family to support; it's time to start building good habits! I've also failed to be charitable in donating extra money and offering my services to those in need. I plan to be involved in plenty service work this year. I feel like a guilty jerk.
-BETTER ATTITUDE.
Yes, I have sassed my mom before. A lot, actually. I realize now how GRATEFUL I am to have her in my life and how much she sacrifices for my own happiness. I need to reciprocate and be a support system for her in return. I've always kinda been a negative nancy, haven't I? There's no better time to change than now.
Please harass me and get on my case about these goals until the next new year.
I was lucky enough to be a part of Jessie's Third Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.
I'm super exclusive now!....But I'm not excited or anything; that's too mainstream.
There was a to-die-for dinner and dessert made by Jessie and friends, crafts, games, gift exchanges, and, to our viewing pleasure, "Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging."
"Brett is so hot!"
I wish I knew what this was about.
Megan, if you're reading this, I just macked on the shirt you got me for a solid 5 minutes.
With tongue.
Is that weird? Course not. I love it that much. Thanks again!
I had way too much fun.
Jessie is a great hostess.
All the girls were too funny.
I still want to be Emilee.
Feast upon my photos.
Beautiful Jess!
The shirt Megan got me! (The best time to wear a striped sweater.... is all the time.)
Just some strange things that have been running through my peanut of a head.
Something's wrong with my face.
I can't stop breaking out.
Now that Im at home for three weeks, I can isolate myself in my house and put a medley of creams on.
Woe is me.
Aside from the acne, it's just great to be home.
I'm finally eating yummy homemade meals and watching some much needed TV (I live for MTV'S Made and True Life. CLASSIC.)
Can't get over the fact that my mom only has 2% milk in the house now.
Gag. Too creamy.
On the other hand, my pantry looks super cool now.
It's chock-full of organized food.
We have enough mac & cheese and Campbell's soup to last us months in case a freak natural disaster ever occurred.
Right above my brother's bedroom door, there's this gnarly, dead spider.
It's been there for, oh, maybe TWO MONTHS.
He explained to me that he doesn't just kill spiders, he OVER-kills them because he hates them so much. The dead spider is supposed to be a warning to all other spiders.....Goll, what a spazz.
How he reached above his door frame to kill the spider, I don't know.
Why he still hasn't cleaned it up after so long, still don't know.
Will it even come off the wall anymore? It's super crusty. Ew.
American media has issues.
Since when did PG-13 become R, and R become rated XXX.
Too many nudey parts and fudge bombs.
Which are supposed to make amazing movies, no?
There's only so much of Justin Timberlake I wanna see.
Which is mostly NONE of him, since he has Ramen for hair and unattractive everything (right, Miyuki?!)
Guess I'll just watch the Disney Channel the rest of my life.
Have you ever wanted to listen to The Cranberries, search Nacho Libre quotes online, and just laugh to yourself alone in your room?
"I ate some bugs, I ate some grass, I used my hand, to wipe my tears."
"Beneath the clothes, we find a man...and beneath the man, we find his....nucleus."
Ha. haha. Ha.
One more week of finals left and I am home for three weeks!
I am so excited, I can't concentrate for more than 10 minutes at a time.
I'll say that I need a "break" from studying and all of a sudden it's taken me an hour to eat a snack and then somehow I'm searching Nacho Libre quotes.
Aside from studying, today was great.
I actually received my patriarchal blessing early!
It was sicky sick.
But you know what I hate?
That I'm so....sensitive.
I get all red-faced and misty-eyed over things. Ridiculous things, mostly.
Whether it's puppies, beautiful sunsets, the Notebook, the doctors, public speaking, when I'm nervous, scared, embarrassed, uncomfortable...etc. Hahaha.
So of course, I brought the water works today when I was asked to share my testimony.
"Blublublublub JESUS CHRIST blublublublub I, I, I blubberblubbering He's just so COOL waaahh."
Okay, it didn't really sound like that. But pretty close.
Goll, I'm so weird.
Awesome day, regardless.
So, last night, while I was supposed to be studying, I put these nail stickers on.
It took me 30 minutes, when I could have painted them in five -_-
I got this idea to paint a coat of colored nail polish over them, so you can still see the design through. Haven't done it yet, but I'll let you know if it works!
After coming to the conclusion that I wasn't built for cleaning bums and feeding pudding to toothless elders (Preposterous!! I thought everyone liked that?!), I don't think I can manage taking the final exam.
I fight with myself daily. It keeps me up at night. Am I going to do this or not?
The permission form is in the envelope, ready to be mailed.
$70 in my checking account, waiting to pay for the exam fee.
It's been 5 months since I took the course. The 6th month is the deadline. Its crunch time.
I don't plan on ever being a CNA now, so what good is the license for?
Do I remember anything I learned? I only recall the gory visuals having to do with bedsores and STD'S.
If I don't take it, it will have been a big waste of money and time.
If I fail it, it will be more waste of money and time.
If I pass it, my license is going to gather dust.
I called my dad, pleading for guidance.
"Well Karen, you're gonna have to make the decision."
So many of which regarding church and progress with my spirituality; I just feel so compelled to share with you guys.
Today, I fasted for the full amount for the first time EVER. Gold star, please.
What is so amazing is that I do not feel hungry or sick, and I didn't even pass the heck out like I was so worried that I would. This experience is proof to me that Heavenly Father lives and that He will help you overcome anything when you pray and strive to be a better person.
I was also able to be a visiting teacher for the first time last month. It's such a great feeling to know that you are the person someone can come to when they're struggling or even when they want someone to share happiness with. I am thankful for the kind, sweet girls I visit teach.
Since I didn't share my testimony in church today, or with anyone ever before for that matter, I feel now's a good time, eh? It's like I'm telling you a secret. (Remember those commercials for those electronic diaries where you have to push a button and say a password, like "Boys drool." and your little brother would try to break into it, but he'd rather use force than say a password? Boys are kinda dumb.)
So, let's be serious, guys. For like, two seconds.
YOU, JESSIE WITH THE FACE! Serious time!
Okay.
Ready?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the raddest and truest church on this earth. I have witnessed many of the blessings you will receive when you keep the Gospel in your life and I know I wouldn't have been able to experience these things if I had continued being inactive. I know that I will see my wonderful grandma, and all my family, again someday and that our death on earth is only just the beginning of our eternal life. I love the power of repentance and it's necessity to the church. I'm grateful for all the friends I've met who have shared their testimonies with me and have answered all my questions; they never made me feel silly or not good enough; they were the little missionaries who gave me strength to go back to church. I know that the atonement is REAL and that amazing things WILL happen when you hold fast to the path Heavenly Father has prepared for you. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Now, for the last first of this post:
I went on a date with a BYU boy.
Who is very opinionated.
And likes lizards.
Seriously, his family has a reptile business. Which is cool for him and all. But It irks me.
My good friends Cec and Daryl were kind enough to set me up on a date with this guy who I met at our bulgogi party a while ago (in a previous post). I thought he was a hunk.
Is it weird that he was wearing the exact same outfit that I first saw him in? Maybe a lot of boys do that? I wouldn't know since I go on a date once every other blue moon.
We went to Subway for dinner and then saw the movie "In Time," which had it's funny moments.
There was a scene where Amanda Seyfriend and her sassy bob was telling her lover, Justin Timberlake, that their time was almost up:
"What do we do now?"
One of the guys sitting in front of us whispered, "Let's make-out."
And Lo and behold, the actors made out.
So funny.
Is it sad that that was the best part of my night?
A few weeks ago I had to take a health evaluation for my nutrition class.
My roommate's trippin' cause we have the same percent body fat.
Should this be a big deal? No, it should not be a big deal.
She looks at me weird now.
While in the cafeteria tonight:
"I just don't get how we have the same amount of fat. I mean, I work out so hard and eat so heathy, and you don't work out hard and eat dessert everyday."
In my mind, "...is she calling me fat? What a dou....oh, they have a dessert table tonight!"
While shoveling pecan pie in my face, "Yeah. So weird."
I guess Jillian Michaels doesn't have any advice for that one, sugarlumps. Bummer.
It's funny how much my pie tasted like KARMA washed down with some ice cold WHAT, WHAAAT.
Anywhoser, the date for my patriarchal blessing has been set for January 7th!
I am so excited!! But it's unfortunate that I can't bring my good friends :( The Patriarch said the room was too small. So.... exclusive people only aka the Patriarch, his wife, and my parents.
I don't know what this has to do with my post. I'm just in love with these people.
Has anyone else noticed that Netflix online is completely worthless?
I typed in all movies of interest that came out within the last 20 years and not a single one is available to watch online. Blasted, DVD only.
Only movies from the 60's are available online. Are 60's movies good? No one cares.
This is not service with a smile. I want to stream. STREEEEEEEEAM.
S T R E A M.
Obviously I'm still in Ely, and there still is nothing to do except eat.
I did run 3 miles this morning in preparation to eat some more.
Things I've discovered:
"Santa Clause is Coming to Town" is the scariest christmas song ever.
You will never get the butt you want by sitting on the butt you have.
Nevada weather is excellent. It's so dry here that I haven't had to wash my hair in 3 days.
Furthermore:
"Dad, I want to go to fashion school."
"No."
Now I will become a closet designer and make obscure, unwearable things because my father never let my potential talent blossom.
You inspire me, Emilee Rose Dyer.
However, I've been feeling extremely crafty since I've been here and have been getting my Christmas ideas and gifts together.
Wrap your weave around THIS:
Homemade Christmas cards and crafts made by my own bare hands.
Creepy? Not creepy. My hands are golden.
It's a good season to be on Karen's nice list.
I was thinking about making some headbands and maybe pillows also. Too many things! My hipster friend Leah gave me the idea to make these. She's so funny; we were helping to make dinner the previous night and she informed me that chopping cilantro is referred to as "Shammanah-ing the cilantro."
Population: My relatives and the biker gangs who frequent Hotel Nevada.
Party party partaay.
This is our Thanksgiving getaway.
I come for the 10 pies, homemade rolls, and to keep the good times rolling.
My belly rolls start rolling...what?
Except that this year, my dad has invited his lady-friend...cringe.
No, Cringe is not her name, but I wish it was. I'd feel better about myself.
I haven't met her yet. But now I not only will get to meet her; I'll basically be living with her for two days. My aunt is making her her very own pilgrim table name card.
What's the big whoopty poopty?
This is weird. It's like she's already part of the family. They've been dating for 3 months.
I keep telling myself that I'll just run my feelings away at the little 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day.
So fast. Running. Fists punching the air. Lungs crippling. Face in pure agony. I'm lightning.
I'll collapse on the finish line, first place of course, collect my winnings, spray gatorade on the crowd of bikers that came to support. I disappear into the wilderness, punch grizzlies and eat berries like I learned from Survivorman. Happy Thanksgiving to me.
