Monday, September 21, 2009

Ode to Ballet

So basically I don't know how I would function without ballet. This past week I was having the hardest time convincing myself to go to class and I'm ashamed to say that I missed it twice both which ended up not being very good reasons. I couldn't figure out why something I previously loved so much I now didn't want to go to. So I rededicated myself today at dance and it was fantastic. When I really focus inward and just kind of forget everything but ballet I kinda reach my Nirvana. :)
School and life in general is so crazy that I have a billion thoughts flying around inside my head. I'm constantly thinking, "I have to get this and this done...ok now I have to get an A on that test....wow he was really cute.....I have to make sure I start that paper.....mmmm ice cream sound really good right now......ooooh another cute boy....k focus on homework.... hey he smiled at me.." So you kinda get the picture. Many many distractions some good some bad, but when I go to ballet it's like all that falls away and I'm able to calm down and see, not necessarily an easy way, but an easier way to get things done so I don't fly into a million pieces.
I was trying to explain to my roommate how ballet made me feel, but I really couldn't and I don't think I'm doing it justice here. Just know that without ballet I would probably be a lot crazier than I am now. It is kind of like ballet is an integral piece of who I am and without it I can't function to the best of my ability. Funny, huh? So ya this is kind of my Ode to ballet. :)

Friday, August 28, 2009

Oh Superman

Over the past week I have added many men into my life. Three to be exact. As you read this your jaw drops, "McKayla has not one, but three men in her life....is that possible?" Well before your mind starts to hurt from trying to accept this I will clarify. I have added them as my dream dates: Hugh Jackman, Hugh Grant, and Dean Cain.
These are the men many women spend their Friday nights with, along with a canister of Ben and Jerry's. Wooing these women into the belief that men like these guys actually exist. When in reality these fictional characters are only dooming these women to a life of searching and never finding the perfect man. Despite this depressing thought I still am gladley wooed by these men. Hugh Jackman in Kate and Leopold... oh my gosh a guy dressed as prince charming that sets up a romantic date on a rooftop. Need I say more?
Hugh Grant in Two Weeks Notice. Of course he kind of starts out as a butt, then in the end he gives up everything to just be with the woman he loves. Even though he can walk across the apartment in six seconds.
Then we come to the cherry on top of the sundae: Dean Cain.
I have only recently been introduced to Dean by my roomates through the adventures of Superman. A man of steel that saves lives, while looking amazingly good. He adds a whole new dimension to slow dancing through his ability to fly.
To say it simply, I'm in love. It's possible, though, to see my feelings for these men as not actually loving them as human beings, but loving the ideal they represent. To think that there could be someone out their who would love me even if I lived in another time period, if I left him, or if I acted self absorbed like Lois Lane. This thought is golden and is probably what makes many women (myself included) go ga ga eyed around these good looking, seemingly perfect despite their imperfections men. Hmmmm....well I kinda lost where I was going with this, but I think my favorite tv series is now the Adventures of Lois and Clark. :)

Monday, August 3, 2009

The Fray and the Fireside

So not much has happened lately. I continue to work a lot and summer is getting closer and closer to being over. I did have the opportunity to go to the Fray concert a few weeks ago which was AMAZING. It was tons better than my first concert, mainly because I knew more of the songs and went with people I knew better. I love music and recently I've been more motivated to actually learn who sings what song so I'm not musically illiterate. I have gotten better and realized that I really like Daughtery and the Dave Mathews Band. Crazy what paying attention can do, huh?

I also was able to go to the YSA summit thing this past weekend. Well I only went to the last event which was the fireside because of work, but it was fantastic. Alex Boye spoke/sang about his conversion and about staying strong in the Gospel. It was really inspiring and made me realize how blessed I am to be raised in the Gospel so I know these truths and don't have to worry about what happens after I die and other of life's conundrums. Alex Boye is from England and I went with one of my friends Jesus E. and his friend Tyler M. and Jesus is actually going to England on his mission. So after the fireside Jesus wanted to meet him and he was so scared to go up and talk to him which was really funny. Tyler and I were so busy making fun of him that we actually got lost on the way home. So this would be my second time getting lost in Salt Lake. Ya think after 19 years I would know my way around. Oh well I'll eventually figure it out.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Uno and Alzheimers

Ever since I was little Uno has been one of the favorite games in my family. Probably because the concept is so simple. Match the color or the number. Well at my job as a CNA we are encouraged to keep the residents busy so that they are able to live a full life. So on a particularly slow afternoon one of the other CNA's suggested I play Uno with some of the residents. No problem right? Well here is a snap shot of how it went.
Me: Ok to play the game you match the cards in your hand to the color or number of the card on the table. Try to get rid of all your cards. Ok?
Mandy: Ok I think I get it.
Jane: Ok
So we go around the table and it is Jane's turn.
Jane: Now what am I supposed to do?
Mandy: Match the card or the number.
Jane: Which is better
Mandy we aren't keeping score so neither.
Jane: Is a High or lower number better?
Mandy: It doesn't matter because we aren't keeping score.
Jane: Ok I think I get it now.
Then we would go around the table again and the scene would repeat, almost word for word. Until finally Jane laid down the last card.
Jane: what do I do now?
Me: You won :)
Jane: oh really?
Then they both laughed at how many cards I had accumulated trying to extend the game. I love these old people so much they make me laugh. Not only have I have learned some pretty fantastic words and phrases like Jeepers, bonkers, and criminey, but I think or at least I hope I'm learning to be more patient.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

What's a Birthday without decorations?

Wow, I think this must be a record, two posts in two days! I just thought I'd show you some of the cool pictures from decorating for Saydie's birthday.
In order to make Saydie's 17th birthday extra special two amazing decorators known for their creativity and perseverance in decorating were called in. Namely me and Cody. We began with the traditional birthday banner and then attempted some balloons, and finally moved to the cake. Cody and I learned quite a few things from this amazing decorating experiment.

1) We stink at being amazing decorators (took us five freakin times to get the happy birthday sign up)
2) Cheap balloons are extremely hard to blow up. I'm pretty sure one of my lungs almost collapsed. (All for love I guess)
3) Decorating is kinda boring...so tape balloons to the ceiling (much more interesting)

4) Cakes fall apart when you take them out of the pan. (Thank goodness for frosting....lots and lots of frosting)
5) If you persevere success may be just around the corner...maybe, if there is love and acceptance involved.

In the end Cody and I have decided that we may not have been meant to be amazing birthday decorators, cake decorators on the other hand....that opens up a whole new door.
The balloon wouldn't stick to the wall so cody
taped all around it. It finally stayed.


Balloon excercise for your lungs.

Ceiling art....we call it 'Three circle balloons
and two long balloons'


Not my best work. I ran out of frosting. Too much
surgery need to be done on the cake.


Success!!

Monday, June 8, 2009

One Good thing from College

I can't believe it has been over a year since I graduated. I remember looking at the kids who were seniors or who were going to college and thought, 'man, they are way old'. Now I'm the one that is way old, or so it seems. The time goes by so fast. I remember playing tag on the playground at my elementary school and now I have to figure out how to pay rent and who I want to be. Not to mention I have to find someone that I can stand to be around for eternity.
With the world going by so fast and everyone growing up I am so thankful for summer which makes it seem as if the world is stopping for a little bit so that I can enjoy the warm summer rains and ice cream in the shade. One thing that I especially enjoy is having all this time to spend with my wonderful family, especially my little sister Saydie. It's funny cause all through high school and junior high we really didn't talk much mainly, I think, because we were on different wavelengths so we thought we were too different. Now that I've been away at college she has realized that she actually missed me and I am more patient then I used to be. So we get to go running together and actually talk! I am so thankful she is my sister and for how many times she makes me laugh. She is amazing and if there is one good thing that came from college it is that I now have a better relationship with my sweet little sister. Happy Birthday tomorrow Saydie! I love you!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Who'da thunk old shows were so fun to watch :)

The semester has finally ended. Woot woot! I get to spend the rest of summer home (almost an entire five months at home can you believe it?). I love being home especially since it is summer. You get those wonderful summer evenings where you can stay outside and play basketball. You can go swimming and hiking. I'm way excited to go camping. :) Well along with the relaxation I have to work. I actually got two jobs this summer because I need to find a way to fund my education. I get to work at Coldstone again, mainly as a cake decorator and I also found a job at Canyon Creek Assisted Living.
At first I was really scared to take this job because it is my first CNA job and the lives of people will be in my hands (kinda). Now, though, I love it. :) I get to take care of little old people who are really sweet, but a bit forgetful. I spend my days playing solitaire, serving chocolate pudding, watching old movies (mostly black and white western), and reminiscing with the residents about their 'good old days'. It is a lot of work sometimes, but it makes me really appreciate the fact that I am only 19 and I have quite a few years before I can be thought of as 'old'. Plus it is nearly impossible not to love the people I get to take care of. It kind of goes along with the saying that you learn to love those you help. Also if I had never taken this job then I never would have known that old western black and white shows were so...interesting. :)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

To think or not to think....

I love to think. Especially about conundrums that no one else understands. My friends sometimes get annoyed when I watch movies with them because I ask too many questions instead of just being patient and watching the movie all the way through. Or I get up and leave the room when the characters are frustrating me because unfortunately they can't hear the 'wonderful' advice I am giving them. :) The sad part about this love of thinking is that I haven't been able to do it lately because my brain has been so swamped studying for finals. Learning the citric acid cycle, glycolysis, and the endocrine system can really take it out of ya.
Luckily (although some people might think the total opposite) my Bishop has asked me to talk on Sunday. Now you may be thinking 'Oh no someone get a doctor McKayla wants to talk'. But listen for a sec. I was given a choice between a parable or to talk about love. I chose love because it is a bit broader topic and I can choose a variety of different angles to approach it. The reason that talking is going to be a good thing is I get to think. :) I am not sure exactly what I am going to say, but I know I want to use Elder Wirthlins' talk about love. I'm not sure if you remember it, but it was fantastic and just reading it made me happy so if you want a good talk to read go to this site http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-10,00.html .
So if you have any ideas or good anecdotes to add to my talk I would be very happy because my previous talk was only 2 minutes and this talk needs to be 8 to 9 minutes! Kinda scary. Well I'm going to go think or maybe sleep and then think some more tomorrow. :)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Star Soaking


So the other night I had nothing to do, the natural thing would be to go to bed early and get a good nights rest, but that is really boring so I decided to star soak with Becca instead. What is star soaking you ask? Well it is where you lay outside on those amazing summer nights and soak up the sparkles from the stars into your eyes. Once you have soaked them up you have beautiful sparkly eyes that will dazzle the next guy you date. Then maybe, just maybe you will stumble upon a fairy tale romantic moment...or so says Becca. :) She proceeded to tell everyone that as they passed by our blanket while we studied (or star soaked) under the sky.

Our sparkly eyes must have worked, though, for who should come upon us, but Cory. He was so smitten by are sparkling eyes and witty personalities (at least we like to think so) that he asked us to join him for an 'authentic' Irish dinner of Corn beef and cabbage on St. Patricks Day.

So the next day I showed up for dinner. (Because of the free food. It had nothing to do with the fact a cute guy would be part of the dinner as well:) Not only did Becca and I get an amazing dinner, but he even showed us some of his dance moves that I'm sure my Dad would be proud of. I'm not exactly supposed to share that part, but I don't think Cory will ever read my blog so it will kind of stay a secret. Overall it was a very swell St. Patricks Day.
P.S. The above is a picture of Cory at the Halloween party in case you're curious (he doesn't really wear those glasses).
P.P.S He isn't technically single so we are just buddy buddy.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Why I'm Single

So I have discovered that there truly is a 'whole new world' when it comes to blogs. My friend Melissa showed me a very interesting one recently. It is entitled 'why Mormon girls stay single'. That really is a very important question since a lot of LDS girls are amazing and have the light about them. So I decided to read a little bit. It ranges from wearing too much makeup to not belching at the dinner table. I have discovered that according to this author I am in trouble of reaching spinsterhood all too quickly:) But no worries I have the perfect answer to this little conundrum I will just refrain from my belching, making my date wait longer for me to get ready, and whatever other skeleton qualities I have hiding in my closet. (The famous saying 'wait till after the vows' goes perfectly with this plan)
This made me think, though, isn't Mr. Wonderful supposed to love you despite your 'interesting' habits or personality traits? After all we are supposed to love this Mr. Wonderful despite his love affair with his car and 'gasp' should I even mention his other love... sports:) Plus they have the entire belch thing under control.
I do agree with what this other author is trying to do, because a lot of girls really don't know why they scare away the guy on the first date (me included), but maybe the real reason they scare that guy is because there is another around the corner that will be the one. The one that can handle their 'interesting' personality, the one that may have an 'interesting' personality of his own, and the one that will love them for who they are. Maybe this is a little cheesy, but cheese goes good with almost anything why not add it to writing every now and then?

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Tae Kwan Do and Hometeaching

The most random things seem to happen at BYU like an obsession of High School Musical and David Archuletta or running into a friend you had from elementary school. The other night I had enrichment and we did a get to know the bishopric night. This included interviewing them about how they met their wives and how they proposed. It was very interesting and entertaining. The last part was about them giving us advice on how to 'snag' and guy. The main advice was make yourself available because it is a lot scarier to ask a girl out than we think. Well a girl that a gave a ride to enrichment took that advice literally and that night Natalia took Emily, Melissa, and me to apartment 39 to 'drop off' the extra desert we had from enrichment.
The guys there (Jeremey, Grant, and Eric) are in her FHE group so throughout the night she was attempting to play matchmaker and make Eric sit between Melissa and me. Despite all her attempts we were the only two that shared the coach...well almost:) But I will explain that in a second. So then the conversation went from what guys like about girls (bringing them food and smelling good) and the kind of cologne us girls liked. The room was smelling very potent (each of the guys had to show us all their cologne to decided which was the best)when Natalia agreed to show us some tae kwan do moves. She proceeded to throw each of the guys over her shoulder to the ground including one that was over 6 foot!
I have to admit it was pretty impressive, I attempted and I think I need a little bit more work. Well all this crashing on the floor(with eye of the tiger playing in the background) doesn't usually go unnoticed. So a few minutes later Jigga and Zolton who were hometeaching the apartment below us knocked on our door asked what was up because aparantely all the crashing was making the lights flicker. Well one thing led to another and we ended up having a home teaching lesson from them. At this point Jeremy had returned to the apartment from running and joined me and Melissa on the couch (too bad he has a girlfriend:)
After the lesson and a complicated handshake with Jeremey(and more praise for the dessert we brought who woulda thought it was store bought) Melissa and I made our grand exit. So ended a very interesting night.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

My top ten of Christmas Break

I decided that since I had so much fun on my Christmas break I would write a list of the top ten things that I enjoyed the most. They aren't in any order because I couldn't decided for sure which I liked the most so here they are.
1. Dumping snow on my fav not so little brother anymore while shoveling.
2. Dad clicking his heels in the theater parking lot.
3. Decorating my sad gingerbread house with Saydie.
4. Hearing Chris laugh on the phone (I didn't even realize that I missed it)
5. Laughing with Tim so hard that I almost cried at the show "Bolt".
6. Talking with Jesus Espinoza about that wonderful thing called life.
7. Learning to play the Pride and Prejudice song (even though it was in slow motion)
8. Seeing high school friends on New Years (Oh high school such a long time ago) :)
9. Feeling so loved that I could pop from all the hugs.
and finally
10. Eating a Good homemade meal.