The Evergreen State

It's that time in the semester when everyone starts getting excited to go home. Finals are here and freedom is just around the corner. I, however, am not going home. I don't want that to sound depressing. I am actually super excited about staying for another two months, but I do miss home a little bit. So I am going to dedicate this post to the beautiful state of Washington. 


I love Washington! I love the attitude. I love the people. I love the ocean. I love the mountains. I love the trees. I even love the rain. I saw a post on facebook about the ways that you know you are from Washington. They come from Jeff Foxworthy and I just though I would share/ comment on them. So here we go.

1) If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Washington.

I am not sure if this is because everyone is super friendly and helpful or because we all know so much about yard work, but it's definitely true.

2) If you've worn shorts, sandals and a parka at the same time, you live in Washington.

This is me pretty much every time I go to the beach...

3) If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone... who dialed the wrong number, you live in Washington.

Yes...

4) If you measure distance in hours, you live in Washington.


Seattle is 1.5 hours away from my house. I have no idea how many miles!

5) If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Washington.


Bahahahhahaha. YES! The Lola aka the hooker mobile....

6) If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day, you live in Washington.


Springs are so bipolar. Sunny one hour, pouring rain the next.

7) If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Central, Southern, or Eastern Washington.


I am not from any of those places.

8) If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over 2 layers of clothes or under a raincoat, you live in Washington.


I had so many beautiful costume that couldn't be seen because they had to be covered by a coat. Then I discovered the magics of a cloak...

9) If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow and ice, you live in Washington.


Maybe in Eastern Washington?

10) If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Washington.


I actually disagree with this one. I think the seasons are rain, rain, rain, and slightly sunny. Summer really is not that rainy in Washington. Also, the road construction in Utah is infinitely worse.

11) If you feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash, you live in Washington.


This is so true! At my house our recycling bin is bigger than our garbage can, but the recycling in my apartment sucks. At first I tried to separate everything, but it was too much of a hassle.

12) If you know more than 10 ways to order coffee, you live in Washington.


I don't even drink coffee and I can think of at least 12.

13) If you know more people who own boats than air conditioners, you live in Washington.


Very, very true. I remember when we bought a small swamp cooler for my house. It's only turned on for two weeks of the year.

14) If you stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" signal, you live in Washington.


I never realized how polite pedestrians in Washington are until I moved to Utah. Here when I cross the street and wave to the drive people look at me funny.

15) If you consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it is not a real mountain, you live in Washington.


YES! These mountains in Utah are like foothills. There little and they don't always have snow. I guess I have just been spoiled by Mt. Rainier.

16) If you can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and Tullys, you live in Washington.


Maybe I can't taste the difference, but I think I can smell it.

17) If you know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon, you live in Washington.


I am pretty sure that every science class I had in elementary school had a section just on salmon. 

18) If you know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Wenatchee, Spokane, Umpqua, Yakima, and Willamette, you live in Washington.

Are the really that hard? I would also add Chehalis and Enumclaw to the list.

19) If you consider swimming an indoor sport, you live in Washington.


Why would anyone want an outdoor pool they can only use for about a month.

20) If you can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food, you live in Washington.

Once again, very true.

21) If you never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho, you live in Washington.


I am pretty sure that our camping backpacks have a never ending supply of these.

22) If you have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain, you live in Washington.


I don't like biking, but this is true for the rest of my family.

23) If you think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists, you live in Washington.


Agreed. People with umbrellas should just suck it up unless they are going to be outside for an extended period of time.

24) If you buy new sunglasses every year because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time, you live in Washington.


I didn't even have sun glasses for the longest time.


Well I just love Washington and all it's quirks. It is just so awesome and unique.

The beautiful capitol city I call home.

Life Goes On

Well I figure it's about time for a life update. I haven't had a serious post in a while and SO much has happened. So here we go.

Food: I haven't been cooking new stuff quite as much recently, but I still have some things I am proud of.

My first attempt at making my grandma's famous cinnamon rolls.

Parmesan and pepper asparagus. Yum!

Apparently people think I make good sandwiches...

English muffin pizzas.

A totally experimental pizza burger. Actually decent.

Color Me Mine: For Ellyn's birthday my roommates and I went and painted ceramics. It was super fun and I love my plate.

Jordan and I with our creations!

The Festival of Colors: During the first weekend of spring the Hare Krishna temple throws this giant festival. Everyone goes and throws colored corn starch at each other. It's supposed to be a religious hindu event, but it being in Utah it ends up being all Mormons. I hate the feeling of breathing in the colors, but it is ever so fun. 

Chad and I before the throwing.

After the throwing.

I love this one.

The whole crew.

Love these two.

The colors make me a little strange...

The Hunger Games: Gah! I love those books and I love the movie. Peeta is wonderful. Enough said.

General Conference: I have never been so reliant on the Lord in my life. Everyday I feel so overwhelmed, confused, and stressed. And everyday I just fall to my knees and pray. Going into conference feeling this weak really made me see it completely differently. I got so much out of the messages. I feel like so much of it was just for me. I am so grateful to have living prophets to listen to. I am so grateful for this opportunity to grow closer to my Savior. And I am so thankful for the optimism I received from general conference. Here's a few of my favorite lines:

"You have not traveled beyond the divine reach of God." - Elder Holland

"Stop it!" - President Uchtdorf

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." - President Monson

City Creek / Temple Square: While the guys went to priesthood session the girls went shopping at the beautiful new City Creek Mall. It was hands down the nicest mall I have ever been to. Getting there was a little sketchy. The guys dropped us off in an abandoned parking lot where were chastened by a security guard... We also spent a little time at temple square. I love that place. It is always so beautiful and the spirit there is incredible.

I love this building!

Check out our awesome outfits.

Fun. concert: I got to go to my first concert ever! We went to see Fun. Most of you probably know their song "We Are Young." They were incredible live. I am obsessed. Also, shout out to the guys who gave me piggy back rides so I could actually see.

Rockin' our colored pants before the concert.

Obviously the stage.

Looking a little scary during the concert.

Well that's all for now... Only two and a half more weeks until the end of the semester and then I am free!

Some Tips From the Flirting Doctor

So in the wake of Kathryn's leave of absence I was the stand in moral support for Jordan's love life. As her temporary consultant I came to realize that I have a gift.  I am naturally gifted with flirting. I have the ability to make any guy like any girl. I am like the female Hitch. Want my consulting service? That'll be $1000 per hour (I have to make money for Italy somehow). I know that most of you common folk cannot afford my very exclusive services so I have deigned to offer some of my very best advice for FREE. Free you hear, not even buy one get one free. It is all free! Be excited!

Picture for my new order of business cards? I think yes!

Tip #1: Be Awkward
Awkwardness is endearing. Seriously. Just be you. Social awkwardness is memorable. How could a guy forget a girl that completely catches him off guard with her weirdness? SO the next time you face a doorstep scene remember that it's ok to stumble over your words and say socially unacceptable things.

It's important to flirt, but awkwardness goes a long way.

Tip #2: The Elbow Skin Grab

One time I was at a game night and a very nice young man reached over grabbed my elbow and played with my elbow skin. While nothing came of this incident, I must admit that I was quite impressed with his flirting techniques. The elbow skin grab gets attention. It's different and it is ever so personal. I dare a man to reject a girl who knows how to work the elbow skin. 

Tip #3: Put the Man Down

Men always want you to think that they like to have their ego inflated, but they lie! Men really appreciate a woman who can fling insults with the best of the mudrakers. As you attack them with a barrage of degrading comments they will be impressed with your ability to control the situation. So before your next date prepare your best jibes. Remember, it's ok to practice on your roommates. 

Tip #3: Formulate Overly Romantic One-Liners

The one-liner is ever so important. It compacts all of your feelings into one powerful punch. Some say that spontaneous romanticism is best, but I argue that a line well crafted is far more agreeable. Practice in the mirror to ensure that your delivery is oozing with romantic goo. Here's a few of my favorites to memorize and utilize:

My love for you is like diarrhea, I just can't hold it in. 

You are the dew drop of my affection.

Of all the stars to wish upon I'd fix my fondest dreams to you (said while star gazing).

The silence between our hearts has continued for far too long. I can no longer bear the beating of my unconquerable feelings for you (proceed to bare all feelings).

Tip #4: Talk About Bananas

I cannot emphasize this tip enough. Bananas are the universal fruit. They are so relatable. I mean "oh the life of a banana!" Mention of bananas makes everyone feel comfortable and safe. Bananas are yellow, a color know to create positive thoughts. So the next time you want to break the silence try saying "I like bananas." You'll get the guy, guaranteed.

Well this concludes my free dating advice. For more tips see pricing previously indicated. Best of luck with all of your LOVE situations. Here's a quick snapshot of a counseling session with me.

Green, Green, Green, and Some Soda

St. Patrick's day has never been particularly eventful for me. In elementary school it was a day of pain. How many times can you get pinched in one day? I will tell you, a LOT! In middle school and high school it was just another day. In college when most typical college students are partying their little guts out I figured I would sit and enjoy a clean, mormon style day of green. That's how it was last year... This year, however, it was CRAZY. The parties were rocking, or shall I say shamrockin'.... Haha, bad joke.

Well actually, not all of it was crazy. After a very hectic week full of VERY early mornings. I slept in and lounged around the house until about 12:30. Amazing! I love Saturdays where I don't have too much to do. Then I went and hiked the Y with the ever lovely Kathryn and Jordan. I always forget how hard that hike is. It's just a mile, but it is a mile up the cliffs of insanity. Then the obligatory Saturday trip to the grocery store.

The craziness started that night. My apartment was invited to two parties (I know, I know, so popular...) and we were pretty excited. The first party was a pretty chill dessert party. All of the food was great and it was nice to talk with some people that I don't usually get the opportunity to chat with. BUT the next party was a whole new experience... We showed up and they had made a wooden (ok cardboard) pub sign and covered all of the lights with green. It looked awesome. It turned out that this party was a drinking party, not the sort of thing I am used to. I should clarify that we were drinking soda, but you have to admit Sprite and Dr. Pepper are pretty hardcore. There were a lot of different drinking games, all of which involved a disgusting amount of chugging. I don't drink a whole lot of soda to begin with so this was a whole new level. By the end of the night everyone was so sugar high and a little queasy. It may sound weird, but it was SO fun. From yelling to dancing to creepy tall men the whole thing was hilarious. To my non-mormon friends this may seem strange and you're right it is, but it was unbelievably fun. Now for some pics. Just a warning I look possessed in all of them...

Jordan and I with the GIANT mugs. I drank that whole thing of Kool Aid. Yuck!

The Beautiful Pub

The best drinking team at the party...

I think it's safe to say that no one will be drinking any soda for a LONG time.

Only at BYU!

Gratitude

Well it's that time of the semester again... I have a ton of papers due and a bad case of writer's block. Once again I am turning to blogging to solve this problem. This time I shall refrain from writing letters to the guys in my life and instead be grateful for some of the many things I have been blessed with.

1) The Gospel. This blesses my life in pretty much every way possible. I would not be who I am without it. I am so grateful that I have loving parents who taught me the truth. I am so grateful to have a Savior that literally understands everything I am going through. I am so grateful for the hope and undeniable optimism of the gospel.

2) Family. I have an awesome family. Being away at college really has a way of making you appreciate them more. My parents are so smart (Mom. Yes! I admitted it). My brothers are so fun. All of my extended family is wonderful. A week and a half ago I had the opportunity to see my grandpa and my great-grandparents. It was so nice to get to talk to them.

3) BYU Family. In high school I remember thinking that I had the best friend group ever and thinking that we were about as close as we could get, but it has nothing on my BYU group (I still love the nerd herd though). I love these kids here. From friends that will spend their whole day trying to cheer you up to friends who will go see dumb moves with you they are all amazing. My roommates are the best. They make life here so enjoyable. They are definitely the sisters I never had.

4) BYU! I am so blessed to go to such an incredible university. I may not always like going to school, but I am grateful to be going to school here.

5) Italy. Enough said.

Oh What a Beautiful Sunday!

Sundays at BYU tend to be hectic days full of running between meetings, finishing up homework, socializing, and trying to find some time to devote to your own personal study. This Sunday, however, was oh so relaxing. We had stake conference which meant that I got to sleep in two hours! Not only was it light outside when I woke up, but it was sunny! I feel like I haven't seen the sun since St. George and yesterday was a fantastic reunion.

Ok so that sun is kind of creepy, but it captures my mood. Stake conference was awesome. I had a really hard time focusing, but I really appreciated the talk about balance. As a college student it is so hard to find the balance between my educational, spiritual, physical, and social needs. This talk really inspired me to take inventory of my life and try to do better.

After stake conference my awesome ward decided to have a picnic in the amazing weather. It was so wonderful to just sit out in the sun and feel the heat on my skin. It wasn't sunburn/tan worthy, but it was WARM. We also decided to have a little impromptu photo shoot which would become the inspiration for The Bachelor: Chad Edition - Season 2.

The night was also awesome. There was a wonderful CES fireside by Elder Cook about not wearing a mask. It is when we hide our identities that we slip up. We need to be true to who we really are. I ended the night talking with three of my very favorite people. Nothing earth shattering was said, but there was just an overwhelming feeling of comfort. I am so glad we have Sundays to prepare us for the rest of the week!

Lessons Learned in Italian

My Italian class this semester is SO awesome. Well they've all been awesome... I love Italian! But this one is particularly insightful. As we study Italian literature and learned about the culture I am always shocked by how much I learn about life. So here are a few of my favorite lessons.

Lesson 1: Italian music is AMAZING! Well my roommates don't think so, but I do... It is just so passionate and moving.  This is my favorite!

Lesson 2: Faccia Tosta! In Italy this phrase is used to describe the women. Italian women are known for the complete honesty and bluntness. If you look bad one day they will tell you. Every time I tell people this they are always like "Katie, why don't you live there?" The answer is I don't know... At least I know that my openness is valued somewhere... But seriously, life would be so much easier if we all just said what we really felt!

Lesson 3: Italian poetry. It's really hard to read, but insanely insightful. I've learned about everything from unrequited love to the plan of salvation.  

Lesson 4: La vita è bella! Life is beautiful! It's an awesome Italian idea and one of my favorite movies! Who knew a movie about the holocaust could be so hilarious?!? I love how much passion Italians have for life. I mean when you think about life it really is wonderful. There are so many more happy things than sad things, but the sad things are what we dwell on. I just want to say that I really do have so much to be grateful for. I have an amazing and supportive family. I go to the best school ever. I am blessed to have the truth of the gospel in my life. This week, most of all, I have been struck by how great my friends are. My roommates really look out and care for me. Also, my adopted 7th and 8th roommates are awesome. As I have been struggling with things everyone has really been united in letting me know how much they care. Thanks guys! 

Lesson 5: My study abroad is going to be the real highlight of my existence. Enough said.

Lesson 6: Italy is beautiful! This picture makes my heart melt!

Ciao amici!

P.S. Exclamation marks in this font look like Ls... lame..